From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 25): NPA rebels free 5 Davao cops, hold on to 11 other POWs
The New People’s Army on Monday released five policemen who were captured more than a week ago during a simultaneous raid in Davao City in southern Philippines, a rebel spokesman said.
Rubi del Mundo said the release of Chief Inspector Leonardo V. Tarungoy, PO3 Rosenie L. Cabuenas, PO3 Rudolf Y. Pacete, PO3 Abdul Azis A. Ali Jr. and PO2 Neil C. Arellano was largely due to “humanitarian consideration to the appeals of peace-loving organizations acting on behalf of the families and relatives of the prisoners of war.”
They were captured on April 16 in the village of Salapawan in Davao City’s Paquibato district where rebels attacked and overran an army post manned by 72nd Infantry Battalion.
The rebels earlier released videos of the prisoners and it showed the policemen appealing to the government to halt the military shelling and suspension of police operations in Davao for fear they would be killed in the continuing assault.
The safe release of the prisoners also coincided with the 43rd anniversary of the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The rebels have been fighting for decades now in effort to put up a separate communist state in the country.
“The entire revolutionary movement in Southern Mindanao and the whole of the Philippines congratulate the 1st Pulang Bagani Battalion in their safe custody of the five POWs in the face of the so-called rescue operations of government troops in Paquibato, Davao City,” Del Mundo said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said rebel forces are still holding 11 prisoners of war in southern Philippines.
Del Mundo also appealed to the public to support mass protests being held by hungry farmers, whose rice field and plantations were devastated by severe drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomena. He encouraged other victims of calamities who were neglected by the Aquino government to join the protests, not only in Mindanao, but elsewhere in the country to dramatize their disgust and demand for justice.
“The NDFP in Southern Mindanao encourages the masses of peasants and Lumads in the countryside to participate in the wave of protests currently proliferating in all parts of the country. The masses who are presently in barricades, in pickets or in camp-ins, vow to waver not an inch in demanding for justice against the US-Aquino III regime’s fascist crimes in the Kidapawan massacre and other areas.”
“These militant actions are not only necessary, but also just in exposing the rottenness of the ruling reactionary regime while generating popular support from Filipinos here and abroad,” he said.
Del Mundo also criticized presidential candidate Mar Roxas, of the ruling Liberal Party, and urged voters to reject the former Interior secretary’s political ambition “who shamefacedly distorts history by projecting himself as the savior of victims during the Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) calamity.”
“As the May 9 election draws near, the reactionaries currently bickering to be the next ruling clique should face the issues plaguing the Filipino masses squarely, not least the immediate and just demands of the masses in Mindanao. As for the entire revolutionary movement in Southern Mindanao and the rest of the country, we will continue the national democratic revolution as the only viable alternative to the derelict semi-feudal and semi-colonial system victimizing the Filipino people,” he said.
Typhoon Yolanda had killed more than 6,000 people in central Philippines, the most devastated by the calamity that struck the Philippines in 2013.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-rebels-free-5-davao-cops-hold-on-to-11-other-pows/
Monday, April 25, 2016
BRP Gregorio Del Pilar bound for Singapore, Brunei
From Update.Ph (Apr 25): BRP Gregorio Del Pilar bound for Singapore, Brunei
The Philippine Navy (PN) will be deploying BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) to this year’s ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Maritime Security & Counter-Terrorism (ADMM-PLUS MS & CT) Exercises and the PH-Brunei Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Seagull.
PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said the send-off ceremony for the Filipino frigate is scheduled for April 27.
The ADMM-PLUS MS & CT will be held in the waters of Brunei and Singapore from May 1 to 12. The 11-day multi-lateral exercises will be focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Domingo said ADMM-PLUS MS & CT will conduct its first field training exercise which is highlighted by the rising tide of terrorism threatening the Southeast Asian region.
It will represent another significant moment whereby participation and commitment of all 18 countries for practical cooperation which the two major events – the maritime security to be represented by PN, will participate in the sea-storming or surface operations, particularly the visit, board, search and seizure, and the counter-terrorism operations to be represented by Philippine Army will participate in land-storming or ground operations.
Aside from BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, other PN participants include one AW-109E “Power” naval helicopter (PNH-431), a medical team and chaplain, and a naval special operations team.
Eighteen countries will participate in the ADMM-PLUS MS & CT and the 10 regular members are identified as the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The eight non-regular member countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the United States.
Meanwhile, MTA Seagull will be held from May 10 to 17.
This seven-day bilateral exercise between Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the PN aims to enhance the interoperability and building defense capability.
The training includes the conduct of subject matter expertise exchanges, social interaction, shiprider program, and seaphase/field training exercise.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/brp-gregorio-del-pilar-bound-for-singapore-brunei/4673
The Philippine Navy (PN) will be deploying BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) to this year’s ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting-Plus Maritime Security & Counter-Terrorism (ADMM-PLUS MS & CT) Exercises and the PH-Brunei Maritime Training Activity (MTA) Seagull.
PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo said the send-off ceremony for the Filipino frigate is scheduled for April 27.
The ADMM-PLUS MS & CT will be held in the waters of Brunei and Singapore from May 1 to 12. The 11-day multi-lateral exercises will be focusing on maritime security and counter-terrorism.
Domingo said ADMM-PLUS MS & CT will conduct its first field training exercise which is highlighted by the rising tide of terrorism threatening the Southeast Asian region.
It will represent another significant moment whereby participation and commitment of all 18 countries for practical cooperation which the two major events – the maritime security to be represented by PN, will participate in the sea-storming or surface operations, particularly the visit, board, search and seizure, and the counter-terrorism operations to be represented by Philippine Army will participate in land-storming or ground operations.
