16 killed and wounded in Sayyaf fighting in Sulu

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 26, 2019): 16 killed and wounded in Sayyaf fighting in Sulu 

Two children were reported killed and 8 others wounded, including 5 soldiers, in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, the miliyary said Sunday.

The Western Mindanao Command said at least 30 militants clashed with Special Forces soldiers in the village of Igasan in Patikul town.

Troops were deployed in the area after receiving reports that the Abu Sayyaf attacked a community there and killed 2 children and wounded 3 others.

It said the weekend fighting lasted for half an hour and that 6 militants were allegedly killed, but the military did not say if troops recover the bodies of the slain enemies under Mundi Sawadjaan.

The military said soldiers from the 13th Special Forces Company under 2nd Lieutenant Christian Capiz also assisted villagers in vacating the area.

Brigadier General Peter Angelo Ramos, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, condemned the Abu Sayyaf attack on civilians especially during the holy month of Ramadan. “The desperate Abu Sayyaf attack against the innocent civilians is a total disrespect to the tenets of Islam as a religion of peace and a blatant disregard in the observance of the holy month of Ramadan,” he said, recalling how militants also targeted a medical mission and policemen escorting government teachers in Patikul town in February that left 2 cops wounded.

Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., who heads the Joint Task Force Sulu, said the Abu Sayyaf attacked civilians on suspicion they were providing information to the military about the militant group. “They were furious even to their own families whom they suspected of collaborating with our soldiers. The death of the two innocent children and the wounding of three other civilians are indicative of the Abu Sayyaf’s desperate actions of sowing fear among the local populace,” Pabayo said and urged the locals to strongly condemn this un-Islamic and treacherous acts of the Abu Sayyaf.

“Let us remain firm with our resolve in putting an end to this senseless killing of innocent civilians,” he said.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/16-killed-and-wounded-in-sayyaf-fighting-in-sulu/

6 NPA rebels surrender in Batangas

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2019): 6 NPA rebels surrender in Batangas



Persuaded by their relatives, six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to police in Batangas, the top provincial police official said on Saturday.

Col. Edwin Quilates, director of the Batangas Provincial Police Office (BPPO), said the NPA rebels also surrendered their firearms on Friday at the provincial police headquarters in Camp Miguel Malvar, Barangay Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City.

“The surrender of these personalities was attained through the persuasion made by their relatives who were recruited informants from the stated units,” Quilates said.

He added the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines also made the surrender possible through the concerted efforts of the military and police units.

"You can read from the faces of these returnees the excitement of their new found freedom from the false hopes and promises of a crooked ideology, and the hope of a brighter future for them and their families,” Quilates said.

“We shook hands and embraced them to let them feel the care and protection of their motherland who have been yearning and waiting for them to return to the fold of the law,” he added.

Quilates said the rebel returnees are now under custody and care of BPPO and undergoing debriefing, processing, and documentation.

He said his office is also facilitating the rebel returnees’ application for government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed group.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070690

PCOO, TFBM bring int’l media to Marawi City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2019): PCOO, TFBM bring int’l media to Marawi City



The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) has brought more than 40 foreign journalists to Marawi City on May 23 to showcase the government's rehabilitation program two years after the Marawi siege broke out.

The reporting tour aims to curb inaccurate information about the current situation in Marawi City.

This is the third reporting event organized by the PCOO-Office of Global Media Affairs (OGMA), following the tour in Eastern Samar to cover the return of the Balangiga Bells in December, and the trip to Cotabato City and Maguindanao for the Bangsamoro Organic Law Plebiscite last January.

More than 40 media personnel participated in the reporting event in Marawi City, coming from outlets based in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

The trip was organized by the OGMA, in partnership with the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

“We want to bring the journalists there to provide them the accurate narratives to avoid disinformation, which is what the PCOO has been advocating for,” OGMA chief JV Arcena said.

“This is an opportunity to showcase the government's efforts on the ground as well as the sentiment from the locals themselves, to paint a clearer picture of the situation,” he added.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, meanwhile, lauded the efforts of OGMA and TFBM.

