Fort Magsaysay soldiers, civilians take part in earthquake drill

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): Fort Magsaysay soldiers, civilians take part in earthquake drill

To test their readiness for the “Big One,” soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division as well as civilian employees on Thursday took part in the earthquake drill inside the sprawling military camp here.

Maj. Gen. Angelito de Leon, 7th ID commanding general, said that the quake drill was meant to increase awareness and preparedness in case a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hits Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.

“Our drills were meant to test, assess, validate and evaluate the national disaster response plans for earthquake and tsunami, and other emergency related plans,” de Leon said as he pointed out that the drill is in support to the contingency plan “Tulong-Pagyanig” of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).

Ambulances with medics, KM451 Army trucks, power generators and helmet-wearing troops were present for the drills.

Simulating an earthquake scenario, soldiers who found “victims” checked them for injuries, put them in stretchers and brought by ambulance to the Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital (FMASH) where a medical team is on standby.

The drill came on the heels of earthquakes which rocked Japan and Ecuador and left countless people homeless and major structures in ruins.

The Philippines is no stranger to quakes as it often experienced ground movements through the West Valley Fault (WVF) and being located in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” where a string of volcanoes and seismic activities occur regularly in the edges of the Pacific Ocean.

Seismologists have made statistical estimates of probable ground movements that can be used to plan for earthquakes and mitigate their effects.

But some scientists claim that studies of ground movement strongly suggest major earthquakes will start occurring this year, which has put nations into panic.

Experts say the WVF is ripe for another movement based on its pattern every 600 years.

Col. Alfredo V Rosario, Jr., 7th ID chief of staff, said this is the reason communities should always be vigilant.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said should the “Big One” strike at night, it could kill 31,000 people and injure 130,000 people in the National Capital Region (NCR) . (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=880584

Acting AFP chief reminds all military personnel to remain non-partisan, exercise right to vote

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): Acting AFP chief reminds all military personnel to remain non-partisan, exercise right to vote

With election day just 12 days away, acting Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda reminded all officials and enlisted personnel to remain non-partisan and act accordingly as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

In the same vein, he also reminded all military to exercise their right to suffrage.

Miranda made this statement following his visit to Eastern Mindanao Command headquarters in Davao City Wednesday.

"Lt. Gen. Miranda reiterated current Command Guidance to facilitate AFP preparations for the incoming national elections this coming May 9. He reminded troops to ensure the AFP remains non-partisan and of their obligation to vote and act accordingly as a deputized agency of the COMELEC," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

Earlier, Miranda, together with Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano visited troops in Jolo, Sulu to check on ongoing operations and ensure the latter are getting all needed support in their offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

On Monday, the bandits beheaded Canadian John Ridsdel after the latter's family and government failed to pay the PHP300 million ransom being extorted by the brigands.

Ridsdel, along with fellow Canadian Robert Hall, Marites Flor, Hall's girlfriend and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad were kidnapped by the ASG last Sept. 21, 2015 from Ocean View Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao Del Norte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880513

Gov’t checking vulnerabilities in PHL’s money laundering, terrorist financing rules

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): Gov’t checking vulnerabilities in PHL’s money laundering, terrorist financing rules

A National Risk Assessment (NRA) is currently being done by several government agencies to evaluate vulnerabilities and weaknesses in the Philippines’ money laundering and terrorist financing measures.

This was disclosed by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando Tetangco in his speech during the Financial Inclusion Summit 2016 held at the central bank office in Manila Thursday.

He explained that results of the NRA would enable authorities “to sharpen our focus in ensuring effective enforcement of international standards against money laundering and terrorist financing.”

The decision of countries to strengthen their money laundering and terrorism financial measures has resulted in de-risking among banks, which is the reason why some money transfer operators (MTOs) from the Philippines lost correspondence tie-up overseas.

Tetango said the de-risking strategy of some banks overseas was a business decision and had been on-going for some years now, and not merely a result of the latest money laundering case, which in turn is not helping improve the situation.

