From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 16): MILF: Govt flip-flops
Wealth-sharing major problem in peace talks
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Monday accused the Aquino administration of flip-flopping on its decisions on the three remaining annexes that need to be signed to pave the way for a final peace agreement in Mindanao.
MILF peace panel member Antonio Kinoc said the government’s penchant for changing positions on the three remaining annexes was the “real cause of the delays.”
“I do not know where the problem lies—in the negotiating team or in their principal,” Kinoc said.
The government and the MILF concluded the 37th round of formal negotiations in Kuala Lumpur last week without signing the annex on wealth-sharing.
Maulana Alonto, senior MILF panel member, said they were “taken aback” by the failure of the government to sign the wealth-sharing annex since its text was “already agreed on and initialed by the two parties” in February.
“Before we flew to Kuala Lumpur for the 37th exploratory talks, expectations were high that the panels would be able to put closure to further discussions on the annex on wealth-sharing,” Alonto said.
“Of course, the panels have the right to bring it back to their respective principals for a cursory review, but we were thinking this was merely routine because the panels had already concurred on the language of the initialed text and that consultations were made with their principals before the initialing took place. We were not prepared for the sudden announcement by the government panel that they needed more time to revisit and review the wealth-sharing annex despite the fact that more than a month is an ample time to make such a review,” she added.
Alonto said “something is wrong” with the government panel.
“A very serious problem now on the question of credibility has come to the fore. We are racing against time but the way things are turning out, time might outrun us,” she said.
But government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the MILF was aware that the annex on wealth-sharing still had to be reviewed by President Benigno Aquino III.
Ferrer, however, did not say what is taking the government long to review the wealth-sharing annex that was initialed as early as February.
“We clarified to them that our principal had to review the initialed document. That is where we are right now. We are looking at all political, legal and financial implications of the annex,” Ferrer said in a phone interview.
“They have to understand that MILF processes are different from government processes. On our part, we have a wider range of obligations and there are technical and financial considerations. The President will have to view specific commitments in the annex in relation to his commitment to the whole country,” she added.
Ferrer said it was understandable that the MILF was unhappy over the non-signing of the annex last week.
“We understand their concern and fears. The time being taken by the government to review the three annexes in their current forms can create some insecurities and fears,” she said.
“The MILF panel members were not very happy. It was not pleasant for them that the annex on wealth-sharing was not signed. But it is very clear that the President is very committed to this process,” Ferrer added.
She said the government panel also relayed “certain concerns” raised by the President on the draft wealth-sharing annex.
“We are trying to reconcile these concerns,” she said without elaborating.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda attributed the delays in the negotiations to Mr. Aquino’s desire to have a peace agreement “that everyone can live with.”
“We’re still discussing the issues so nobody has walked away from the negotiating table. We’re very confident that we will come to an agreement on those annexes,” Lacierda said.
“What do we want? We want a Basic Law that is doable — that is something that everybody can live with,” he added.
The panels agreed to meet again after the May 13 elections.
The government and the MILF originally aimed to conclude the four annexes in December but the schedule was moved to March.
Except for a provision for transitional arrangements, the annexes remain unsigned.
The President earlier said he wants the Basic Law enacted by 2015, with an interim authority in place a year before the 2016 national elections.
Earlier, the MILF reported suffering “scores of casualties” in a raid by Army troopers in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
Abbas Salung, a member of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, said they will be filing the necessary complaint for ceasefire violations.
“Firefight ensued for nearly 30 minutes between the MILF forces under Hamzah Sapanton, MILF provincial committee chairman, and the raiding government forces numbering more or less 40 men,” he said.
“The encounter had already ceased but actions must be undertaken by the government to avoid recurrence of the firefight between the government and MILF forces and to prove that the government forces are indeed upholding the policy of the Aquino government for the primacy of the peace process,” he added.
Sapanton said he viewed the raid as “a deliberate act to undermine the ceasefire and the peace talks between the government and MILF.”
“This only compounds the increasing doubts of the public over the sincerity of the government in the peace process,” Sapanton said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/04/16/milf-govt-flip-flops/
Monday, April 15, 2013
Rebels abduct 2 cops, 7 militiamen in Agusan
From the Sun Star (Apr 15): Rebels abduct 2 cops, 7 militiamen in Agusan
Communist rebels said they have abducted two policemen and seven suspected government militiamen in separate attacks in the southern Philippines.
Regional rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos said the policemen were captured during a New People's Army (NPA) rebel assault Sunday on an outpost in Agusan del Sur province. Three government militiamen, including a woman, were separately seized in nearby Surigao del Sur province.
