Efforts to provide President Duterte clearer picture of benefits from joint military exercises underway

From Update.Ph (Oct 5): Efforts to provide President Duterte clearer picture of benefits from joint military exercises underway



Efforts are now underway to provide President Rodrigo Duterte with information showing that the country’s military forces are benefiting from the various exercises being conducted with US forces. This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Wednesday.

“It seems that the President was not provided with complete details (regarding benefits accrued by Filipino forces during exercises with their American counterparts). It is very likely that the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines failed to provide the proper information. We will address this shortcomings with the coming days,” he said in Filipino.

Lorenzana issued this statement in wake of the President’s statements that Filipino troops get no note-worthy benefits while exercising with US forces.

The Chief Executive made this statement prior the start of the 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) which is now ongoing.

PHIBLEX started Oct. 4 and will end on the 12th. It involves 1,400 American troops and 500 Filipino military personnel. It will take place on various locations in Luzon and Palawan.

“But base on information we have gathered from General Headquarters and Army officers, they get ideas on how to train and use latest US weaponry, protective clothing and other equipment we do not have. This gives them incentive to acquire similar equipment and their reviews are use in the basis of procuring this weapons, Also, joint-training also gives our soldiers exposure on new war fighting systems, tactics and concepts like joint-landing, marksmanship, fire- and-maneuvers,” Lorenzana said.

Also, training with American forces gives Filipino units additional scope on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief readiness, giving them more capabilities to respond in times of calamities and disasters.

The DND chief said this concept was readily demonstrated by US forces during the onslaught of Super Typhoon “Yolanda” in Leyte in Nov. 8, 2013 where American aircraft, ships and personnel readily help their Filipino counterparts until the situation was stabilized.

Aside from this, other benefits obtained during American-Filipino war exercises are the conduct of joint-civic action projects in marginalized areas.

These missions provide these localities with new school buildings, multi-purpose halls, basketball courts and medical and dental missions.

Lorenzana also added that these joint exercises, especially the so-called “Table Top” ones give Filipino officers a chance to make decisions on war tactics and security.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/efforts-to-provide-president-duterte-clearer-picture-of-benefits-from-joint-military-exercises-underway/10046

EDCA up for review by Duterte’s legal team

From Update.Ph (Oct 5): EDCA up for review by Duterte’s legal team



Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella on Wednesday said the legal team of President Rodrigo Duterte is now reviewing the Philippines-United States’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

”Regarding the EDCA needing a President’s signature, I just like to say that the President’s legal team is currently addressing the matter,” Abella said in a press briefing.

During last Sunday’s 37th Maskara Festival in Bacolod City, President Duterte said the EDCA was just an executive agreement since it was not signed by former President Benigno Aquino III.

President Duterte has said EDCA was signed in 2014 only by former Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg.

Last Monday, President Duterte said he might, under his presidency, break up ties with America and would rather establish alliances with Russia and China.

”He said that he might, okay? Let’s base in on that. He might. It is not a definite yes, it’s not a definite no. He said he might. Okay?,” Abella clarified when asked for comment.

Abella also explained that President Duterte is not leaning towards Russia and China.

”It (is) just that he has expanded his options. He is simply broadening his options in relationship,” he said.

”So you can tell that the tenor is not so much what economic benefits he can get from the country but that he is getting respect. And that’s exactly what the President apparently is wanting. He wants the Philippines to be on equal footing with others whether they’re big or not,” he added.

President Duterte’s threat to break ties with the United States has emanated from the US’ criticism of the Philippine government’s intensified war against illegal drugs.

“The way he expresses himself, it is still that he wants an independent foreign policy. In other words, the breaking may not necessarily be a breaking up of alliances in that way,” Abella said.

“Going back to the statement that he has made, it is basically expressing an independent policy. That it is not exclusive, that it is inclusive, that we are not be held down by any just one treaty, for example,” he added.

Last July, the Supreme Court has declared with finality that EDCA is constitutional agreement which provides for an increased rotational presence of US troops and use of Philippine military facilities by US forces.