”Since the closures limit the players that can competitively operate in the remittance market, this has the potential to reverse the steady gains we have made in reducing remittance costs,” he said.

The central bank chief also said that de-risking might also result in increased reliance by Overseas Filipinos (OFs) to the informal sector in sending money to the Philippines.

”In the end, this may exact an even larger toll on the OFs and their families in terms of deprivation of access to safe and reliable financial services, “ he said.

Thus, Tetangco said that as early as 2014, the BSP has raised this concern with international institutions such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Alliance for Financial Inclusion, the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion of the G20, the United States Department of Treasury, The Financial Stability Board and the World Bank (WB).

Amidst the current situation, the central bank chief remains confident of the sustained rise of remittances to the Philippines and its large contribution to domestic output.

In an interview by reporters after his speech, the central bank chief said the slowdown of remittances in 2015 could not be attributed mainly to de-risking but also to other factors like strengthening of the US dollar against third currencies.

He pointed out that inflows from Filipinos abroad have continued to show resilience, as proven during the financial crisis in 2007-08 and during the sustained drop in oil prices.

”I think remittances will continue to be a significant source of foreign exchange for us and a significant source of funding for economic activities such as consumption investments and the list and boost the economy,” he added.

Central bank data show that cash remittances in the first two months this year reached USD 4.1 billion, higher than year-ago’s USD 3.9 billion.

Including in-kind remittances, personal remittances rose by 6.1 percent as of end-February this year.

Last February alone, cash remittances rose by 9.1 percent year-on-year to USD 2.11 billion while personal remittances went up by nine percent to USD 2.3 billion.

Contraction in remittances was registered in August, October, and November last year but for the whole year cash remittances rose by 4.6 percent year-on-year while personal remittances by 4.4 percent.

This year, the central bank’s remittance assumption is a growth of four percent.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880663

CAB, BBL still top political solution to Moro struggle

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): CAB, BBL still top political solution to Moro struggle

During the Usapang Kapayapaan: A Forum for Congressional Candidates held in the city earlier this week, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel member and former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani has reiterated that the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) remains the best solution in addressing the decades-long conflict in Mindanao.

“We sincerely believe that the implementation of CAB will correct historical injustice suffered by our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters, and will lead to meaningful self-governance and attain a just and lasting peace,” Bacani said during the forum held at the Star Plaza Hotel.

“There has been a lot of frustration and disappointment [with the non-passage of the BBL]. But the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is steadfast in pursuing peace instead of resorting to violence,” he added. “I think it is very hard to disagree on the concept of a just and lasting peace. [T]here is not much [to] quarrel doon sa kagustuhan natin ng kapayapaan sa Mindanao (on our desire for peace in Mindanao).”

On March 27, 2014, the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reached a milestone in the peace negotiations with the signing of the CAB after more than 17 years of negotiations. This peace deal outlined a roadmap for meaningful autonomy through the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity. However, its full implementation was stalled due to the 16th Congress’ failure to finish deliberations on the BBL last February.

Aside from its legislative track, the CAB also provides specific provisions pertaining to socio-economic development of Bangsamoro communities and previously acknowledged MILF camps. This is part of its normalization component that aims for the gradual and phased transition of MILF combatants back to normal civilian lives.

Bacani also noted that the peace process has gone far not only with the CAB but also with the convergence initiatives on the positions of the MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

“Nagkakaroon ng suporta [sa BBL] both from the ‎MILF and the MNLF. Hopefully with this convergence, lalong lalakas ang movement to pass [it] within two years (Both the MILF and MNLF are supporting the BBL. Hopefully with this convergence, the movement to pass it within two years will be stronger),” he said.

In 2014, the OIC has set up the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum to unify the two fronts for the integration of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the BBL.

Meanwhile, MILF panel member and Bangsamoro Transition Commissioner Abdullah Camlian called on political aspirants to study further the history of the Mindanao armed conflict to be able to understand the cause of the Bangsamoro people.

