Video: Policeman killed in raid on station

From ABS-CBN (Dec 12 ): Video: Pulis patay sa paglusob ng NPA sa istasyon (Policeman killed in raid on station)

EXCL: Cop dead in NPA attack on Palawan station

As of 12/12/2012 10:34 PM

 

Patay ang isang pulis at sugatan ang isa niyang kasamahan matapos lusubin ng mga miyembro ng New People's Army ang kanilang istasyon sa Roxas, Palawan. Tiyempo namang naroon ang ABS-CBN News team nang maganap ang pag-atake. Exclusive nagpa-Patrol, Hazel Salas. TV Patrol, Disyembre 12, 2012, Miyerkules
 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/12/12/12/excl-cop-dead-npa-attack-palawan-station

US to help PH gain credible defense

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 13): US to help PH gain credible defense

A defense official on Wednesday said the United States planned to increase the country’s “minimum credible defense posture” amid the continuing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea and likewise provide assistance to the military in disaster preparedness and maritime security and awareness, among other things. Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo said the US would enhance the country’s security by providing a “combination” of naval troops and defense equipment while engaging the country’s armed forces in military training and exercises. Batino added that the US move was part of the implementation of Manila and Washington’s 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

Although there were no specifics on when and where they plan to increase military presence in the country, Batino said the officials who were present during the meeting had agreed to form a technical working group which would go into the details. “Nothing definitive because this is just a policy consultation meeting. All of these specifics will have to be threshed out to the lower consultation,” Batino told reporters at the sidelines of the press briefing on the PH-US bilateral consultation at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Batino added that the meeting did not discuss the exact number of troops that Washington would send to the country, saying that “it will be primarily an increase on the defense cooperation activities such as training and exercises all geared for maritime security and disaster relief”.

Based on its joint statement, the bilateral meeting also formulated policies in line with Manila and Washington’s constitution, on how to strengthen the country’s maritime security and maritime awareness, specifically on the development of a National Coast Watch Center. US Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark Lippert said the American Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program is also planning to strengthen the capability of the Philippines National Coast Watch System on maritime domain awareness and maritime security coordinating role. “We look forward to continuing this dialogue of shared goal to promote peace and stability in the region” Lippert said.

The meeting, according to Batino, was part of what Lippert discussed last September on the “three-part-approach” on what the US Defense Department will do to assist the Philippines on security-related issues. The first approach would be the repositioning of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance; the second approach refers to developing maritime awareness and the third was continuing the engagement of both countries’ military forces.

The United States is the Philippines’ only treaty ally and one of only two strategic allies. Through the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by both countries in 1951, the Philippines were able to acquire two Hamilton-class cutters and several armaments that will boost the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ and the Philippine Coast Guard’s capacity to protect the country’s coastal waters. US assistant secretary of State Kurt Campbell also re-affirmed Washington’s firm support for the Philippines on its defense treaty with it. “The US stands firmly behind the Philippines on defense treaty,” Campbell. The 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty provides that both countries must come to the aid of each other when faced with possible armed conflict. The treaty also says Washington must help Manila boost its military capability.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/12/13/us-to-help-ph-gain-credible-defense/

PH, U.S. to strengthen security pact; China army told to brace for 'military struggle'

From InterAksyon (Dec 12): PH, U.S. to strengthen security pact; China army told to brace for 'military struggle'



U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell (R) joins hands with U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Mark Lippert (2nd R), Philippines ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia and Philippines Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda Basilio (L) during a joint news conference after their meeting at a hotel in Manila December 12, 2012. REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo

Amid the rising tension with China over territorial disputes at sea, the Philippines will be strengthening its security pact with the United States this week. Meanwhile, without making direct reference to the disputes, new Chinese Communist Party chief Xi Jinping urged his military to prepare for a struggle, Reuters reported on Wednesday. Xi made the comments during his visit to a South China Sea fleet ship in southern Guangdong province, but did not name any potential aggressor. Senior U.S. and Philippine officials met on Wednesday in Manila to discuss strengthening security and economic ties at a time of growing tension over China's aggressive sovereignty claims over vast stretches of the disputed South China Sea.

