From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 19): PHL SECURITY THREAT | New AFP Campaign Plan
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to introduce its new campaign plan aimed at defeating the country’s different security threats.
According to AFP Public Affairs Office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, the still to be named campaign plan will be replacing the successfull but soon to end “Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan.”
The new campaign plan will be formally announced on the AFP’s 81st Anniversary on Wednesday, Decembe 21, 2016 which is about the militarys possible role in nation building and defeating the enemies of the state or any threats to national security.
IPSP “Bayanihan” was first implemented on Dec. 22, 2010 which provided the AFP with the strategic guidance in the performance of their mandated functions of protecting the state and the people. It is to help the AFP units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security.
Meanwhile, this years anniversary celebration carry’s the theme: “Conquering Challenges, Harnessing Change.” AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/12/19/phl-security-threat-new-afp-campaign-plan/
Monday, December 19, 2016
DWDD: PINNING OF RANK | Army dons stars to new generals
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 19): PINNING OF RANK | Army dons stars to new generals
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army donned new star ranks to four senior Army officers in a simple ceremony held at Headquarters Philippine Army here today.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda led the donning of ranks to the new sets of senior officers who have diligently earned their second and first stars.
Brig. Gens. Robert M. Arevalo, the Army Chief of Staff and Danilo G. Pamonag, Commander of the Army’s Special Operation Command were promoted to Major Generals, respectively.
Cols. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr and Gilbert I. Gapay received their first-star rank.
Manangquil is the current Commander of 101st Brigade of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu, while Gapay is the Assistant Division Commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac.
Meanwhile, the Army chief said that bearing a star on one’s soldier symbolizes the pennant of a fruitful military career after overcoming bumps and obstacles along the way.
“In the dedicated and committed service of our promotees, they have displayed nothing but exceptional leadership skills. Not only are they exemplars of professionalism and service excellence, they are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to attain a just and long-lasting peace,” said Miranda.
Miranda also reminded the newly-promoted generals of the Army’s major thrusts and priority tasks, “the stars that you now bear on your shoulder come with greater responsibilities. I count on your continued support for the successful attainment of our objectives and exert efforts in sustaining our operational readiness at the highest level possible. We must not forget that our core competency remains to be war fighting.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/12/19/pinning-of-rank-army-dons-stars-to-new-generals/
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army donned new star ranks to four senior Army officers in a simple ceremony held at Headquarters Philippine Army here today.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda led the donning of ranks to the new sets of senior officers who have diligently earned their second and first stars.
Brig. Gens. Robert M. Arevalo, the Army Chief of Staff and Danilo G. Pamonag, Commander of the Army’s Special Operation Command were promoted to Major Generals, respectively.
Cols. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr and Gilbert I. Gapay received their first-star rank.
Manangquil is the current Commander of 101st Brigade of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu, while Gapay is the Assistant Division Commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac.
Meanwhile, the Army chief said that bearing a star on one’s soldier symbolizes the pennant of a fruitful military career after overcoming bumps and obstacles along the way.
“In the dedicated and committed service of our promotees, they have displayed nothing but exceptional leadership skills. Not only are they exemplars of professionalism and service excellence, they are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to attain a just and long-lasting peace,” said Miranda.
Miranda also reminded the newly-promoted generals of the Army’s major thrusts and priority tasks, “the stars that you now bear on your shoulder come with greater responsibilities. I count on your continued support for the successful attainment of our objectives and exert efforts in sustaining our operational readiness at the highest level possible. We must not forget that our core competency remains to be war fighting.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2016/12/19/pinning-of-rank-army-dons-stars-to-new-generals/
MILF: TAF Country Representative Rood bids farewell to MILF Leadership
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Dec 18): TAF Country Representative Rood bids farewell to MILF Leadership
Dr. Steven A. Rood, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Representative to the Philippines is retiring soon after seventeen years with the TAF.
In a visit to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its Administrative Base at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last December 17, Dr. Rood with a heavy heart informed MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of his decision to retire from the TAF.
Dr. Rood represents TAF as a member of the International Contact Group (ICG) for the Mindanao Peace Process established in 2009 by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Dr. Rood is also a member of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) formally established in 2013.
Al Haj Murad and Dr. Rood in their brief meeting have also taken up some issues on how and why the BBL failed to pass the congress during the 16th Congress.
A friendly end-up meeting and a cheerful conversation occurred between MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad and Dr.Rood. The MILF Leadership expressed thanks and gratitude to The Asia Foundation and to Dr. Rood who had been a reliable partner in the peace-making.
During his stint in the country as Country Representative of The Asia Foundation, the Foundation had funded countless of projects and programs in Mindanao, some of them were capacity and competency programs for MILF members and local inhabitants who are affiliated with the Moro Front.
A great number of these capacity and competency programs were either held in the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato City and in other parts of Mindanao.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1003-taf-country-representative-rood-bids-farewell-to-milf-leadership
Dr. Steven A. Rood, The Asia Foundation (TAF) Representative to the Philippines is retiring soon after seventeen years with the TAF.
In a visit to the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its Administrative Base at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last December 17, Dr. Rood with a heavy heart informed MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim of his decision to retire from the TAF.
Dr. Rood is also a member of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) formally established in 2013.
Al Haj Murad and Dr. Rood in their brief meeting have also taken up some issues on how and why the BBL failed to pass the congress during the 16th Congress.
A friendly end-up meeting and a cheerful conversation occurred between MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad and Dr.Rood. The MILF Leadership expressed thanks and gratitude to The Asia Foundation and to Dr. Rood who had been a reliable partner in the peace-making.
During his stint in the country as Country Representative of The Asia Foundation, the Foundation had funded countless of projects and programs in Mindanao, some of them were capacity and competency programs for MILF members and local inhabitants who are affiliated with the Moro Front.
A great number of these capacity and competency programs were either held in the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, Cotabato City and in other parts of Mindanao.
http://www.luwaran.net/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/1003-taf-country-representative-rood-bids-farewell-to-milf-leadership
Yasay reiterates: Duterte will not deviate from tribunal ruling on South China Sea
From the Philippine Star (Dec 19): Yasay reiterates: Duterte will not deviate from tribunal ruling on South China Sea
The Philippines' top diplomat assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte will not deviate from the ruling of an arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea dispute despite revitalizing bilateral ties with China.
Duterte earlier said that he will "set aside" the milestone ruling to mend relations with China that grew hostile over the territorial disputes.
"In the play of politics, now, I will set aside the arbitral ruling. I will not impose anything on China," Duterte said.
READ: Duterte says he'll set aside sea feud ruling against China
On the other hand, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. stressed that the Philippine government adheres to the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling on the disputed waters.
"I also wish to reiterate what the President has stated in the past that he will not deviate from the four corners of the ruling," Yasay said in a statement released Monday.
Last July, the arbitral tribunal ruled that China violated its commitment to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when it started building artificial islands in the South China Sea.