“What you (OGMA) did was important, to provide the international media the correct narratives from the government and the people on the ground. You made their assignment or job easier for organizing a tour and securing them the clearances to get into the restricted areas. Thank you, OGMA for making a difference in this year’s anniversary of the Marawi siege. Thanks a lot for your time and effort, JV Arcena,” Andanar said.

Upon arrival to Marawi City, the international media witnessed the culmination program of the Marawi Week of Peace.

"We ensure Marawi will rise again as a prosperous city again. We are with you until the end of the rehabilitation in December 2021," Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and TFBM Chair, Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, said in a speech before the locals.



Then, the international media went to the most affected area where they saw the construction of the Bangolo Bridge -- the main artery going to Marawi’s central business district.

They also witnessed the demolition of buildings beyond repair.

Del Rosario said once all debris management work is completed by November, the construction of vertical infrastructure will now commence.

About 24 infrastructure projects are lined up to be built until 2021.

Del Rosario said currently, the main challenge of the rehabilitation program is the clearing of unexploded explosives and ordinances, as he wants to assure that the city is safe before residents return to their homes.

He said bombs planted by the Islamic militants have a 650-meter blast radius -- potentially wiping out all buildings in the area.

Nevertheless, he said TFBM has been prompt in the rehabilitation process.

"We are on the right track. We can do it in less than five years," del Rosario said, noting that the timeline is shorter than the seven-year period estimated by outside experts.



He noted that the government immediately conducted intervention activities as early as two months into the Battle of Marawi even while skirmishes were ongoing. These include land development, construction of temporary housing, distribution of relief goods, and medical outreach activities.

"There are no delays. Propagandists are using delays as a Jihadist recruitment narrative," del Rosario said.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Commander of the 103rd infantry brigade, meanwhile said during the reporting tour that the Islamic terrorists no longer have the capacity to attempt another attack.

“Their capabilities are diminished. The threat posed by Maute-ISIS has gone very low,” he said.

Moreover, the reporting tour also brought the international media to the Sagonsongan transitory shelters where they interacted with the displaced families.

They also witnessed the Department of Social Welfare and Development payouts consisting of PHP73,000 cash and household goods.

“We are on our way to being well. We are finally learning what peace is all about,” Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said during the tour.

The PCOO-OGMA is tasked to connect Philippine government policymakers with the international media, and to promote priority policy messages through engagements with foreign audiences. (PCOO)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070700

PRRD to PMA grads: If PH is not run properly, you know what to do

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2019): PRRD to PMA grads: If PH is not run properly, you know what to do

SERVE YOUR COUNTRY WELL. President Rodrigo Duterte urges the 261 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) “Mabalasik” Class of 2019 to serve the country well during the commencement exercises at the Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City on Sunday (May 26, 2019). In his keynote speech, Duterte also called on the graduates to be humble, be teachable and always be grateful for those who taught, prayed and believed in them. (Screenshot photo)
President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday said he expects the 261 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Mabalasik” Class of 2019 to “know what to do” if they believed the country is not being run the way it should be.

“Serve your country well. Die for your country if it needs be. Remember the young Filipinos yet to come, the children and those who are now studying. Don’t forget that,” said Duterte in his keynote speech during the commencement exercises of PMA cadet graduates at the Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City.

“If you think that the country is not run the way it is and if it will destroy your country, you should know what to do. Do you understand me?” he added.

The rain-drenched graduates immediately responded with: “Yes, sir!”

Duterte also gave the graduates three pieces of advice, which involve instilling the values of humility, gratitude, and faith in service.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I lay down these vital points that I will ask you to instill within yourselves as [junior officers] of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines): Be humble. Nothing beats humility,” Duterte said.

The President reminded the graduates that rank, authority, and trust of their subordinates and the people that they serve are borne out of respect for the office that they carry.

He also urged them to be “teachable”, stressing that the way to success requires order and discipline.

“Next, always be grateful,” Duterte said, urging them to honor seniors, officers, professors, enlisted personnel and other civilians who prayed for and believed in them.

Finally, Duterte called on the graduates to watch out for each other, especially in the field since many complex and irrational state and non-state actors may pose danger to the country.

