Still no plan to fix PH runway in West PH Sea

From Rappler (Jan 12): Still no plan to fix PH runway in West PH Sea

China has 3 runways in the South China Sea


Rappler photo

The Duterte administration continues to defer the repair of the Philippines' only runway in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) even as China has reportedly built runways on at least 3 reefs it illegally reclaimed. (READ: PH runway in Spratlys erodes as China reclaims to build own)

"Because of warming relations with China, we are not going to make any aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año on Thursday, January 12.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they will keep the "status quo" and will continue to set aside the money – up to P800 million ($16 million) – already allocated by the previous administration to repair the runway.

The Rancudo Airfield was built in the '70s on Pag-asa Island, one of the biggest in the disputed territory where a community of about a hundred Filipinos reside. The military continues to use the runway, particularly for small transport aircraft like the Fokker and the Nomad of the Philippine Air Force and Islander of the Philippine Navy.

But the short 1.3-kilometer airstrip could be dangerous for bigger aircraft such as the C130 cargo plane that the military traditionally uses to bring supplies around the country.

In comparison, China built military-grade runways on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef.

PAG-ASA ISLAND. The second biggest island in the disputed South China Sea is home to about a hundred Filipinos. File photo by SSg Amable Milay/Philippine Air Force

 

Lorenzana plans to visit the troops deployed in the West Philippine Sea. But it is not clear yet if he will fly going to the disputed area or he will take one of the navy ships. The last high-profile visit to Pag-asa Island was made by former AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang in 2015.

Duterte has sought warmer ties with China, a turnaround from the foreign policy of former president Benigno Aquino III who took China to court over its claims on maritime features located inside the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Aquino also sought the assistance of the Philippines' longtime defense treaty ally, the US, which calls for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The Philippines won the case before the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ruling effectively dismissed China's 9-dash-line claim over the South China Sea and declared that Mischief Reef – where one of China's runways is located – belongs to the Philippines.

The previous administration had hoped to fix the runway on Pag-asa Island after the arbitration court's ruling.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/158131-pagasa-runway-philippines-repair

Trump choice to State: China should be denied access to South China Sea islands

From InterAksyon (Jan 12): Trump choice to State: China should be denied access to South China Sea islands



Images of China's airstrip on Fiery Cross (Reuters file)

The United States must send a clear signal to China that its island-building in the contested South China Sea must stop and that its access to those islands will not be allowed, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state said on Wednesday.

In comments certain to enrage Beijing, Rex Tillerson told his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that China's building of islands and putting military assets on those islands was "akin to Russia’s taking Crimea.”

Asked whether he supported a more aggressive posture toward China, he said: “We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.”

The former Exxon Mobil Corp. chairman and chief executive did not elaborate on what might be done to deny China access to the islands it has built up from South China Sea reefs and equipped with military-length airstrips and fortified with weapons.

Tillerson said the United States needed to reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan, a country which Beijing regards as a renegade province, but stopped short of Trump's questioning of Washington's long-standing policy on the issue.

"I don’t know of any plans to alter the 'one China' position," he said.

Tillerson said he considered China’s activity in the South China Sea "extremely worrisome" and that it would be a threat to the "entire global economy" if Beijing were able to dictate access to the waterway, which is of strategic military importance and a major trade route.

He blamed the current situation on what he termed an inadequate US response. "The failure of a response has allowed them just to keep pushing the envelope on this," Tillerson said.

"The way we’ve got to deal with this is we’ve got to show back up in the region with our traditional allies in Southeast Asia, and I think use the existing structure to begin the re-engagement," he said.

Tillerson characterized both China's island-building in the South China Sea and declaration of an air defense zone in waters of the East China Sea it contests with Japan as "illegal actions."

"They’re taking territory or control, or declaring control of territories that are not rightfully China’s," he said. "Building islands and putting military assets on those islands is akin to Russia’s taking Crimea (from Ukraine). It’s taking of territory that others lay claim to."