The tribunal also concluded that China's nine-dash line claim over the contested waters does not have a legal basis.
Yasay stressed that the country is a state party to the 1982 UNCLOS and that the Philippine Constitution accepts the principles in the treaty as part of national law.
"As such, the Philippines will respect its rights and responsibilities under these treaties, including those rights recently reaffirmed by the July 12th ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal on maritime entitlements in the South China Sea," Yasay said.
He noted that the Philippine government will continue to strengthen bilateral ties with China until it has reached a "trust level" which will allow them to discuss the maritime dispute.
"This we will continue to do for the foreseeable future, until such time that we achieve a trust level that will allow us to discuss the more sensitive issues in our bilateral relations," the Foreign Affairs chief said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/12/19/1654964/yasay-reiterates-duterte-will-not-deviate-tribunal-ruling-south-china
The Philippines' top diplomat assured the public that President Rodrigo Duterte will not deviate from the ruling of an arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea dispute despite revitalizing bilateral ties with China.
Duterte earlier said that he will "set aside" the milestone ruling to mend relations with China that grew hostile over the territorial disputes.
"In the play of politics, now, I will set aside the arbitral ruling. I will not impose anything on China," Duterte said.
READ: Duterte says he'll set aside sea feud ruling against China
"I also wish to reiterate what the President has stated in the past that he will not deviate from the four corners of the ruling," Yasay said in a statement released Monday.
Last July, the arbitral tribunal ruled that China violated its commitment to the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) when it started building artificial islands in the South China Sea.
The tribunal also concluded that China's nine-dash line claim over the contested waters does not have a legal basis.
Yasay stressed that the country is a state party to the 1982 UNCLOS and that the Philippine Constitution accepts the principles in the treaty as part of national law.
"As such, the Philippines will respect its rights and responsibilities under these treaties, including those rights recently reaffirmed by the July 12th ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal on maritime entitlements in the South China Sea," Yasay said.
He noted that the Philippine government will continue to strengthen bilateral ties with China until it has reached a "trust level" which will allow them to discuss the maritime dispute.
"This we will continue to do for the foreseeable future, until such time that we achieve a trust level that will allow us to discuss the more sensitive issues in our bilateral relations," the Foreign Affairs chief said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/12/19/1654964/yasay-reiterates-duterte-will-not-deviate-tribunal-ruling-south-china
Oplan Bayanihan ends as Duterte orders AFP to support NDF talks
From Rappler (Dec 19): Oplan Bayanihan ends as Duterte orders AFP to support NDF talks
(UPDATED) The communist rebels have long called for the abolition of Oplan Bayanihan, which they claim is behind alleged human rights abuses committed by the military in the countryside
The Philippine military's counter-insurgency campaign "Oplan Bayanihan" ends this month, paving the way for a new campaign plan that will take into account the ongoing peace talks with communist rebels.
It's a policy decision that will please the communist guerrillas, who have long been campaigning against Bayanihan.
"We will be implementing the new campaign plan starting January 2017. There will be no formal launching but the CSAFP (chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Eduardo Año) is expected to announce it in his anniversary speech," said AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo on Sunday, December 18. The AFP will celebrate its 81st anniversary on Wednesday, December 21. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to lead the celebration in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
A source privy to the preparation of the new campaign plan said it will reflect Duterte's orders to the military to support peace talks with the communist rebels.
The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan or "Oplan Bayanihan" is a public document detailing the military strategy under the previous Aquino administration to address security threats.
It's an offshoot of Oplan Bantay Laya, the counter-insurgency campaign under the Arroyo administration, that was blamed for the extrajudicial killings of political activitists at the time.
Oplan Bayanihan supports peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front while seeking to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group and the then dominant foreign terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), following a policy of non-negotiation.
In the case of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the military sought to diminish the armed group until it becomes "irrelevant," and the rebels are forced to abandon the armed struggle and go back to the negotiating table.
The military has credited Oplan Bayanihan for "clearing" several areas where the NPA was present. The military claims the rebels are now down to 2,000 armed combatants.
The NPA and leftist organizations, on the other hand, blame Oplan Bayanihan for alleged human rights abuses committed by the military in the countryside. They had long called for its abolition, stepping up their campaign against it after the peace talks resumed.
Talks between the communist rebels and the Duterte administration formally resumed in August. It paved the way for unprecedented unilateral ceasefires between the military and the NPA, which have been holding for 4 months now although both camps have reported complaints. The government also committed amnesty for political prisoners.
If issues are resolved, a more stable bilateral ceasefire will be signed before the 3rd round of talks in January. (READ: PH, NDF closer to signing joint ceasefire deal)
The CPP and the NPA are responsible for the longest running communist insurgency in Asia. The CPP is celebrating its 48th anniversary on December 26 through "peace rallies" nationwide.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155925-oplan-bayanihan-ends
(UPDATED) The communist rebels have long called for the abolition of Oplan Bayanihan, which they claim is behind alleged human rights abuses committed by the military in the countryside
SUPPORT TALKS WITH LEFT. President Rodrigo Duterte asks the military to support his peace initiatives with communist rebels. Rappler photo
The Philippine military's counter-insurgency campaign "Oplan Bayanihan" ends this month, paving the way for a new campaign plan that will take into account the ongoing peace talks with communist rebels.
It's a policy decision that will please the communist guerrillas, who have long been campaigning against Bayanihan.
"We will be implementing the new campaign plan starting January 2017. There will be no formal launching but the CSAFP (chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Eduardo Año) is expected to announce it in his anniversary speech," said AFP Public Affairs Office chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo on Sunday, December 18. The AFP will celebrate its 81st anniversary on Wednesday, December 21. President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to lead the celebration in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
A source privy to the preparation of the new campaign plan said it will reflect Duterte's orders to the military to support peace talks with the communist rebels.
The Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan or "Oplan Bayanihan" is a public document detailing the military strategy under the previous Aquino administration to address security threats.
It's an offshoot of Oplan Bantay Laya, the counter-insurgency campaign under the Arroyo administration, that was blamed for the extrajudicial killings of political activitists at the time.
Oplan Bayanihan supports peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front while seeking to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group and the then dominant foreign terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), following a policy of non-negotiation.
In the case of the New People's Army (NPA), the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the military sought to diminish the armed group until it becomes "irrelevant," and the rebels are forced to abandon the armed struggle and go back to the negotiating table.
The military has credited Oplan Bayanihan for "clearing" several areas where the NPA was present. The military claims the rebels are now down to 2,000 armed combatants.
The NPA and leftist organizations, on the other hand, blame Oplan Bayanihan for alleged human rights abuses committed by the military in the countryside. They had long called for its abolition, stepping up their campaign against it after the peace talks resumed.
Talks between the communist rebels and the Duterte administration formally resumed in August. It paved the way for unprecedented unilateral ceasefires between the military and the NPA, which have been holding for 4 months now although both camps have reported complaints. The government also committed amnesty for political prisoners.