“We hope that the next Congress would study thoroughly the BBL. The Bangsamoro is rising because we are neglected. We are treated as second class citizens,” Camlian said.

“The conflict in Mindanao is a sovereignty-based conflict, therefore it needs a political solution and [an] economic solution,” he explained. “Why we have conflict in Mindanao [is] because there is [a] political issue there that we have to tackle. We have injustices [to be addressed] in the Bangsamoro.”

The Usapang Kapayapaan forum series aims to ensure that the passage of the draft BBL would be an urgent agenda for the members of the incoming 17th Congress who would be elected in the May 9 elections.‎ It is part of the efforts of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to secure the commitment of candidates for the continuity of the Bangsamoro peace process in the next administration.

The Pangasinan event is the third leg in the Usapang Kapayapaan forum series. Earlier this month, the forum-series was first held in Cagayan de Oro City and was followed by Legazpi City last April 19.

Pangasinan congressional bets vow peace agenda in next administration.

By addressing the problems of poverty and the lack of basic services in the Bangsamoro, local congressional candidates vowed to continue support for the Mindanao peace process under the next administration.

“We do believe we have to balance the peace process with poverty [alleviation]. There is no peace if there is no food on the table,” 3rd District representative candidate Atty. Eric Acuna said during the peace forum. “There is no justice without freedom, no freedom without peace, no peace without ending poverty.”

Acuna also pointed out that the problem of poverty in Mindanao was a contributing factor to the internal armed conflict. “We have poverty all over the land. When we talk of poverty, there is an umbilical connection with the lives of the people especially the farmers,” he said.

The congressional aspirant vowed to file a peace agenda if elected in Congress.

Meanwhile, incumbent Pangasinan Governor Amado Espino Jr., who is vying for the 5th District congressional seat, maintained that peace and order issues stemmed from the lack of basic services that should be provided to the people. “In the local government level, giving special attention to socioeconomic programs means giving particular attention to peace and order,” he said.

Another 4th District congressional aspirant Master Sgt. Mario Operana, noted that peace could be attained if all corrupt officials would be held accountable for their actions and that they would be removed from public service. “Mababait yung Muslim leaders doon sa Mindanao. Alam ko yung mga hinaing nila. Ayaw na nilang makipag-away [sa ating gobyerno] (The leaders in Mindanao are good people, I understand their sentiments. They do not want to continue fighting against the government),” Operana said.

During the Legazpi leg of the forum series, GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer underscored the need for Congressional candidates to "study the conflict and negotiations."

“Every time there is a delay in ending the conflict, it has a big impact on the lives of the youth. It becomes another generation that will become another problem,” Ferrer commented. “The success of the peace process is the autonomy being discussed, not separation. We want the country to stay together and mend broken relationships.”

Albayano congressional bets for Mindanao peace

The previous leg of the Usapang Kapayaan held earlier this month in Legazpi City, Albay showed that Albayano congressional hopefuls were also supportive of the current administration’s peace process initiative in Mindanao.

“Peace in Mindanao is very elusive... we have to address the problem by giving the right solution," second district candidate Danilo Llarena Maravillas commented.

Elmer Felix Manlangit Pornel, a candidate for the third district meanwhile commented that, “Maraming Bicolano ang pumupunta sa Mindanao. Magsama-sama tayong pakinggan ang bawat isa kung ano ang saloobin ng Kristiyano, Muslim, etc. Lahat tayo gusto ng mapayapa (There are many Bicolanos who go to Mindanao. Let us all listen to what each of us has to say whether Christians, Muslims etc. We all want peace)”.

“Magandang simula ang BBL. Hindi masusulusyonan [ang problema sa Mindanao] kung kada administrasyon ay magbabago [ng polisiya] (The BBL is a good start. The problem in Mindanao will not be solved if policies change per administration),” he added.

“Bigyan po natin ng sapat na karapatan ang ating mga kapatid na Muslim (We should give ample rights to our Muslim brothers and sisters)," Albay first district candidate Atty. Gregorio Luis Credo Contacto III commented, adding that he both supported pursing peace in Mindanao and the implementation of a federal system across the country.

