From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): BIFF kills unarmed soldier working for gov't project in Maguindanao
An unarmed soldier belonging to the Army's engineering battalion was shot dead Tuesday afternoon by a suspected member of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, municipal police chief, said Cpl. Tamano Macadatar, a carpenter, was part of the Army construction team building a learning facility in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao when shot by a still unidentified gunman at around 3 p.m.
Tello said the suspect, armed with M1-Garand rifle, approached Macadatar and shot him repeatedly.
Macadatar's companions were out when the shooting occurred. He belonged to the 524th Engineering Battalion under the Army's 52nd Engineering Brigade based in Camp Siongco, Maguindanao.
Macadatar and other Army engineers were the same soldiers helping the Teach Peace, Build Peace Foundation construct a learning center for residents of Barangay Tukanalipao.
The village was the site of the bloody encounter between the elite police Special Action Force and lawless elements. Government forces were then out to neutralize the country's most wanted terrorist, Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.
The carnage left 44 SAF members dead and almost shut down the peace process in Mindanao between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Tello said police investigators are now following up the case and hope to identify the perpetrator.
He said it was a premeditated attack since 10 other gunmen were seen positioned a few meters away from the bunkhouse where the soldier-carpenters stayed.
Mamasapano is one of the four towns in Maguindanao where the BIFF bandits operate.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977488
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Ambassador Sung Kim remains bullish on US-PHL ties
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): Ambassador Sung Kim remains bullish on US-PHL ties
United States Ambassador Sung Kim voiced optimism Tuesday about sustained relationship between the Philippines and their country despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy that is less dependent on the US.
Speaking to hundreds of officials and residents during a school project visit at the Anahaway National High School campus here, Kim vowed to continue the support of the US government to various development programs in the country.
“US friendship with the Philippines will always be there. The future belongs to you, the students,” he told the crowd who waited for hours despite the rain showers.
The school building has nine classrooms. Each room has a toilet and equipped with educational materials for each learner. The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), also distributed raincoats to learners.
The classrooms, which can withstand a 360-kilometer per hour wind and Magnitude 8 earthquake, will be completed before the opening of the new academic year.
As of today, USAID has already built 310 classrooms, 12 health facilities, 30 agri-fishery support facilities, 1,029 small community stores and other livelihood programs. This is part of the PHP7.2 billion assistance to help super typhoon "Yolanda" survivors in Central Philippines.
“The classrooms and other support of the USAID is a testament to the strong alliance of the Philippines and US,” said the US envoy, who turned down media interviews during his brief visit.
Last week, USAID inaugurated rural health units, hospital improvement projects and schools in Dagami and Carigara towns in Leyte.
In many instances, President Duterte repeatedly hit the US government for criticizing his anti-drug war. The President publicly pronounced that the country could survive even without the US government’s assistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977508
United States Ambassador Sung Kim voiced optimism Tuesday about sustained relationship between the Philippines and their country despite President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy that is less dependent on the US.
Speaking to hundreds of officials and residents during a school project visit at the Anahaway National High School campus here, Kim vowed to continue the support of the US government to various development programs in the country.
“US friendship with the Philippines will always be there. The future belongs to you, the students,” he told the crowd who waited for hours despite the rain showers.
The school building has nine classrooms. Each room has a toilet and equipped with educational materials for each learner. The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), also distributed raincoats to learners.
The classrooms, which can withstand a 360-kilometer per hour wind and Magnitude 8 earthquake, will be completed before the opening of the new academic year.
As of today, USAID has already built 310 classrooms, 12 health facilities, 30 agri-fishery support facilities, 1,029 small community stores and other livelihood programs. This is part of the PHP7.2 billion assistance to help super typhoon "Yolanda" survivors in Central Philippines.
“The classrooms and other support of the USAID is a testament to the strong alliance of the Philippines and US,” said the US envoy, who turned down media interviews during his brief visit.
Last week, USAID inaugurated rural health units, hospital improvement projects and schools in Dagami and Carigara towns in Leyte.
In many instances, President Duterte repeatedly hit the US government for criticizing his anti-drug war. The President publicly pronounced that the country could survive even without the US government’s assistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977508
Army wants inclusion of soldiers in BPOC
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): Army wants inclusion of soldiers in BPOC
The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Gamu town raised a motion during the inaugural meeting Monday of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)- 2 the inclusion of soldiers in Barangay Peace and Order Councils all over the region.
Col. Bartolome Bacarro, 5ID, Philippine Army 502nd Brigade Commander, raised to the council the inclusion of soldiers in the Barangay Peace and Order Councils in the region to help and extend its services in the barangays like security plans to ensure the safety of residents especially during calamities.
Bacarro said the soldiers are included to the municipal, city, provincial and regional peace and order councils but in the barangays there are no soldiers who are member in the smallest unit of the government all over the region.
He said soldiers are willing to help the barangays in securing the people and partners in delivering frontline services and help during calamities.
“LGUs like municipalities, cities and provinces and even in the regional level include soldiers in peace and order councils but non in barangays,” Bartolome said.
RPOC – 2 chair and Isabela Governor Faustino G. Dy III approved the motion raised by the Philippine Army to include soldiers in BPOC and a resolution will be out for the said motion.
Members of the RPOC affirmed on the proposal knowing the good intention of the Philippine Army in helping the government to reach out the services with other government agencies in the barangays.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977351
The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Gamu town raised a motion during the inaugural meeting Monday of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC)- 2 the inclusion of soldiers in Barangay Peace and Order Councils all over the region.
Col. Bartolome Bacarro, 5ID, Philippine Army 502nd Brigade Commander, raised to the council the inclusion of soldiers in the Barangay Peace and Order Councils in the region to help and extend its services in the barangays like security plans to ensure the safety of residents especially during calamities.
Bacarro said the soldiers are included to the municipal, city, provincial and regional peace and order councils but in the barangays there are no soldiers who are member in the smallest unit of the government all over the region.
He said soldiers are willing to help the barangays in securing the people and partners in delivering frontline services and help during calamities.
“LGUs like municipalities, cities and provinces and even in the regional level include soldiers in peace and order councils but non in barangays,” Bartolome said.