“Lastly, always look at each other’s backs. In the field, nobody wins alone. Where many old mindsets are fading fast and new ones are coming from the unprecedented sources,” Duterte said.

He also asked them to stick to their respective missions, embody courage and loyalty as they pursue different careers in the military.

“Given this reality, I ask you to always remain faithful to your mission: Be a good soldier who will serve the Constitution, protect the people, secure our sovereignty, and preserve the integrity of our national territory,” he added.

“Let these values be your beacon until your last taps are sung and your perpetual memory would be to see your country truly free,” he added.

The President, in closing, expressed confidence that the graduates would remain to be “idealistic” especially in their pursuit for lasting peace.

"With you behind me, I am confident that we can build the foundations of a better, safer, and more peaceful life for all Filipinos,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, the President also pardoned the outstanding punishments for PMA underclassmen, reminding them that he would give them a pass because he wanted “good and capable soldiers.”

Duterte also gave PMA class valedictorian Dionne Mae Umalla a Presidential Saber and a certificate of ownership for a one-unit house and lot and PMA goat Danmark Solomon a new pistol.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070703

PRRD pardons cadets facing minor punishments

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2019): PRRD pardons cadets facing minor punishments

PMA GRADUATION. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his keynote speech during the commencement exercises of PMA cadet graduates at the Fort General Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City on Sunday (May 26, 2019). (Redjie Melvic Cawis/ PIA-CAR)
FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City-- President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday issued an order giving pardon to cadets who are facing punishments.

“I therefore say, I Rodrigo Roa Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines hereby pardon all outstanding punishments for the underclassmen — 2CL (second class), 3CL and 4CL of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) as recommended by the Superintendent effective today, May 26,” the President said in his speech during the graduation ceremony of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class of 2019.

The order will include all those facing punishments for violation of less grave offenses.

He, however, mentioned that they have yet to check the record as to how many cadets are benefitting from the order.

Maj. Reynan Afan, PMA Information Officer, told Philippine News Agency (PNA) that a pardon is a president’s prerogative as commander in chief, and is not mandatory.

Afan said, under normal circumstances, cadets are mandated to follow several regulations during their stay inside the academy.

“There are rules and regulations which the cadets have to comply with starting from the time they wake up at specific time in the morning and before sleeping," he said, citing PMA's book containing rules and regulations.

Afan added that cadets could be reported for not submitting their assignments on time or not coming to class on time, which offenses are in the cadets' book, and considered less grave offenses.

“It is the cadets’ bible that defines how to live in the cadet corps from the moment they wake up until the moment they sleep there is always a regulation,” the officer said.

Afan said that the two cadets reported to have been delisted from the graduates’ list are not included in the pardon issued.

He clarified that the order specifically mentioned the 2nd, 3rd and 4th class cadets only.

Grave offenses are different matters and are not included in the pardon that the President issued.

“That is Honor Code, an entirely separate entity and is not included,” Afan said.

He said cadets commit violations on two bases -- regulation and the honor system.

Prior to signing the order, the President said he "will pardon you this time because I need good and capable soldiers."

Duterte was guest of honor and speaker during the graduation ceremonies on Sunday where 261 cadets were conferred the ranks of Second Lieutenant for those joining the Army and the Air Force and Ensign for those going to the Navy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070713

Top PMA grad wanted to be doctor, teacher

From the Philippine News Agency (May 26, 2019): Top PMA grad wanted to be doctor, teacher

VALEDICTORY ADDRESS. Philippine Military Academy Mabalasik Class 2019 top graduate, Dionne Mae Umalla, delivers her valedictory address during the graduation ceremony at the Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City on Sunday (May 26, 2019). President Rodrigo Duterte conferred the ranks of Second Lieutenant and Ensign to 261 cadets who completed their four-year education at the country’s premier military academy. (Photo by Redjie Melvic Cawis/ PIA-CAR)

BAGUIO CITY -- Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Mabalasik Class 2019 top graduate, Dionne Mae Apolog Umalla, of Alilem, Ilocos Sur never thought that she would embrace the profession of arms, but entering the country’s premier military academy made her realize how PMA is making her dreams come true.