Atty. Antonio Bermundo Betito, who is also running for the first district seat, agreed with Contacto and added that the establishment of the Bangsamoro government could be a prelude to federalism. “We should be united in imposing our will. We as a people should be the one to govern ourselves because this is the essence of sovereignty.”

Second district hopeful Atty. Oliver Oloteo Olaybal, meanwhile, noted that the BBL is “a good program.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880491

Rebel killed in Ragay clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): Rebel killed in Ragay clash

A New People's Army (NPA) rebel was shot and killed during an encounter with troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion and Ragay Municipal Police Station in Camarines Sur late Wednesday night.

The incident took place at 11:05 p.m. at Barangay Lower Sta. Cruz, Ragay, said Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) spokesperson Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman.

Government forces were conducting warrant of arrest operations when four NPAs started firing at them.

This resulted to a two-minute firefight until the bandits withdrew and left the lifeless body of one of their comrades and two .38 revolvers.

No losses were incurred by security forces in this exchange.

"The NPA remains as the most potent threat group to the peace and security during the elections and the election period," SOLCOM head Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.

"The more we engage the NPA and the more members are neutralized before the elections, we are reducing the possibilities of atrocities they may conduct to disrupt the elections," he added.

SOLCOM together with the PNP are continuously conducting peace and security patrols in preparation for the elections and preemptive efforts are conducted in Election Watchlist Areas falling in Category 2 (Areas with serious armed threats posed by organized threat groups such as the NPA) and Category 3 (Areas with intense partisan political rivalry + factors of Category 2 are present).

Ragay falls under Category 2.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=880685

14 ASG bandits killed in ongoing military offensive in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): 14 ASG bandits killed in ongoing military offensive in Sulu

An estimated 14 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were believed to have been killed in the latest military offensive against the brigands in the hinterlands of Patikul and Jolo towns, Sulu, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said on Thursday.

Most of these ASG members were killed by howitzer and aerial bombardment which started last April 23 and still ongoing as of this posting, he added.

The AFP stepped up its attacks on the ASG after the bandits beheaded Canadian hostage John Ridsdel in Sulu last April 25 after the latter's family and government refused to give in to their Php300-million ransom demand.

"The Western Mindanao Command received reports from civilians in the area that there is an estimated 14 ASGs who were killed as a result of the bombardments," Detoyato said.

Operations are still ongoing and the AFP is making headway as government troops are now occupying grounds formerly held by the bandits and recovered the alleged headless body of Ridsdel on Wednesday.

No casualties were incurred by government forces in the ongoing operations, the AFP public affairs chief said.

At the same time, Detoyato said they are still to receive reports that the ASG is planning to conduct retaliatory attacks in Metro Manila.

"We are still to receive reports about that," he added.

The AFP public affairs office chief said advancing forces are still to sight any of the three hostages who were kidnapped together with Ridsdel last year.

The former, along with fellow Canadian Robert Hall, Marites Flor, Hall's girlfriend, and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad were kidnapped by the ASG last Sept. 21 from Ocean View Resort in the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=880583

Everything you need to know about the Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Star (Apr 27): Everything you need to know about the Abu Sayyaf



It is the smallest Islamic separatist group in the Philippines, but it is also the most extreme. Let's take a look at how the Abu Sayyaf came to be. Philstar.com

Of the three Islamic separatist groups in the Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf may be the smallest but it is also the most extreme.

 

It has gained notoriety for bombings, assassinations, extortion, and kidnap-for-ransom activities, killing captives if demands are unmet.

 

Behind the formation of this group was Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, a charismatic Islam preacher.

 

He was sent to Saudi Arabia and Libya by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to learn Arabic and deepen his knowledge of Islam. There he got radicalized and reportedly met and fought alongside Osama bin Laden against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

 

His experiences in the Middles East were influential in his desire of establishing an Islamic state in Mindanao.