Madlos said fellow Marxist insurgents seized four more militiamen in Agusan del Sur on Monday.
He said the captives may be freed if the rebels determine they have not committed human rights violations and other abuses.
Regional army spokesman Major Leo Bongosia said the abductions have been reported to military officials, who are gathering more details.
The Marxist rebellion, one of Asia's longest, has been raging for 44 years.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/15/rebels-abduct-2-cops-7-militiamen-agusan-277797
Communist rebels said they have abducted two policemen and seven suspected government militiamen in separate attacks in the southern Philippines.
Regional rebel spokesman Jorge Madlos said the policemen were captured during a New People's Army (NPA) rebel assault Sunday on an outpost in Agusan del Sur province. Three government militiamen, including a woman, were separately seized in nearby Surigao del Sur province.
Madlos said fellow Marxist insurgents seized four more militiamen in Agusan del Sur on Monday.
He said the captives may be freed if the rebels determine they have not committed human rights violations and other abuses.
Regional army spokesman Major Leo Bongosia said the abductions have been reported to military officials, who are gathering more details.
The Marxist rebellion, one of Asia's longest, has been raging for 44 years.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/15/rebels-abduct-2-cops-7-militiamen-agusan-277797
Spratlys, other contested areas have limited oil resources
From the Philippine Star (Apr 15): Spratlys, other contested areas have limited oil resources
Contested areas in the West Philippine Sea, including the disputed Reed Bank in Spratly Islands, likely have few conventional oil and gas resources, the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report earlier this month.
The Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands are two of the most contested areas. However, unlike other parts of the West Philippine Sea, these areas have not been assessed to hold large resources of oil and natural gas.
In total, the EIA said that the West Philippine Sea has about 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas rated as proved or probable reserves.
In addition to this, it said the US Geological Survey estimated in 2012 that about 12 billion barrels of oil and 160 trillion cubic feet of natural gas might exist as undiscovered resources in the West Philippine Sea, excluding the Gulf of Thailand and other adjacent areas.
However, the EIA said these additional resources are not of commercial volume.
“About one fifth of these resources may be found in contested areas, particularly in the Reed Bank at the northeast end of the Spratly Islands, which is claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. These additional resources are not considered commercial reserves at this time; extracting them may not be economically feasible,” the EIA said in its April 3 report.
Parts of the Reed Bank are also being claimed by the Philippines.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/15/930815/spratlys-other-contested-areas-have-limited-oil-resources
Contested areas in the West Philippine Sea, including the disputed Reed Bank in Spratly Islands, likely have few conventional oil and gas resources, the United States Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report earlier this month.
The Spratly Islands and Paracel Islands are two of the most contested areas. However, unlike other parts of the West Philippine Sea, these areas have not been assessed to hold large resources of oil and natural gas.
In total, the EIA said that the West Philippine Sea has about 11 billion barrels of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas rated as proved or probable reserves.
In addition to this, it said the US Geological Survey estimated in 2012 that about 12 billion barrels of oil and 160 trillion cubic feet of natural gas might exist as undiscovered resources in the West Philippine Sea, excluding the Gulf of Thailand and other adjacent areas.
However, the EIA said these additional resources are not of commercial volume.
“About one fifth of these resources may be found in contested areas, particularly in the Reed Bank at the northeast end of the Spratly Islands, which is claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam. These additional resources are not considered commercial reserves at this time; extracting them may not be economically feasible,” the EIA said in its April 3 report.
Parts of the Reed Bank are also being claimed by the Philippines.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/15/930815/spratlys-other-contested-areas-have-limited-oil-resources
2 killed in North Cotabato ambush
From the Philippine Star (Apr 15): 2 killed in
North Cotabato ambush
Masked men killed in ambush a retired member of the now defunct Philippine Constabulary and his driver in a dawn attack in Matalam town in North Cotabato.
The chief of the Matalam municipal police, Senior Inspector Elias Dandan, said investigators are still trying to determine if the fatal ambush of Felixberto Badayos and his driver, Danny Simon, was election-related.
The victims were on board a Green Isuzu Highlander, bearing license plates LDG 620, en route to Kidapawan City at about 3:00 a.m. Sunday when the gunmen emerged from one side of the highway and opened fire at their vehicle.
Badayos and Simon, who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies, died while being rushed to a hospital.
Dandan said there is a possibility that Badayos and Simon were killed by “guns-for-hire” enlisted by an adversary.
Dandan said Badayos had pending civil and criminal cases in local courts.
“We need to give investigators enough time to finish their task of identifying his killers and the real motive for the attack.” Dandan said.