The Philippines and the US have a Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951 and a Visiting Forces Agreement inked in 1998.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/edca-up-for-review-by-dutertes-legal-team/10051

US says EDCA is binding, reminds PH of aid after Yolanda

From Rappler (Oct 5): US says EDCA is binding, reminds PH of aid after Yolanda

US Press Secretary Josh Earnest says the American government is confident that Filipinos recognize the benefits of close ties with the US



WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING. US Press Secretary Josh Earnest highlights decades-long relations between the US and the Philippines. Photo from whitehouse.gov

US Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the military-to-military deal between the Philippines and the US that President Rodrigo Duterte is putting under review is a "binding" agreement that may only be withdrawn through a formal process. 
 

Earnest said the US remains "committed" to strengthen its alliance with the Philippines, noting US assistance to the Philippine military and the victims of the 2013 Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) that devastated the Visayas region.

 

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed in 2014 under the previous Aquino administration to increase US presence in the Philippines amid escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). It allows US forces to build facilities and place assets inside military bases.

 

"As it relates to the defense agreement, it's, of course, a binding one, and there's a formal process for withdrawing from it or changing it, and I'm not aware that that process has commenced in any way," Earnest said on Monday, October 3, at a regular White House press briefing in Washington, DC.

 

The briefing was held after the Philippine president questioned the validity of the agreement without the signature of Aquino, but before he told US President Barack Obama to "go to hell." These are the latest in a series of Duterte's tirades against the US, whose ties with the Philippines he is threatening to cut.

 

International agreements do not require a president's signature, however. EDCA was signed by Aquino's defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg. The deal has a period of 10 years and is renewable.

 

Duterte's pronouncements have not been translated to formal directives.

 

PH-China relationship doesn't undermine US

 

Earnest said Duterte's plan to strengthen alliances with China does not have to hurt its ties with the US, citing the relations of China with Japan and South Korea.

 

"Sometimes it's difficult to determine precisely what President Duterte's intent is in offering public comments, but if his intent is to seek a more effective relationship with China, that doesn’t undermine US positioning in that region of the world," Earnest said.

 

"When they've had conversations with President Xi [Jinping] or other senior Chinese officials, what we've said at every turn is that the United States believes it's in our interest for our closest friends in the Asia Pacific to have an effective working relationship with the Chinese," he said. (READ: Recalibrating PH-US alliance under Duterte)

 

Duterte was scheduled to meet Obama on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting in Laos in September, but their talks were cancelled after Duterte's "son of a bitch" comment.

 

Super Typhoon Yolanda

 

Earnest said the US remains "committed" to the Philippines, confident that Filipinos recognize the benefits of the alliance.

 

He cited Obama's state visit in Manila in 2014, a few hours after the signing of EDCA, where the US president showcased the transfer of a US Coast Guard vessel to the Philippine Navy to become its most capable warship.

 

He also cited US assistance to the small country's maritime security efforts, counter-terrorism campaign, and the rapid mobilization of US troops and assets in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013. (READ: Duterte's pivot to China won't be easy for Americanized AFP)

 

The same message was echoed by the Americans in Manila on Tuesday, October 4, during the opening ceremony of the Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercises (Phiblex). (READ: US, PH marines link arms amid uncertainty)

 

"The relationship building and capability enhancement [pays off] during natural disasters, thus allowing our combined troops to preserve life. Response in hours versus days helps us save lives.

 

This was proven in 2013 when Supertyphoon Yoalnda [hit the Philippines]. Within 4 hours, Ospreys arrived to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations," said Brigadier General John Jansen, commander of the US Marine 3rd Mechanized Brigade, in his speech at the ceremony.

 

US Marine Mike Wiley, one of the US officers who took the first C130 flight to Tacloban City after the typhoon, is among those who returned to the Philippines to join the war games that Duterte threatened to be the last.

 

"It's good to be back in the Philippines," said Wiley, refusing to comment on the uncertainty of future war games.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/148242-edca-binding-white-house-yolanda

DND chief Lorenzana says Duterte may be 'misinformed' on US alliance

From InterAksyon (Oct 5): DND chief Lorenzana says Duterte may be 'misinformed' on US alliance

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana sought to patch up cracks in a military alliance with the United States on Wednesday, saying President Rodrigo Duterte, who has appeared intent on scrapping joint programs, might be misinformed about their value.