 

Abdurajak broke away from the MNLF and created the Abu Sayyaf in 1991, naming it after Afghan resistance leader Professor Abdul Rasul Sayyaf. The name means “father of the swordsman.”

 

He recruited other disaffected MNLF members, exploiting divisions within the group over government negotiations.

 

 

Atrocities

Soon after it was established, the Abu Sayyaf executed major attacks targeting Christians, government troops, and foreigners. It was listed as a terrorist organization by the US Department of State in 1997 and by the Australian National Security in 2002.

 

In 2001, the United Nations Security Council listed it as having associations with the Al-Qaeda, bin Laden or the Taliban.

 

Abu Sayyaf experienced a big blow in 1998 when Abdurajak was killed in a police shootout in Basilan.

 

Two factions were formed after his death. One was headed by Galib Andang alias Commander Robot and the other by Abdurajak’s brother Khadaffy.

 

The subsequent killings in 2005 and 2006 of these two leaders in clashes with government forces along with the deaths of other key figures led to the further fragmentation of the terror group.

 

Estimates by the US show that it has 400 members.

 

RELATED: Abu Sayyaf: Too many leaders

 

Abdul Basir Latip, the key financial officer of Abu Sayyaf, was also captured in 2009. He was in charge of moving funds from Al Qaeda to the Abu Sayyaf.

 

As funding from foreign sources declined in mid-1990s, it turned to kidnap-for-ransom and extortion to make money.

 

Experts say the Abu Sayyaf has evolved into a criminal gang with the rise of profit-driven criminal activities and the decline of ideologically-motivated attacks.

 

 

Where are they

 

The group trains and operates in the Zamboanga Peninsula and in the islands of Basilan, Jolo, and Tawi-Tawi.

 

According to international security analyst Rommel Banlaoi, the Basilan faction of the Abu Sayyaf is more involved in Islamic propagation activities, while the Sulu faction is more involved in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities. He said this in an interview over ANC.

 

The Basilan faction led by Isnilon Hapilon also pledged allegiance to ISIS, a rival of Al Qaeda, and is no longer under Radullan Sahiron, the most senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, according to international terrorism expert Dr. Rohan Gunaratna.

 

But Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said there is no formal ISIS organization in the Philippines.

 

Historical neglect and injustice in Mindanao helped in the emergence of the Abu Sayyaf as an alternative to the MNLF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

Data from Philippine Statistics Authority for the first semester of 2015 showed that 11 of the 20 poorest provinces in the country are in Mindanao. These are Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Sarangani, Bukidnon, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Zamboanga del Norte, Agusan del Sur, North Cotabato, Lanao del Norte, and Camiguin.

 

 

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/27/1577353/everything-you-need-know-about-abu-sayyaf

Sulu Army commander sacked

From the Philippine Star (Apr 28): Sulu Army commander sacked

A senior Army officer leading the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu has been relieved following his reported resignation over operational disagreements with his superiors.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado was replaced by Col. Jose Faustino Jr. as commander of the Army’s 501st Brigade, a key Army unit directly involved in the operations against the Abu Sayyaf in the island province.

Arrojado’s relief came after last Monday’s beheading of John Ridsdel, one of two Canadians and two others held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf since September last year.

Arrojado was earlier stripped of his command as overall commander of the Joint Task Group-Sulu (JTGS), a move that removed him of operational control over all military units engaged in fighting the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

“For the last 18 months, he led the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf in the island of Jolo. Army officers usually serve a minimum of one year and six months in major positions to complete their billet requirements,” military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said, explaining why Arrojado was replaced.

Padilla, however, belied reports that Arrojado has resigned his position, stressing the military manual prohibits the resignation of an officer from his assignment unless he is being relieved of his post.

In Arrojado’s case, he is being replaced not because of the Ridsdel beheading but as part of a routine movement within the military where officers are reassigned to another position, Padilla said.

“According to the Army manual, no army officer, aside from major position, can resign because it is covered by orders. Everything is covered by orders. It’s written in the order that an officer signed, during an assumption of command, that he will only relinquish his post when properly relieved,” Padilla said.