If issues are resolved, a more stable bilateral ceasefire will be signed before the 3rd round of talks in January. (READ: PH, NDF closer to signing joint ceasefire deal)
The CPP and the NPA are responsible for the longest running communist insurgency in Asia. The CPP is celebrating its 48th anniversary on December 26 through "peace rallies" nationwide.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155925-oplan-bayanihan-ends
Duterte to release around 20 political prisoners by Dec 25 – Bello
From Rappler (Dec 19): Duterte to release around 20 political prisoners by Dec 25 – Bello
Some of those likely to be released may be asked to join the ongoing peace talks, says chief government negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III
CHRISTMAS RELEASE. In this file photo, members of the government panel discuss the process of releasing political prisoners. File photo by Edwin Espejo/OPAPP
Around 20 political prisoners are likely to be released by President Rodrigo Duterte before Christmas, December 25, said government panel chief negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Bello, in a chance interview with reporters on Monday, December 19, said "around 20" political detainees may be released.
"Mostly these are the sickly, elderly, and women," said Bello. Asked if they will be released before December 25, he said, "Dapat (Should be)."
They will be released on humanitarian grounds or bail recognizance. One to 3 of those released may join peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front, the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The two sides are set to resume formal peace talks in Rome early next year.
The Left is currently demanding the immediate release of around 130 political detainees out of the total 432.
Duterte, however, wants the government panel and NDF to first sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement before he releases the 130 prisoners.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/156006-duterte-release-20-political-prisoners-december-25
Some of those likely to be released may be asked to join the ongoing peace talks, says chief government negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III
CHRISTMAS RELEASE. In this file photo, members of the government panel discuss the process of releasing political prisoners. File photo by Edwin Espejo/OPAPP
Around 20 political prisoners are likely to be released by President Rodrigo Duterte before Christmas, December 25, said government panel chief negotiator and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.
Bello, in a chance interview with reporters on Monday, December 19, said "around 20" political detainees may be released.
"Mostly these are the sickly, elderly, and women," said Bello. Asked if they will be released before December 25, he said, "Dapat (Should be)."
They will be released on humanitarian grounds or bail recognizance. One to 3 of those released may join peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front, the negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The two sides are set to resume formal peace talks in Rome early next year.
The Left is currently demanding the immediate release of around 130 political detainees out of the total 432.
Duterte, however, wants the government panel and NDF to first sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement before he releases the 130 prisoners.
The Duterte government has so far released at least 20 political prisoners, including alleged New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon, so they could participate in the talks.
But the release of the rest is taking “way too long,” the CPP has said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/156006-duterte-release-20-political-prisoners-december-25
PH troubled by incident between China, US navies off Subic
From Rappler (Dec 19): PH troubled by incident between China, US navies off Subic
It risks a confrontation between the 2 military superpowers very near the Philippine mainland, says Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
YELLOW DRONES. This photo shows the recovery of US ocean gliders off the coast of Scotland. A similar unmanned underwater vehicle was seized by the Chinese Navy off the coast of the Philippines. Photo from the Pentagon web site
The Philippines described as "very troubling" the presence of US and China navies inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) last week when their ships figured in an incident off the coast of Subic Bay. (READ: China seizes US naval underwater probe in South China Sea)
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said it is "very troubling" because it risks a confrontation between the two military superpowers very near the country's mainland. It also threatens to violate the country's exclusive rights over resources in the area.
"Not only does it increase the likelihood of miscalculations that could lead to open confrontation very near the Philippine mainland but the commission of activities other than innocent passage which impinge upon the right of the Philippines over the resources in its EEZ are violations of the Phil rights over its EEZ," Lorenzana said in a statement issued Monday afternoon, December 19.
The US publicly protested how the Chinese Navy on Friday, December 16, snatched one of its underwater drones just as a US Navy ship was attempting to retrieve it 50 nautical miles off the coast of its former naval base in Zambales province.
The US Navy was sending radio messages to demand the return of the underwater drone but the Chinese Navy ignored the calls.
Lorenzana said he hopes that the US and China can resolve the issue and make sure that it won't happen again.
"I believe that the United States and China can reach an amicable resolution to prevent any further incidents from taking place," Lorenzana said.
Days after the US protested, China said it will return the drone to the US. But China slammed the superpower for "hyping up" the incident.
The Philippines said it was not aware that the US Navy was operating an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) inside its EEZ until after it was seized by China. (READ: US alerts PH after China seized its underwater drone off Subic)
The US maintained that the US Navy was conducting "routine operations in accordance with international law." US claimed the underwater drone was not spying, but was gathering military oceanographic data such as salinity, water temperature, and sound speed.
It appears that the Chinese Navy ship had been tailing the US Navy ship.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155996-philippines-troubled-china-us-presence
It risks a confrontation between the 2 military superpowers very near the Philippine mainland, says Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana
YELLOW DRONES. This photo shows the recovery of US ocean gliders off the coast of Scotland. A similar unmanned underwater vehicle was seized by the Chinese Navy off the coast of the Philippines. Photo from the Pentagon web site
The Philippines described as "very troubling" the presence of US and China navies inside its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) last week when their ships figured in an incident off the coast of Subic Bay. (READ: China seizes US naval underwater probe in South China Sea)
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said it is "very troubling" because it risks a confrontation between the two military superpowers very near the country's mainland. It also threatens to violate the country's exclusive rights over resources in the area.
"Not only does it increase the likelihood of miscalculations that could lead to open confrontation very near the Philippine mainland but the commission of activities other than innocent passage which impinge upon the right of the Philippines over the resources in its EEZ are violations of the Phil rights over its EEZ," Lorenzana said in a statement issued Monday afternoon, December 19.
The US publicly protested how the Chinese Navy on Friday, December 16, snatched one of its underwater drones just as a US Navy ship was attempting to retrieve it 50 nautical miles off the coast of its former naval base in Zambales province.
The US Navy was sending radio messages to demand the return of the underwater drone but the Chinese Navy ignored the calls.
Lorenzana said he hopes that the US and China can resolve the issue and make sure that it won't happen again.
"I believe that the United States and China can reach an amicable resolution to prevent any further incidents from taking place," Lorenzana said.
Days after the US protested, China said it will return the drone to the US. But China slammed the superpower for "hyping up" the incident.
The Philippines said it was not aware that the US Navy was operating an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) inside its EEZ until after it was seized by China. (READ: US alerts PH after China seized its underwater drone off Subic)
The US maintained that the US Navy was conducting "routine operations in accordance with international law." US claimed the underwater drone was not spying, but was gathering military oceanographic data such as salinity, water temperature, and sound speed.