Increased naval troops, defense equipment

Philippine Defense Secretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said the U.S. is set to increase a "combination" of naval troops, defense equipment, and military training and exercises in the Philippines. The increase of a minimum credible defense posture in the Philippines is part of the implementation of Manila and Washington's 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, according to Batino. Although there are no specifics on when and where the U.S. plans to increase military posture and exercises in the Philippines, Batino said U.S> and Philippines officials had agreed to form a technical working group that would determine and implement the details.  "Nothing definitive because this is a policy consultation meeting. And then all of these specifics will have to be threshout to the lower consultation," Batino on Wednesday told reporters at the sidelines of the PH-US bilateral consultation at the Diamond Hotel in Manila."There is nothing have been discussed in respect to number as of this time. It will be primarily an increase of the defense cooperation activities such as training and exercises all geared for maritime security and disaster relief," added Batino. What we are discussing right now is increasing the rotational presence of U.S. forces," Carlos Sorreta, the foreign ministry's Assistant Secretary for American Affairs, told reporters on Wednesday.

Pact inked this week

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Admiral Samul Locklear, commander of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) will be the ones finalizing and signing the security pact this week. “The meeting will be on Thursday here in Camp Aguinaldo. It will be the final meeting for the 2012 cycle of the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and the Security Engagement Board (SEB). The executive committee meetings had been conducted already before so this will be the final one,” military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said.

The head of the military’s Internal Affairs Division, Col. Nilo Perfecto, said the document that would be signed is the Terms of Reference. “The Terms of Reference which will be signed by Admiral Locklear and Gen. Dellosa will cover five concerns,” Perfecto told reporters on Thursday. Among the terms of reference is the exclusion of the Philippine National Police particularly the PNP chief from the MDB, according to Perfecto. “The PNP will be no longer part of the Armed Forces. It will be removed from the MDB,” he said. But he said the PNP chief would be placed as a member of the SEB with the commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). “The SEB will be in charge on nontraditional challenges like disaster response, counter-terrorism, anti-piracy, among others,” Perfecto said. The PNP and PCG will also establish the Technology Experimentation Sub-Committee and the National Guard and build partnership with Guam and Hawaii as operational planning group. “The intention of this is to help our reservists in the AFP to have technology experimentation and knowledge and to organize counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief working groups,” Perfecto said.

Brace for a 'military struggle'

Wary of Washington's intentions, China is building up its own military. Its claims over most of the South China Sea have set it directly against U.S. allies Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also claim parts of the mineral-rich waters. Xi, who assumed the role of military chief about a month ago, called on the 2.3-million-strong People's Liberation Army to "push forward preparations for a military struggle", state news agency Xinhua said. Xi, speaking during a three-day inspection of the PLA's Guangzhou base starting last Saturday, did not say against whom the struggle might be fought. His remarks echo those he made a week ago and are a common refrain by Chinese leaders. Xi replaced President Hu Jintao as chairman of the Central Military Commission on November 15. Xi also said the army should "modernize" for combat readiness, but gave no specific details.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50297/ph-u-s--to-strengthen-security-pact-china-army-told-to-brace-for-military-struggle

AFP donates P3M to ‘Pablo’ victims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 12): AFP donates P3M to ‘Pablo’ victims

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will donate P3 million for victims of typhoon Pablo (international name Bopha), which ravaged Visayas and Mindanao last week.

“The amount will be used to purchase construction materials and equipment to build shelters for the victims who lost their homes during the typhoon,” military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said. The AFP has released P1.5 million, while P1 million will be taken from the command to boost the efforts of the troops conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in Mindanao. The AFP has also released P500,000 to purchase medicines for the victims. It has also deployed six medical teams to bring relief to the victims of the recent calamity, Burgos said. Typhoon “Pablo” has killed more than 700, with about 900 missing as of latest. It also left an estimated P7billion worth of damage.