RPOC – 2 chair and Isabela Governor Faustino G. Dy III approved the motion raised by the Philippine Army to include soldiers in BPOC and a resolution will be out for the said motion.
Members of the RPOC affirmed on the proposal knowing the good intention of the Philippine Army in helping the government to reach out the services with other government agencies in the barangays.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977351
(Repeating & Correcting)PHL usage of military equipment, troops in HADR missions unique in ASEAN
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): (Repeating & Correcting)PHL usage of military equipment, troops in HADR missions unique in ASEAN
The Philippine experience using military equipment and units in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) is being viewed as unique by other ASEAN members.
This was disclosed by Defense Assistant Secretary for Assessment and International Affairs Raymund Jose Quilop during an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday.
This is because other ASEAN member states are using purely civilian agencies in dealing with HADR missions.
"In other ASEAN countries, they have their own disaster response teams. (The context is that) in other ASEAN countries, it is quite challenging even for the civilian sector to tap into their military assets to use for disasters. For us, it is very easy as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are both part of the Department of National Defense (DND)," Quilop said.
Quilop and other Defense officials are in Cebu City to participate in the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) which will be held on April 5 to 6.
In the said meeting, the use of ASEAN military assets and its capacities in HADR will be among the key topics to be discussed.
"And the very reason why (there is) a paper about the use of military assets (is) because we all know that when disaster strikes, militaries are called to respond although it is the purview of civilian agencies like in our case, the Office of Civil Defense," Quilop emphasized.
He added discussions on the usage of military equipment and troops in HADR missions need to be tackled as other ASEAN nations are not yet familiar with the concept.
ASEAN is a regional organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration amongst its members.
Since its formation on Aug. 8, 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the organization's membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Its principal aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and socio-cultural evolution among its members, alongside the protection of regional stability and the provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977388
The Philippine experience using military equipment and units in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) is being viewed as unique by other ASEAN members.
This was disclosed by Defense Assistant Secretary for Assessment and International Affairs Raymund Jose Quilop during an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Monday.
This is because other ASEAN member states are using purely civilian agencies in dealing with HADR missions.
"In other ASEAN countries, they have their own disaster response teams. (The context is that) in other ASEAN countries, it is quite challenging even for the civilian sector to tap into their military assets to use for disasters. For us, it is very easy as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are both part of the Department of National Defense (DND)," Quilop said.
Quilop and other Defense officials are in Cebu City to participate in the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials' Meeting (ADSOM) which will be held on April 5 to 6.
In the said meeting, the use of ASEAN military assets and its capacities in HADR will be among the key topics to be discussed.
"And the very reason why (there is) a paper about the use of military assets (is) because we all know that when disaster strikes, militaries are called to respond although it is the purview of civilian agencies like in our case, the Office of Civil Defense," Quilop emphasized.
He added discussions on the usage of military equipment and troops in HADR missions need to be tackled as other ASEAN nations are not yet familiar with the concept.
ASEAN is a regional organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration amongst its members.
Since its formation on Aug. 8, 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the organization's membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Its principal aims include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and socio-cultural evolution among its members, alongside the protection of regional stability and the provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977388
4th round of peace talks focus on CASER, bilateral ceasefire
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): 4th round of peace talks focus on CASER, bilateral ceasefire
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panels agreed to prioritize the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and bilateral or joint ceasefire agreement at the resumption of peace talks Monday in The Netherlands.
Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, in his opening speech at the Radisson Palace Hotel in Naordijk, said they consider the CASER as the “heart and soul” of the agreement.
“Today, we witness history. The talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF panel has never gone this far before. In this 4th round of peace talks, we shall tackle the heart and soul of the peace process, the CASER,” he said in a statement.
“We shall also work out a more stable bilateral or joint ceasefire agreement,” he added.
According to Dureza, they have already agreed on the final outcome of the talks – lasting peace and sustainable development.
“This is not a case of one party giving in or giving up. It is about finding an acceptable common ground that the bigger panel – the public – will accept and support,” Dureza pointed out.
The road to peace is never a paved one. It will be full of bumps and bends. Let us stay the course,” he stressed.
He emphasized that it is “the wish of President Duterte to achieve a lasting, sustainable and principled peace.”
The talks, which was originally scheduled on April 2, was moved the following day after President Rodrigo Duterte called up the government panel and gave the green light to negotiate the bilateral ceasefire with NDFP.
President Rodrigo Duterte has set four preconditions to the resumption of peace negotiations.These are: the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the alleged extortion activities of rebels; the release of all political prisoners; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.
The chief executive has said he is ready to use force against the Communists if the talks fail.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977429
The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panels agreed to prioritize the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and bilateral or joint ceasefire agreement at the resumption of peace talks Monday in The Netherlands.
Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza, in his opening speech at the Radisson Palace Hotel in Naordijk, said they consider the CASER as the “heart and soul” of the agreement.
“Today, we witness history. The talks with the CPP/NPA/NDF panel has never gone this far before. In this 4th round of peace talks, we shall tackle the heart and soul of the peace process, the CASER,” he said in a statement.
“We shall also work out a more stable bilateral or joint ceasefire agreement,” he added.
According to Dureza, they have already agreed on the final outcome of the talks – lasting peace and sustainable development.
“This is not a case of one party giving in or giving up. It is about finding an acceptable common ground that the bigger panel – the public – will accept and support,” Dureza pointed out.
The road to peace is never a paved one. It will be full of bumps and bends. Let us stay the course,” he stressed.
He emphasized that it is “the wish of President Duterte to achieve a lasting, sustainable and principled peace.”
The talks, which was originally scheduled on April 2, was moved the following day after President Rodrigo Duterte called up the government panel and gave the green light to negotiate the bilateral ceasefire with NDFP.
President Rodrigo Duterte has set four preconditions to the resumption of peace negotiations.These are: the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the alleged extortion activities of rebels; the release of all political prisoners; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.
The chief executive has said he is ready to use force against the Communists if the talks fail.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977429
Duterte calls on soldiers to give up Bulacan housing units to Kadamay
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): Duterte calls on soldiers to give up Bulacan housing units to Kadamay
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday asked soldiers and policemen to give up their housing units in Bulacan in favor of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) members who have occupied the housing project since last month.