Aside from BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, other PN participants include one AW-109E “Power” naval helicopter (PNH-431), a medical team and chaplain, and a naval special operations team.
Eighteen countries will participate in the ADMM-PLUS MS & CT and the 10 regular members are identified as the Philippines, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
The eight non-regular member countries are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the United States.
Meanwhile, MTA Seagull will be held from May 10 to 17.
This seven-day bilateral exercise between Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) and the PN aims to enhance the interoperability and building defense capability.
The training includes the conduct of subject matter expertise exchanges, social interaction, shiprider program, and seaphase/field training exercise.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/brp-gregorio-del-pilar-bound-for-singapore-brunei/4673
Filipino satellite now ready for deployment from International Space Station
From Update.Ph (Apr 25): Filipino satellite now ready for deployment from International Space Station
The first Filipino-built satellite PHL-Microsat 1 Diwata will be deployed to space from the International Space Station on Wednesday, April 17. The National Research and Development Institute of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tsukuba Space Center confirmed the readiness of Diwata-1 for deployment as reported by Pinoy Science.
Pinoy Schience said Diwata-1 was housed at the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed ‘Kibo’ at the International Space Station. It is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 by the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) into space at an altitude of 400 kilometers from the earth’s surface.
“The deployment of the microsatellite combines the only air lock and robot arm in the ISS used in Kibo operations, which in the future, is expected to be one of the important means to meet the launch needs of microsatellites,” JAXA said.
Diwata-1 will be providing photos and images of Philippines that could be used to assess extent of damage during disasters, monitor bodies of water and vegetation, and observe large-scale weather patterns.
The main payload of Diwata-1 consists high precision telescope (HPT) for high resolution imaging, spaceborne multispectral imager (SMI) with LCTF, and wide field camera (WFC).
“Diwata-1 is expected to be in orbit for approximately 20 months and will be imaging the country twice daily,” Pinoy Science said.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/filipino-satellite-now-ready-for-deployment-from-international-space-station/4680
The first Filipino-built satellite PHL-Microsat 1 Diwata will be deployed to space from the International Space Station on Wednesday, April 17. The National Research and Development Institute of Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in Tsukuba Space Center confirmed the readiness of Diwata-1 for deployment as reported by Pinoy Science.
Pinoy Schience said Diwata-1 was housed at the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed ‘Kibo’ at the International Space Station. It is scheduled to be released on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 by the JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) into space at an altitude of 400 kilometers from the earth’s surface.
“The deployment of the microsatellite combines the only air lock and robot arm in the ISS used in Kibo operations, which in the future, is expected to be one of the important means to meet the launch needs of microsatellites,” JAXA said.
Diwata-1 will be providing photos and images of Philippines that could be used to assess extent of damage during disasters, monitor bodies of water and vegetation, and observe large-scale weather patterns.
The main payload of Diwata-1 consists high precision telescope (HPT) for high resolution imaging, spaceborne multispectral imager (SMI) with LCTF, and wide field camera (WFC).
“Diwata-1 is expected to be in orbit for approximately 20 months and will be imaging the country twice daily,” Pinoy Science said.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/filipino-satellite-now-ready-for-deployment-from-international-space-station/4680
China to build fake island in Bajo de Masinloc within 2016
From Update.Ph (Apr 25): China to build fake island in Bajo de Masinloc within 2016
China is going to build another fake island in West Philippine Sea, this time in Bajo de Masinloc also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. China may also build an airstrip in this soon to be fake island.
“Beijing will take action to carry out land reclamation at Huangyan Island within this year,” Hong Kong based newspaper South China Morning Post quotes a source.
“China should regain the initiative to do so because Washington is trying to contain Beijing by establishing a permanent military presence in the region.”
Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is a ring-shaped coral reef, which has several rocks encircling a lagoon. About five of these rocks are above water during high tide. Of these five rocks, some are about 3 meters high above water. The rest of the rocks and reefs are below water during high tide.
The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is distinct from that of its sovereign rights over the larger body of water and continental shelf.
Bajo de Masinloc is located approximately at latitude 15°08′N and longitude 117°45′E. It is approximately 124 NM off the nearest coast of the Philippine province of Zambales. Clearly, the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are within the 200-NM EEZ and CS of the Philippine archipelago.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/china-to-build-fake-island-in-bajo-de-masinloc-within-2016/4682
China is going to build another fake island in West Philippine Sea, this time in Bajo de Masinloc also known as Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. China may also build an airstrip in this soon to be fake island.
“Beijing will take action to carry out land reclamation at Huangyan Island within this year,” Hong Kong based newspaper South China Morning Post quotes a source.
“China should regain the initiative to do so because Washington is trying to contain Beijing by establishing a permanent military presence in the region.”
Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is a ring-shaped coral reef, which has several rocks encircling a lagoon. About five of these rocks are above water during high tide. Of these five rocks, some are about 3 meters high above water. The rest of the rocks and reefs are below water during high tide.
The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is distinct from that of its sovereign rights over the larger body of water and continental shelf.
Bajo de Masinloc is located approximately at latitude 15°08′N and longitude 117°45′E. It is approximately 124 NM off the nearest coast of the Philippine province of Zambales. Clearly, the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are within the 200-NM EEZ and CS of the Philippine archipelago.
http://www.update.ph/2016/04/china-to-build-fake-island-in-bajo-de-masinloc-within-2016/4682
Army, PNP eye links between soldier's abduction and farmers' protest in Kidapawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25): Army, PNP eye links between soldier's abduction and farmers' protest in Kidapawan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=879275
Police and military authorities here suspected that the
abduction of a soldier by New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in North
Cotabato could be a retaliatory attack following the bloody April
1 dispersal of protesting farmers.