“We had the hardest training in the academy that is capable of breaking us, even the most indomitable experience is an understatement. Despite this, the academy is a dream-maker, it turned our aspirations into reality, perhaps not exactly the way we wanted, but what we needed,” Umalla said during her valedictory address during the PMA graduation on Sunday.

"We became what not we wanted but what we needed to be, to serve the country and the Filipino people," she added.

Umalla said she really wanted to be a medical doctor but due to financial constraints, she was trapped in a dilemma between her dream and reality.

In her speech, she recalled that after finishing high school, she was given two choices -- one is to take up Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology where she will get a one year free tuition, or take up Bachelor of Secondary Education with free board, lodging and travel from her hometown for the entire duration of her college education.

"I thought of my mother who single-handedly raised us that she may not be able to afford the finances if I pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. That is why even with a heavy heart I pursued education," she said.

"To relieve myself from sulking, I always tell myself that I will be a doctor someday perhaps not a medical doctor attached to my name, but doctor of philosophy," she added.

While in college, she tried to enjoy her course and was on her second year when another challenge came.

Umalla shared that she was close to reaching her dreams of becoming a teacher but another unexpected opportunity came in.

"It was my mother's persistence who pushed me in entering the Academy. I was told by my mother that it’s okay if I’ll just try my luck to apply in the Academy since I have nothing to lose," she shared.

The valedictorian recalled that she was frustrated because nothing seemed to go as she planned.

During her early year in the Academy, she thought of being swept away from her dreams from becoming a doctor and from her passion in becoming a teacher.

"I came to realize that a lot of my underclass are just like me who is pushed and lured to enter the Academy and joining the [military] profession," she said.

On Sunday, while delivering her valedictory speech as top graduate, she talked about realizing her dreams -- as a doctor, because she and other cadets help mend the pains of being away from their families, and as a teacher, when she helps other cadets in their lessons to cope with the demand of academics.

Aside from being the valedictorian, Umalla received 14 awards which include the Presidential Saber for finishing at the top of her class.

She also received the Philippine Navy Saber, the Distinguished cadet award (Starman), the Academic group award, the Humanities plaque, the Management plaque, the Social Sciences plaque, the Natural Sciences plaque, the Computing and Information Sciences plaque, the Department of Leadership plaque, the Joint United States Military Assistance Group award, the Australian Defense best overall performance, the Spanish Armed Forces award, and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers award.

President Rodrigo Duterte also awarded to Umalla a house and lot, a reward for topping her class.

Duterte on Sunday conferred to 260 cadets aside from Umalla the rank of 2nd Lieutenant for those joining the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force and Ensign to those joining the Philippine Navy.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070715

Two cadets dropped from PMA graduation

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 25, 2019): Two cadets dropped from PMA graduation



Philippine Military Academy (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – Two male cadets will not be graduating today, Sunday, as members of the PMA Mabalasik Class of 2019 for violating regulations.

The cadets, who were not identified, were removed from the original 263 graduating cadets on Friday, May 24, two days before they would have been commissioned into junior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said Maj. Reynan Afan, PMA spokesman.

“If they are delayed for a year, they will already be part of the next graduating Class of 2020,” he said, although the two cadets may still catch up should they fulfill tasks meted as their punishment.

Because their infractions did not violate the Cadet Honor Code, the two were not suspended, Afan said.

The Honor Code is a set of rules which outline how cadets must behave inside and outside the academy.

“A cadet’s graduation always depends on his performance in all the aspects of training inside the academy,” Afan said.

In the past, graduating cadets who were delayed were accorded “special graduating rites” inside the Longayban Hall at PMA, he said.

The Mabalasik Class valedictorian is Cadet First Class Dionne Mae Umalla of Alilem town in Ilocos Sur province.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1123308/two-cadets-dropped-from-pma-graduation

Lorenzana to PMA grads: Stay alive

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 26, 2019): Lorenzana to PMA grads: Stay alive

FORT DEL PILAR, BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The problems faced by cadets, who were immediately assigned to fight secessionists in Mindanao and communist rebels in the 1970s, are still the same confronting members of the “Mabalasik” Class of 2019 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who will graduate on Sunday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said here on Saturday.