Duterte made the call during the 120th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.
“This ruckus in Bulacan eh parang inagaw ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino na mahirap rin. I will look into the matter seriously and I will ask you soldiers and the policemen, bitawan na lang ninyo ‘yan, ibigay na lang natin sa kanila tutal mahirap sila,” Duterte said in his speech.
He said giving up the housing project meant for soldiers and policemen to Kadamay would prevent trouble and possible bloodshed.
“Ayaw ko kasing pilitin ang issue because it would somehow result in bugbugan, magpaluan and to think that our sin is just talagang mahirap lang tayo. Huwag na lang natin guluhin ‘yang mga tao diyan kasi lumalaban eh," he said.
"Huwag na lang kayong makipag-away, wala ring kwenta eh. Tapos ang pulis, kayo may baril and, you know, something could go awfully wrong,” Duterte said.
In return, the President promised to build another housing project for the displaced soldiers and policemen that would be better than the ones occupied by Kadamay which lacked electricity and running water as well as other amenities.
“I am asking you kung maaari lang. Do not be offended. Take it with an open mind. Ako na mismo, inyong Presidente, nakikiusap sa inyo. Let us not wage a fight against our own people," he said.
"Tutal mahirap lang ‘yan sila, intindihin na lang ninyo. And I will build another housing project for you soonest and I intend to complete it by December,” Duterte said.
He added that he had already asked the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for a suitable land to build bigger and more comfortable housing units for the soldiers and policemen.
“But I promise you, I will look for another land nearby or adjacent or maybe contiguous to that area there and gagawa ako ng mas maganda. May tubig na at may electric na pagpasok ninyo. I have asked the National Housing Authority to look for a suitable land at papalitan ko na lang ‘yan on equal numbers,” Duterte said.
In the meantime, Duterte urged Kadamay not to forcefully dislodge the soldiers and policemen who are already in the occupied projects or he would be forced to evict the militant urban poor workers instead.
“Ngayon, ‘yung Kadamay, ibigay ko na lang ‘yan sa inyo. Huwag ninyong paalisin ‘yung mga sundalo pati pulis na nandiyan na. But eventually they will be removed and transferred to a new na mas maganda pa sa inyong inagaw,” he said.
“Iyong mga Kadamay nandiyan, huwag ninyong galawin ang mga sundalo pati pulis. Kasi ‘pag hindi, tuluyan paalisin ko kayong lahat. Do not create trouble, avoid chaos, and we will try to solve what ails this country,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977499
President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday asked soldiers and policemen to give up their housing units in Bulacan in favor of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) members who have occupied the housing project since last month.
Duterte made the call during the 120th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio.
“This ruckus in Bulacan eh parang inagaw ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino na mahirap rin. I will look into the matter seriously and I will ask you soldiers and the policemen, bitawan na lang ninyo ‘yan, ibigay na lang natin sa kanila tutal mahirap sila,” Duterte said in his speech.
He said giving up the housing project meant for soldiers and policemen to Kadamay would prevent trouble and possible bloodshed.
“Ayaw ko kasing pilitin ang issue because it would somehow result in bugbugan, magpaluan and to think that our sin is just talagang mahirap lang tayo. Huwag na lang natin guluhin ‘yang mga tao diyan kasi lumalaban eh," he said.
"Huwag na lang kayong makipag-away, wala ring kwenta eh. Tapos ang pulis, kayo may baril and, you know, something could go awfully wrong,” Duterte said.
In return, the President promised to build another housing project for the displaced soldiers and policemen that would be better than the ones occupied by Kadamay which lacked electricity and running water as well as other amenities.
“I am asking you kung maaari lang. Do not be offended. Take it with an open mind. Ako na mismo, inyong Presidente, nakikiusap sa inyo. Let us not wage a fight against our own people," he said.
"Tutal mahirap lang ‘yan sila, intindihin na lang ninyo. And I will build another housing project for you soonest and I intend to complete it by December,” Duterte said.
He added that he had already asked the National Housing Authority (NHA) to look for a suitable land to build bigger and more comfortable housing units for the soldiers and policemen.
“But I promise you, I will look for another land nearby or adjacent or maybe contiguous to that area there and gagawa ako ng mas maganda. May tubig na at may electric na pagpasok ninyo. I have asked the National Housing Authority to look for a suitable land at papalitan ko na lang ‘yan on equal numbers,” Duterte said.
In the meantime, Duterte urged Kadamay not to forcefully dislodge the soldiers and policemen who are already in the occupied projects or he would be forced to evict the militant urban poor workers instead.
“Ngayon, ‘yung Kadamay, ibigay ko na lang ‘yan sa inyo. Huwag ninyong paalisin ‘yung mga sundalo pati pulis na nandiyan na. But eventually they will be removed and transferred to a new na mas maganda pa sa inyong inagaw,” he said.
“Iyong mga Kadamay nandiyan, huwag ninyong galawin ang mga sundalo pati pulis. Kasi ‘pag hindi, tuluyan paalisin ko kayong lahat. Do not create trouble, avoid chaos, and we will try to solve what ails this country,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977499
PA now evolving into a truly modern Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): PA now evolving into a truly modern Army
As the Philippine Army (PA) celebrates its 120th founding anniversary Tuesday, its commander, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda said the force is now evolving into a modern Army.
"Since its birth in 1897, the Army continues to go through countless challenges and victories and is evolving into the modern Army that it is now today," he said in his speech before dignitaries led by President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
This took place at the Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Miranda is also pleased to report that the PA has greatly improved its war fighting capability with the acquisition of more firepower, better communications and force protection assets while ensuring that all newly-acquired equipment are compliant with existing statutory and regulatory requirements.
"The story of the PA in the past 12 decades is a continuing tale of courage and heroism triumphing against great odds, in the fight for freedom and eventually for peace," he pointed out.
With this proud history, the PA chief said the Army, as an instrument of national policy, stands firmly behind the Filipino people in their aspiration to have a drug-free, crime-free, and progressive country.