 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/322939/afp-donates-p3m-to-pablo-victims

International NGO cites issues to be hurdled in path to Bangsamoro peace

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 12): International NGO cites issues to be hurdled in path to Bangsamoro peace

A Belgium-based non-government organization focusing on conflict prevention has said that the Philippine government’s framework peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front must hurdle several issues to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. The International Crisis Group, in a report (http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/asia/south-east-asia/philippines/240-the-philippines-breakthrough-in-mindanao.pdf) published December 5, said “it was difficult to predict at this stage whether the framework agreement will produce a lasting peace.” It conceded, however, that the political environment was “far more favourable than it was when the last agreement collapsed in 2008.”

“This time around, the president is popular, has slightly over half his term left, and has shown that he is committed to peace with the MILF. But it is clear that there are serious obstacles on the horizon, including whether the basic law will be compatible with the constitution; possible opposition from Christians, indigenous peoples and the Sulu archipelago; the potential for an MILF splinter to grow if implementation stalls; and the future of MILF fighters and their weapons,” the ICG said in a statement. The ICG report noted that as with earlier scuttled pacts, the framework agreement deferred tough questions “and it is unclear how, if ever, they will be resolved.” “Politics in Mindanao or Manila could get in the way, and it may be impossible to devolve sufficient power to the Bangsamoro government without running afoul of the constitution. The MILF is unlikely to surrender its arms until the process is complete,” the ICG said.

However, the ICG-Southeast Asia project director Jim Della-Giacoma called the framework agreement “a triumph for both sides” pointing out that the breakthrough took place “because government negotiators came to the table with creative ideas, and their MILF counterparts responded by being flexible and pragmatic.” .......

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/59345/international-ngo-cites-issues-to-be-hurdled-in-path-to-bangsamoro-peace

US, PH conclude strategic talks, strongly condemn N. Korea’s rocket launch

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 13): US, PH conclude strategic talks, strongly condemn N. Korea’s rocket launch

Officials from the Philippines and the United States on Wednesday strongly condemned North Korea’s decision to pursue its rocket launch, saying that the two countries would strengthen and increase their alliances with the “current threat to regional security.” The joint statement issued by both sides at the conclusion of their third Bilateral Strategic Dialogue emphasized that both countries viewed the act as “highly provocative” and in direct violation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. Philippine diplomats, defense officials, and their US counterparts convened for the two-day dialogue, which tackled issues on the economy, rule of law, diplomatic engagement and defense.

The talks, held in Manila from December 11 to 12, were co-chaired by Foreign Undersecretary and now new Philippine Ambassador to China Erlinda Basilio and Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino for the Philippine side and for the American side by US State Department Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell and Defense Assistant Secretary Mark Lippert. Campbell, for his part, thanked the Philippines for standing with the international community in condemning the act, saying that the US would work very closely with its allies to do an assessment of the issue. “We would be taking steps tomorrow at the UN…..working closely with our partners in the security council,” Campbell told reporters on Wednesday.

Increased cooperation

Batino, for his part, noted that there were substantial discussions on the increased rotational presence of American troops in the country, and noted that it would “primarily be an increase of the defense cooperation activities such as trainings and exercises all geared for maritime security and disaster relief.” When pressed by reporters about details, Batino repeatedly said that there were discussions on a possible framework but that the specifics would be determined by technical working groups. “It’s going to be a very significant development in our relations so there is a need to discuss this further,” Batino said. He added that both parties agreed that everything that would be implemented “should be in accordance with Philippine and US laws.” He said that the increased defense cooperation between the two countries would surely benefit the Philippines especially in disaster relief, citing the recent move by the US to deploy C 130 planes to aid in the distribution of relief goods for the victims of typhoon Pablo, the worst storm to hit the country this year.

The officials noted that discussions on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute were “extensive” but did not elaborate. Basilio noted that that the discussions on the rule of law highlighted the Philippines’ advocacy for a peaceful settlement of conflicting territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea “We just want peace and stability there and it is my task also that we ensure excellent relations with them,” Basilio said.