He said the bodies of Badayos and Simon had been brought home to Kidapawan City by relatives.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/15/930976/2-killed-north-cotabato-ambush
Masked men killed in ambush a retired member of the now defunct Philippine Constabulary and his driver in a dawn attack in Matalam town in North Cotabato.
The chief of the Matalam municipal police, Senior Inspector Elias Dandan, said investigators are still trying to determine if the fatal ambush of Felixberto Badayos and his driver, Danny Simon, was election-related.
The victims were on board a Green Isuzu Highlander, bearing license plates LDG 620, en route to Kidapawan City at about 3:00 a.m. Sunday when the gunmen emerged from one side of the highway and opened fire at their vehicle.
Badayos and Simon, who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies, died while being rushed to a hospital.
Dandan said there is a possibility that Badayos and Simon were killed by “guns-for-hire” enlisted by an adversary.
Dandan said Badayos had pending civil and criminal cases in local courts.
“We need to give investigators enough time to finish their task of identifying his killers and the real motive for the attack.” Dandan said.
He said the bodies of Badayos and Simon had been brought home to Kidapawan City by relatives.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/15/930976/2-killed-north-cotabato-ambush
Leftist rebels capture 2 cops in Agusan
From the Philippine Star (Apr 15): Leftist
rebels capture 2 cops in Agusan
Leftist rebels have captured anew two policemen in southern Philippines, authorities today said.
The latest in a spate of actions by New People's Army guerrillas happened late on Sunday in the town of Loreto in Mindanao island's Agusan del Sur province, according to Santiago Cane, provincial vice governor.
Cane identified those captured as Police Officers Ping Munez and Ian Espana, all members of Loreto town police.
The local official told Xinhua by text message the incident happened past 11 p.m. at Sitio (Sub-village) Moto, Poblacion village.
Local radio reports said the policemen were on their way back to station after serving an arrest warrant to a suspect who was able to elude them when undetermined number of NPA gunmen blocked their path and took them at gunpoint.
Cane said he has no other details yet as to what really happened as investigations were still going on.
The latest capture happened just a week of deadly clashes between government troops and NPA rebels elsewhere in Mindanao, leaving at least a dozen people dead.
Last month, rebels also seized a policeman in nearby Compostela Valley province, holding him captive for more than two weeks.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/15/931268/leftist-rebels-capture-2-cops-agusan
Leftist rebels have captured anew two policemen in southern Philippines, authorities today said.
The latest in a spate of actions by New People's Army guerrillas happened late on Sunday in the town of Loreto in Mindanao island's Agusan del Sur province, according to Santiago Cane, provincial vice governor.
Cane identified those captured as Police Officers Ping Munez and Ian Espana, all members of Loreto town police.
The local official told Xinhua by text message the incident happened past 11 p.m. at Sitio (Sub-village) Moto, Poblacion village.
Local radio reports said the policemen were on their way back to station after serving an arrest warrant to a suspect who was able to elude them when undetermined number of NPA gunmen blocked their path and took them at gunpoint.
Cane said he has no other details yet as to what really happened as investigations were still going on.
The latest capture happened just a week of deadly clashes between government troops and NPA rebels elsewhere in Mindanao, leaving at least a dozen people dead.
Last month, rebels also seized a policeman in nearby Compostela Valley province, holding him captive for more than two weeks.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/15/931268/leftist-rebels-capture-2-cops-agusan
DVIDS: Clark Field holds static display, media day during Balikatan 2013
From DVIDS (Apr 14): Clark Field holds static display, media day during Balikatan 2013
Filipino children from local schools prepare to get aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Clark Field, Philippines, April 13 during a static display for exercise Balikatan 2013. National and international media, Philippine military dependents, children from local schools and officer candidates currently in training were invited to the flight line to learn about the aircrafts’ capabilities and take photographs. BK13 is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kasey Peacock/Released)
CLARK FIELD, Philippines – Shutters clicked and cameras flashed as men and woman hustled into position for the best shot. Philippine airmen and U.S. service members stood by their aircraft and vehicles as men, women and children scattered about the hot blacktop airfield. It became clear to everyone there why the annual exercise Balikatan was given the Filipino moniker meaning ‘shoulder-to-shoulder.’
Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. service members gathered at Clark Field, Philippines, April 13 to host a static display of Philippine and U.S. aircraft for members of the local media, Philippine military dependents, children from local schools and officer candidates currently in training.
The static display was arranged as part of exercise Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
“Today wasn’t just about letting the media come and take pictures,” said Philippine soldier Technical Sgt. Meynardo D. Laguicla, a news and distribution security guard with the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office. “This was a chance for everybody to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It was about demonstrating the progress we have made working alongside each other throughout this exercise.”