"Towards this direction, the organization joins the entire in realizing meaningful change for greatness. As such, the PA continues its journey towards modernization and institutional reform," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977489
As the Philippine Army (PA) celebrates its 120th founding anniversary Tuesday, its commander, Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda said the force is now evolving into a modern Army.
"Since its birth in 1897, the Army continues to go through countless challenges and victories and is evolving into the modern Army that it is now today," he said in his speech before dignitaries led by President Rodrigo Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año.
This took place at the Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Miranda is also pleased to report that the PA has greatly improved its war fighting capability with the acquisition of more firepower, better communications and force protection assets while ensuring that all newly-acquired equipment are compliant with existing statutory and regulatory requirements.
"The story of the PA in the past 12 decades is a continuing tale of courage and heroism triumphing against great odds, in the fight for freedom and eventually for peace," he pointed out.
With this proud history, the PA chief said the Army, as an instrument of national policy, stands firmly behind the Filipino people in their aspiration to have a drug-free, crime-free, and progressive country.
"Towards this direction, the organization joins the entire in realizing meaningful change for greatness. As such, the PA continues its journey towards modernization and institutional reform," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977489
AFP checking on reported death of ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): AFP checking on reported death of ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon
The military is now determining reports that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon may have been killed during an air strike early this year.
The announcement was made by President Rodrigo Duterte who also said that nothing more has been heard from the ASG leader and allegedly the anointed ISIS leader in the Philippines.
"The President said he believes Hapilon might be dead because the latter was seriously wounded and no word from him was heard since then. There are raw reports but we still have no confirmation that Hapilon is really dead. Operations against his group will continue in Lanao provinces and Basilan," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Tuesday.
"Our last info on him was sometime February and he was being carried by four ASG members transferring from one temporary base to another in the hinterlands of Butig," he added.
The brand-new South Korean-made FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" are the aircraft who spearheaded the bombing raid against Hapilon's hideout in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last Jan. 25.
Año's view were shared by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
"We have no info as of this date, this is why the President said 'supposes.' We will continue ongoing efforts to ascertain this," he noted.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977409
The military is now determining reports that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon may have been killed during an air strike early this year.
The announcement was made by President Rodrigo Duterte who also said that nothing more has been heard from the ASG leader and allegedly the anointed ISIS leader in the Philippines.
"The President said he believes Hapilon might be dead because the latter was seriously wounded and no word from him was heard since then. There are raw reports but we still have no confirmation that Hapilon is really dead. Operations against his group will continue in Lanao provinces and Basilan," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Tuesday.
"Our last info on him was sometime February and he was being carried by four ASG members transferring from one temporary base to another in the hinterlands of Butig," he added.
The brand-new South Korean-made FA-50 "Fighting Eagle" are the aircraft who spearheaded the bombing raid against Hapilon's hideout in Butig, Lanao Del Sur last Jan. 25.
Año's view were shared by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.
"We have no info as of this date, this is why the President said 'supposes.' We will continue ongoing efforts to ascertain this," he noted.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977409
PA a key pillar in military HADR strategy as it celebrates 120th anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): PA a key pillar in military HADR strategy as it celebrates 120th anniversary
As it celebrates its 120th founding anniversary Tuesday, the 10-division strong Philippine Army (PA) has definitely proven itself a valuable ally in nation-building as it remains one of the primary pillars of the military's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) responders.
Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao attributed their creditable HADR performance to the fact that it is one of their primary missions as stipulated by the Department of National Defense (DND).
"The reasons for it: first, that is part of our mission based on the guidance of the DND; second, we always learn from actual experiences on the ground and document the best practices; and lastly, it fits our battlecry -- 'Serving the People. Securing the Land'," he added.
Incidentally, the PA's 525th Engineering Combat Battalion, which is based in Libis, Quezon City, will be one of the first units deployed should a major disaster strike in Metro Manila and its environment.
The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion is the Army's premier HADR unit.
An engineering battalion consists of around 500 to 1,000 officers and enlisted personnel.
It is equipped with a variety of bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy construction equipment.
The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion was one of the first military units deployed to Leyte during the aftermath of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in Nov. 8, 2013.
Together with units of the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division, the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion helped cleared roads leading to Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte of debris.
As this develops, President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the traditional military parade and review in PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City for the Army's 120th founding anniversary Tuesday.
Hao said the Army anniversary is celebrated every March 22, but this year’s parade and review was moved to this day to accommodate the availability of all stakeholders.
Present in the anniversary activities were DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año, and PA commander, Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda.
Troops from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division, Special Operations Command, Army Reserve Command, 51st Engineering Brigade, a company-size all female contingent, and an Army K-9 unit will compose the parading troops who will showcase the PA's various capabilities.
The PA will also showcase its wheeled- and tracked-armored vehicles, ambulances, and Army engineering and HADR equipment.
The Philippine Army was founded in March 22, 1897 through the Tejeros convention.
The Army currently has 85,000 strong men and women dedicated to serve the people and secure the land.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977367
As it celebrates its 120th founding anniversary Tuesday, the 10-division strong Philippine Army (PA) has definitely proven itself a valuable ally in nation-building as it remains one of the primary pillars of the military's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) responders.
Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao attributed their creditable HADR performance to the fact that it is one of their primary missions as stipulated by the Department of National Defense (DND).
"The reasons for it: first, that is part of our mission based on the guidance of the DND; second, we always learn from actual experiences on the ground and document the best practices; and lastly, it fits our battlecry -- 'Serving the People. Securing the Land'," he added.
Incidentally, the PA's 525th Engineering Combat Battalion, which is based in Libis, Quezon City, will be one of the first units deployed should a major disaster strike in Metro Manila and its environment.
The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion is the Army's premier HADR unit.
An engineering battalion consists of around 500 to 1,000 officers and enlisted personnel.
It is equipped with a variety of bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy construction equipment.
The 525th Engineering Combat Battalion was one of the first military units deployed to Leyte during the aftermath of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in Nov. 8, 2013.
Together with units of the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division, the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion helped cleared roads leading to Tacloban City and other parts of Leyte of debris.
As this develops, President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the traditional military parade and review in PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City for the Army's 120th founding anniversary Tuesday.