So Lorenzana’s advice to them during a pregraduation ceremony here was: “Please stay alive.”

Mabalasik is an acronym for “Mandirigma ng Bayan, Iaalay ang Sarili, Lakas at Tapang, Para sa Kapayapaan.”

Lorenzana said the cadets, who will be commissioned as junior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, will be better equipped than when he graduated from PMA in 1973.

He said his 1973 class composed of 61 members lost its first “mistah” (classmate), Jan Vincent Muyargas, within six months after they were sent to Mindanao to face the war triggered by the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

More complex issues

But Mabalasik class has more complex issues to deal with such as the West Philippine Sea dispute, terrorism and climate change, Lorenzana said.

“All of us were sent to Mindanao as platoon leaders—even those assigned to the Air Force. Classmates who became members of the then Constabulary joined the [Philippine Constabulary] battalion there. The Navy joined the Marines,” he said.

“Earlier [in 1973], we almost lost Cotabato City to the MNLF had government troopers rallied under the late Gen. Fortunato Abat of PMA Class of 1951,” he said.

“Unfortunately, some of the challenges we faced before are still there… They remain and you will be facing them whether you are in the Army, Navy or Air Force,” he said, adding: “There are more challenges and these are more complicated.”

“The communist insurgency is still with us after 50 years. A lot of you in the Army will be facing the New People’s Army. Luckily, the secessionist problem in Mindanao is moving forward to its final resolution with the enactment of the law creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1123270/lorenzana-to-pma-grads-stay-alive

Six Reds yield to PNP in Batangas

From the Manila Bulletin (May 25, 2019): Six Reds yield to PNP in Batangas

Six suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to police in Batangas City, the Batangas provincial director said Saturday.



New People’s Army (MANILA BULLETIN)

Police Colonel Edwin Quilates, director of the Batangas Provincial Police Office, said the six NPA suspects were urged by their relatives to lay down their arms and be reintegrated with the community.
Their relatives, according to Quilates, were recruited by the Batangas police to be their informants.

The suspects finally submitted themselves to the police around 10 a.m. Friday at the provincial police headquarters in Camp Miguel Malvar, Brgy. Kumintang Ilaya, Batangas City.

“You can read from the faces of these returnees the excitement on their new found freedom from the false hopes and promises of a crooked ideology, and the hope of a brighter future for them and their families,” Quilates said.

“We shook hands and embraced them to let them feel the care and protection of their motherland who have been yearning and waiting for them to return to the fold of the law,” he added.

The rebel-returnees underwent debriefing, processing and documentation facilitated by the Batangas City police.

They were also assisted in the application of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a government program that seeks to “contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed group.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/25/six-reds-yield-to-pnp-in-batangas/

Unseen Scars

From the Business Mirror (May 26, 2019): Unseen Scars

ICRC reports ‘frustration’ of displaced residents two years after Marawi siege

Relatives of soldiers who were killed in the siege of Marawi City in southern Philippines by the Islamic State group-aligned fighters prepare to lay white roses at the Marawi Memorial pylon to commemorate its second anniversary on May 23, 2019, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. The May 23 siege that troops crushed in October 2017 killed more than 1,100 mostly militants and displaced hundreds of thousands of Muslim Filipinos.

DAVAO CITY—The government’s failure to hasten rehabilitation work in the war-damaged Marawi two years after terrorists laid siege to the once-majestic city has continued to fuel frustration among the survivors, made worse by the promise of President Duterte that they will be on the priority list of his administration, a neutral aid organization has said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said more than 100,000 former residents “still have no homes to return to.”

Hijab-clad female soldiers prepare to lay flowers at the Marawi Memorial pylon at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on May 23, 2019.

“The deep scars left by the 2017 conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, in southern Philippines, continue to haunt over 100,000 people who still do not have a home to return to,” it said.

“Despite the numerous aid efforts that have truly helped those in need over the two years, the people of Marawi have grown tired and frustrated. They want to stand on their own feet again and stop depending on assistance,” said Martin Thalmann, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines.