Referring to recent strongly worded comments by Duterte, in which he has declared that the Philippines’ military gained little from US security ties, Lorenzana said the armed forces were still weak and the country got a lot out of the US relationship.

"That's why I said the President was misinformed, because I think the information he is getting is incomplete," Lorenzana told reporters, a day after the launch of the latest round of PHIBLEX military exercises involving troops from both sides.

"Maybe, the defense ministry and the armed forces were remiss in providing him the correct information. This, we will address in the coming days."

The United States has been on the receiving end of a torrent of hostility from Duterte, who was angered by US expressions of concern over his war on drugs.

On Tuesday, Duterte said US President Barack Obama should "go to hell" and that in his time, he might "break up" with Washington, with which Manila has had a security treaty since 1951.

[Read related story: Duterte tells Obama to 'go to hell', threatens to end PH alliance with US]

Last week, he also caused a stir when he said the PHIBLEX exercises would be "the last one" and on Sunday said a US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) would be reviewed.

That deal includes setting up storage facilities for maritime security, humanitarian and disaster response operations and grants US troops some access to Philippine bases.

Lorenzana said the ongoing exercises gave Philippine troops exposure to new guns, technology and body armor and training in warfare tactics, marksmanship and quick responses to natural disasters.

"According to him, only the American troops are benefiting from those exercises," he said, referring to President Duterte.

"But based on what we gathered from the GHQ (general headquarters) and army, there are (benefits)."

US officials have played down Duterte's remarks, focusing instead on the decades-long alliance which they have sought to bolster in recent years in response to China's moves to enforce its claims over the South China Sea.

The White House said on Tuesday the United States had not received any formal communications from Duterte's government about changing the relationship.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133039/dnd-chief-lorenzana-says-duterte-may-be-misinformed-on-us-alliance

Duterte tells Obama to 'go to hell', threatens to end PH alliance with US

From InterAksyon (Oct 5): Duterte tells Obama to 'go to hell', threatens to end PH alliance with US

Firebrand Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte told US President Barack Obama to "go to hell" Tuesday, as he threatened to end his nation's decades-old alliance with the United States in favor of China and Russia.

The fresh tirade came as the Philippines and the United States launched annual war games that Duterte had already warned may be the last of his presidency, in response to US criticism of his deadly war on crime.

In his latest salvo, Duterte said he had lost respect for the United States and railed at its concerns about his bloody war on drugs, calling his critics "fools" who could not stop him carrying out a campaign that has killed more than 3,400 people in just over three months.

"I have lost my respect for America," Duterte said as he complained at length in two speeches about calls by the United States, the United Nations and the European Union to respect human rights.

He said the United States should have supported the Philippines in tackling its chronic drugs problems but instead criticized him for the high death toll, as did the European Union.

"Instead of helping us, the first to hit was the (US) State Department. So you can go to hell, Mr Obama, you can go to hell," he said.

"EU, better choose purgatory. Hell is full already. Why should I be afraid of you?"

Duterte also branded Americans "hypocrites" and warned there may come a time when he would completely break the two nations' alliance, which includes a mutual defense pact.

His comments were the latest in a near-daily avalanche of hostility toward the United States, during which Duterte has started to contrast the former colonial power with its geopolitical rivals Russia and China.

"Eventually I might in my term, break up with America. I would rather go to Russia or to China.
Even if we do not agree with their ideology, they have respect for the people. Respect is important," he said.

Duterte, who took office on June 30, has said the top priority of his six-year term is eradicating illegal drugs in society, and he is "happy to slaughter" three million addicts to achieve his goal.

More than 3,400 people have died in the crime war so far, according to official figures, with rights groups warning of vigilante death squads carrying out mass murder and a general breakdown in the rule of law.

Although he uses fierce rhetoric, Duterte insists he is not breaking any laws, that police are killing only in self defense and many of the other deaths are as a result of gang wars.

'The right way'

Nevertheless, a UN rights envoy has warned Duterte may be breaking international law with incitements to kill.

Obama also last month urged Duterte at a regional summit in Laos to respect the rule of law and carry out his drug war "the right way".

Before flying to Laos for the ASEAN Summit, Duterte told reporters that he would curse Obama if he lectures him on human rights in connection with the drug-related killings.