Tillerson also said the United States could not continue to accept "empty promises" China had made about putting pressure on North Korea over that country's nuclear and missile programs.

He also accused China of failing to live up to global agreements on trade and intellectual property, echoing past remarks by Trump, who has threatened to impose high, retaliatory tariffs on China.

"China has proven a willingness to act with abandon in the pursuit of its own goals, which at times has put it at conflict with American interests. We have to deal with what we see, not what we hope," he said.

At the same time. Tillerson said, it was important to see "the positive dimensions" of the US relationship with China, the world's second-largest economy after the United States.

"The economic wellbeing of our two nations is deeply intertwined," he said, adding that China had also been an important ally in curbing elements of radical Islam.

"We should not let disagreements over other issues exclude areas for productive partnership," he said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136096/trump-choice-to-state-china-should-be-denied-access-to-south-china-sea-islands

Grenade blast rocks Shell gas station in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Grenade blast rocks Shell gas station in North Cotabato

A gas station worker was injured when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at the Shell Gas Station along the national highway here at 11 a.m. Thursday.

Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police provincial director, in his report to Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 director, said the blast slightly injured Jay Salac, 34, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pikit.

Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr, speaking for PRO-12, said the victim who sustained injuries on his elbow was rushed to Cadulong emergency hospital.

Galgo said post blast investigation conducted by Pikit bomb experts showed the explosive used by still unidentified men was a fragmentation grenade based on pieces of evidence recovered at the site.

"A safety lever was found in the perimeter of the gas station," Galgo said, adding that investigation was still going on.

Police are reviewing the gas station's CCTV footage that captured the suspects.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last week, the barangay hall of Barangay Poblacion was also subjected to grenade attack by still unidentified motorcycle-riding men. Fortunately, the explosive failed to go off.

Earlier, Mayor Sumulong Sultan has asked the Phillippine National Police for augmentation force as crimes are on the rise in the town due to intensified police operations against illegal drugs.

Police could not say if the grenade attack at the gas station was part of extortion activities of lawless elements.

"Investigation is still on going as to the motive," Galgo said.

The Shell gas station is only a stone's throw away from the Community Police Action Center (COMPACT) detachment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=954611

Repairs of Rancudo Airfield, construction of Pagasa port to take a backseat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Repairs of Rancudo Airfield, construction of Pagasa port to take a backseat

With the thawing of the ties between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China, repairs on Rancudo Airfield, Pagasa Island and construction of a new port might take a backseat.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked whether the country has lifted its moratorium on improving Filipino-held positions in the West Philippine Sea.

"(The moratorium was lifted) but because of the warming relationship with China, we better not make any aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

The Department of Public Works and Highways has earlier allocated the sum of PHP800 million for the repair of Rancudo Airfield those forward edge is slowly eroded by the sea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

With this, the situation there is now on "status quo".

As this develops, he also said that he plans to visit Pagasa Island along with Año but no firm date of the visit is set yet.

Pagasa, with an area of 37.2 hectares, is the largest of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines in Spratly Island Group.

Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares, Lawak Island 7.93 hectares, Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares, Patag Island, 0.57, Panata Island, 0.44, Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954692

Duterte, Abe eye higher level of PHL-Japan relations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Duterte, Abe eye higher level of PHL-Japan relations

Philippines and Japan are eyeing to further elevate bilateral relationships as President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Malacañang Thursday at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit to the country.

The state visit of the Japanese leader came just two months after President Duterte visited Tokyo in October last year.

In his welcome statement, Duterte said the nation is pleased to host his Japanese counterpart as this is the very first official visit of a head of state under his administration.

“This demonstrates the shared commitment to further strengthen our important and valued strategic partnership. Your Excellency, I look forward to a most productive meeting today,” the President said.

Duterte said that the two leaders now have the opportunity to identify ways of building on agreements that were made in October on a wide range of issues that will benefit the peoples of both nations.