Campbell also noted that relations between the countries are on a substantial upswing, saying that both sides were active and deepening and strengthening the ties on every level—strategically, politically, economically and militarily. “We believe that we are at a renaissance and building a strong relationship for the future….We want a different kind of relationship based on mutual respect and equality,” he said.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/59465/us-ph-conclude-strategic-talks-strongly-condemn-n-koreas-rocket-launch

Progressive groups want 86th IB out of Ifugao town

From the Sun Star-Baguio (Dec 12): Progressive groups want 86th IB out of Ifugao town

TINOC, Ifugao – “Stop the political vilification of human rights defenders, people’s organizations and development workers” is the battle cry of the people here. With several human rights violations reported to the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) from the town, it immediately circulated an urgent action alert to the different institutions, agencies concerned, public, officials, and individuals to force government to pull out and hold the 86 Infantry Battalion(IB) accountable for its alleged crimes. The battalion is currently based in Tinoc.

Among the alleged crimes of the battalion are torture, divestment and destruction of properties, political vilification, threat, harassment, and intimidation to the community. CHRA secretary general Jude Baggo revealed a dialogue was held in November 12 with Governor Eugene Balitang of Ifugao and the 86th IB commander. He said during the dialogue, “the Armed Forces of the Philippines denied the existence of such list and denied the violations took place even in front of their victims.” Baggo claims the AFP, instead, tried to justify their continued presence in communities and even the use of civilian facilities while they are in combat operations. A press release of the CHRA stated “the Provincial Department of [the] Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Rosario Dumetod believes human rights violations were perpetrated and these need to be investigated.”

The governor committed the Provincial Government will pay for the damages of the crimes allegedly done by the AFP. However, Baggo said “while it was a sign of goodwill for the governor to pay the damages, it stands to rob the people of Ifugao from whatever meager resources the province has. It is the people of Ifugao paying for damages done by the AFP.” He said the people of the town will stand firm in their demand for the pull out of the 86th IB. “They need our support now especially as the leaders and members of the community, the development workers and human rights defenders are attacked by the state security forces,” Baggo calls for the participation of the public. Baggo said if someone is interested to support their call, they may send their petitions to President Benigno Aquino III at Malacañang.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/baguio/local-news/2012/12/12/progressive-groups-want-86th-ib-out-ifugao-town-258042

No truth to reports of rioting, mobs in typhoon-hit areas in Mindanao — official

From GMA News (Dec 12): No truth to reports of rioting, mobs in typhoon-hit areas in Mindanao — official

A military general in charge of relief operations in areas hit by Typhoon Pablo in Mindanao on Wednesday denied reports that looting and rioting have characterized the situation in calamity areas there. Facing the media at a Palace press briefing, Lieutenant General Jorge Segovia said the reports were “hardly true,” as he himself was there to supervise relief efforts. “Some of the rumors of mobs and rioting, and the lack of so many things [are] hardly true. I’ve been there... I was there during the first delivery in Baganga, I saw the relief goods on trucks,” Segovia told reporters. Segovia, who is chief of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, had been designated head of overall rescue and relief efforts by President Benigno Aquino III.

Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras likewise defended the military, saying the organization has done its job adequately. “There have been criticisms as to the effect of what the military has failed to do. I have been to Davao, and from where I sit and what I have seen, I think our uniformed personnel have done a fantastic job in Davao,” Almendras said “I know that there will always be criticisms because there is always not enough that can be done,” he added.

A week earlier, reports from the ground revealed that hungry survivors of the deadly typhoon looted shops and warehouses in a hard-hit town to stay alive amid stalled aid deliveries. But Segovia maintained that there was no truth to the report, which itself came from a rescue official. “Except for a minor incident involving the locals, the governor of Davao Oriental is very much in command of the situation. The rest of the province is very well organized. In fact, most of the provinces, even Banganga and Caraga is doing well in terms of relief operations,” he said. Baganga and Cateel are two of the towns hardest hit by Pablo, which has claimed 740 lives so far and has left 890 missing. A total of 1,906 people have been reported injured.

Segovia added that in addition to orderly distribution of relief goods, medical aid for victims remains accessible--a far cry from the images presented in media. “I personally talked to the doctors and I saw—they expressed no problems. Of course, they need more medicines but on emergency situations, they are able to go through their business. In fact, during my visit to Baganga, there were hardly long lines ‘no, where the doctors attended,” Segovia said.