The complications—whether they have been living with relatives, or are in evacuation centers and transition sites—would include the daily struggle for access to potable water, viable livelihood opportunities and most important, permanent shelters, the ICRC said.

Thalmann noted, though, that authorities “were trying to address complex issues so that the rehabilitation of the most affected area (MAA) could begin ”although organizations of evacuees and Maranao leaders have pointed out the visible inaction by the government to show that they were indeed combing the battle area for unexploded ordnances.”

The tall grasses alone in the MAA are proof enough that the area has not been checked or visited by any human, Maranao leaders said. Housing czar Eduardo del Rosario has cited the unexploded bombs as the main reason preventing former residents from returning to the MAA to rebuild homes.

Relatives and friends of fallen soldiers who saw action during the terrorist siege in Marawi two years ago offer flowers and candles at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani led by Commander Joint Task Force Marawi Rolando Bautista and Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto AFP (both not in photo).

Invisible scars

The conflict has left more vulnerable groups, such as families of missing people and victims of violence, with “invisible” scars, the ICRC said.

“The wounds that do not bleed are the wounds that become scars. And these are the most painful because they will always leave something to look at. Something that will always bring back memories of what happened. Nevertheless, it is still important because it is still a lesson,” recalled “Mel” (not his real name), a 34-year-old resident who was severely traumatized by the Marawi conflict.

The ICRC said it launched in October last year the mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) program and disclosed that it has reached close to 700 people. “Among them, 47 people were severely traumatized in the Marawi conflict, including Mel, who reported feeling relieved, comfortable, safe and understood after undergoing individual MHPSS sessions.”

“They need sustained support to recover mentally from the trauma caused by the conflict that has affected their overall well-being,” Thalmann said.

Thalmann said the ICRC would work on “strengthening the capacity of the public health system in the area of psychosocial support to victims of violence.”

The ICRC said its partnership with the Philippine Red Cross has supported displaced residents, with 63,000 of them from Marawi City and 11 other towns of Lanao del Sur provided with food and other essential household items.

Some 13,000 evacuees were given cash grants to start their livelihood and to cover basic family needs, and 3,000 evacuees were also provided with starter vegetable seed kits.

The ICRC said it also covered the cost of medical treatment of persons who were injured during the fighting, and those with physical disabilities as a result of injuries received prosthesis and physiotherapy. It has also been working with families whose loved ones went missing due to the conflict.

“We have been filling the gaps in the recovery response in coordination with the authorities and other aid organizations. But we can only do so much. The authorities still have the primary responsibility of providing sustainable solutions to help the people of Marawi,” Thalmann said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/05/26/unseen-scars/

PAF bomber plane crashes in Cavite

From Tempo (May 25, 2019): PAF bomber plane crashes in Cavite



A PHILIPPINE Air Force OV10 Bronco bomber plane in flight.

A bomber plane of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed on the sea Friday while its two pilots were conducting proficiency training in Cavite, a military official said.

The two pilots safely ejected and were rescued by fishermen and brought to Banog area, according to a police report.

PAF spokesman Maj. Aristedes Galang said the crash of the OV10 aircraft resulted in the grounding of the five remaining bomber planes as part of the standard operating procedure for safety of pilots.

“There will be investigation on what really happened. So far, we still do not know what went wrong,” Galang said.

He said that the aircraft is yet to be located but the information they received is that it crashed some three nautical miles southwest of Sangley Point in Cavite.

In a police report reaching Camp Crame, the OV10 was reportedly being piloted by 1st Lt. Uriel Pangket and 1st Lt. Razelle Cerdenia when something went wrong on the aircraft.

“Duty guard in Banog area (end of Runway 25) heard a banging sound while the aircraft is going down and saw the pilots ejected,” a police report read.

“Fisherman onboard two civilian boats rescued the pilots and brought them to Banog area,” it added.

Galang said the two pilots suffered minor bruises.

“They are both experienced pilots. They are on proficiency training to further hone their skills,” said Galang.