It appears that the Chinese Navy ship had been tailing the US Navy ship.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155996-philippines-troubled-china-us-presence
Key PNP officers get cash gift from Duterte
From Rappler (Dec 19): Key PNP officers get cash gift from Duterte
(UPDATED) Key senior officials will be receiving between P50,000 and P400,000 as a 'cash gift'
Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be having a happy holiday season – at least financially – in 2016, after President Rodrigo Duterte released "cash gifts" ranging from P50,000 to P400,000.
PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa made the announcement on Monday, December 19, during the PNP National Headquarters Christmas party. Senior officials – from directorate chiefs, deputies, executive officers, regional directors, and even provincial directors will be beneficiaries of the cash gift which came from no less than Malacañang.
Those with "star ranks" or with ranks ranging from chief superintendent (one-star) to director general (four-star) will get between P100,000 and P400,000. Senior officials are those with the rank senior superintendent (equivalent to a full colonel in the military) and higher.
Speaking before a crowd of PNP personnel and their families, Dela Rosa joked that he decided to make the announcement public so that the money would go to their wives and not their second wives.
"Lahat po kayo, after this just proceed to my office at kunin 'nyo 'yung pamasko na bigay ni President Duterte (All of you, after this program just proceed to my office to get the gift from President Duterte)," he said.
In a chance interview with media after the program, Dela Rosa said not everyone in the PNP will receive a cash gift, even if Duterte would have wanted it that way.
"But that's enough for us because first time 'yang nangyari sa PNP na meron talaga cash gift na nanggagaling sa Malacañang (for the first time in the PNP, we're getting a cash gift from Malacañang)," he said.
The amount the key officers will get depends on their current positions and their performance.
In his speech, Dela Rosa explained that Duterte gave the cash gifts because "that's how much he supports the PNP. Love na love niya yung PNP kaya lahat tayo happy (He loves the PNP so we're all happy)."
The PNP has been the primary government agency in Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs. Although it's the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that's tasked by law to be the lead in anti-narcostics efforts, it's the police who've racked up the most arrests, operations, and kills in the drugs war.
Asked where the funds came from, Dela Rosa playfully chided reporters and said: "'Wag na kayong magtanong sa'n galing. Basta 'di 'yan galing sa drugs. Galing 'yan, siguro, sa intelligence fund ng Presidente." (Don't ask where it comes from. But I tell you, it's not from drugs. I suppose it comes from the President's intelligence funds.)
There are 18 regional offices in the PNP, which supervise the country's 81 provinces. At the PNP headquarters, there are at least 12 directorates and 23 operational and administrative support units.
Dela Rosa also defended the PNP and Duterte from early criticism of the cash gift. Transparency, he said, was why he made a public announcement.
The PNP chief also chided critics for criticizing the cash gift now when in the past, nobody reacted to apparent cases of PNP officials pocketing funds.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155964-pnp-cash-gift-duterte
(UPDATED) Key senior officials will be receiving between P50,000 and P400,000 as a 'cash gift'
Top officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will be having a happy holiday season – at least financially – in 2016, after President Rodrigo Duterte released "cash gifts" ranging from P50,000 to P400,000.
PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa made the announcement on Monday, December 19, during the PNP National Headquarters Christmas party. Senior officials – from directorate chiefs, deputies, executive officers, regional directors, and even provincial directors will be beneficiaries of the cash gift which came from no less than Malacañang.
Those with "star ranks" or with ranks ranging from chief superintendent (one-star) to director general (four-star) will get between P100,000 and P400,000. Senior officials are those with the rank senior superintendent (equivalent to a full colonel in the military) and higher.
Speaking before a crowd of PNP personnel and their families, Dela Rosa joked that he decided to make the announcement public so that the money would go to their wives and not their second wives.
"Lahat po kayo, after this just proceed to my office at kunin 'nyo 'yung pamasko na bigay ni President Duterte (All of you, after this program just proceed to my office to get the gift from President Duterte)," he said.
In a chance interview with media after the program, Dela Rosa said not everyone in the PNP will receive a cash gift, even if Duterte would have wanted it that way.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS. PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa. File photo by Joel Liporada/Rappler
The amount the key officers will get depends on their current positions and their performance.
In his speech, Dela Rosa explained that Duterte gave the cash gifts because "that's how much he supports the PNP. Love na love niya yung PNP kaya lahat tayo happy (He loves the PNP so we're all happy)."
The PNP has been the primary government agency in Duterte's campaign against illegal drugs. Although it's the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency that's tasked by law to be the lead in anti-narcostics efforts, it's the police who've racked up the most arrests, operations, and kills in the drugs war.
Asked where the funds came from, Dela Rosa playfully chided reporters and said: "'Wag na kayong magtanong sa'n galing. Basta 'di 'yan galing sa drugs. Galing 'yan, siguro, sa intelligence fund ng Presidente." (Don't ask where it comes from. But I tell you, it's not from drugs. I suppose it comes from the President's intelligence funds.)
There are 18 regional offices in the PNP, which supervise the country's 81 provinces. At the PNP headquarters, there are at least 12 directorates and 23 operational and administrative support units.
Dela Rosa also defended the PNP and Duterte from early criticism of the cash gift. Transparency, he said, was why he made a public announcement.
The PNP chief also chided critics for criticizing the cash gift now when in the past, nobody reacted to apparent cases of PNP officials pocketing funds.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/155964-pnp-cash-gift-duterte
No parade of warmaking assets on 81st AFP anniversary
From InterAksyon (Dec 19): No parade of warmaking assets on 81st AFP anniversary
File photograph of past AFP anniversary parade. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
The upcoming 81st founding anniversary on Wednesday, December 21, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be highlighted by updates pertaining to the military roadmap and programs rather than the customary fancy display of war-making and fighting capability, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla disclosed on Monday.
In keeping with tradition, President Rodrigo Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief, will be gracing the commemoration.
AFP sources say Duterte will be giving updates on the status of the armament acquisition plans from different countries, including possible arms contracts with Russia and China.
AFP Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Eduardo Año is also expected to report on the status of the counterinsurgency campaign, Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), or Oplan Bayanihan, since its inception in January 2011.
The name Oplan Bayanihan is expected to be replaced by a new one, but the content and program nuts and bolts will basically be the same, with emphasis on the central theme of nation building and the broader involvement of all sectors of society, especially local government units.
As for the celebration program proper, Padilla also said there will be no flyby of air assets or display of fighting capability by the Army, Air Force and Navy.
He said the AFP has opted to make the celebration simple, which means no aerial exhibition of the FA50 "Golden Eagles" and military helicopters as in previous occasions.
"Simple, least cost but meaningful and relevant commemoration is the overriding consideration," he said.
But the audience will be entertained by the colorful parade of units of the AFP including the display of the military's capability on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
http://interaksyon.com/article/135400/no-parade-of-warmaking-assets-on-81st-afp-anniversary
File photograph of past AFP anniversary parade. Romeo Ranoco/Reuters
The upcoming 81st founding anniversary on Wednesday, December 21, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be highlighted by updates pertaining to the military roadmap and programs rather than the customary fancy display of war-making and fighting capability, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla disclosed on Monday.