More volunteers

At the same press briefing, Almendras reiterated a call for additional volunteers, citing a need for more doctors to treat victims who have lost nearly everything.  “What we need to do is work together. Government will do its share but we need everyone’s help as well. We have resources but it’s not a question of resources. It’s a question of hands and feet that will help bring these goods to where they are most needed. It’s a question of people, doctors,” Almendras said.Still, Segovia praised victims of the typhoon, saying in the midst of adversity, they have remained strong. “The people of these devastated areas are very resilient, they are very patient,” Segovia said.

NDRRMC chairperson Benito Ramos, who was also present at the briefing, expressed optimism that most, if not all of the missing are still alive. Ramos particularly said he has high hopes of recovering lost fishermen. “Basing from our [previous] experiences [with other natural calamities], there are still fishermen that are alive. We recovered fishermen from Camarines Sur last time in the Babuyan Islands of the northern Philippines; 21 days alive,” he said.

Meanwhile, asked about the possible threat of communist rebels known to prowl the area, Segovia admitted that the military is more concerned with relief efforts rather than confronting rebels.“[In times like this] internal security operation takes a back seat. But we know the threats and we make sure that security precautions are made because, of course, syempre baka i-take advantage tayo ng mga rebelde while we are undergoing our relief operations,” Segovia said.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/286131/news/regions/no-truth-to-reports-of-rioting-mobs-in-typhoon-hit-areas-in-mindanao-mdash-official

US military to increase presence in PHL

From GMA News (Dec 12): US military to increase presence in PHL

US and Philippine officials are expected to agree on an increase in the number of US military ships, aircraft and troops rotating through the Philippines, Filipino officials said, as tensions simmer with China over its maritime claims. Senior US and Philippine officials met on Wednesday in Manila to discuss strengthening security and economic ties at a time of growing tension over China's aggressive sovereignty claims over vast stretches of the disputed South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea. Philippine defense and diplomatic officials said they expected to see more US ships, aircraft and troops for training exercises and disaster and relief operations.

"What we are discussing right now is increasing the rotational presence of US forces," Carlos Sorreta, the foreign ministry's Assistant Secretary for American Affairs, told reporters. A five-year joint US-Philippine military exercise plan would be approved this week, he added. The size of the increase in the US military assets in the Philippines, a former US colony, was unclear. But it comes as the Philippines, Australia and other parts of the region have seen a resurgence of US warships, planes and personnel under Washington's so-called "pivot" in foreign, economic and security policy towards Asia announced last year.

US and Philippine officials say there is no plan to revive permanent US military bases in the Philippines - the last ones were closed in 1992 - and that the increased presence would help provide relief during disasters such as a typhoon last week that killed more than 700 people. "The increase rotation presence is in areas where we have been traditionally exercising," said Sorreta. "There are other areas for example where we have been experiencing more disasters. So we might be expanding exercises there."

Wary of Washington's intentions, China is building up its own military. Its claims over most of the South China Sea have set it directly against US allies Vietnam and the Philippines, while Brunei, Taiwan and Malaysia also claim parts of the mineral-rich waters. One US official said Washington was not ready to wade directly into the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea and instead would focus on strengthening security ties with long-standing allies such as the Philippines. "I don't think you'll see any real movement on the South China Sea," the US official said. "I'm sure it will come up, but we aren't trying to step in and 'solve' that issue. We really want the solution to be done by the claimants themselves and are hoping the Code of Conduct discussions move forward," said the official, referring to a Code of Conduct aimed at easing the risk of naval flashpoints.