Hao said the Army anniversary is celebrated every March 22, but this year’s parade and review was moved to this day to accommodate the availability of all stakeholders.
Present in the anniversary activities were DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año, and PA commander, Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda.
Troops from the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, 7th Infantry Division, Special Operations Command, Army Reserve Command, 51st Engineering Brigade, a company-size all female contingent, and an Army K-9 unit will compose the parading troops who will showcase the PA's various capabilities.
The PA will also showcase its wheeled- and tracked-armored vehicles, ambulances, and Army engineering and HADR equipment.
The Philippine Army was founded in March 22, 1897 through the Tejeros convention.
The Army currently has 85,000 strong men and women dedicated to serve the people and secure the land.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977367
President Duterte assures soldiers of his support during Army's 120th Anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4): President Duterte assures soldiers of his support during Army's 120th Anniversary
President Rodrigo Duterte commended the members of the Philippine Army for their sacrifices to the country during their 120th anniversary celebration as he promised them continuous support to effectively do their jobs.
“Since the establishment of the Philippine Army 120 years ago, our history is replete with tales of our soldiers’ great sacrifices and significant victories to best protect our people and our national sovereignty,” the President said in his speech at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Tuesday, April 4.
In line with the government’s modernization program on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the present leadership has been providing telecommunication apparatus, firepower and infantry fighting vehicles to the Army, the President said.
The administration allocated almost PHP6.5 billion for Philippine Army projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Plan to procure individual equipment such as rifles, pistols, grenade launchers and force protection armors.
The President noted that he signed an Executive Order last September increasing the combat pay of soldiers from PHP500 to PHP3,000 per month and their combat incentive pay from PHP150 to PHP300 a day.
Also, the Department of Budget and Management is also working on the proposed compensation adjustment to increase the base and hazard pays of military personnel, President Duterte said.
He said the GSIS will also study the possibility of having a housing loan program that will complement the soldier’s ability to pay, noting that soldiers are more confident to perform their mandate if their loved ones are well-sheltered.
He also called on the Philippine Army and all branches of the military to continue helping the administration’s drive against illegal drugs.
At the same time, the President asked the members of the military to forego the houses intended for them in Bulacan, stressing that his government will build new homes in another location.
“I am asking you kung maaari lang. Do not be offended. Take it with an open mind. Ako na mismo, inyong Presidente, nakikiusap sa inyo. Let us not wage a fight against our own people,” he said.
“Tutal mahirap lang ‘yan sila, intindihin na lang ninyo. And I will build another housing project for you soonest and I intend to complete it by December,” he added.
He warned the members of Kadamay not to create trouble in the housing sites they occupied and avoid harassing the soldiers and policemen who are already residing there.
“Do not create trouble, avoid chaos, and we will try to solve what ails this country,” the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977525
President Rodrigo Duterte commended the members of the Philippine Army for their sacrifices to the country during their 120th anniversary celebration as he promised them continuous support to effectively do their jobs.
“Since the establishment of the Philippine Army 120 years ago, our history is replete with tales of our soldiers’ great sacrifices and significant victories to best protect our people and our national sovereignty,” the President said in his speech at the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on Tuesday, April 4.
In line with the government’s modernization program on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the present leadership has been providing telecommunication apparatus, firepower and infantry fighting vehicles to the Army, the President said.
The administration allocated almost PHP6.5 billion for Philippine Army projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Plan to procure individual equipment such as rifles, pistols, grenade launchers and force protection armors.
The President noted that he signed an Executive Order last September increasing the combat pay of soldiers from PHP500 to PHP3,000 per month and their combat incentive pay from PHP150 to PHP300 a day.
Also, the Department of Budget and Management is also working on the proposed compensation adjustment to increase the base and hazard pays of military personnel, President Duterte said.
He said the GSIS will also study the possibility of having a housing loan program that will complement the soldier’s ability to pay, noting that soldiers are more confident to perform their mandate if their loved ones are well-sheltered.
He also called on the Philippine Army and all branches of the military to continue helping the administration’s drive against illegal drugs.
At the same time, the President asked the members of the military to forego the houses intended for them in Bulacan, stressing that his government will build new homes in another location.
“I am asking you kung maaari lang. Do not be offended. Take it with an open mind. Ako na mismo, inyong Presidente, nakikiusap sa inyo. Let us not wage a fight against our own people,” he said.
“Tutal mahirap lang ‘yan sila, intindihin na lang ninyo. And I will build another housing project for you soonest and I intend to complete it by December,” he added.
He warned the members of Kadamay not to create trouble in the housing sites they occupied and avoid harassing the soldiers and policemen who are already residing there.
“Do not create trouble, avoid chaos, and we will try to solve what ails this country,” the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=977525
Monday, April 3, 2017
Philippine soldiers kill 'more than 10' militants in bid to free captives
From InterAksyon (Apr 4): Philippine soldiers kill 'more than 10' militants in bid to free captives
A soldier is treated at Camp Bautista after being wounded in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao, Sulu. REUTERS
Philippine soldiers killed "more than 10" Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf militants in an attempt to free Vietnamese captives held on a remote southern island as troops fired howitzer shells on rebel positions, an army general said on Monday.
The small but violent militant group, known for extortion, beheading and kidnap-for-ransom activities, is holding more than two dozen captives on Jolo island. It beheaded a German captive two months ago when no ransom was paid for his release.
Major-General Carlito Galvez, military commander of western Mindanao, said 32 soldiers were also wounded in Sunday's assault on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Talipao town, where the militants were believed to be holding six Vietnamese captives.
"The 105mm howitzer directly hit enemy positions," Galvez told reporters, saying four rounds were fired when advancing troops were pinned down.
"More than 10 were killed. Our troops had discovered mangled bodies in the area, but we continue to pursue them."
There was no word on the fate of the captives. Four of the wounded soldiers were airlifted to a hospital while 28, among them a battalion commander, had minor shrapnel wounds from grenade blasts.
Galvez said troops had clashed for more than an hour with about 100 Abu Sayyaf rebels led by Radullan Sahiron, a one-armed militant leader who figures on the US State Department's wanted list, with a $1-million bounty.