This after responding elements of 39th Infantry Battalion
and North Cotabato police recovered several
sacks with markings “Justice for Darwin Sulang” in a highway in Barangay
Malasila, Makilala town where Private First Class Edgardo Hilaga was abducted
on April 21.
Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry
Division, said the military remained clueless as to the real motive in the
abduction of PFC Hilaga.
“We are coordinating with the local police in determining
the motive,” Petinglay told reporters.
“In the meantime, our focus is how to rescue Hilaga safely
and without bloodshed,” she added.
About 30 heavily armed men in fatigue uniform disguised as
soldiers implementing election gun ban flagged down Hilaga who was driving a
motorbike.
Petinglay said Sulang who was in civilian clothes immediately
identified himself as a soldier he noticed green colored Army roadside and
signage of the Commission on Elections.
“He was not actually the target, it was just coincidental
that Hilaga passed by,” she said, adding the captive was a member of 7th
Infantry Battalion based in Kabacan, North Cotabato and part of a medical team
conducting medical outreach program for indigent residents.
Hilaga was a barber and can do circumcision operation that
the Army conduct in its outreach program to poor communities in its area of
operation.
Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North
Cotabato police, said responding elements of Makilala PNP found
several empty sacks with markings calling for justice to a slain farmer.
Sulang was among the protesters in Kidapawan killed during
the dispersal. Police and Army intelligence community found out that the
farmers were infiltrated by communist guerrillas.
“We are trying to determine if the abductors participated in
the protest march and if the abduction was a form of retaliatory tactic of
communist rebels,” Tayong told reporters.
Several placards used during the Kidapawan protests were
also found at the roadside where the NPAs flagged down passing vehicles.
The abduction of PFC Hilaga came a day after the second
Senate Justice committee investigation in Manila
No word from the NPA about the abduction.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=879275
DSWD 11 expands Kalahi-CIDSS programs in 11 Davao towns
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25): DSWD 11 expands Kalahi-CIDSS programs in 11 Davao towns
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=879415
SARANGANI, Davao Occidental -- The
Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social
Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD) here continues to rally behind the power of people in advancing
community development as it expands its operation in 11 more towns in Davao
Region.
The new Kalahi-CIDSS municipalities conducted last week the
Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum for Participatory Resource Allocation
(MIBF-PRA). These are Don Marcelino, Jose Abad Santos, Sarangani and Sta. Maria
in Davao Occiental; Braulio E. Dujal and San Isidro in Davao del Norte; Baganga
and Lupon in Davao Oriental; Malalag and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur; and
Montevista in Compostela Valley.
The MIBF-PRA concretizes the role of the citizenry in
establishing the demand for development through community proposals to address
development challenges. It also hinges on the crucial role of community in
development planning through participatory allocation of resources.
In MIBF-PRA, the community prepares a proposal with the
respective indicative budget, and through the MIBF, they will lobby for
prioritization of their project. Further, MIBF-PRA facilitates establishment of
people empowerment and participation as necessary components in effective
poverty reduction.
Kalahi-CIDSS is one of the core programs of DSWD that aims
to empower communities through enhanced participation in local governance and
poverty alleviation projects.
Involved in MIBF-PRA are the three elected members of
Kalahi-CIDSS Project Preparation Team (PPT) and the three members of Barangay
Representation Team (BRT) which were chosen by community members.
During the forum, each barangay will choose a
representative, whether individual or group, to propose and defend the
sub-project.
Each representative will vote using a canvass form and
proceeds on rating the presented projects based on the criteria with
corresponding point value.
Jasmen Europa Manansang, 39, PPT head of Barangay
Batuganding, shared how their preparations for the MIBF inspired her to work
for development in her community.
“The MIBF-PRA of Kalahi-CIDSS brings real people empowerment
in the community and through it, the people whose voices have been hardly
heard, are now in the frontline,” said Sarangani Mayor Virginia T. Cawa.
The new 11 municipalities covered in Region 11 obtained a
total grant allocation of PHP173,980,750 for the year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=879415
Premier US tank-busting aircraft flying off from Clark Air Base
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25): Premier US tank-busting aircraft flying off from Clark Air Base
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879249
The Fairchild Republic A-10C "Thunderbolt II," the
US military's premier tank-busting aircraft, participated in the first American
maritime situational awareness flight which took off from Clark Air Base last
April 19.
The flight consists of four A-10Cs and two HH-60G
"Pavehawk" helicopters.
These aircraft are part of the US Pacific Command’s Air
Contingent deployed to Clark Air Base, in Angeles City
The A-10 has an excellent maneuverability at low air speeds
and altitude, and is a highly accurate and survivable weapons-delivery
platform.
The aircraft can loiter near battle areas for extended
periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions.
The wide combat radius and short takeoff and landing
capability permit operations in and out of locations near front lines.
Using night vision goggles, A-10 pilots can conduct their
missions during darkness.
Thunderbolt IIs have night vision imaging systems (NVIS),
goggle compatible single-seat cockpits forward of their wings and a large bubble
canopy which provides pilots all-around vision.
The pilots are protected by titanium armor that also
protects parts of the flight-control system.
The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft
to enjoy better survivability during close air support than the previous
aircraft.
The A-10 can survive direct hits from armor-piercing and
high explosive projectiles up to 23mm.