Sorreta told Reuters the Philippines also favored an increased deployment of US aircraft and ships "so we can make use of them when the need arises", citing last week's typhoon. He said they would also welcome more US humanitarian supplies.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/286104/news/nation/us-military-to-increase-presence-in-phl

Mangudadatu's senior engineering staff slain in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine Star (Dec 12): Mangudadatu's senior engineering staff slain in Sultan Kudarat

Two motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead a senior engineering staff of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in a daring broad daylight attack in Esperanza town in Sultan Kudarat on Tuesday.The victim, Engineer Pendi Umal Abpet, chief of the construction and technical division of the office of Maguindanao’s provincial governor, died from gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. Senior Police Officer 1 Jose Gallano, chief investigator of the Esperanza municipal police, said Abpet was standing in front of a roadside eatery when the motorcycle-riding suspects pulled over, approached him casually as they pulled out .45 pistols from their waists and opened fire, hitting him in the head and chest.The gunmen fled towards the direction of Ampatuan town in nearby Maguindanao. Responding civilian volunteers and policemen rushed Abpet to a nearby hospital, where attending doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Mangudadatu, chairman of the provincial peace and order council, said he has tasked Maguindanao’s police director, Senior Superintendent Jaime Pido, to help the Esperanza municipal police investigate on the incident. Mangudadatu said his slain subordinate was a humble, hard-working civil servant who had no known enemies.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/12/885233/mangudadatus-senior-engineering-staff-slain-sultan-kudarat

Philippines, US military chiefs to meet Thursday

From the Philippine Star (Dec 12): Philippines, US military chiefs to meet Thursday

The military chiefs of the Philippines and the United States (US) will Thursday to discuss mutual security concerns and to reaffirm the two countries’ security ties. The meeting between Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa and US Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel Locklear is in line with the Mutual Defense Treaty signed by the two countries in 1951. “Gen. Dellosa and Adm. Locklear will reaffirm their commitment to the strategic partnership between the two countries’ armed forces,”

AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a press conference Wednesday. “This will also serve as a mechanism for consultations on mutual security concerns and this will also serve as a venue for mutually-agreed upon activities and arrangements involving both countries,” he added. Under the MDT, the two countries, separately or jointly, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attacks.Burgos could not tell if the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea would be tackled by the military leaders.

Col. Nilo Perfecto, an official from the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs, said Dellosa and Locklear would sign five terms of reference that would further define their partnership. These are the transfer of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) to the Security and Engagement Board (SEB), the designation of SEB as a body that would deal with non-traditional threats like piracy, cyber security and disasters; the creation of a technology and experimentation subcommittee on civil-military operations; the creation of the humanitarian and disaster response working group and the activation of a counter-terrorism working group. Burgos said the meeting of Dellosa and Locklear would cap the engagements of the MDT and the SEB for this year.

Earlier, Dellosa said the US and the Philippines would sign this month an agreement that would enable them to conduct bilateral exercises in 2013. Among the joint military drills staged by the US and the Philippines are the Balikatan, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT and the annual Amphibious Landing Exercise or PHIBLEX.

Last January, the US announced plans to deploy majority of its naval fleet to the Pacific by 2020.
US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said the move is in line with the US’s efforts to boost its presence in the Asia Pacific. He said the US naval assets would be realigned from a roughly 50-50 split between the Pacific and the Atlantic to about 60-40 split between those oceans. Several US warships have conducted successive “routine port calls” in the Philippines since the US Defense department made the announcement. On Sunday, US submarine USS Emory S Land will arrive in Subic Bay to replenish supplies. The submarine is part of the US Pacific Fleet.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2012/12/12/885273/philippines-us-military-chiefs-meet-thursday

Negros soldier to get full honors

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 12): Negros soldier to get full honors

Full military honors will be accorded to Sgt. Maximo Olivarez upon the return of his body to Negros Occidental, Army spokesman Maj. Harry Cabunoc said yesterday. The cadaver of Olivarez was expected to arrive in Negros Occidental last night. Cabunoc also said Olivarez is entitled to a Bronze Cross Medal, in recognition of his heroism. Olivarez, a member of the 66th Infantry Battalion Charlie Company, was not killed in a war, but by the fury of nature. He was among the Army soldiers deployed in the far-flung areas of New Bataan town in Compostela Valley for rescue operations in the wake of super typhoon Pablo.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said that 66th IB Charlie Company soldiers headed by 1Lt. Alex Deazeta were dispatched to the area to conduct rescue operations when the landslide hit them. Three other 66IB soldiers were also killed, and three injured, including Deazeta, while eight others are still missing, after their temporary command post was swept away by flashfloods, military records show.