Military ties between the Philippines and the United States had grown stronger in recent years partly in response to China's expanding presence in the strategically vital South China Sea.

China claims nearly all of the sea, even waters close to the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations, and has in recent years built artificial islands in the disputed areas that are capable of hosting military bases.

To counter China, the Philippines' previous president, Benigno Aquino III, sought to draw the United States closer.

This included the signing on 2014 of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a new US-Philippines defense pact that allowed thousands more US soldiers to rotate through the Philippines and for American military hardware to be stationed on Filipino bases for maritime security and humanitarian and disaster response operations.

Aquino also launched international legal action that in July saw a UN-backed tribunal declare China's vast claims in the sea illegal.

However, Duterte has reversed course, warning he wants to scrap the new pact and that he will not allow any more joint patrols with the United States in the South China Sea.

On Tuesday, Duterte told Filipinos they could not count on the United States, the Philippines' former colonial ruler.

"Don't believe in those Americans; they will not fight to die for us," he said.

In a tangential, at times profane speech in Manila, Duterte said the United States did not want to sell missiles and other weapons, but he did not care because Russia and China had told him they could provide them easily.

"Although it may sound shit to you, it is my sacred duty to keep the integrity of this republic and the people healthy," Duterte said in his second of two televised speeches on Tuesday.

"If you don't want to sell arms, I'll go to Russia. I sent the generals to Russia and Russia said 'do not worry we have everything you need, we'll give it to you'.

"And as for China, they said 'just come over and sign and everything will be delivered'."
On Sunday, he said he had got support from Russia and China when he complained to them about the United States.

About 2,000 American and Filipino troops are taking part in the eight-day war games, which will be held partly in waters near the disputed areas of the South China Sea.

In speeches to launch the exercises in Manila, military chiefs from both sides acted as if relations were normal.

"I am confident that we will continue to build our partnership and capabilities together," the 3rd US Marine Expeditionary Force deputy commander, Brigadier General John Jansen, said at the opening ceremony.

However a statement released by the US Embassy in Manila, hinted at the tensions.

"We will continue to honor our alliance commitments, and we expect the Philippines to do the same," embassy spokeswoman Molly Koscina said in the statement.

According to some US officials, Washington has been doing its best to ignore Duterte's rhetoric and not provide him with a pretext for more outbursts.

While an open break with Manila would create problems in a region where China's influence has grown, there were no serious discussions about taking punitive steps such as cutting aid to the Philippines, two US officials said on Monday.

Several of Duterte's allies on Monday suggested he act more like a statesman because his comments had created a stir. On Tuesday, he said his outbursts were because he was provoked by criticism of his crackdown on drugs.

"When you are already at the receiving end of an uncontrollable rush, the only way out is to insult," he said.

"That is my retaliation."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133017/duterte-tells-obama-to-go-to-hell-threatens-to-end-ph-alliance-with-us

ANALYSIS | Not so easy for Duterte's inclination to reduce reliance on U.S. arms

From InterAksyon (Oct 5): ANALYSIS | Not so easy for Duterte's inclination to reduce reliance on U.S. arms

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would face major obstacles to following through on his threat to reduce purchases of U.S. weapons in favor of Russian and Chinese arms, including re-training a military deeply accustomed to working with the United States, experts said on Tuesday.

Duterte said in speeches in Manila on Tuesday that the United States did not want to sell missiles and other weapons to the Philippines, but that Russia and China had told him they could provide them easily.

His comments were the latest in a near-daily barrage of hostility toward the United States that has raised questions about the long-standing alliance that is important to the U.S. strategy of rebalancing its forces toward Asia and countering an assertive China.

Angered by U.S. expressions of concern over his war on drugs, Duterte has called President Barack Obama a "son of a bitch," threatened to call off joint military exercises with Washington and started to contrast the former colonial power with its geopolitical rivals Russia and China.

U.S. officials have downplayed Duterte's remarks, focusing instead on the decades-long alliance which they have sought to bolster in recent years in response to China's moves to enforce its claims over the South China Sea. The White House said on Tuesday the United States had not received any formal communications from Duterte's government about changing the relationship.

The United States is the single largest provider of arms to the Philippines, according to figures maintained by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which tracks military expenditures globally.