There were reports that Arrojado was so disappointed that he resigned his position after figuring in a shouting match with his superior officer, Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the 1st Infantry Division. Barrientos earlier replaced Arrojado as Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

The shouting match, according to sources, was triggered by disagreements between the two officers over the Samal hostage crisis setback with the execution of Ridsdel.

Three other Samal hostages, aside from 14 Indonesians and four Malaysians being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf, are Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand and Hall’s Filipina girlfriend, Maritess Flor.

The bandits, asking for P300 million ransom for each of the Samal victims, issued a final ultimatum that they would executive one of the captives if their ransom demand was not met earlier this week.

Arrojado reportedly dismissed the Abu Sayyaf ultimatum and took it upon himself to rescue the hostages at all cost despite dissenting opinions of his superiors, who in turn aired a different approach in solving the crisis, including the conduct of discreet negotiations with the bandits.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/04/28/1577634/sulu-army-commander-sacked

Japan warship visits RP as China sea row festers

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 27): Japan warship visits RP as China sea row festers

A Japanese warship sailed into a Philippine port near disputed South China Sea waters yesterday in another sign of deepening security ties between the World War II foes to counter Beijing.

Tensions in the South China Sea — through which one-third of the world’s oil passes — have mounted in recent years since China transformed contested reefs into artificial islands capable of supporting military facilities.

The Japanese destroyer Ise docked in Subic Bay while on a “navigational training” mission, the ship’s captain said.

It marked the second time in just over three weeks that Japanese naval vessels visited Subic, a former major US naval base that lies around 200 kilometers from a Chinese-controlled shoal.

“We want to deepen the relationship with the Philippines,” Ise Capt. Masaki Takada told reporters, who were given a tour of the vessel.

Takada declined to say whether the Ise had been in contact with Chinese naval vessels during its voyage.

The Philippines, a US security ally with a severely under-equipped military has been seeking to strengthen ties with Japan as tensions mount over the disputed waterway, almost all of which is claimed by China.

Aside from the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

Japan has its own dispute with China in the East China Sea over uninhabited islands that it administers but that are also claimed by Beijing.

In February, Japan agreed to supply the Philippines with military hardware, which officials said may include anti-submarine reconnaissance aircraft and radar technology. Ise visit was the third by Japanese military vessels this year.

“This visit will further strengthen our relationship with them. We have a strong relationship with them already but we want to enhance that,” Filipino Navy Capt. Samuel Felix told reporters.  

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/japan-warship-visits-rp-as-china-sea-row-festers

China blasts US over ‘freedom of navigation’ ops

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 28): China blasts US over ‘freedom of navigation’ ops














China has urged the United States to show respect for other countries’ sovereignty and security as it accused Washington of  attempting to “challenge the new maritime order” with its Freedom of Navigation Program.

“We regard the so-called ‘freedom of navigation’ operations as the violent means by which the US promotes its unilateral claims,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said.

According to the Department of Defense (DoD) Freedom of Navigation Report for the Fiscal Year 2015, the US military conducted “freedom of navigation” operations against 13 countries and regions last year, including China, India, the Philippines and Indonesia.

The DoD said on its Web site that these operations aimed to preserve the rights, freedoms and lawful use of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations under international law.

US freedom of navigation operations last year challenged China’s claims of jurisdiction over airspace above the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and restrictions on foreign aircraft flying through an air defense identification zone (Adiz), according to the report.

“We have taken note of the US report,” news agency Xinhua quoted Hua as saying. She added the aim of the DoD freedom of navigation program was, in essence, to advance the US unilateral proposition by force and coercion, by brandishing its naval and air power.

Beijing has been extremely sensitive about US ship voyages and aircraft flights challenging maritime claims in the South China Sea, where Beijing has been conducting island reclamation activity.

In 1979, the United States established the Freedom of Navigation program before the signing of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), said Hua, adding its aim was to safeguard the US military’s maximum freedom and maneuverability to enter the oceans of the world and challenge the new maritime order as a non-signatory of the 1982 Unclos.