The aircraft displayed consisted of U.S. Marine Corps aircraft—one MV-22B Osprey, one F/A-18 Hornet—and U.S. Air Force aircraft—one Hawker Hunter jet, one KC-130J Hercules. A Philippine Air Force helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft were also on display. Visitors rotated throughout the airfield learning about the capabilities of the aircraft from the pilots and aircrew standing by.
During two separate occasions, aircraft rescue fire fighters from both militaries performed a bilateral demonstration of their crash response skills.
The demonstrations began with rescue vehicles charging out while firefighters hosed the deck, followed by a joint extraction of a casualty from an aircraft.
“One thing I am confident in because of these exercises is that if something was to happen in the region and we needed to respond, we could respond together effectively,” said Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director. “Seeing the U.S. military’s aircraft and capabilities puts the future of our air operations into perspective. It is a great opportunity for our pilots to interact and learn from U.S. pilots who have flown with such advanced technology.”
Also in attendance was deputy exercise director U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II, who stood should-to-shoulder with Domingo answering questions from the media about the aircraft and exercise.
“The opportunities we have in the Philippines are outstanding,” said Simcock. “Some people think that we can go and train just about anywhere. Places like Crow Valley and Clark Field are as good as it gets for us to conduct bilateral training operations.”
While Balikatan is one of many exercises conducted between U.S. service members and partnering nations, the importance of working together with the AFP is crucial to mission accomplishment in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Simcock.
Balikatan focuses on training both militaries to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety. Additionally, military service members from both countries will conduct combined staff exercises to improve interoperability and contingency planning.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105180/clark-field-holds-static-display-media-day-during-balikatan-2013
Filipino children from local schools prepare to get aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Clark Field, Philippines, April 13 during a static display for exercise Balikatan 2013. National and international media, Philippine military dependents, children from local schools and officer candidates currently in training were invited to the flight line to learn about the aircrafts’ capabilities and take photographs. BK13 is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kasey Peacock/Released)
CLARK FIELD, Philippines – Shutters clicked and cameras flashed as men and woman hustled into position for the best shot. Philippine airmen and U.S. service members stood by their aircraft and vehicles as men, women and children scattered about the hot blacktop airfield. It became clear to everyone there why the annual exercise Balikatan was given the Filipino moniker meaning ‘shoulder-to-shoulder.’
Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. service members gathered at Clark Field, Philippines, April 13 to host a static display of Philippine and U.S. aircraft for members of the local media, Philippine military dependents, children from local schools and officer candidates currently in training.
The static display was arranged as part of exercise Balikatan 2013, an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.
“Today wasn’t just about letting the media come and take pictures,” said Philippine soldier Technical Sgt. Meynardo D. Laguicla, a news and distribution security guard with the Philippine Army Public Affairs Office. “This was a chance for everybody to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It was about demonstrating the progress we have made working alongside each other throughout this exercise.”
The aircraft displayed consisted of U.S. Marine Corps aircraft—one MV-22B Osprey, one F/A-18 Hornet—and U.S. Air Force aircraft—one Hawker Hunter jet, one KC-130J Hercules. A Philippine Air Force helicopter and two fixed wing aircraft were also on display. Visitors rotated throughout the airfield learning about the capabilities of the aircraft from the pilots and aircrew standing by.
During two separate occasions, aircraft rescue fire fighters from both militaries performed a bilateral demonstration of their crash response skills.
The demonstrations began with rescue vehicles charging out while firefighters hosed the deck, followed by a joint extraction of a casualty from an aircraft.
“One thing I am confident in because of these exercises is that if something was to happen in the region and we needed to respond, we could respond together effectively,” said Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director. “Seeing the U.S. military’s aircraft and capabilities puts the future of our air operations into perspective. It is a great opportunity for our pilots to interact and learn from U.S. pilots who have flown with such advanced technology.”
Also in attendance was deputy exercise director U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Richard L. Simcock II, who stood should-to-shoulder with Domingo answering questions from the media about the aircraft and exercise.
“The opportunities we have in the Philippines are outstanding,” said Simcock. “Some people think that we can go and train just about anywhere. Places like Crow Valley and Clark Field are as good as it gets for us to conduct bilateral training operations.”
While Balikatan is one of many exercises conducted between U.S. service members and partnering nations, the importance of working together with the AFP is crucial to mission accomplishment in the Asia-Pacific region, according to Simcock.