Their self-sealing fuel cells are protected by internal and
external foam.
Manual systems back up their redundant hydraulic
flight-control systems. This permits pilots to fly and land when hydraulic
power is lost.
The A-10 has received many upgrades over the years. In 1978,
the aircraft received the "Pave Penny" laser receiver pod, which
sensed reflected laser radiation from a laser designator.
"Pave Penney" has now been discontinued in favor
more capable advanced targeting pods.
The A-10 began receiving an inertial navigation system in
1980.
Later, the low-altitude safety and targeting enhancement
(LASTE) upgrade provided computerized weapon-aiming equipment, an autopilot,
and a ground-collision warning system. In 1999, aircraft began to receive
global positioning system navigation systems and a new multi-function display.
In 2005, the entire A-10 fleet began receiving the precision
engagement upgrades that include an improved fire control system, electronic
countermeasures, upgraded cockpit displays, the ability to deliver smart bombs,
moving map display, hands on throttle and stick, digital stores management,
"LITENING" and "Sniper" advanced targeting pod integration,
situational awareness data link (SADL), variable message format (VMF) and
global positioning system (GPS) guided weapons, and upgraded power systems.
The entire A-10 fleet has been modified through precision
engagement and now carries the A-10C designation.
The Thunderbolt II can be serviced and operated from austere
bases with limited facilities near battle areas.
Many of the aircraft's parts are interchangeable left and
right, including the engines, main landing gear and vertical stabilizers.
Avionics equipment includes multi-band communications; GPS
and inertial navigations systems; infrared and electronic countermeasures
against air-to-air and air-to-surface threats.
And, it has a heads-up display to display flight and weapons
delivery information.
The A-10 can employ a wide variety of conventional
munitions, including general purpose bombs, cluster bomb units, laser guided
bombs, joint direct attack munitions or JDAM, wind corrected munitions
dispenser or WCMD, AGM-65 Maverick and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, rockets,
illumination flares, and the GAU-8/A 30mm cannon, capable of firing 3,900
rounds per minute to defeat a wide variety of targets including tanks.
The deployment of these aircraft, which have remained behind
in the Philippines
All operations and deployments are planned and executed with
the consent and cooperation of the Philippine government.
The April 19 maritime situational awareness operation took
the A-10s and HH-60s through international airspace to the west of Luzon .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879249
Military, police intensifying efforts to free Samal Island hostages
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25): Military, police intensifying efforts to free Samal Island hostages
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879405
Military and police operatives are now intensifying their
efforts to rescue the four hostages who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group
(ASG) bandits in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte last
September 21.
This was stressed in a joint statement delivered by the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP)
Monday.
"Maximum efforts are being exerted by a joint AFP-PNP
task group to effect the rescue of four hostages who were kidnapped in Samal Island
An estimated 400 Abu Sayyaf members and supporters are
reportedly involved in the abduction.
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed acting AFP
chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda and PNP head Director General Ricardo Marquez
to conduct appropriate military and law enforcement operations to effect the
rescue of the hostages.
"The local authorities are instructed to extend
cooperation to the joint task group and ensure the safety of citizens in the
affected communities," Mayor said.
ASG bandits kidnapped Canadians John Ridsel, Robert Hall,
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingtad and Filipina Mariter Flor, Hall's girlfriend, on
the evening of Sept. 21 at the Holiday Oceanview Resort.
The captives were reportedly taken to ASG enclaves in Sulu.
The brigands are demanding a Php1-billion from each of the
three foreign captives and threatening to kill them if the ransom is not paid.
The ASG earlier set an April 8 deadline for the ransom but
this was moved to April 25.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla declined to
give details on the ongoing operations to safeguard the lives of the hostages
and operating troops.
However, information on the ground indicate that the four
hostages are still in good condition as of this posting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879405
PNP activates explosive ordinance disposal, canine group
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25): PNP activates explosive ordinance disposal, canine group
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879509
The Philippine National Police on Monday activated its
newly-organized National Operational Support Unit (NOSU), the Explosive
Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group (EOD/K9 Group).
Under Resolution No. 2016-277, National Police Commission
(NAPOLCOM) approved the creation of EOD/K9 Group as the primarily responsible
for the management, deployment, utilization and development of EOD and Canine
units of the PNP.
Sr. Supt Regimio B Gregorio, head of PNP-EOD/K9 Group said
that will be getting more officers and men, firepower, mobility and equipment
needed in conducting anti-explosive and bomb disposal operations.
He said that the EOD/K9 group is mandated to conduct safe
disposal of all bombs and neutralization of hazards from chemical, nuclear, and
improvised explosive devices (IED) that create threat to public safety,
installation and utilities as well as to police operations and personnel. Also,
it is task to conduct of post –blast and crime scene investigations.
EOD/K9 Group is also responsible for effective and
standardized utilization and development of all Canine Units/Teams of the PNP
as well as the procurement, inventory, breeding, training, deployment,
distribution and management of all canines/working dogs of the PNP.
According to PNP Chief PDG Ricardo C Marquez, “the
activation of Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group will bring forth
more positive results in our campaign towards durable peace and order and solve
problems involving explosive ordnance”.