“These moves by the US are an attempt to dominate maritime order and reflect its logic of hegemony and exceptionalism in its treatment of international law, which it uses when convenient and abandons on unfavorable conditions,” Hua stressed.

She called on Washington to do more that is truly conducive to safeguarding global maritime order as well as regional peace and stability.

Media reports said six U.S. Air Force planes performed a flight mission in “international airspace” in the vicinity of Huangyan Island, which the Philippines refers to as Panatag Shoal, in the South China Sea last April 19.

China’s Ministry of National Defense has accused Washington of pushing militarization of the South China Sea in the name of freedom of navigation and overflight.

Hua said the recent patrol flights in the area by the Philippines and the US were “deserving of suspicion,” urging “some countries” active in the region to exercise restraint and “make cooperative efforts with China.”

China is concerned about and opposed to actions that threaten the sovereignty and security of countries around the South China Sea and undermine regional peace and stability, according to the statement.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has yet to verify China’s reported plans to start reclamation at the Scarborough Shoal but reminded Beijing to avoid actions that will raise tension in the dispute waters.

“The alleged move of establishing an outpost within the EEZ of the Philippines came from a news report, which needs appropriate validation and confirmation,” presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“The Philippines abides by the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the Unclos. Thus, it is best that claimant-states that are also signatories to those agreements abide by its provisions,” he stressed.

A Hong Kong newspaper recently cited a source close to the People’s Liberation Army as saying China will build an outpost on the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines claims the shoal as part of its EEZ. http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/china-blasts-us-over-freedom-of-navigation-ops

Remaining foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf still alive –DFA

From GMA News (Apr 27): Remaining foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf still alive –DFA

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said all foreign hostages of the Abu Sayyaf are still alive despite the expiration of its deadline for ransom payments on Monday.

A News TV Live report said DFA Secretary Jose Almendras has declined to give further comments on the hostages' possible whereabouts, but maintained that the Philippines continues its high-level communication with the concerned countries.

At present, the Abu Sayyaf is holding captive another Canadian, a Norwegian and a Filipino woman who were kidnapped with Ridsdel last year. It is also holding 14 Indonesian and four Malaysian tugboat crewmembers abducted in three incidents off Tawi-Tawi.

Almendras said he also has no information on the Filipina hostage of the al Qaeda-linked group.

A DFA statement on Tuesday said it "has been playing an active role in the overall government effort since the time of the abductions, particularly in closely engaging the concerned countries."

"Over the past few weeks, we have stepped up our coordination efforts with Canada, Norway, Indonesia, and Malaysia," it added.

Almendras maintained the Philippine government learned of the beheading of John Risdel ahead of the Canadian government.

A headless corpse believed to be that of Ridsdel was found in Talipao, Sulu, on Wednesday morning.

Ridsdel's head was found inside a yellow sack left by unidentified men at the Jolo municipal hall on Monday.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines promised no let-up in the ongoing operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III promised to use the full resources of the country against the group to rescue the remaining hostages, and ensure the safety of the civilian population.  

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564227/news/nation/remaining-foreign-hostages-of-the-abu-sayyaf-still-alive-dfa

Ceasefire is possible with Duterte presidency —Joma Sison

From GMA News (Apr 28): Ceasefire is possible with Duterte presidency —Joma Sison

A ceasefire between the Communist Party of the Philippines and the Philippine government is possible if Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is elected president, said CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison.

In an interview with GMA News aired on Unang Balita on Thursday, Sison said he had a conversation with Duterte recently and they were able to discuss several issues.

He said the issues include a dialogue between CPP and the national government and the release of political prisoners from past administrations.

Sison added that he may return to the country, after two decades of living in exile in the Netherlands.

The CPP was organized more than 47 years ago while the Philippine government ended formal peace talks with the communist party in April 2013.

Duterte is close to the revolutionary movement and is a former student of Sison at the Lyceum of the Philippines.