Last month, five Malaysians were freed on Jolo and two Filipino sailors were rescued on nearby Basilan island by soldiers chasing the Abu Sayyaf militant group.
http://interaksyon.com/article/138247/philippine-soldiers-kill-more-than-10-militants-in-bid-to-free-captives
A soldier is treated at Camp Bautista after being wounded in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao, Sulu. REUTERS
Philippine soldiers killed "more than 10" Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf militants in an attempt to free Vietnamese captives held on a remote southern island as troops fired howitzer shells on rebel positions, an army general said on Monday.
The small but violent militant group, known for extortion, beheading and kidnap-for-ransom activities, is holding more than two dozen captives on Jolo island. It beheaded a German captive two months ago when no ransom was paid for his release.
Major-General Carlito Galvez, military commander of western Mindanao, said 32 soldiers were also wounded in Sunday's assault on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Talipao town, where the militants were believed to be holding six Vietnamese captives.
"The 105mm howitzer directly hit enemy positions," Galvez told reporters, saying four rounds were fired when advancing troops were pinned down.
"More than 10 were killed. Our troops had discovered mangled bodies in the area, but we continue to pursue them."
There was no word on the fate of the captives. Four of the wounded soldiers were airlifted to a hospital while 28, among them a battalion commander, had minor shrapnel wounds from grenade blasts.
Galvez said troops had clashed for more than an hour with about 100 Abu Sayyaf rebels led by Radullan Sahiron, a one-armed militant leader who figures on the US State Department's wanted list, with a $1-million bounty.
Last month, five Malaysians were freed on Jolo and two Filipino sailors were rescued on nearby Basilan island by soldiers chasing the Abu Sayyaf militant group.
http://interaksyon.com/article/138247/philippine-soldiers-kill-more-than-10-militants-in-bid-to-free-captives
Sayyafs inflict heavy casualties on military in Sulu
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 3): Sayyafs inflict heavy casualties on military in Sulu
At least three dozen soldiers were wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, various reports from there said on Monday.
It said the weekend fighting broke out in the remote village of Upper Laus in Talipao town where troops clashed with about 150 rebels under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. There were no reports of Abu Sayyaf casualties, but many of the wounded soldiers were members of the 41st Infantry Battalion.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command did not release any information about the casualties, although security forces have been battling the ISIS-affiliate rebel group whose members are fighting for a caliphate in the restive Muslim autonomous region.
Just recently, security forces captured a notorious Abu Sayyaf rebel – Amilton Tammang – at the port of Zamboanga City after he escaped military operation in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the autonomous region.
The 29-year old Tammang is wanted by the police and military for the brutal murder of a construction worker in Sulu’s Patikul town in 2016.
Tamang was handed over by the military to the police and is currently being interrogated. It was not immediately known whether Tammang escaped Sulu with other rebels or whether he was planning an attack in Zamboanga.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about two dozen Asian sailors kidnapped off Malaysia’s Sabah state and in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi provinces, all in the Muslim region.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-inflict-heavy-casualties-on-military-in-sulu/
At least three dozen soldiers were wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern Filipino province of Sulu, various reports from there said on Monday.
It said the weekend fighting broke out in the remote village of Upper Laus in Talipao town where troops clashed with about 150 rebels under Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. There were no reports of Abu Sayyaf casualties, but many of the wounded soldiers were members of the 41st Infantry Battalion.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command did not release any information about the casualties, although security forces have been battling the ISIS-affiliate rebel group whose members are fighting for a caliphate in the restive Muslim autonomous region.
Just recently, security forces captured a notorious Abu Sayyaf rebel – Amilton Tammang – at the port of Zamboanga City after he escaped military operation in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the autonomous region.
The 29-year old Tammang is wanted by the police and military for the brutal murder of a construction worker in Sulu’s Patikul town in 2016.
Tamang was handed over by the military to the police and is currently being interrogated. It was not immediately known whether Tammang escaped Sulu with other rebels or whether he was planning an attack in Zamboanga.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about two dozen Asian sailors kidnapped off Malaysia’s Sabah state and in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi provinces, all in the Muslim region.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-inflict-heavy-casualties-on-military-in-sulu/
Philippines Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 3 | April 2017
From the Relief Web (Apr 3): Philippines Humanitarian Bulletin Issue 3 | April 2017
http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHAPhilippines_Humanitarian_Bulletin_No3_April_2017_FINAL.pdf
HIGHLIGHTS
• Over 1,800 children were formally disengaged from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade in a landmark agreement between the armed groups and the United Nations in the Philippines.
• The Community of Practice on Community Engagement puts the Rapid Information Communication Accountability Assessment (RICAA) tool into practice in Antequerra, Bohol.
• Almost a year after the Grand Bargain pledge at the World Humanitarian Summit, an Asia-Pacific dialogue reviews progress made and challenges of the commitments.
FIGURES
Surigao Earthquake
# of displaced persons 9,585
# of damaged or destroyed houses 10,873
(Source: DSWD as of 25 March)
Flooding in Mindanao and Visayas
# of displaced persons 29,489 (Source: DSWD as of 26 March)
Zamboanga Crisis
# of IDPs in transitional sites 10,234
(Source: Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office as of 13 March)
1,800 children formally disengaged from non-state armed group
"As children, you should be in school holding pens, not guns.” Wilma Madato, a training officer for the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and member of the UN-MILF Action Plan Five-Person Panel, delivered a firm message to 36 children, along with their families and soldiers of the Field Guard base command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao province. She was speaking at one of dozens of ceremonies that took place in February and March to formally disengage over 1,800 children from association with the MILF’s military arm, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and its counterpart BIWAB.
Disengagement efforts in the Philippines
The United Nations, led by UNICEF’s country office in the Philippines, supported this process, which began with the UN-MILF Action Plan to address the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in Mindanao. The 2009 action plan, extended in 2013, commits the MILF to end the recruitment and use of children within their ranks. These ceremonies signify the culmination of years of initiatives to raise awareness and sensitize MILF members from the highest levels to front-line soldiers and families on the implications and impact on children who are recruited and used by their military arm.