Meanwhile, with the activation of EOD/K9 Group the
Philippine Bomb Data Center (PBDC) shall continue to exist under the
Directorate for Intelligence and mandated to provide technical intelligence
reports to the EOD/K9 Group, other PNP units and law enforcement agencies,
establish and maintain target list of suspected local and foreign terrorist,
and gather and maintain data of all bomb related incidents.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=879509
Sunday, April 24, 2016
WESCOM Election 2016 Leaflet/Poster
Posted to the 6th Civil Relations Group, Palawan Facebook page (Apr 22): Election 2016 Leaflet/Poster
It is the Desire of Team Wescom for a Peaceful and Safe Election 2016
https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp/photos/a.281543902006362.1073741827.249833455177407/580611292099620/?type=3&theater
It is the Desire of Team Wescom for a Peaceful and Safe Election 2016
https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp/photos/a.281543902006362.1073741827.249833455177407/580611292099620/?type=3&theater
Bayanihan Leaflet
Posted to the 6th Civil Relations Group, Palawan Facebook page (Apr 22): Bayanihan Leaflet (From the Civil Military Operations School, Civil Military Operations Group, Philippine Army)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=232435400452578&set=a.138509329845186.1073741829.100010583596489&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=232435400452578&set=a.138509329845186.1073741829.100010583596489&type=3&theater
Naval Forces West Civil Military Operations (CMO) Orientation Training
From the 6th Civil Relations Group, Palawan Facebook page (Apr 22): Civil Military Operations (CMO) Orientation Training
The Naval Forces West with the Civil Military Operartions Unit - West successfully conducted the five-day Civil Military Operations Orientation Training to the ...NFW and OPCON personnel. The said training enabled the participants to be oriented to the doctrine of the Warrior-Diplomats - the CMO, in order to win the hearts and minds of the people and ultimately peace. Said training was in partnership with the Western Command Public Affairs Office and the Sixth Civil Relations Group.
[Begin slide show at URL below:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1720784431531547&set=a.1720783401531650.1073741837.100008000200319&type=3&theater]
https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp
The Naval Forces West with the Civil Military Operartions Unit - West successfully conducted the five-day Civil Military Operations Orientation Training to the ...NFW and OPCON personnel. The said training enabled the participants to be oriented to the doctrine of the Warrior-Diplomats - the CMO, in order to win the hearts and minds of the people and ultimately peace. Said training was in partnership with the Western Command Public Affairs Office and the Sixth Civil Relations Group.
[Begin slide show at URL below:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1720784431531547&set=a.1720783401531650.1073741837.100008000200319&type=3&theater]
https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp
PACAF Airmen stand up air contingent in Philippines
From Ho'okele Pear Harbor-Hickam News (Apr 22): PACAF Airmen stand up air contingent in Philippines
Pacific Air Forces Airmen stood up the first rotation of an air contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, following a joint announcement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila that highlighted several initiatives aimed to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
The air contingent comprises five A-l0C Thunderbolt IIs from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; three HH-60G Pave Hawks from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and approximately 200 personnel deployed from multiple Pacific Air Forces units. The air contingent is designed to promote interoperability and provide greater and more transparent air and maritime domain awareness to ensure safety for military and civilian activities in international waters and airspace. The flights further enhance ongoing maritime situational awareness missions by U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft at Clark AB. The air contingent’s missions will include air and maritime domain awareness, personnel recovery, combating piracy, and assuring access to the global commons.
“It’s a tremendous privilege having PACAF aircraft and Airmen constitute the air contingent’s first rotation that will lay the foundation for joint air patrols and promote stronger ties with our Philippine partners,” said Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander.
The aircraft and approximately 175 Airmen, including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel, remained in place to stand up the air contingent following their participation in Exercise Balikatan, April 4-16. During the exercise, PACAF Airmen joined more than 7,000 personnel in the two countries’ premier bilateral event to conduct a variety of missions that enrich the bilateral partnership and commitment to the mutual defense treaty.
The remaining 30 air contingent Airmen will deploy from PACAF headquarters at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam, as well as several other PACAF bases.
“By leveraging forces already operating at Clark AB, the standup of the air contingent required a minimal additional investment and will help to strengthen ties with our Philippine allies,” said Brig. Gen. Dirk Smith, Pacific Air Forces director of air and cyberspace operations. “Standing up this air contingent is just one way we are exercising our continued presence and demonstrating our commitment to partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is a multirole aircraft with the excellent loiter capabilities and maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude necessary for conducting the air contingent’s air and maritime domain awareness and personnel recovery missions. The HH-60G Pave Hawk is the Air Force’s premier personnel recovery platform, capable of conducting a diverse array of missions including civil search and rescue, medical evaluation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery operations.
“Selecting the A-10C and HH-60Gs for this mission was strategically and economically the right decision as it allows us to use forces already deployed to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan,” Smith said. “Balikatan and the air contingent allow us to strengthen working relationships and become more interoperable with our Philippine partners and enable our aircrew and support personnel to become familiar with operating in this region.”
Following the completion of the first air contingent rotation, PACAF Airmen and aircraft are projected to redeploy to their assigned units in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations, and will be replaced at a future date by aircraft and personnel from either PACAF or other military services. Follow-on rotations of additional aircraft and personnel will be determined in consultation with the Philippine government.
Along with standing up an air contingent, Carter announced several new bilateral alliance initiatives including ongoing joint patrols with U.S. and Philippine maritime forces in the South China Sea and a routine patrol by the USS John C. Stennis in the region following its participation in Exercise Balikatan. Additionally, Carter noted the U.S. will stand up a rotational, combined command and control element at Camp Aguinaldo after the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan.
Approximately 80 personnel will comprise the initial rotation of this forward coordination element, with Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Brigade (III MEB) forming the nucleus and representation from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. The element will support increased operations, activities, and actions in the region and will enhance combined C2 capabilities between both nations.