If Duterte wins, Sison said he is confident that the Davao politician will be able to fulfill his promises.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/564287/news/nation/ceasefire-is-possible-with-duterte-presidency-joma-sison

Image of NPA police prisoners released to Duterte alarming: Palace

From InterAksyon (Apr 27): Image of NPA police prisoners released to Duterte alarming: Palace



This is the photograph that Malacanang released together with its statement on the release of police prisoners to presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte. Photo came out in Philippine Daily Inquirer, 27 April 2016

The image of police prisoners of the New People’s Army being released to Davao City Mayor and presidential frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte is “cause to be alarmed,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said Wednesday.

In response to a question about Malacanang’s reaction to the release of police prisoners of the rebel group and the prospect of an NPA-friendly president, Coloma said:

“Freedom-loving citizens would find sufficient cause to be alarmed at the picture published in a major broadsheet (PDI, 27 April), where erstwhile captive PNP officers are shown wearing shirts with POW (Prisoner of War) printed thereon and being paraded by heavily armed NPA members in the company of Mayor Duterte, with the CPP, NPA and the NDF flags prominently displayed in the background.

“This picture (PDI 27 April) should lead us to think seriously and be concerned if this is the future for the Philippines which presidential candidate Duterte is offering to our people.”

http://interaksyon.com/article/127001/image-of-npa-police-prisoners-released-to-duterte-alarming-palace

Diwata-1 now in orbit

From Update.Ph (Apr 27):  Diwata-1 now in orbit

      

PHL-Microsat Diwata-1 was finally deployed to orbit Wednesday night. Diwata-1 is the first Filipino-built satellite. Diwata-1 was assembled by nine Filipino engineers who were stationed in Japan to undergo an extensive course about microsatellite. The team had almost a year to finish the assembly and testing of Diwata-1.

“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,” Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) said.

It weighs 50 kg and is about the size of a “balikbayan box.” The development of Diwata-1 was made possible through DOST’s flagship project called the PhilMicrosat Program, which was implemented by several departments in University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman and DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI). The agency has also partnered with Tohoku and Hokkaido universities in Japan to develop Diwata-1.

Diwata-1 is expected to be in orbit for about 20 months and will be imaging the country twice daily.

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).

Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research Division (DOST-PCIEERD) Carlos Primo David earlier said that the pictures taken by Diwata-1 can also be used for tourism, as the agency will pick an image of the day and will share it to the public.

Originally, PCIEERD planned to have a good microsatellite data storage facility in Subic. David said the receiving station, which will be tasked to receive Diwata-1 imagery as well as from selected commercial satellites, will be in UP-Diliman instead. Construction of the receiving station in UP-Diliman will be finished by mid-May according to David.

For the meantime, the images from Diwata-1 will be received by those in Tohoku, Japan. ”They will send the images to us. That will be the scenario for the first two weeks,” David said.

Meanwhile, Diwata-2 is scheduled to be built within the year, and David said the planning stage has already started. He added that the government targets to launch the Diwata-2 in 2018.

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/diwata-1-now-in-orbit/4777

Malacañang says China’s plan to build outpost on Panatag Shoal needs validation

From Update.Ph (Apr 27): Malacañang says China’s plan to build outpost on Panatag Shoal needs validation

Malacañang is seeking to confirm a report that China will establish an outpost on the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, which is 230 kilometers off the coast of the Philippines, a Palace official said on Wednesday.

“The alleged move of establishing an outpost within the EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) of the Philippines came from a news report, which needs appropriate validation and confirmation,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

“The Philippines abides by the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea). Thus, it is best that claimant states that are also signatories to those agreements abide by its provisions,” Secretary Coloma said.

A Hong Kong newspaper recently cited a source close to the People’s Liberation Army as saying that China will build an outpost on the Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines claims the shoal as part of its EEZ.

http://www.update.ph/2016/04/malacanang-says-chinas-plan-to-build-outpost-on-panatag-shoal-needs-validation/4757