The two countries have become more intertwined militarily in the last two years, holding more exercises and training, and making more U.S. ship and aircraft visits under President Barack Obama's shift of U.S. military forces and diplomatic efforts toward Asia in the face of China's rise.

FOREIGN MILITARY FINANCING

The Philippines is the largest recipient of U.S. funds in the Asia-Pacific region under the Foreign Military Financing program, which is provided by the United States to help countries purchase American-made weapons and equipment. It received $50 million under FMF in the 2015 fiscal year.

That dependence on U.S. weapons and systems means the Philippine military would have to re-tool its command-and-control structure if it wanted to switch to Chinese or Russian systems, said Richard Javad Heydarian, a professor at De La Salle University in Manila and a former advisor to the Philippines House of Representatives.

"There will be some problems with configuration," Heydarian said. "It takes years for the Philippines' army to re-orient itself with new technology."

The Philippines spent $3.9 billion on its military in 2015, according to SIPRI data. That spending has risen nearly every year since 2010, when it stood at $2.4 billion, the data show.

DEEP TIES

Though Russia in particular could offer high-quality weapons systems, the Philippines would have to take into account their interoperability with existing American stock, said Lyle Goldstein, an expert on Chinese maritime issues at the U.S. Naval War College.

"You can't just buy a radar from this country and a missile from that country," Goldstein said. "The weaponry has to work together."

He noted that many Philippine officers were educated in the United States, linking the countries' military cultures closely.

The military relationship between the United States and the Philippines goes well beyond arms sales, extending to training exercises and support for maintenance.

Russia and China do not have the same reputation of providing comprehensive training and support, said Amy Searight, until earlier this year the U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for South and Southeast Asia.

"The United States is well known for being quite good at that full spectrum of support to build capabilities," said Searight, now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "It's not just the weapons or the armaments or vehicles or equipment. It's using those to build real capabilities."

Most likely, Duterte's aim is to signal to China that he is willing to tinker with existing U.S.-Philippines military cooperation, even if on the margins, Heydarian said.

That might mean relocating the annual U.S.-Philippines "Balikatan" military exercises away from the South China Sea, or refusing to further expand American military access to Philippine bases, he said.

Duterte could also be trying to strengthen his position in order to get better prices on military equipment from the United States, experts said. Russian and Chinese weapons are typically cheaper than American systems.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133019/analysis--not-so-easy-for-dutertes-inclination-to-reduce-reliance-on-u-s--arms

Kalinga’s CLIP to monitor FR livelihood assistance projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 4): Kalinga’s CLIP to monitor FR livelihood assistance projects

Members of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program Committee (CLIPC) will monitor progress of livelihood assistance awarded to former rebels (FR).

They also agreed to establish internal policies to speed up processing and release of immediate assistance and other benefits including the creation of a data base to avoid duplication of applicants availing of benefits.

Six former rebels were assisted from January to June this year. Two were awarded their cash assistance during the Committee’s  September 27 meeting.

One  FR  was given P97,000.00 check assistance representing immediate assistance of P15,000.00, P50,000.00 for pig raising livelihood, and P32,000.00 as remuneration of his surrendered M16 Armalite. Payment of another Garand rifle he surrendered was not yet released.

The other FR received P65, 000.00 in check representing P15, 000.00 immediate assistance and P50, 000.00 livelihood assistance to raise pigs. He did not surrender any firearm.

Acting Governor James Edduba said the provincial LGU puts peace and order as its priority in its development thrusts in support to Pres. Duterte’s campaign to resolve internal conflicts, illegal drugs, graft and corruption.

He assured the province’s financial support to sustain the CLIP and the forging of memorandum of agreement between stakeholders of CLIP to pool their resources for the upliftment of former rebels’ lives them not to return back to the mountains.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/171474960816/kalinga-s-clip-to-monitor-fr-livelihood-assistance-projects-

1FAB conducts howitzer, disaster response operations squad challenge .

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 4): 1FAB conducts howitzer, disaster response operations squad challenge .

The 1st Field Artillery Battalion (1FAB), Army Artillery Regiment (AAR) conducted the Howitzer and Disaster Response Operation (DRO) Squad Challenge on September 25-October 2 with this year’s theme: “Artilero: Kabalikat sa larangan ng bayanihan tungo sa kapayapaan, kaunlaran at tunay na pagbabago.”