The PAF has been upgrading its operational capability in the past years. A few years ago, it procured 12 fighter jets from South Korea, some of them were used in air raids during the Marawi City siege.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/05/25/paf-bomber-plane-crashes-in-cavite/

Team to probe crash of military plane in Cavite —PAF

From GMA News (May 25, 2019): Team to probe crash of military plane in Cavite —PAF

A team has been activated to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash of an OV-10 aircraft into waters off Sangley Point in Cavite, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) said Saturday.

According to PAF spokesman Major Aristedes Galang, OV-10 aircraft #402 encountered a mishap while turning crosswind for landing on runway 25 of Sangley Point Airport during the scheduled proficiency flight on Friday.

The two pilots identified as 1st Lt. Uriel Pangket and 1st Lt. Razelle Cerdenia were safely ejected and were recovered by local fishermen 2.5 kilometers from the shoreline of Rosario, Cavite.

Galang said the pilots, who were brought to a hospital in Sangley Point, are both fine except for some bruises, contusions and soarness of muscles.

Galang added that security elements were dispatched to secure the aircraft and recovery efforts are ongoing.

At the same time, an investigation team has been activated to conduct a thorough investigation of the mishap.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/world/695637/team-to-probe-crash-of-military-plane-in-cavite-paf/story/

LOOK: Inside the CMS test site for Philippine Navy frigates

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 25, 2019): LOOK: Inside the CMS test site for Philippine Navy frigates



Manila-based reporters were given a chance to have a quick look at the integrated combat management systems’ test site for BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151). (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

GUMI, South Korea — Hanwha Systems, the chosen supplier of the combat management systems (CMS) for the Philippine Navy’s upcoming frigates, opened up its facilities to Philippine media recently.

The CMS is considered the “brain” of warships, which integrates its weapons, communication and navigation, and sensors systems for naval combat.

Manila-based reporters were given a chance to have a quick look at the integrated combat management systems’ test site for BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the second missile-capable frigate which formally started its construction this week.

The selection of the CMS for the first purposely-built missile-capable frigates of the Philippine Navy attracted public attention last year.

Then Navy chief Vice Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado was unceremoniously relieved from his post in late December 2017 for insisting on Tacticos Thales as CMS, as the system has been branded as a proven technology and capable of data integration with other modern navies.

READ: Palace had special interest in Navy’s selection of weapons system supplier

Tacticos Thales is compatible with Tactical Data Link 16, a military data exchange network used by the navies of NATO, the United States, and other countries. Hanwha System’s Naval Shield compatibility with TDL 16 is still being developed.

The combat management system (CMS) is considered the “brains” of warships. (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries recommended two brands of CMS for the Philippine ships — Tacticos Thales and Hanwha Systems. While it first offered Tacticos Thales to the Philippine Navy, it later switched to Naval Shield of Hanwha Systems.

Critics of the HHI contract accused Malacañang of intervening in the selection of the CMS, the software-intensive system flexible enough to operate in a complex naval battle environment, prompting the Senate and the House of Representatives to investigate into the matter.

At a Senate hearing last year, Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said Hanwha Systems committed itself to developing the TDL 16 compatibility by 2019. But it appears that this will have to wait until next year.

Hanwha Systems senior manager of overseas business support team Sam Soo Kim told reporters on Wednesday that their standard comprehensive testing for TDL 16 with the US had been delayed to late 2020 due to change of requirements in transmission by the Korean armed forces.



Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries first offered Tacticos Thales to the Philippine Navy, but it later switched to Naval Shield of Hanwha System. (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

According to Kim, it’s the US that conducts the final and official tests for the certification of TDL 16 compatibility.

But he said they had developed an exclusive tactical data link system called “Link P” for the two frigates of the Philippine Navy being built by HHI.

This can communicate with other similar tactical data link systems and has a 32-digit key code encryption to ensure data security.

“There is 32 digit key code for encrypting (‘Link P’) and we will give this freedom (to the PN) to change the key code. Normally the password has 10 digits. Hacking of this password takes millions of years. That’s the theory. Thirty-two digits is a very long password. Philippine Navy can randomly put in this system,” Kim said.