In keeping with tradition, President Rodrigo Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief, will be gracing the commemoration.
AFP sources say Duterte will be giving updates on the status of the armament acquisition plans from different countries, including possible arms contracts with Russia and China.
AFP Chief of Staff Lt Gen. Eduardo Año is also expected to report on the status of the counterinsurgency campaign, Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP), or Oplan Bayanihan, since its inception in January 2011.
The name Oplan Bayanihan is expected to be replaced by a new one, but the content and program nuts and bolts will basically be the same, with emphasis on the central theme of nation building and the broader involvement of all sectors of society, especially local government units.
As for the celebration program proper, Padilla also said there will be no flyby of air assets or display of fighting capability by the Army, Air Force and Navy.
He said the AFP has opted to make the celebration simple, which means no aerial exhibition of the FA50 "Golden Eagles" and military helicopters as in previous occasions.
"Simple, least cost but meaningful and relevant commemoration is the overriding consideration," he said.
But the audience will be entertained by the colorful parade of units of the AFP including the display of the military's capability on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR).
http://interaksyon.com/article/135400/no-parade-of-warmaking-assets-on-81st-afp-anniversary
(Yearender) AFP Modernization not taking a backseat in Duterte administration
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): (Yearender) AFP Modernization not taking a backseat in Duterte administration
With the country undergoing a massive campaign to eliminating the illegal drugs menace, criminality and corruption, the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not taking a backseat amidst these initiatives as the six-month administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green-light for the construction and acquisition of the nation's first two missile-armed frigates.
Contract signing for this project took place last Oct. 24. The winning bidder is South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally inked the contract for the project as principal signatory along with ranking officials and delegates from HHI.
Signing took place at the Philippine Navy (PN)'s headquarters in Naval Station Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
The project involves the construction and delivery of two missile-firing frigates to the PN.
The signing of the contract signals the start of the construction and is the culmination of the long and tedious procurement process for the project.
As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of US$ 336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.
Another PHP2 billion was also allocated for the acquisition of assorted anti-air, anti-sub, and anti-surface weapon platforms and munitions for the two frigates.
Lorenzana said the project is of utter significance to the DND and to the PN, in particular. It is the single most expensive modernization project signed by the Duterte administration as of this time.
Signing of the missile-firing frigate contract demonstrates the willingness of the Duterte administration to go ahead with projects started by its predecessors provided no evidence of anomalies are unearthed or discovered.
The DND chief earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership.
This is because the program jibes with the Duterte administration's plan of having a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory especially the maritime ones.
"In the long run we will still follow our modernization because you know it jibes with what our long term plans (of) having credible deterrence to secure our territory (especially the) maritime plan," he said.
And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in southern Philippines, Lorenzana said they will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.
"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.
Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) who arrived last Dec.9, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, three C-130 heavy transports, four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1; five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.
As this develops, plans to acquire modern weapons from other countries like Russia and the People's Republic of China are now in the works as ranking DND officials are coordinating with their counterparts to see what types of equipment can be sourced from these two countries.
Lorenzana said he is scheduled to meet with ranking Chinese officials to discuss China's firearms offer to the country.
These officials are Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua and the Chinese Defense attache.
Lorenzana said the meeting is to determine what type of firearms China is willing to provide to the country.
"If its already available, we will look into it and see if we need it," he added.
The DND chief also said he sees no problem for Filipino troops in handling Chinese firearms especially if it etched with Chinese characters.
"(Firearms are) mechanical. One doesn't need to read the guide to operate it. All you have to do it operate it manually. That will not be a problem," he said.
With regards to quality, the DND chief said they will know it once they see the weapons first hand.
The DND chief also said they are gearing to acquire sniper rifles from Russia.
This was based on the orders by President Rodrigo Duterte, he added.
"The President told us to look into the sniper rifles being produced by Russia as these are good. Although we are still to see anything yet, they (Russians) will show us some models for testing to (determine whether are suitable for our needs)," Lorenzana said in Filipino.
Earlier, DND undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel Raymund DV Elefante said the country is open to acquire weapons of all kind from Russia but said these are dependent on the nation's capabilities to handle these equipment.
Capabilities refer to the funding and manpower capable of handling these weapons.
"It depends. As long (as) we have capabilities (i.e funds and manpower) but this is still a long-term (plan)," he added.
Elefante made this statement when asked if the Philippines is interested in acquiring attack helicopters, diesel electric submarines and fighter jets from Russia aside from small arms like the AK-47 automatic rifle and longe-range sniper rifles.
Aside from upgrading the AFP, the Duterte administration also made significant headway in bringing peace to the countryside due to ongoing peace talks with the New People's Army (NPA).
Armed confrontation between the AFP and the NPA finally ceased after PRRD restored the declaration of ceasefire on Aug. 21 after lifting it noting violations from the rebel group.
President Duterte's gesture in restoring the erstwhile unilateral ceasefire declaration effectively reimposed the suspension of military operations earlier issued by the AFP to its field units.
Further, peace-building efforts were exerted to ensure that line units are aware of the advocacy of the Commander-in-Chief, including the dissemination of the proposed reconstituted JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list and the release of detained alleged political prisoners.
The original JASIG list was meant to identify communist members who will figure in the peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front) and will aid in the implementation of the ceasefire with the rebels.
On the other hand, the AFP attended the workshop of the combined Secretariat of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao City on Aug. 28.
The workshop reviewed the signed agreements/guidelines of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities that will aid refresh talks with the MILF as well as the Moro National Liberation Front to come up with a more inclusive peace plan.
In the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the military's participation in the campaign was propelled by the signing of the Joint Letter of Instruction on Aug. 24, prescribing the mission, concept, and tasks of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the war on drugs.
It also activated on July 24 with the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies also activated Task Force Noah mandated to conduct intelligence and counterintelligence operations.
These inter-agency efforts enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the steps taken to implement President Duterte's order to end the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the country.
To manifest its adherence to the campaign, the AFP conducted random drug testing within its ranks.
Through Task Groups Jacob, Midas, Joshua, and Salamander, the AFP conducted random drug tests on 19,163 military and civilian personnel, allowing the identification of 44 individuals who tested positive to the use of certain illegal drugs.
With the purpose to establish a drug-free country leading towards a peaceful and secure environment conducive for sustainable development, the AFP also supported the implementation of "Oplan Tokhang" of the PNP through the conduct of 169 anti-illegal drugs operations, resulting to the arrest and apprehension of 191, surrender of 689, and killing of eight drug suspects.
Meanwhile, three AFP personnel offered their lives in this campaign while five others were wounded during the joint operations with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against the group of Moks Masgal in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato in Aug. 14.
The AFP opened its camps to host the rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents. The Philippine Army committed areas in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato; and the 401st Brigade Headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.