“There is going to be regular, periodic presence here of American forces,” said Carter during the April 14 joint press conference in Manila. “It may change in its nature, timing and duration depending on what we and the Filipinos decide is optimal.”
http://www.hookelenews.com/pacaf-airmen-stand-up-air-contingent-in-philippines/
Pacific Air Forces Airmen stood up the first rotation of an air contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16, following a joint announcement by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila that highlighted several initiatives aimed to enhance bilateral relations between the two nations.
The air contingent comprises five A-l0C Thunderbolt IIs from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea; three HH-60G Pave Hawks from Kadena Air Base, Japan, and approximately 200 personnel deployed from multiple Pacific Air Forces units. The air contingent is designed to promote interoperability and provide greater and more transparent air and maritime domain awareness to ensure safety for military and civilian activities in international waters and airspace. The flights further enhance ongoing maritime situational awareness missions by U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft at Clark AB. The air contingent’s missions will include air and maritime domain awareness, personnel recovery, combating piracy, and assuring access to the global commons.
“It’s a tremendous privilege having PACAF aircraft and Airmen constitute the air contingent’s first rotation that will lay the foundation for joint air patrols and promote stronger ties with our Philippine partners,” said Gen. Lori Robinson, Pacific Air Forces commander.
The aircraft and approximately 175 Airmen, including aircrew, maintainers, logistics and support personnel, remained in place to stand up the air contingent following their participation in Exercise Balikatan, April 4-16. During the exercise, PACAF Airmen joined more than 7,000 personnel in the two countries’ premier bilateral event to conduct a variety of missions that enrich the bilateral partnership and commitment to the mutual defense treaty.
The remaining 30 air contingent Airmen will deploy from PACAF headquarters at Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam, as well as several other PACAF bases.
Three of five U.S. Air Force A-10C Thunderbolt IIs, with the 51st Fighter Wing, Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, sit on the flight line of Clark Air Base, Philippines, April 16.
“By leveraging forces already operating at Clark AB, the standup of the air contingent required a minimal additional investment and will help to strengthen ties with our Philippine allies,” said Brig. Gen. Dirk Smith, Pacific Air Forces director of air and cyberspace operations. “Standing up this air contingent is just one way we are exercising our continued presence and demonstrating our commitment to partners and allies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.”
The A-10C Thunderbolt II is a multirole aircraft with the excellent loiter capabilities and maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude necessary for conducting the air contingent’s air and maritime domain awareness and personnel recovery missions. The HH-60G Pave Hawk is the Air Force’s premier personnel recovery platform, capable of conducting a diverse array of missions including civil search and rescue, medical evaluation, and humanitarian assistance and disaster recovery operations.
“Selecting the A-10C and HH-60Gs for this mission was strategically and economically the right decision as it allows us to use forces already deployed to the Philippines for Exercise Balikatan,” Smith said. “Balikatan and the air contingent allow us to strengthen working relationships and become more interoperable with our Philippine partners and enable our aircrew and support personnel to become familiar with operating in this region.”
Following the completion of the first air contingent rotation, PACAF Airmen and aircraft are projected to redeploy to their assigned units in the U.S. Pacific Command area of operations, and will be replaced at a future date by aircraft and personnel from either PACAF or other military services. Follow-on rotations of additional aircraft and personnel will be determined in consultation with the Philippine government.
Along with standing up an air contingent, Carter announced several new bilateral alliance initiatives including ongoing joint patrols with U.S. and Philippine maritime forces in the South China Sea and a routine patrol by the USS John C. Stennis in the region following its participation in Exercise Balikatan. Additionally, Carter noted the U.S. will stand up a rotational, combined command and control element at Camp Aguinaldo after the conclusion of Exercise Balikatan.
Approximately 80 personnel will comprise the initial rotation of this forward coordination element, with Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Brigade (III MEB) forming the nucleus and representation from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, and U.S. Air Force. The element will support increased operations, activities, and actions in the region and will enhance combined C2 capabilities between both nations.
“There is going to be regular, periodic presence here of American forces,” said Carter during the April 14 joint press conference in Manila. “It may change in its nature, timing and duration depending on what we and the Filipinos decide is optimal.”
http://www.hookelenews.com/pacaf-airmen-stand-up-air-contingent-in-philippines/
Get ready, China: Lethal A-10 Warthogs are patrolling South China Sea
From the National Interest (Apr 22): Get ready, China: Lethal A-10 Warthogs are patrolling South China Sea
The U.S. Air Force’s venerable A-10 Warthog has been a lot of things. A Cold-War Soviet tank-killer. A slow-flying escort for rescue helicopters. A heavily-armed counter-insurgency plane. Even a specialized hunter of rotorcraft.
Now add “maritime patrol plane” to the twin-engine attacker’s resume. That’s because the Pentagon has sent four A-10s and their crews and maintainers to fly sea patrols west of The Philippines, in a mineral-rich region of the South China Seas that Manila and Beijing both claim.
The four Warthogs from the 51st Fighter Wing, home-based in South Korea, were actually part of a larger contingent of U.S. warplanes that visited The Philippines for the 2016 edition of the Balikatan war game. When the exercise ended on April 15, most of the Americans and their planes departed. But four A-10s and two HH-60G rescue copters remained behind at Clark Air Base.
Their mission — “air- and maritime-domain awareness, personnel recovery, combating piracy and [the] assurance [that] all nations have access to the regional air and maritime domains in accordance with international law,” according to the U.S. Defense Department.