At the field level in Mindanao and the national level in Manila, the UN Security Councilmandated country team for monitoring and reporting grave violations of children’s rights in situations of armed conflict has been central to the disengagement process. OCHA actively participates in this multi-lateral team chaired by UNICEF, which tracks incidents involving children and works with all parties involved to halt these grave violations. Additionally, OCHA advocates their protection through various media and means, including meetings with stakeholders and partners.
Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Representative, says, “Children affected by armed conflict are among the most vulnerable in the world. Right here in the Philippines, children are affected by armed conflict in different ways. They can be recruited as soldiers and engaged in direct combat or simply be helpers at the camp. In any case, there are seriously harmful consequences threatening their life and well-being.”
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-3-april-2017
http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/OCHAPhilippines_Humanitarian_Bulletin_No3_April_2017_FINAL.pdf
HIGHLIGHTS
• Over 1,800 children were formally disengaged from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade in a landmark agreement between the armed groups and the United Nations in the Philippines.
• The Community of Practice on Community Engagement puts the Rapid Information Communication Accountability Assessment (RICAA) tool into practice in Antequerra, Bohol.
• Almost a year after the Grand Bargain pledge at the World Humanitarian Summit, an Asia-Pacific dialogue reviews progress made and challenges of the commitments.
FIGURES
Surigao Earthquake
# of displaced persons 9,585
# of damaged or destroyed houses 10,873
(Source: DSWD as of 25 March)
Flooding in Mindanao and Visayas
# of displaced persons 29,489 (Source: DSWD as of 26 March)
Zamboanga Crisis
# of IDPs in transitional sites 10,234
(Source: Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development Office as of 13 March)
1,800 children formally disengaged from non-state armed group
"As children, you should be in school holding pens, not guns.” Wilma Madato, a training officer for the Bangsamoro Islamic Women Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) and member of the UN-MILF Action Plan Five-Person Panel, delivered a firm message to 36 children, along with their families and soldiers of the Field Guard base command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao province. She was speaking at one of dozens of ceremonies that took place in February and March to formally disengage over 1,800 children from association with the MILF’s military arm, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) and its counterpart BIWAB.
Disengagement efforts in the Philippines
The United Nations, led by UNICEF’s country office in the Philippines, supported this process, which began with the UN-MILF Action Plan to address the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict in Mindanao. The 2009 action plan, extended in 2013, commits the MILF to end the recruitment and use of children within their ranks. These ceremonies signify the culmination of years of initiatives to raise awareness and sensitize MILF members from the highest levels to front-line soldiers and families on the implications and impact on children who are recruited and used by their military arm.
At the field level in Mindanao and the national level in Manila, the UN Security Councilmandated country team for monitoring and reporting grave violations of children’s rights in situations of armed conflict has been central to the disengagement process. OCHA actively participates in this multi-lateral team chaired by UNICEF, which tracks incidents involving children and works with all parties involved to halt these grave violations. Additionally, OCHA advocates their protection through various media and means, including meetings with stakeholders and partners.
Lotta Sylwander, UNICEF Philippines Representative, says, “Children affected by armed conflict are among the most vulnerable in the world. Right here in the Philippines, children are affected by armed conflict in different ways. They can be recruited as soldiers and engaged in direct combat or simply be helpers at the camp. In any case, there are seriously harmful consequences threatening their life and well-being.”
http://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-humanitarian-bulletin-issue-3-april-2017
Philippine Navy ship deal: Indonesians arrested
From the Philippine Star (Apr 3): Philippine Navy ship deal: Indonesians arrested
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Ranking officials of an Indonesian state shipbuilder were reportedly apprehended before the weekend by anti-corruption authorities over a bribery case involving the sale of two warships to the Philippine Navy worth at least P4 billion.
PT. PAL Indonesia president director Firmansyah Arifin and corporate secretary Elly Dwiratmanto were taken for questioning by elements of Indonesia’s Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) or Corruption Eradication Commission regarding the sale of two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) to the Philippine Navy.
Arifin and Dwiratmanto were reportedly taken in Thursday by KPK after several personnel of PT. PAL’s finance department were also questioned earlier by KPK.
Arifin and Dwiratmanto were reportedly picked up from the company’s headquarters in Surabaya, East Java, around 11 p.m. local time, according to a Jakarta Post report.
PT. PAL Indonesia had reportedly won a tender for the construction of two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) worth Rp 1.1 trillion ($82.57 million) for the Philippine Navy.
The first warship delivered to the Philippines, named BRP Tarlac, arrived on May 14, 2016 after a five-day journey from the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya. It was commissioned in short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor on June 1, 2016.
The second vessel, christened BRP Davao del Sur, is scheduled to be delivered this month or by May.
The two-unit SSV procurement project of the Navy reportedly has an approved budget contract of P4 billion sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Act Trust Fund.
Sources in Indonesia maintained that the bribery case against PT. PAL officials does not involve any officials of the Philippine Navy or AFP.
“What I understand is that the bribery case was between the Indonesian broker company and the PT. PAL officials, and does not involve anyone from the Philippines,” a source of The STAR said.
As of press time, however, the non-involvement of Philippine officials in the alleged bribery case could not be confirmed.
Likewise, the delivery of BRP Davao del Sur as scheduled amid the issue could not be ascertained.
BRP Davao del Sur was launched and christened in ceremonies also held in Surabaya and attended by Philippine officials in September 2016.
Just like BRP Tarlac, BRP Davao Del Sur is also a Makassar-class landing platform dock.
Both BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur serve as floating command-and-control ships, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and will also serve as a military sealift and transport vessel.
BRP Davao del Sur has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters and draft of five meters. It carries a payload of 2,800 tons.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/03/1687239/philippine-navy-ship-deal-indonesians-arrested
The two-unit SSV procurement project of the Navy reportedly has an approved budget contract of P4 billion sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Act Trust Fund. AP Photo/Bullit Marquez
PT. PAL Indonesia president director Firmansyah Arifin and corporate secretary Elly Dwiratmanto were taken for questioning by elements of Indonesia’s Komisi Pemberantasan Korupsi (KPK) or Corruption Eradication Commission regarding the sale of two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) to the Philippine Navy.