Empedrad said the TDL 16 compatibility for the Philippine frigates would require a different procurement activity for the government.

“TDL is not part of the contract. Wala naman nakalagay. It is provided with space but not (supplied) with. Pag binili yun, pwede agad isalpak,” he said.

Inside the integrated combat management systems’ test site for BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151). (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

Hanwha Systems senior manager of overseas business support team Sam Soo Kim said they had developed an exclusive tactical data link system called “Link P” for the two frigates of the Philippine Navy being built by HHI. This can communicate with other similar tactical data link systems and has a 32-digit key code encryption to ensure data security. (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

“Normally the password has 10 digits. Hacking of this password takes millions of years. That’s the theory. Thirty-two digits is a very long password,” says Sam Soo Kim, Hanwha Systems senior manager of the overseas business support team. (Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING / INQUIRER.net)

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1123230/look-inside-the-cms-test-site-for-philippine-navy-frigates

Philippine Navy eyes acquisition of 25 to 30 warships in 10 years: report

From ABS-CBN (May 25, 2019): Philippine Navy eyes acquisition of 25 to 30 warships in 10 years: report

BRP Jose Rizal is the first combat ship designed and acquired for the Philippine Navy as part of the Frigate Acquisition Project, which started in May 2013, to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Jorge Cariño, ABS-CBN News

MANILA—The Philippine Navy said it is set to acquire 25 to 30 warships in the next decade in a bid to strengthen maritime security.

Navy chief Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad on Thursday said the government plans to purchase offshore patrol vessels and submarines, according to a Philippine News Agency report posted Saturday.

"I think there is a need to beef up the Philippine Navy because we have vast maritime (territories) and we need to protect it," he told reporters in Ulsan city, South Korea.

Empedrad was in South Korea for the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna, the second missile frigate the country acquired after BRP Jose Rizal.

Isa sa pinakamodernong warship ng PH pinasinayaan

BRP Jose Rizal will be delivered in 2020, followed by BRP Antonio Luna in 2021.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Navy welcomed 2 new helicopters, which has the capability to "detect and destroy" submarines.

PH Navy's 2 new anti-submarine helicopters arrive in Manila

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., meanwhile, said the Philippines will get a new imagery satellite in July as he stressed the need for new technology to protect the West Philippine Sea.

West PH Sea 'very hard' to protect; gov't to acquire satellites: Esperon

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/25/19/philippine-navy-eyes-acquisition-of-25-to-30-warships-in-10-years-report

PH Navy ships equipped with ‘hard-to-hack’ system

From the Manila Times (May 26, 2019): PH Navy ships equipped with ‘hard-to-hack’ system

BUSAN, South Korea: The Hanwha Systems has developed a data link system for the two missile-armed frigates to be acquired by the Philippine Navy.

The tactical data link system that was exclusively installed for BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is called “Link P,” according to Hanwha Systems overseas business support manager Samsoo Kim.



Hanwha Systems is a company in South Korea that has been developing products that can operate in future combat environment.

In an interview with reporters, Kim said Link P could communicate with other similar tactical data link systems.

The system also has a 32-digit key code encryption to ensure data security, he added.

Kim said hacking the password of the system “takes million years,” making it hard for cyberbandits.


“That’s the theory, 32 digits is a very long password. The Philippine Navy can randomly put in this system [the password],” Kim said.

The two frigates were fitted for but not supplied with Link 16, a military tactical data link used by the navies of countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
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But Hanwha Systems was able to install Link P, making the two Philippine warships communicate with similar data link systems.
Link P is being used by South Korea’s warships and submarines.

On Thursday, BRP Jose Rizal was formally launched in Ulsan, where Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HHI) shipyard is located.

BRP Antonio Luna, meanwhile, had its keel laid.

Both events were attended by high-ranking HHI executives and top military and defense officials.

In October 2016, the Philippines and HHI signed a P16- billion contract for the two frigates with another P2 billion for its weapon systems and its munition.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. and Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the ships would be used for patrolling Philippine territories, especially the hotly contested South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

https://www.manilatimes.net/ph-navy-ships-equipped-with-hard-to-hack-system-2/559907/