This include among others intensifying trade and investments, bolstering defense, securing just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, strengthening law enforcement against criminality and ensuring maritime safety and security.

“Let us continue to work together to achieve the goals of a more stable and secured region so that our nations and peoples can enjoy more peace, progress and prosperity,” Duterte said.

For his part, Abe said he was also honored to be invited as the very first foreign leader under the present administration to visit Manila.

The Japanese leader, who is on a six-day four-nation official travel, said he chose the Philippines as his first destination this year.

“This is a testament to my primary emphasis on our bilateral relationship with the Philippines,” Abe said.

The Prime Minister said that he is ready to fully support President Duterte’s ASEAN Chairmanship for a successful ASEAN-Related Summit Meetings and the East Asia Summit this year.

“Together with you, I am committed to elevating our bilateral relationship to a higher ground covering a wide-range of areas. Let us work hand in hand in addressing various challenges of the Asia Pacific region,” Prime Minister Abe said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954736

5 agreements signed during Japanese PM’s visit to PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): 5 agreements signed during Japanese PM’s visit to PHL

A total of five agreements have been signed between the Philippines and Japan following a summit meeting attended by President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe on Thursday at Malacanang Palace.

The agreements signed during the two-day state visit of Prime Minister Abe to the Philippines include:

-- Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for high speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);

-- Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the Low Carbon Growth Partnership/Joint Crediting Mechanism which will promote investments and the use of technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure to achieve low carbon growth in Philippines;

-- MOC between the PCG and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement;

-- MOC between the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Philippines and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan for proof of concept and testing of road traffic information system through data broadcasting; and,

-- Loan Agreement and Guarantee Letter for Harvesting Agribusiness Opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship of Peaceful Transformation.

The HARVEST Project is a five-year project of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), which is a financial intermediary of HARVEST, that shall finance eligible investments of agribusiness enterprises, farmers’ organizations or cooperatives, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in support of agriculture and fisheries production and related services in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

On the other hand, the MOC between PCOO and MIC will involve the signing of the ICT Pilot project to test the effectiveness of the cloud-based ISDB-T Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting for Road Traffic Information System to be broadcast by the People’s Television Network (PTV).

The MOC is part of the mother MOC signed during a three-day official visit of President in Japan in October last year.

Prime Minister Abe is in a two-day official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation of President Duterte.

Abe is the first head of state to visit the country under the Duterte presidency. The Philippines is also the first country visited by the Japanese leader this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954749

Officer killed, 4 troops hurt in latest clash with ASG bandits in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Officer killed, 4 troops hurt in latest clash with ASG bandits in Basilan

An officer from the 19th Special Forces Company was killed while four other troopers were wounded following an encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits under sub-commander Furuji Indama in Sumisip town, Basilan on Thursday morning.

The clash took place 7:10 a.m. at Barangay Cabcaban of the above-mentioned locality, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

The abovementioned troops were on combat operations when the encounter took place.
Tan said an officer was killed and another four wounded in the fighting.

The WMC spokesperson said the wounded troops were evacuated by UH-IH "Huey" helicopters while artillery units are now preparing for "indirect fire" missions against the bandits.

Aside from artillery fire, airstrikes are now being conducted on the encounter area with troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions now conducting blocking and pursuit operations against the bandits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954765

Duterte, Abe agree to enhance maritime, security cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Duterte, Abe agree to enhance maritime, security cooperation

President Rodrigo Duterte and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe agreed on Thursday to enhance maritime and security cooperation including counterterrorism between the Philippines and Japan.

"As proven defense and long time partners, the Philippines and Japan are committed to further expand and deepen our relations across a broad range of areas. We had an active discussion on enhancing of maritime and security cooperation," President Duterte said in a joint statement after a summit meeting at the Malacanang Palace.

"As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and security from threats of any kind," he added.