LtCol. Archie A. Ares, executive officer of 1FAB said the week-long event aimed to highlight the 1FAB’s 30th founding anniversary on October 14 and aligned with the AAR’s thrust in strengthening squad’s combat capabilities and readiness, teamwork, physical stamina, and mental capabilities,  as well as in disaster rescue and relief operations.

Ares said the event tested the collective efforts and stability of the participating squads as they endure different tests that encompassed both their combat and disaster risk reduction (DRR) operations capabilities.

The event was participated by five (5) squads from AAR’s field units, namely: Alpha battery in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Bravo battery 1FAB in Pinan, Zamboanga del Norte, Bravo battery 3FAB in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, Charlie company in Marawi City, and Headquarter’s battery in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. 

The squads, Ares said, competed in the following events: land navigation, map reading, firearms assembly and disassembly, combat swimming, life saving, platoon run, knot tying, signal communications, and squad attack, among others.

Ares said the competition further aimed to strengthen the capabilities of the squads as the basic fighting unit of the AAR and to make them ready and competent in the performance of their duty serving the people and securing the land.

The winners will receive trophies and certificates during the anniversary celebration on Oct. 14 with Col. Eddie Asis, the army regiment commander as guest of honor and speaker.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371475569366/1fab-conducts-howitzer-disaster-response-operations-squad-challenge

Ceasefire, amnesty up in Oslo 2nd round of talks

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5): Ceasefire, amnesty up in Oslo 2nd round of talks

Negotiating panels of the Philippine government (GRP) and the communist-led National Democratic Front (NDF) are expected to exchange drafts on the proposed bilateral ceasefire and craft an amnesty proclamation as peace talks are set to resume in Oslo, Norway, Thursday, October 6.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said that they hope to come up with a ceasefire agreement that will include joint monitoring and possibly with a third-party overseer.

“The previous ceasefires were unilateral. We need to craft mechanisms to monitor violations and resolve conflicts and issues arising from them,” Dureza explained.

While the unilateral ceasefires declared by both the GRP and the NDF were indefinite in nature, the presidential peace adviser said the government is eyeing a more permanent cessation of hostilities.

“These can only be done if we are able to agree on the more substantial issues of social and economic reforms. These are the more contentious issues and we expect humps and bumps during the peace negotiations,” Dureza added.

Both panels have already crafted drafts on the Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER), which is described as the ‘meat’ of the peace talks.

The end of hostilities and disposition of forces—the other substantive agenda of the peace talks—hinge on the success of CASER, along with political and constitutional reforms.

Dureza, however, is confident that the inspiration provided by President Rodrigo Duterte will enable both parties to pull the peace process through.

“He may not be capable of elegant language, as you have noticed, but he has pure spirit and heart in wanting to have peace in the land," Dureza said on Friday, September 30, at the closing ceremony of the 2016 National Peace Consciousness Month.

GRP peace panel head and Labor Secretary Silvestre ‘Bebot’ Bello III meanwhile said that a draft amnesty proclamation is already ready for submission during the second round of peace talks.

“The list has been narrowed down to just over 400 from a high of more than 500. As per agreement during the formal resumption of the peace talks in August, the proclamation will only cover NDF members currently detained,” Bello elaborated.

He said the president, with the concurrence of Congress, could declare a general amnesty once the peace talks are brought to a successful conclusion.

Bello, however, said both negotiating panels will also have to hurdle issues on political and constitutional reforms in addition to the social and economic reform agenda for the peace talks to succeed.

The Philippine government is confident that it will be able to strike a deal with the communist rebels by August next year.

Peace talks between Philippine government and the NDF have been going on and off over the last 30 years with over 40 rounds of formal and informal talks.

Every time, however, the negotiations are scuttled due to hard line demands from both sides.

In July, President Duterte ordered the release of 22 detained NDF consultants, 16 of them later joined the first round of Oslo talks in August, to fulfill a campaign promise and to jumpstart the peace negotiations.

He also declared a unilateral ceasefire during his State of the Nation Address only to lift it later after the communist rebels ambushed a combined Army-CAFGU patrol.