Cabunoc said the family of Olivarez will also receive financial assistance from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and educational assistance for his children, among others. Olivarez is married to a teacher in Moises Padilla town, and they have two children. He had served the Philippine Army for 13 years.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/12/topstory5.htm

AFP gives P22M to informants in capture, deaths of Abu Sayyaf and NPA leaders

From InterAksyon (Dec 12): AFP gives P22M to informants in capture, deaths of Abu Sayyaf and NPA leaders



AFP deputy chief for intelligence, Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz Jr., shakes the hand of an informant after handing over a bundle of cash as Maj. Gen. Rolando Tenefrancia, chief of the AFP Civil Relations Service, looks on.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines gave out P22 million to eight informants who led to the deaths or arrests of top leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group and the communist rebel movement. The rewards were handed out by Major General Francisco Cruz Jr., deputy chief of staff for intelligence, and Major General Rolando Tenefrancia, commanding general of the AFP Civil Relations Service.

Colonel Arnulfo Burgos, AFP spokesman, said among those the informants helped bag was Abu Sayyaf leader Ghumbahali Jumdail, alias Dr. Abu, who was among 15 members of the extremist group killed in an air strike in Parang, Sulu last February. Jumdail had a bounty of P7.4 million from the government.

Other Abu Sayyaf members killed or arrested through the help of the informants were Suhud Tanadjalin (killed, P3.3-million reward), Usman Said, alias Kaiser Said (killed, P1.2 million); Imbo Bayani alias Sahibul Jamaani (killed), Harun Jaljalis (killed), Assan/Bin Laden alias Abu Usama (captured), Burrong Rasul Barro alias Abu Mohammad (arrested), Rommel Abbas alias Abu Nick (arrested), and Samsudin Musa alias Musa (arrested), who each had bounties of P350,000.

Informants also helped in the arrest of alleged communist rebel leaders Allan Jazmines (P5.6-million reward), Robertson Anchez alias Stanley/Felimon (killed) and Edgardo Sevilla alias Palong/Diego (arrested), who each had a P1.2 million reward for cases of murder, robbery in band, and multiple frustrated murder.

The rewards system, facilitated by the National Joint Reward Valuation Committee of the AFP and the Philippine National Police, seeks to encourage civilians to provide the government with information leading to the arrest of wanted personalities. The reward system for the Abu Sayyaf was activated on June 12, 2001, that for communist rebels on June 30, 2006.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50259/afp-gives-p22m-to-informants-in-capture-deaths-of-abu-sayyaf-and-npa-leaders

GPH, MILF start 34th round of peace talks

From Rappler (Dec 12): GPH, MILF start 34th round of peace talks

The government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), along with their respective Technical Working Groups, reconvened for the 34th Round for Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Wednesday morning, December 12, to draft the annexes that will complement the recently-signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.  This marks the first time that University of the Philippines Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer is taking the helm as the government peace panel chair after being appointed to replace now Associate Justice Marvic Leonen.

 

"We have returned confident of the wide public support back home for a process that has concluded one phase and began another," Ferrer said in her opening statement. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Igbal for his part expressed confidence on Ferrer's capacity to lead the government peace panel. National Commission on Muslim Filipinos chair Mehol Sadain joined the team for this round of talks while the appointment of the 5th member of the panel is still awaiting the go signal from Malacañang.

 

Annexes

 

Both sides will continue working on the three annexes -- normalization, power-sharing and wealth-sharing -- that will comprise the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. The annexes are expected to be completed before the end of the year as indicated in the Framework Agreement signed in October. Igbal earlier said this round of negotiations will cover a "substantial part" of the normalization annex, which is seen to be the most difficult part of negotiations as it covers the issues of policing, decommissioning, and gradual redeployment of government forces.

 

Despite fears and uncertainties surrounding the issue of normalization, Ferrer lauded the MILF for having the "courage and maturity" to understand what it takes to achieve peace.  "This courage and maturity, government will meet with reciprocity. Our processes may be bogged down sometimes by the bureaucratic maze that involves any paper work or the system of check-and-balance that are imposed on us and with due diligence, that we also impose on ourselves," Ferrer said. "But we should not be discouraged by seeming insurmountables," she added. "Among Tausugs, there is a saying: “In maksud mahunit, makawa landu in halga.” As translated by [Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process] Undersectary Joe Lorena, “Ang bagay na kinuha ng mahirap, marami ang makikinabang.” In English, from something achieved the hard way, many will benefit." .......