Arifin and Dwiratmanto were reportedly taken in Thursday by KPK after several personnel of PT. PAL’s finance department were also questioned earlier by KPK.
Arifin and Dwiratmanto were reportedly picked up from the company’s headquarters in Surabaya, East Java, around 11 p.m. local time, according to a Jakarta Post report.
PT. PAL Indonesia had reportedly won a tender for the construction of two strategic sealift vessels (SSV) worth Rp 1.1 trillion ($82.57 million) for the Philippine Navy.
The first warship delivered to the Philippines, named BRP Tarlac, arrived on May 14, 2016 after a five-day journey from the PT PAL shipyard in Surabaya. It was commissioned in short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor on June 1, 2016.
The second vessel, christened BRP Davao del Sur, is scheduled to be delivered this month or by May.
The two-unit SSV procurement project of the Navy reportedly has an approved budget contract of P4 billion sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Act Trust Fund.
Sources in Indonesia maintained that the bribery case against PT. PAL officials does not involve any officials of the Philippine Navy or AFP.
“What I understand is that the bribery case was between the Indonesian broker company and the PT. PAL officials, and does not involve anyone from the Philippines,” a source of The STAR said.
As of press time, however, the non-involvement of Philippine officials in the alleged bribery case could not be confirmed.
Likewise, the delivery of BRP Davao del Sur as scheduled amid the issue could not be ascertained.
BRP Davao del Sur was launched and christened in ceremonies also held in Surabaya and attended by Philippine officials in September 2016.
Just like BRP Tarlac, BRP Davao Del Sur is also a Makassar-class landing platform dock.
Both BRP Tarlac and BRP Davao del Sur serve as floating command-and-control ships, especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and will also serve as a military sealift and transport vessel.
BRP Davao del Sur has an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters and draft of five meters. It carries a payload of 2,800 tons.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/03/1687239/philippine-navy-ship-deal-indonesians-arrested
Army commander in Bicol pushes localized peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 3): Army commander in Bicol pushes localized peace talks
A top official of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army operating in Bicol said they are working out a localized peace talk between between the military and the New People’s Army with the Army taking the initiative.
Col. Fernando Trinidad, commanding officer of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, in an interview, has called on the members of the communist rebel organization to return to the fold of the law.
He said he has started the ball rolling for a possible talk with local guerrilla leaders even as he expressed full support to the ongoing informal peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panels.
“We can stop fighting to talk and if we fail to reach an agreement then we can resume fighting again,” Trinidad said.
He added he has initially coordinated with some sectors, including the church, non-government organizations and community leaders who could help push the local peace talk.
Trinidad said the government still has the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) wherein rebel returnees are provided with cash grants and livelihood programs.
“Rebels who surrender with their firearms are given an additional amount,” he added.
However, Trinidad’s idea was shot down by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Sorsogon which also supports the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF at the national level.
Rey Hababag, BAYAN-Sorsogon spokesperson, said engaging in a local peace talk would only muddle the peace process.
“Even as we speak, we hear statements from the military which are different or opposed to the statements of the government peace panel or even Malacañang,” Hababag stressed.
He said holding a separate peace talk at the local level would only complicate the issues and would just cause confusion.
Hababag said they are only fully supportive of the peace talks now ongoing in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The peace negotiation bogged down earlier this year after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered government negotiators to discontinue the talks with the NDF panel.
Immediately after the negotiation was severed, both sides also discontinued the ceasefires declared by both sides which had resulted in encounters between government troops and communist guerrillas.
In Sorsogon, the latest encounter between Army troops and the rebels occurred last March 16 at Barangay (village) Tugas, Matnog.
Trinidad said sporadic skirmishes between the two sides are still to be expected despite the declaration of Sorsogon province as a “conflict-manageable, development-ready” area.
He said although the clashes could not be totally eliminated, he expressed confidence that development projects could be carried out in the province because the rebel forces have been reduced to an insignificant level in Sorsogon.
Trinidad said this means the projects could be carried out with lesser apprehension of harassment from the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977046
A top official of the 903rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army operating in Bicol said they are working out a localized peace talk between between the military and the New People’s Army with the Army taking the initiative.
Col. Fernando Trinidad, commanding officer of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, in an interview, has called on the members of the communist rebel organization to return to the fold of the law.
He said he has started the ball rolling for a possible talk with local guerrilla leaders even as he expressed full support to the ongoing informal peace talks between the government and National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panels.
“We can stop fighting to talk and if we fail to reach an agreement then we can resume fighting again,” Trinidad said.
He added he has initially coordinated with some sectors, including the church, non-government organizations and community leaders who could help push the local peace talk.
Trinidad said the government still has the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) wherein rebel returnees are provided with cash grants and livelihood programs.
“Rebels who surrender with their firearms are given an additional amount,” he added.
However, Trinidad’s idea was shot down by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN)-Sorsogon which also supports the peace negotiations between the government and the NDF at the national level.
Rey Hababag, BAYAN-Sorsogon spokesperson, said engaging in a local peace talk would only muddle the peace process.
“Even as we speak, we hear statements from the military which are different or opposed to the statements of the government peace panel or even Malacañang,” Hababag stressed.
He said holding a separate peace talk at the local level would only complicate the issues and would just cause confusion.
Hababag said they are only fully supportive of the peace talks now ongoing in Utrecht, the Netherlands.
The peace negotiation bogged down earlier this year after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered government negotiators to discontinue the talks with the NDF panel.
Immediately after the negotiation was severed, both sides also discontinued the ceasefires declared by both sides which had resulted in encounters between government troops and communist guerrillas.
In Sorsogon, the latest encounter between Army troops and the rebels occurred last March 16 at Barangay (village) Tugas, Matnog.
Trinidad said sporadic skirmishes between the two sides are still to be expected despite the declaration of Sorsogon province as a “conflict-manageable, development-ready” area.
He said although the clashes could not be totally eliminated, he expressed confidence that development projects could be carried out in the province because the rebel forces have been reduced to an insignificant level in Sorsogon.
Trinidad said this means the projects could be carried out with lesser apprehension of harassment from the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=977046
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