The construction of the drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Ramon Magsaysay on a 10-hectare land in Nueva Ecija is nearing completion. The project, a joint venture of the Department of Health and the Army Real Estate Office, is expected to accommodate around 1,200 individuals.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=949425
With the country undergoing a massive campaign to eliminating the illegal drugs menace, criminality and corruption, the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not taking a backseat amidst these initiatives as the six-month administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has given the green-light for the construction and acquisition of the nation's first two missile-armed frigates.
Contract signing for this project took place last Oct. 24. The winning bidder is South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana formally inked the contract for the project as principal signatory along with ranking officials and delegates from HHI.
Signing took place at the Philippine Navy (PN)'s headquarters in Naval Station Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
The project involves the construction and delivery of two missile-firing frigates to the PN.
The signing of the contract signals the start of the construction and is the culmination of the long and tedious procurement process for the project.
As background, the Notice of Award was approved, issued and was duly conformed by HHI on Sept. 13 with the amount of US$ 336,912,000 or PHP15,744,571,584.
Another PHP2 billion was also allocated for the acquisition of assorted anti-air, anti-sub, and anti-surface weapon platforms and munitions for the two frigates.
Lorenzana said the project is of utter significance to the DND and to the PN, in particular. It is the single most expensive modernization project signed by the Duterte administration as of this time.
Signing of the missile-firing frigate contract demonstrates the willingness of the Duterte administration to go ahead with projects started by its predecessors provided no evidence of anomalies are unearthed or discovered.
The DND chief earlier said the AFP Modernization Program remains a priority of the new defense leadership.
This is because the program jibes with the Duterte administration's plan of having a credible deterrence to secure Philippine territory especially the maritime ones.
"In the long run we will still follow our modernization because you know it jibes with what our long term plans (of) having credible deterrence to secure our territory (especially the) maritime plan," he said.
And while some projects may be fast-tracked to address criminality, terrorism, and insurgency threats in southern Philippines, Lorenzana said they will follow the plans laid for the AFP Modernization Program.
"The 15-year modernization program of the AFP will continue as scheduled," he earlier stated.
Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the three Hamilton-class cutters, the latest of which is the BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17) who arrived last Dec.9, six multi-purpose assault craft, 114 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, three C-130 heavy transports, four FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft, the last two jets arriving last Dec. 1; five utility versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight of its attack versions, five landing craft heavies, three multi-purpose attack craft, and two strategic sealift vessels to name a few.
As this develops, plans to acquire modern weapons from other countries like Russia and the People's Republic of China are now in the works as ranking DND officials are coordinating with their counterparts to see what types of equipment can be sourced from these two countries.
Lorenzana said he is scheduled to meet with ranking Chinese officials to discuss China's firearms offer to the country.
These officials are Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jinhua and the Chinese Defense attache.
Lorenzana said the meeting is to determine what type of firearms China is willing to provide to the country.
"If its already available, we will look into it and see if we need it," he added.
The DND chief also said he sees no problem for Filipino troops in handling Chinese firearms especially if it etched with Chinese characters.
"(Firearms are) mechanical. One doesn't need to read the guide to operate it. All you have to do it operate it manually. That will not be a problem," he said.
With regards to quality, the DND chief said they will know it once they see the weapons first hand.
The DND chief also said they are gearing to acquire sniper rifles from Russia.
This was based on the orders by President Rodrigo Duterte, he added.
"The President told us to look into the sniper rifles being produced by Russia as these are good. Although we are still to see anything yet, they (Russians) will show us some models for testing to (determine whether are suitable for our needs)," Lorenzana said in Filipino.
Earlier, DND undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel Raymund DV Elefante said the country is open to acquire weapons of all kind from Russia but said these are dependent on the nation's capabilities to handle these equipment.
Capabilities refer to the funding and manpower capable of handling these weapons.
"It depends. As long (as) we have capabilities (i.e funds and manpower) but this is still a long-term (plan)," he added.
Elefante made this statement when asked if the Philippines is interested in acquiring attack helicopters, diesel electric submarines and fighter jets from Russia aside from small arms like the AK-47 automatic rifle and longe-range sniper rifles.
Aside from upgrading the AFP, the Duterte administration also made significant headway in bringing peace to the countryside due to ongoing peace talks with the New People's Army (NPA).
Armed confrontation between the AFP and the NPA finally ceased after PRRD restored the declaration of ceasefire on Aug. 21 after lifting it noting violations from the rebel group.
President Duterte's gesture in restoring the erstwhile unilateral ceasefire declaration effectively reimposed the suspension of military operations earlier issued by the AFP to its field units.
Further, peace-building efforts were exerted to ensure that line units are aware of the advocacy of the Commander-in-Chief, including the dissemination of the proposed reconstituted JASIG (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees) list and the release of detained alleged political prisoners.
The original JASIG list was meant to identify communist members who will figure in the peace negotiations with the CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front) and will aid in the implementation of the ceasefire with the rebels.
On the other hand, the AFP attended the workshop of the combined Secretariat of the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Davao City on Aug. 28.
The workshop reviewed the signed agreements/guidelines of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities that will aid refresh talks with the MILF as well as the Moro National Liberation Front to come up with a more inclusive peace plan.
In the ongoing war against illegal drugs, the military's participation in the campaign was propelled by the signing of the Joint Letter of Instruction on Aug. 24, prescribing the mission, concept, and tasks of the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the war on drugs.
It also activated on July 24 with the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other law enforcement agencies also activated Task Force Noah mandated to conduct intelligence and counterintelligence operations.
These inter-agency efforts enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of the steps taken to implement President Duterte's order to end the proliferation and use of illegal drugs in the country.
To manifest its adherence to the campaign, the AFP conducted random drug testing within its ranks.
Through Task Groups Jacob, Midas, Joshua, and Salamander, the AFP conducted random drug tests on 19,163 military and civilian personnel, allowing the identification of 44 individuals who tested positive to the use of certain illegal drugs.
With the purpose to establish a drug-free country leading towards a peaceful and secure environment conducive for sustainable development, the AFP also supported the implementation of "Oplan Tokhang" of the PNP through the conduct of 169 anti-illegal drugs operations, resulting to the arrest and apprehension of 191, surrender of 689, and killing of eight drug suspects.
Meanwhile, three AFP personnel offered their lives in this campaign while five others were wounded during the joint operations with Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency against the group of Moks Masgal in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato in Aug. 14.
The AFP opened its camps to host the rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents. The Philippine Army committed areas in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal; Camp Alfredo Santos in Calauag, Quezon; Camp Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz; Camp Kibaritan in Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Camp Lucero in Carmen, North Cotabato; Camp Paulino Santos in Alamada, North Cotabato; and the 401st Brigade Headquarters in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.
The construction of the drug rehabilitation facility in Fort Ramon Magsaysay on a 10-hectare land in Nueva Ecija is nearing completion. The project, a joint venture of the Department of Health and the Army Real Estate Office, is expected to accommodate around 1,200 individuals.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=949425
Latest AFP campaign plan aims to defeat all PHL security threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): Latest AFP campaign plan aims to defeat all PHL security threats
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s latest campaign plan is aimed at defeating the country's various security threats.