The president nevertheless re-imposed the unilateral ceasefire on the eve of the August Oslo talks, which the NDF reciprocated with an indefinite and unilateral ceasefire of their own. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141475557960/ceasefire-amnesty-up-in-oslo-2nd-round-of-talks

Army boss says peace talk, cease fire deal pave way for recruitment of reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Army boss says peace talk, cease fire deal pave way for recruitment of reds

A Philippine Army(PA) official here said the government’s peace process and ceasefire agreement with the New People’s Army(NPA) pave the way for recruitment activities by the rebels.

Lt. Colonel Rolando Mangigil, commander of the army’s 54th Infantry Batallion based in barangay Bagumbayan in Dupax del Sur town said rebels who only frequented the villages near the tri-boundary of the province also pushed their recruitment efforts in Nueva Vizcaya’s central towns.

“It is good that as of this moment, no new members were recruited yet. We are encouraging our local officials to be more vigilant and report these activities to us,” he said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council(PPOC) meeting at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center(NVPC) in this town.

Before the government’s peace offer to the NPA, Mangigil said their remnants were only concentrated within the tri-boundary provinces of Nueva Vizcaya such as Nueva Ecija, Quirino, Ifugao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=928456

Army seeks cooperation of Muslim clerics in fight vs. extremists

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Army seeks cooperation of Muslim clerics in fight vs. extremists

Military authorities and Muslim Religious Leaders (MRL) have formed an alliance of cooperation to get rid Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur of suspected jihadist and extremists.

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, invited MRLs in the division's area of jurisdiction to seek their support in the fight against extremism and armed men sympathetic to international terrorist groups.

Galvez sought the cooperation of clerics from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and from the local "Darul Ifta" (Islamic House of Opinion), an organization of MRLs in Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Lanao del Sur.

Galvez, a known peace advocate and former chair of the government ceasefire committee, said it is important for major stakeholders to take active roles in promoting Islamic principles on fraternalism, universal love, respect for non-Muslims and freedom in religion.

He said MRLs have big roles to play in preventing extremist recruitment activities of young Moro in less developed areas in three adjoining provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

In a statement, Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu has expressed his all out support to the initiative of Gen. Galvez.

Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur have been identified as recruitment areas for Moro extremists that expressed support to Islamic State of Iraq and Syria but military authorities said it is yet to confirm the existence of genuine ISIS in the region.

The outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) remained to be the biggest threat to security in Maguindanao while armed groups which pledge allegiance to ISIS operate in Lanao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=928728

Army, PNP launch manhunt against abductors of trader, friend

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Army, PNP launch manhunt against abductors of trader, friend

Police and military authorities have launched manhunt against armed men who abducted Tuesday afternoon a trader and his companion along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue, Cotabato City, police said.

Senior Inspector Rowel Zafra, Cotabato City police spokesperson, identified the victim as TJ Tagadaya Macabalang, 30, owner and manager of Stickerwerkz and his friend, Wendel Apostol Factoral, 32, both residents of Krislamville, Barangay Rosary Heights 6, Cotabato City.

Macabalang is owner and proprietor of Stickerwerks, a tarpauline and sticker business. He is also engaged in motor vehicle buy and sell business.

Teng Macabalang, the trader’s father, told police his son was to meet a prospective buyer of a motorbike along Gov. Gutierrez Avenue at about 3 p.m. when gunmen forced them into a Toyota Innova despite their resistance.

The Innova fled to unknown direction followed by a van without license plates.

Zafra said the police only learned of the abduction at about 6 p.m. when the father reported the incident to Police Station 2.

“We are looking at many angles and possible motives of the abduction,” Zafra told reporters, adding that investigation is still going on.

The alleged abduction came despite an intensified campaign by the city police and Army Special Forces against loose firearms, illegal drugs and criminality.

In September last year, unidentified men also seized Ishmael "Micky" Imam Glang, 27, sticker and tarpaulin designer of Stickerwerkz. He was found dead 20 days later.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=928689

PMC says commitment to PHL security made them PHIBLEX supporters

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): PMC says commitment to PHL security made them PHIBLEX supporters

Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) commandant Major Gen. Andre Costales said the commitment to provide better security to the country has made them active partners to the ongoing Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) which formally started Tuesday.