And on April 19, the six-aircraft “Air Contingent” flew its first patrols over the South China Sea west of Luzon, The Philippines’ largest and most densely-populated island. In mid-April, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis had sailed through the same waters as part of a so-called “freedom-of-navigation” patrol that the Pentagon meant to assert America’s — and other countries’ — legal right to sail in international waters.
U.S. Secretary Ashton Carter and Philippine defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin flew to Stennis together on April 15. Carter took the opportunity to announced joint U.S.-Philippine patrols, of which the A-10s’ April 19 flights were presumably just the beginning.
Beijing officially condemned the planned patrols, insisting they reflected a “Cold War mentality.” China has dredged several coral reefs in the China Seas, piling sand atop them to create artificial island air bases and ports — and, in the process, killing the delicate reef creatures.
The U.S. Air Force possesses around 300 of the low- and slow-flying, heavily-armored, 1980s-vintage A-10s but has been trying to retire them in recent years in order to free up money for a handful of F-35 stealth fighters. Congress has consistently blocked the retirements.
Warthogs based in Turkey conduct air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. A-10s also frequently visit Eastern Europe in order to deter Russian aggression. Warthogs have seen combat in the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan — but usually over land.
But in 2011, A-10s strafed and sank enemy boats during NATO’s intervention in Libya. The Philippines sea patrols represent a rare maritime mission for the ungainly jets.
And it’s also possible the A-10s’ Luzon deployment is part of a sale pitch. Boeing, which maintains the Warthogs, wants to sell any A-10s that the Air Force prematurely retires. And coincidentally, or not, Philippine airmen have expressed interest in acquiring them.
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-china-lethal-10-warthogs-are-patrolling-the-south-15886
The U.S. Air Force’s venerable A-10 Warthog has been a lot of things. A Cold-War Soviet tank-killer. A slow-flying escort for rescue helicopters. A heavily-armed counter-insurgency plane. Even a specialized hunter of rotorcraft.
Now add “maritime patrol plane” to the twin-engine attacker’s resume. That’s because the Pentagon has sent four A-10s and their crews and maintainers to fly sea patrols west of The Philippines, in a mineral-rich region of the South China Seas that Manila and Beijing both claim.
The four Warthogs from the 51st Fighter Wing, home-based in South Korea, were actually part of a larger contingent of U.S. warplanes that visited The Philippines for the 2016 edition of the Balikatan war game. When the exercise ended on April 15, most of the Americans and their planes departed. But four A-10s and two HH-60G rescue copters remained behind at Clark Air Base.
Their mission — “air- and maritime-domain awareness, personnel recovery, combating piracy and [the] assurance [that] all nations have access to the regional air and maritime domains in accordance with international law,” according to the U.S. Defense Department.
And on April 19, the six-aircraft “Air Contingent” flew its first patrols over the South China Sea west of Luzon, The Philippines’ largest and most densely-populated island. In mid-April, the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis had sailed through the same waters as part of a so-called “freedom-of-navigation” patrol that the Pentagon meant to assert America’s — and other countries’ — legal right to sail in international waters.
U.S. Secretary Ashton Carter and Philippine defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin flew to Stennis together on April 15. Carter took the opportunity to announced joint U.S.-Philippine patrols, of which the A-10s’ April 19 flights were presumably just the beginning.
Beijing officially condemned the planned patrols, insisting they reflected a “Cold War mentality.” China has dredged several coral reefs in the China Seas, piling sand atop them to create artificial island air bases and ports — and, in the process, killing the delicate reef creatures.
The U.S. Air Force possesses around 300 of the low- and slow-flying, heavily-armored, 1980s-vintage A-10s but has been trying to retire them in recent years in order to free up money for a handful of F-35 stealth fighters. Congress has consistently blocked the retirements.
Warthogs based in Turkey conduct air strikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria. A-10s also frequently visit Eastern Europe in order to deter Russian aggression. Warthogs have seen combat in the Middle East, North Africa and Afghanistan — but usually over land.
But in 2011, A-10s strafed and sank enemy boats during NATO’s intervention in Libya. The Philippines sea patrols represent a rare maritime mission for the ungainly jets.
And it’s also possible the A-10s’ Luzon deployment is part of a sale pitch. Boeing, which maintains the Warthogs, wants to sell any A-10s that the Air Force prematurely retires. And coincidentally, or not, Philippine airmen have expressed interest in acquiring them.
http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/get-ready-china-lethal-10-warthogs-are-patrolling-the-south-15886
DVIDS: US Executes Combined-Joint Operation with AFP Counterparts
From DVIDS (Apr 20): US Executes Combined-Joint Operation with AFP Counterparts
JAMINDAN, Philippines – Philippine Army soldiers, and U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment walk back to the helicopter landing zone, after completing a combined-joint operation Handa Koa for Balikatan, April 14th, 2016. This year marked the 32nd iteration of the annual exercise Balikatan, which is an annual Philippine-U.S. military bilateral training exercise that is a signature element of the Philippine-U.S. alliance focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jerome D. Johnson)
At the break of dawn, a Philippine Army platoon and one U.S. Army platoon from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment geared up on Antique airfield to conduct the final mission of operation Handa Koa. The team of soldiers boarded two CH-47 Chinook and four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to launch an air assault. They trekked through the jungle "shoulder-to-shoulder" to reach their main objective code named "Rhino".
"We started off with a combined-joint amphibious assault on the island itself, and then a Marine air assault onto Antique airfield. The combined Marines then took control of the airfield expand the lodgment, and conducted a defense," said Capt. James Hodges, 25th Infantry Division, assistant G3. "We then conducted an air landing with U.S. Army Forces and Philippine Army Forces via C-130 to occupy the airfield, and then conducted air assaults from the airfield to a northern objective on Panay itself. Simultaneously, we had Philippine Special Forces conduct reconnaissance missions on the same two objectives to the north."