This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in an interview Sunday.
Arevalo decline to give the exact name of the new campaign plan which will replace the expiring Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan," adding that it will be formally announced this coming AFP Foundation Day this Dec. 21.
"In a nutshell, we can say the new AFP campaign plan is about the military possible role in nation building and defeating the enemies of the state or threats to national security," he stressed.
"Bayanihan" refers aims to “provide the strategic guidance in the performance of (the AFP’s) mandated functions of protecting the state and the people. It shall help AFP units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security.”
It was first implemented on Dec. 22, 2010 and is scheduled to end this year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949400
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s latest campaign plan is aimed at defeating the country's various security threats.
This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in an interview Sunday.
Arevalo decline to give the exact name of the new campaign plan which will replace the expiring Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan," adding that it will be formally announced this coming AFP Foundation Day this Dec. 21.
"In a nutshell, we can say the new AFP campaign plan is about the military possible role in nation building and defeating the enemies of the state or threats to national security," he stressed.
"Bayanihan" refers aims to “provide the strategic guidance in the performance of (the AFP’s) mandated functions of protecting the state and the people. It shall help AFP units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security.”
It was first implemented on Dec. 22, 2010 and is scheduled to end this year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949400
PHL reiterates peaceful resolution of WPS row with China
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): PHL reiterates peaceful resolution of WPS row with China
Amid reports that China is increasing its military might in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) by putting up anti-aircraft missiles which elicited concerns on freedom of navigation and overflight operations from the U.S. and Japan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., on Monday said the Philippines would rather address the issue through peaceful resolution.
The chief Philippine envoy pointed out that for the meantime, “we have placed it at the back burner without compromising our rights as declared by the arbitral tribunal.”
“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” Yasay said.
He said the Philippines has its own bilateral agreement with China to ensure no further actions would raise tension in the disputed region.
“We feel that this is necessary also as part of a confidence-building measure so that we can later on go back to the issue of our dispute in the West Philippine Sea, through peaceful resolution,” Yasay said.
“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” said Yasay who was referring to US and Japan.
DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, last week said that Manila was verifying the report.
If proven, he said it would be a “cause for serious concern because it tends to raise tension and undermine peace and stability in the region.”
“We, thus, renew our call on all parties concerned to refrain from taking any action that would raise tension in the region and further complicate the situation. Concerned parties should instead work together to promote peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” Jose was quoted as saying.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949470
Amid reports that China is increasing its military might in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) by putting up anti-aircraft missiles which elicited concerns on freedom of navigation and overflight operations from the U.S. and Japan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr., on Monday said the Philippines would rather address the issue through peaceful resolution.
The chief Philippine envoy pointed out that for the meantime, “we have placed it at the back burner without compromising our rights as declared by the arbitral tribunal.”
“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” Yasay said.
He said the Philippines has its own bilateral agreement with China to ensure no further actions would raise tension in the disputed region.
“We feel that this is necessary also as part of a confidence-building measure so that we can later on go back to the issue of our dispute in the West Philippine Sea, through peaceful resolution,” Yasay said.
“Let them take whatever action is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” said Yasay who was referring to US and Japan.
DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, last week said that Manila was verifying the report.
If proven, he said it would be a “cause for serious concern because it tends to raise tension and undermine peace and stability in the region.”
“We, thus, renew our call on all parties concerned to refrain from taking any action that would raise tension in the region and further complicate the situation. Concerned parties should instead work together to promote peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” Jose was quoted as saying.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949470
No fly-bys for 81st AFP foundation anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): No fly-bys for 81st AFP foundation anniversary
In line with its cost-effectiveness policy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be celebrating its 81st founding anniversary on Wednesday without the traditional aircraft fly-by.
"Simple, less cost but meaningful and revelant commemoration is the over-riding consideration," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.
Traditionally, AFP founding anniversaries are opened with a high-speed opener pass.
Another consideration is that airspace clearance will be difficult to obtain as parade ceremonies will be held at the parade grounds of AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
"The parade will be held (in Camp Aguinaldo) not in Clark Air Base (in Angeles City, Pampanga) where air space clearance is much easier to obtain," he added.
This means that the four newly-acquired South Korean FA-50PHs jet fighters and three remaining SIAI-Marchetti S-211s along with other brand-new Air Force planes will not be flying in formation in this year's military parade.
However, the Philippine Air Force will still be participating in the activity as its parading elements and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief units and equipment will be joining in the festivities, Padilla stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949469
In line with its cost-effectiveness policy, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will be celebrating its 81st founding anniversary on Wednesday without the traditional aircraft fly-by.
"Simple, less cost but meaningful and revelant commemoration is the over-riding consideration," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.
Traditionally, AFP founding anniversaries are opened with a high-speed opener pass.
Another consideration is that airspace clearance will be difficult to obtain as parade ceremonies will be held at the parade grounds of AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
"The parade will be held (in Camp Aguinaldo) not in Clark Air Base (in Angeles City, Pampanga) where air space clearance is much easier to obtain," he added.
This means that the four newly-acquired South Korean FA-50PHs jet fighters and three remaining SIAI-Marchetti S-211s along with other brand-new Air Force planes will not be flying in formation in this year's military parade.
However, the Philippine Air Force will still be participating in the activity as its parading elements and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief units and equipment will be joining in the festivities, Padilla stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949469
Gov’t open to amending Constitution for peace – Sec. Dureza
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): Gov’t open to amending Constitution for peace – Sec. Dureza
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza has said that the government is open to amending or even rewriting the 1987 Constitution to address the root causes of armed rebel resistance to the government.
“If you really look up what they (rebels) aspire for, you have to open up our Constitution to be able to accommodate them. That is the reality,” Dureza said in his remarks during the recent Konsult Mindanao Peace Conference in Davao City participated in by Lumad, Muslim and Christian leaders from across Mindanao.
He noted that the existing Philippine Constitution has become a "stumbling block" in effectively negotiating peace with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines/Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDFP/CPP-NPA), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“If you talk with the CPP and even the Bangsamoro (MILF, MNLF) they will never admit and agree that they will be circumscribed by a Constitution or by our laws,” Dureza said.
He added that all agreements previously signed with the said major rebel forces made no reference to the Philippine Constitution.“We always refer to international laws and protocols," he added.
Dureza explained that, as government negotiators, they have to work within the “confines of the Constitution" in order to allow both parties to continue working on a final peace settlement despite their opposing views and ideologies.
The head of the government peace process however said the desire of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to shift from bicameral and presidential form of government to parliamentary and federal will require constitutional reforms.
It could also open up to other reforms in response to the strong clamor of the president for a more inclusive economic development strategy and direction.
Dureza said the failure of Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law can be attributed to some perceived unconstitutionality of some of the provisions of the proposed bill.