"(Commitment is) the value which started the engagements and exercises for PHIBLEX, and the value which keeps us going. Our commitment to the rendering service to provide security has brought us this part and it has been continuously updated, upgraded to stand with the advancements of technology, demands of natural and man-made threats, and hybridized warfare strategies," he added.

PHIBLEX started Tuesday and will end on October 12. It will take place in selected areas in Luzon and Palawan.

Around 1,400 US military personnel and 500 Filipino soldiers will be taking part in the 33rd iteration of the exercises this year.

"Along with the changes, PHIBLEX has not been exempted from the tests of cultural differences, resource and mobility challenges, and external criticisms. yet, our forerunners kept their word, and that’s commitment. I am sure, all of us know what is expected from your marines and from our successors, our commitment – persistent, unbroken," the PMC head added.

Through maintaining the country's commitment to the conduct of PHIBLEX, Costales said PMC has been able to contribute to the attainment of national objectives pertinent to our international defense and security engagement program.

"Through PHIBLEX, we are able to focus on opportunities that enable my marines to develop capability and enhance personnel capacity to address various challenges that are regularly identified, cultivate support from our domestic allies for national initiatives and priorities and promote cooperation in addressing regional and international issues," he added.

"I suppose our strategic allies also stand by the same principle. With goodwill, I have boundless faith that the commitment of my marines is also the commitment of domestic and regional stakeholders in terms of military integration and inter-operability," Costales concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928735

US Marines officer sees very bright future for Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): US Marines officer sees very bright future for Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy

The future of the Philippine Marine Corps along with the Philippine Navy is very bright as proven by its acquisition of its amphibious ships and landing craft.

This was observed by US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander Brig. Gen. John Jansen during the opening of the 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) Tuesday.

"And as we move into the future, the Philippine Marine Corps along with the Philippine Navy are building new capabilities to make this training even more relevant. With the recent acquisition of the amphibious ship the BRP Tarlac, the future acquisition of its sister ship the BRP Davao Del Sur, and the acquisition of new Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAVs), the Philippines Navy-Marine Corps team will be even more capable to respond to any event from the sea," he added.

PHIBLEX opened Tuesday and will end on October 12. Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 Filipino troops will participate in the eight-day maneuvers which will take place in Luzon and Palawan.

"An example from our experience, AAVs were integral to reaching flooded areas in response to Hurricane Katrina. This critical capability is one that the Philippine Marine Corps can use to serve its own citizens during natural disasters," Jansen pointed out.

"Each event flexes a different muscle in the machines that make up our unique military forces. The closer we come to mastering amphibious capabilities together, the better prepared we will be to combat any threat that may present itself," he further said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928748

Amphibious landing capability also a life saver during disasters

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5): Amphibious landing capability also a life saver during disasters

Aside from its military applications, amphibious landings can also save lives during disasters.

"This landing is not just about projecting power from sea to shore, it is about growing a capability; a capability that has saved lives during times of crisis. This unique amphibious acumen has enabled our combined forces to bring in water, medical supplies and relief whether by helicopter or landing craft," US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commander Brig. Gen. John Jansen said.

He made this statement during the opening day of the 33rd iteration Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) Tuesday.

"The relationship building and capability enhancement serves as the absolute bedrock during a natural disaster thus allowing for our combined efforts to preserve life to be complementary and timely response in hours versus days equates to saved lives," Jansen added.

This concept was proven when typhoon 'Haiyan' (Yolanda) made landfall in Guiuan, Eastern Samar on November 8, 2013.

"Within four hours, Ospreys from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, arrived to support the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The MV-22s evacuated more than 1,200 people while delivering over 20 tons of supplies none of which would have been possible without the Philippine Government and military’s fast actions, and the practice we all receive during exercises.

Our forces have come together again and again, in 2013 for the Bohol Earthquake and typhoon Bopha, typhoon Washi in 2011, typhoon Frank in 2008, and typhoon Reming in 2006," Jansen stressed.

PHIBLEX started on Tuesday and will end on October 12. It will take place in various areas in Luzon and Palawan.

Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 Filipino troops will take part in the eight-day event.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=928772