Abe, along with his wife Madame Akie Abe, is in the country for a two-day official visit that also include a historic visit in Davao City, the hometown of President Duterte, on Friday.

As a result of Abe’s first visit in the Philippines under Duterte administration, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection.

The MOC will be done through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement.

The Philippines and Japan also signed Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for the purchase of high-speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for PCG.

"Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration. We hope to fast-track the delivery of the Philippines of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones," President Duterte said.

"As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions," he added.

For his part, Abe emphasized the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism mechanism to assure safe and peaceful society.

"We will strengthen cooperation in the area of counterterrorism in order to realize a society in which it is possible for youths to entertain hopes," Abe said through an interpreter.

President Duterte described his meeting with Abe as ‘productive’ where the two leaders discussed ways for further strengthening bilateral ties.

"By any measure, this visit is historic and sets the bar for constructive engagements. If my visit to Tokyo defined the solid and strategic partnerships of the Philippines and Japan then Prime Minister Abe’s visits to Manila and Davao renew the commitment to further strengthen the solid and strategic partnership toward greater peace, progress, and prosperity," Duterte said.

"I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest," he added.

Abe said he looks forward to also further enhance friendly ties between the Philippines and Japan and “to cooperate towards regional stability and prosperity.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954783

Abe welcomes closer PHL-China ties, affirms importance of peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Abe welcomes closer PHL-China ties, affirms importance of peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to improve ties with China and affirmed the importance of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.

“I welcome the fact that President Duterte is making efforts to improve China-Philippine relations in light of the arbitral award,” he said during a joint press briefing with Duterte in Malacañang.

“The significance of the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes and non-militarization has been confirmed at ASEAN-Related Meetings last year. Keeping in mind this year’s ASEAN-Related Meetings, we affirmed the importance of these,” Abe said.

In July 2016, the Hague-based United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal invalidated China's so-called "nine-dash line" claim to the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

But despite the ruling, President Duterte has made efforts to forge closer ties with China stressing that a peaceful resolution to the dispute is the more logical solution.

Abe acknowledged that “the issue of the South China Sea is linked directly to regional peace and stability and is a concern to the entire international community.”

An estimated USD5 trillion worth of goods are transported through South China Sea shipping lanes each year, including more than half the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage and a third of all maritime traffic worldwide.

Japan, while not a claimant to West Philippine Sea, relies on the unimpeded passage through the disputed waters that China is entirely claiming as its own.

It also has a territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea.

However, the Japanese leader said that he agreed to support a rule of law-based peaceful resolution to regional disputes after a firm exchange of views with Duterte.

“We agreed to elevate cooperative relations to a higher level to address not only bilateral issues but also to work toward a resolution of regional challenges,” Abe said.

In the meantime, Duterte said the Philippines will continue with its efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in the region even as it seeks to build its maritime capacity and assets through its collaboration with Japan.

“As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and secure from threats of any kind. Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration,” he said.

The President said that they will fast-track the delivery to the Philippine of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones.

“As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions,” he said.

“I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest,” Duterte said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954812

Grenade blast rocks gas station in North Cotabato

From Sun Star-Davao (Jan 12): Grenade blast rocks gas station in North Cotabato

 PIKIT, North Cotabato -- A gas station worker was injured when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at the Shell Gas Station along the national highway in this town at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12.

North Cotabato Police Provincial Director Emmanuel Peralta said the blast injured Jay Salac, 34, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pikit. Superintendent Romeo Galgo Jr., speaking for Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen, said the victim who sustained injuries on his elbow was brought to Cadulong emergency hospital.

Galgo said police are reviewing the gas station's CCTV footage. “Investigation is still ongoing as to the motive,” Galgo added.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Last week, the village hall of Barangay Poblacion was also subjected to grenade attack by motorcycle-riding men.