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/17798-gph-milf-peace-panels-start-34th-round-of-peace-talks

Segovia: calamity areas ill-prepared to handle strong typhoons

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12): Segovia: calamity areas ill-prepared to handle strong typhoons

A top military officer said areas hardest hit by typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental are not used to strong and destructive weather systems. Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said facilities like gymnasiums, school buildings and barangay halls were supposed to be the strongest structures where residents took refuge. “These facilities were no match to the strong wind that deformed even steel trusses and flew away roofs like in Baganga and Cateel,” Segovia said. However, he said it did not take too long for government to organize and mobilize in order to respond to the people in need.

Segovia also expressed his appreciation to the provincial governments of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental which immediately packed relief goods for the affected families. “The local governments were functioning harnessing the government resources around responding immediately to the needs of the people despite the situation where the injured and the dead bodies were situated close to each other in the command post,” he said.

Segovia said even if all affected areas have already been identified, government has to race time to look for the missing victims. He said the missing victims are the reason why President Benigno Simeon Aquino III gave to the military the task to conduct search and rescue operation. Segovia said the president wants to reach out to survivors cut off by means of communication and impassable roads and to give closure to families whose members are missing. “We sought for more K-9s and volunteer rescue groups which also came to assist us,” he said.

Segovia also noted that the delivery of relief goods maybe fast in Davao Oriental, but assistance cannot be given immediately to the recipients due to the destroyed bridge in Caraga. He said the restoration of the bridge is very important to hasten the rescue and relief operation. “Right now, the residents have improvised by using the bancas in ferrying relief goods and medicines from Caraga to other areas not accessible by land,” Segovia said.

Segovia also said that land, air and sea searches are now conducted regularly to reach out to the survivors. He reported that the sea search being conducted by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao east of Davao Oriental Tuesday morning yielded three survivors. He said the air assets of the Philippine Air Force were not also available a day after the storm since many of the helicopters were brought away from the path of the storm for safekeeping.

Segovia also called for consideration on local government officials who did not seem to respond to the needy during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo.He said it is a natural consequence for officials in hard hit areas not to respond immediately to distress calls of their constituents since they themselves were victims of the disaster. Segovia said the local government, police and even the military were victims of the disaster.

He said that since the military has other forces outside the disaster area, soldiers can be sent immediately to provide assistance. Segovia said since the soldiers assigned in the disaster areas have no immediate families there, they could easily attend to the community. “Normally, the police and the local government unit are paralyzed on the first blow of the disaster while the soldiers could easily conduct disaster response,” Segovia said. He said damage to soldiers in disaster areas is negligible compared to the residents who lose either life or property.

Captain Robert Emperad, chief of the Joint Task Group Sea/ Maritime Rescue confirmed the rescue of three fishermen by the Philippine Navy Tuesday morning off the coast of Davao Oriental. He said the survivors are companions of the 301 fishermen earlier reported by their fishing firm in General Santos City as missing day during the storm. Emperad identified the survivors as Peter Madlase, Dennis Codilla, Rene Maulas, all from General Santos City. He said the survivors were rushed to a hospital in Mati City, Davao Oriental for medical treatment.

Colonel Rand yTibayan, wing commander of the Tactical Operations Group XI revealed Mt. Diwalwal in Monkayo and Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Compostela Valley are the only communities no accessible to the rescuers because of the debris that block going to these communities. He said the rescue crew was able to reach out to these areas delivering relief goods in small quantities due to the limited load of the helicopters. “We continue to conduct search and rescue operation right now,” Tibayan said.

As of 12 a.m. Tuesday the Office of Civil Defense XI reported the total number of evacuees at 43,112 families or 198,287 persons in 49 towns among 27 towns and three cities affected in the region. The death toll reached at 850 with 611 missing and 1,792 injured.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381355217677