Instead of refilling an improved version of BBL, Dureza said the contentious provisions of the BBL could be included in a proposed new charter.
Amending or writing a new charter could also accelerate the peace negotiations with the NDF, Dureza further added.
The government peace panel is set to leave for Rome, Italy on January 18-25 for the third round of talks with the NDF.
Topping the agenda in the Rome round of talks are the social and economic reforms that the rebels are putting across the negotiating table.
Negotiators from both sides are also expected to tackle and agree on the mechanics and guidelines for a bilateral ceasefire agreement and political and constitutional reforms.
Meanwhile, Dureza underscored the need to further strengthen and expand the existing “peace tables” in order to make them more inclusive and ensure the success of the ongoing peace negotiations with various rebel groups.
He pointed out that the peace or “negotiation tables” with the NDFP, MNLF and MILF are “very small tables as compared to the bigger peace table” which is the general public.
“If you do not get the bigger public first to be informed of what is happening in the peace table[s], and if they don’t understand what we are doing, chances are they will reject what we agree on in [those] negotiations table,” Dureza stressed.
The two-day event peace conference organized by the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) and supported by OPAPP, aimed to, among others, revisit the recommendations made during the Mindanao-wide multi-sectoral BUC consultations in 2009 as inputs to the ongoing GPH peace negotiations and initiatives and expand a people’s platform for dialogue towards the understanding of historical and socio-political issues in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949573
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza has said that the government is open to amending or even rewriting the 1987 Constitution to address the root causes of armed rebel resistance to the government.
“If you really look up what they (rebels) aspire for, you have to open up our Constitution to be able to accommodate them. That is the reality,” Dureza said in his remarks during the recent Konsult Mindanao Peace Conference in Davao City participated in by Lumad, Muslim and Christian leaders from across Mindanao.
He noted that the existing Philippine Constitution has become a "stumbling block" in effectively negotiating peace with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines/Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDFP/CPP-NPA), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
“If you talk with the CPP and even the Bangsamoro (MILF, MNLF) they will never admit and agree that they will be circumscribed by a Constitution or by our laws,” Dureza said.
He added that all agreements previously signed with the said major rebel forces made no reference to the Philippine Constitution.“We always refer to international laws and protocols," he added.
Dureza explained that, as government negotiators, they have to work within the “confines of the Constitution" in order to allow both parties to continue working on a final peace settlement despite their opposing views and ideologies.
The head of the government peace process however said the desire of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to shift from bicameral and presidential form of government to parliamentary and federal will require constitutional reforms.
It could also open up to other reforms in response to the strong clamor of the president for a more inclusive economic development strategy and direction.
Dureza said the failure of Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law can be attributed to some perceived unconstitutionality of some of the provisions of the proposed bill.
Instead of refilling an improved version of BBL, Dureza said the contentious provisions of the BBL could be included in a proposed new charter.
Amending or writing a new charter could also accelerate the peace negotiations with the NDF, Dureza further added.
The government peace panel is set to leave for Rome, Italy on January 18-25 for the third round of talks with the NDF.
Topping the agenda in the Rome round of talks are the social and economic reforms that the rebels are putting across the negotiating table.
Negotiators from both sides are also expected to tackle and agree on the mechanics and guidelines for a bilateral ceasefire agreement and political and constitutional reforms.
Meanwhile, Dureza underscored the need to further strengthen and expand the existing “peace tables” in order to make them more inclusive and ensure the success of the ongoing peace negotiations with various rebel groups.
He pointed out that the peace or “negotiation tables” with the NDFP, MNLF and MILF are “very small tables as compared to the bigger peace table” which is the general public.
“If you do not get the bigger public first to be informed of what is happening in the peace table[s], and if they don’t understand what we are doing, chances are they will reject what we agree on in [those] negotiations table,” Dureza stressed.
The two-day event peace conference organized by the Bishops-Ulama Conference (BUC) and supported by OPAPP, aimed to, among others, revisit the recommendations made during the Mindanao-wide multi-sectoral BUC consultations in 2009 as inputs to the ongoing GPH peace negotiations and initiatives and expand a people’s platform for dialogue towards the understanding of historical and socio-political issues in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949573
4 senior PA officers receive star-rank promotions
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 19): 4 senior PA officers receive star-rank promotions
Four senior Philippine Army (PA) officers were donned new star ranks during simple ceremony held Monday at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Newly-appointed PA chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda led the donning of ranks to the new sets of senior officers who have diligently earned their second and first stars.
These officers are Brig. Gens. Robert M. Arevalo, the Army chief-of-staff and Danilo G. Pamonag, Special Operation Command head who were promoted to two-star rank or major generals.
Meanwhile, Cols. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. and Gilbert I. Gapay were promoted to one-star rank or brigadier general
Manangquil is the current head of the 101st Infantry Brigade based in Jolo, Sulu; while Gapay is the assistant division commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac.
Miranda said that bearing a star on one's soldier symbolizes the pennant of a fruitful military career after overcoming bumps and obstacles along the way.
“In the dedicated and committed service of our promotees, they have displayed nothing but exceptional leadership skills. Not only are they exemplars of professionalism and service excellence, they are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to attain a just and long-lasting peace,” the PA chief stressed.
Miranda also reminded the newly-promoted generals of the Army's major thrusts and priority tasks, "the stars that you now bear on your shoulder come with greater responsibilities."
"I count on your continued support for the successful attainment of our objectives and exert efforts in sustaining our operational readiness at the highest level possible. We must not forget that our core competency remains to be war fighting," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=949490
Four senior Philippine Army (PA) officers were donned new star ranks during simple ceremony held Monday at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Newly-appointed PA chief Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda led the donning of ranks to the new sets of senior officers who have diligently earned their second and first stars.
These officers are Brig. Gens. Robert M. Arevalo, the Army chief-of-staff and Danilo G. Pamonag, Special Operation Command head who were promoted to two-star rank or major generals.
Meanwhile, Cols. Jesus A. Manangquil Jr. and Gilbert I. Gapay were promoted to one-star rank or brigadier general
Manangquil is the current head of the 101st Infantry Brigade based in Jolo, Sulu; while Gapay is the assistant division commander of the Mechanized Infantry Division in Capas, Tarlac.
Miranda said that bearing a star on one's soldier symbolizes the pennant of a fruitful military career after overcoming bumps and obstacles along the way.
“In the dedicated and committed service of our promotees, they have displayed nothing but exceptional leadership skills. Not only are they exemplars of professionalism and service excellence, they are also instrumental in the accomplishment of our mission to attain a just and long-lasting peace,” the PA chief stressed.
Miranda also reminded the newly-promoted generals of the Army's major thrusts and priority tasks, "the stars that you now bear on your shoulder come with greater responsibilities."
"I count on your continued support for the successful attainment of our objectives and exert efforts in sustaining our operational readiness at the highest level possible. We must not forget that our core competency remains to be war fighting," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=949490
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