Fortunately, the grenade failed to explode. Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has asked the Philippine National Police for augmentation force as crimes are on the rise in the town due to intensified police operations against illegal drugs.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/01/12/grenade-blast-rocks-gas-station-north-cotabato-519738

Malaysian officials in Mindanao to help in peace efforts

From ABS-CBN (Jan 12): Malaysian officials in Mindanao to help in peace efforts

Malaysia’s deputy defense minister and 30 other officials of the Malaysian Armed Forces visited central Mindanao on Thursday to help improve security and strengthen peace efforts between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Deputy Defense Minister Dato Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum was given a military guard of honor by the 6th Infantry Division (ID) upon his arrival at the headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Johari met with 6th ID Commander Major General Carlito Galvez and the two discussed the present situation in central Mindanao and challenges it could face in the future.

After the visit, Johari went to the headquarters of the International Monitoring Team-11 in Cotabato City where he was briefed by head of mission Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain on the current situation of the ongoing ceasefire between the Philippine government troops and the MILF, and the role of the monitoring team.

On Thursday afternoon, the Malaysian deputy defense minister stopped by the central committee of the MILF headed by first vice- chairman Ghazali Jaafar in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, where Malaysian officials will discuss with their MILF counterpart on how to improve security and development aspect in Mindanao.

After the camp visit, he will visit the grand mosque in Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City where he will give assistance to 30 orphans in the Shariff Kabunsuan Orphanage.

The International Monitoring Team was deployed in Mindanao in 2004. It consists of 37 members, 16 of which came from Malaysia and the other members are from Indonesia, Brunei, Japan and the European Union to monitor the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government troops and the MILF.







http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/malaysian-officials-in-mindanao-to-help-in-peace-efforts

2 suspects in deadly pirate attack nabbed: police

From ABS-CBN (Jan 12): 2 suspects in deadly pirate attack nabbed: police



Police operatives have arrested two of 11 suspects in the seajacking incident in waters off Siromon Island, Zamboanga City that left eight fishermen dead.

Seven men survived the seajacking incident on Monday as five men jumped overboard and swam to a nearby island, while two others who remained on the boat were unharmed, Philippine Coast Guard officials said.

Arsani Samlani, a local fisherman, was invited to the police station Wednesday after a survivor positively identified him as one of the culprits, officials said.

Another suspect identified as Mizfar Nuno alias Ravin Atain was nabbed earlier this week during a buy-bust operation in Seaside Sangali.

Multiple murder raps have been filed against Samlani while cases of multiple murder and illegal possession of explosives and illegal drugs were filed against Nuno.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/2-suspects-in-deadly-pirate-attack-nabbed-police

Air Force getting 30 attack, combat helicopters this year – report

From Update.Ph (Jan 12): Air Force getting 30 attack, combat helicopters this year – report

During the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force last July 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to procure more helicopters with night vision capabilities. “We will acquire more helicopters and night vision capability. ‘Yan ang nagha-hamper e. If I have that then we can improve our performance,” President Duterte said during the celebration.

This vow from the President is now on progress, as per MaxDefense Philippines’ report. “Based on information gathered from MaxDefense sources, the Philippine Air Force is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year,” MaxDefense said in a post today on its Facebook page.

MaxDefense sees that these helicopters will be proportioned into AgustaWestland AW-109 (Power) armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters (CUH).

President Duterte previously said that AFP modernization will continue.

“There will even be no refocusing of modernization thrust, we will only adjust our priorities,” the President said during his first visit to 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. “For the time being, we will be attending to the more pressing needs of our soldiers now engaged in focused military operation in Basilan, Sulu, Central Mindanao, and other areas in southern Philippines.”