The first phase of the operation began on the island of Luzon, which included numerous days of planning and synchronization at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo. A combined-joint U.S. and AFP team then worked together to project assets from Luzon to conduct a large scale operation on the island of Panay.
"As we transitioned out of the initial projection phase down to our initial staging base, it gave us the opportunity to do final rehearsals here on the airfield and then understand a little more about the operational environment that we were going to go into specifically to the island of Panay, and then conduct the air assault today on the objective," said Lt. Col. Jared Bordwell, Task Force Patriot, commander.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment had the opportunity to work closely with their Philippine Army counterparts at Fort Magsaysay before executing their mission on Panay. The soldiers conducted jungle survival training, close quarters training, and counter improvised explosive device training.
"The initial phase back at Magsaysay is when we started to understand each other and gain that appreciation for capabilities as well as form that comradery between the two forces," Bordwell said. "An infantryman is an infantryman. So the AFP and their capabilities and our capabilities, as we understood each other a little bit more they meshed very well with actions on the objective. It was just like having two U.S. platoons or having two AFP platoons out there. Both company commanders did an incredible job of planning, synchronizing, and really enabling that communication during the actions on to facilitate the execution of the mission."
By training together, the U.S. and the AFP soldiers developed tactics, techniques, procedures, and built partnerships.
"I think Balikatan was a great opportunity, for my soldiers and myself to learn a lot about the Philippines, understand our partner here, and understand some of the unique challenges of the operational environment, " Bordwell said. "I think it’s also a great teaching tool as we continue our partnership in the pacific in the future, and more likely than not soldiers will be back here doing Balikatan or other operations. It’s a great partnership and a great ability for us to learn from our partners as well hopefully teach them some capabilities, and refine some of their overall abilities."
This year marked the 32nd iteration of the annual exercise Balikatan. The U.S. and the Philippines have a continued interest in strengthening their longstanding security alliance, which has provided a platform for security and stability in the region throughout the decades.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/195998/us-executes-combined-joint-operation-with-afp-counterparts#.VxzdyrT2b3h
JAMINDAN, Philippines – Philippine Army soldiers, and U.S. Army soldiers assigned to 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment walk back to the helicopter landing zone, after completing a combined-joint operation Handa Koa for Balikatan, April 14th, 2016. This year marked the 32nd iteration of the annual exercise Balikatan, which is an annual Philippine-U.S. military bilateral training exercise that is a signature element of the Philippine-U.S. alliance focused on a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement, and environmental protection. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jerome D. Johnson)
At the break of dawn, a Philippine Army platoon and one U.S. Army platoon from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment geared up on Antique airfield to conduct the final mission of operation Handa Koa. The team of soldiers boarded two CH-47 Chinook and four UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters to launch an air assault. They trekked through the jungle "shoulder-to-shoulder" to reach their main objective code named "Rhino".
"We started off with a combined-joint amphibious assault on the island itself, and then a Marine air assault onto Antique airfield. The combined Marines then took control of the airfield expand the lodgment, and conducted a defense," said Capt. James Hodges, 25th Infantry Division, assistant G3. "We then conducted an air landing with U.S. Army Forces and Philippine Army Forces via C-130 to occupy the airfield, and then conducted air assaults from the airfield to a northern objective on Panay itself. Simultaneously, we had Philippine Special Forces conduct reconnaissance missions on the same two objectives to the north."
The first phase of the operation began on the island of Luzon, which included numerous days of planning and synchronization at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo. A combined-joint U.S. and AFP team then worked together to project assets from Luzon to conduct a large scale operation on the island of Panay.
"As we transitioned out of the initial projection phase down to our initial staging base, it gave us the opportunity to do final rehearsals here on the airfield and then understand a little more about the operational environment that we were going to go into specifically to the island of Panay, and then conduct the air assault today on the objective," said Lt. Col. Jared Bordwell, Task Force Patriot, commander.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment had the opportunity to work closely with their Philippine Army counterparts at Fort Magsaysay before executing their mission on Panay. The soldiers conducted jungle survival training, close quarters training, and counter improvised explosive device training.
"The initial phase back at Magsaysay is when we started to understand each other and gain that appreciation for capabilities as well as form that comradery between the two forces," Bordwell said. "An infantryman is an infantryman. So the AFP and their capabilities and our capabilities, as we understood each other a little bit more they meshed very well with actions on the objective. It was just like having two U.S. platoons or having two AFP platoons out there. Both company commanders did an incredible job of planning, synchronizing, and really enabling that communication during the actions on to facilitate the execution of the mission."
By training together, the U.S. and the AFP soldiers developed tactics, techniques, procedures, and built partnerships.
"I think Balikatan was a great opportunity, for my soldiers and myself to learn a lot about the Philippines, understand our partner here, and understand some of the unique challenges of the operational environment, " Bordwell said. "I think it’s also a great teaching tool as we continue our partnership in the pacific in the future, and more likely than not soldiers will be back here doing Balikatan or other operations. It’s a great partnership and a great ability for us to learn from our partners as well hopefully teach them some capabilities, and refine some of their overall abilities."
This year marked the 32nd iteration of the annual exercise Balikatan. The U.S. and the Philippines have a continued interest in strengthening their longstanding security alliance, which has provided a platform for security and stability in the region throughout the decades.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/195998/us-executes-combined-joint-operation-with-afp-counterparts#.VxzdyrT2b3h
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