“The procurements will be more of force protection equipment (FPE) for our soldiers like helmets and vests, more night-fighting systems capability, additional fast crafts for our Navy, additional helicopters capable of night flight for the Navy and Air Force, and more communications equipment,” the President said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/01/air-force-getting-30-attack-combat-helicopters-this-year-report/13057

Islamic State supporters post video of German hostage believed kidnapped

From Street Insider (Jan11): Islamic State supporters post video of German hostage believed kidnapped

Islamic State supporters posted a video on Wednesday showing an elderly German man believed to have been kidnapped by Filipino Islamist Abu Sayyaf rebels last November.

The video shows the German man in an orange jumpsuit standing in a freshly dug grave as black-clad. Masked militants behind him held assault rifles and, speaking Arabic, threatened the German government in English while the Islamic State black flag stood in the background.

"To the German government: it seems that you are not paying attention to our demands. Failure to pay the ransom will cause the beheading of this German citizen," one of the masked men can be heard saying.

The German foreign ministry declined to comment on the video, saying it was its policy not to discuss cases involving Germans kidnapped abroad.

Soldiers had found the body of a German woman on an abandoned yacht in the troubled waters of the southern Philippines on Nov. 7 and said they suspected her companion may have been taken captive by Abu Sayyaf rebels.

The body was found naked and with gunshot wounds on the yacht which bore a German flag and was docked on a remote island in the Sulu archipelago, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Abu Sayyaf is an al-Qaeda linked group known for kidnapping and increasingly, piracy. Several of its factions have declared their allegiance to Islamic State since 2014.

The Filipino army at the time said the Abu Sayyaf leader, Muamar Askali, had made claims on radio that they were holding a 70-year-old German after intercepting the yacht in Sabah, eastern Malaysia, a week earlier.

Abu Sayyaf rebels have since March been intercepting slow-moving tug boats towing coal barges in waters near the borders of Malaysia and the Philippines, taking captive more than a dozen Indonesian and Malaysian sailors.

Several hostages have been freed, after paying ransom to the Abu Sayyaf, a group known for kidnappings and beheadings, including two Canadians this year.

It is holding 15 captives, including a Netherlands citizen, five Malaysians, two Indonesians and seven Filipinos.

http://www.streetinsider.com/

Bayan to AFP: Disclose contents of new Oplan

From The Standard (Jan 10): Bayan to AFP: Disclose contents of new Oplan

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense should disclose the actual contents of their new campaign plan, Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan, launched last week at a top level command conference, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said on Tuesday.

If it is a sequel to Oplan Bayanihan, claiming to put primacy on the peace negotiations and so-called non-combat “development” work, but continuing the militarization of communities, then it is not new nor will it succeed, Renato M. Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary-general said.

Reyes said: “Will DSSP Kapayapaan cause the pullout of troops from lumad and other occupied areas? Will this cause the suspension of military operations masquerading as non-combat, development operations in civilian communities?

“Will this end the “IP-centric” approach adopted by Oplan Bayanihan that has resulted in human rights violations in indigenous communities? Will this make the AFP stop targeting legal activists, whether through trumped-up charges or by extrajudicial killings? 

“Will the AFP disband paramilitary groups especially those most notorious for rights abuses such as massacres?”

“If the answer to all these questions is No, then we are in for more of the same. Maybe even worse,” Reyes said.

Reyes said Oplan Bayanihan of Aquino also claimed to recognize the primacy of the peace process but instead unleashed war on the people.

“It was an utter failure as the peace talks were stalled while the AFP failed to stop the advance of the revolutionary forces.”

He added it was “this reality that served as the basis for the Duterte administration to enter into peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” Reyes said.

According to Reyes, the AFP should upload and make available the new DSSP Kapayapaan to allow its scrutiny by all stakeholders and interested parties, including human rights groups, peace advocates, and members of Congress.

Kapayapaan’s predecessor Oplan Bayanihan was made available to the public by the previous regime and can be found at the AFP’s website.

Reyes claimed people in the countryside continued to call for the pull-out of AFP troops operating in civilian communities.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/226417/bayan-to-afp-disclose-contents-of-new-oplan.html