Balikatan focuses on training both militaries to provide relief and assistance in the event of natural disasters and other crises that endanger public health and safety. Additionally, military service members from both countries will conduct combined staff exercises to improve interoperability and contingency planning.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105180/clark-field-holds-static-display-media-day-during-balikatan-2013
Armed Forces of the Philippines gets $1.8-B more
From Rappler (Apr 15): Armed Forces of the Philippines gets $1.8-B more
The Armed Forces of the Philippines gets P75 billion more (about $1.8 billion) to buy fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels and other equipment.
This is on top of the P28 billion (about $678 million) President Benigno Aquino released 3 years ago. The defense allocation is part of Aquino's efforts to build a "minimum credible defense posture" as deterrent to any aggressive action against the Philippines.
The Philippines and other neighboring countries are engaged in disputes with China over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the military budget is insufficient given the Philippines' security issues. He recommended allocating the biggest share of the national budget to defense instead of education. Under the Philippine Constitution, the government is mandated to give education the biggest budgetary share. Defense expenditure under the Aquino government is almost 3 times bigger than the combined amount spent by the three previous administrations, with only P33 billion (about $800 million) spent during the past 15 years.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines gets P75 billion more (about $1.8 billion) to buy fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, helicopters, naval vessels and other equipment.
This is on top of the P28 billion (about $678 million) President Benigno Aquino released 3 years ago. The defense allocation is part of Aquino's efforts to build a "minimum credible defense posture" as deterrent to any aggressive action against the Philippines.
The Philippines and other neighboring countries are engaged in disputes with China over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea). Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said the military budget is insufficient given the Philippines' security issues. He recommended allocating the biggest share of the national budget to defense instead of education. Under the Philippine Constitution, the government is mandated to give education the biggest budgetary share. Defense expenditure under the Aquino government is almost 3 times bigger than the combined amount spent by the three previous administrations, with only P33 billion (about $800 million) spent during the past 15 years.
DVIDS: BK 13 - JCMOTF volunteers give displaced children peace from heat
From DVIDS (Apr 15): BK 13 - JCMOTF volunteers give displaced children peace from heat
ZAMBALES, Philippines - A handful of volunteers from the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) ventured to Shepherd of the Hills Children’s Home to install 15 electric fans in the children’s sleeping areas.
The fans will provide a way for the children to stay cool while sleeping during the balmy summer months.
“When we first walked into the room, there was no circulation at all and the heat just stuck to you,” said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Eric Polito, from the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and JCMOTF HQ staff member. “Once we mounted all the fans and got them going, there was a dramatic change in the overall comfort. All the kids came up and thanked us. It was great.”
The average temperature during the summer months in the Philippines is in the high 90s. Combined with the humidity, the still air makes their open-berth group home very hot.
Volunteers spent all day working with the children to measure, place and mount each fan.
“It was really fun learning to work the tools,” said resident Mark Velrio. “I got to hold the fan and help put it together. My room feels a lot better now. It will be easy to fall asleep.”
The volunteers are all attached to the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, home ported at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Each member is currently deployed to Zambales in support of Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105196/bk-13-jcmotf-volunteers-give-displaced-children-peace-heat
Construction Electrician 2nd Class Eric Polito, a member of the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) attached to the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, shows two displaced children at the Shepherd of the Hills Children's Home how to safely replace a light switch. A group of JCMOTF volunteers installed 30 fans in three dormitories. The JMOCTF primary mission is to execute the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief portions of Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey.)
The fans will provide a way for the children to stay cool while sleeping during the balmy summer months.
“When we first walked into the room, there was no circulation at all and the heat just stuck to you,” said Construction Electrician 2nd Class Eric Polito, from the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and JCMOTF HQ staff member. “Once we mounted all the fans and got them going, there was a dramatic change in the overall comfort. All the kids came up and thanked us. It was great.”
The average temperature during the summer months in the Philippines is in the high 90s. Combined with the humidity, the still air makes their open-berth group home very hot.
Volunteers spent all day working with the children to measure, place and mount each fan.
“It was really fun learning to work the tools,” said resident Mark Velrio. “I got to hold the fan and help put it together. My room feels a lot better now. It will be easy to fall asleep.”
The volunteers are all attached to the 30th Naval Construction Regiment, home ported at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme. Each member is currently deployed to Zambales in support of Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105196/bk-13-jcmotf-volunteers-give-displaced-children-peace-heat
Invitation for US to use bases is 'treason,' says solon
From InterAksyon (Apr 15): Invitation for US to use bases is 'treason,' says solon
An activist lawmaker on Monday accused Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of “treason” and “outright defiance of the Constitution” for suggesting the United States can again set up military bases in the country if it goes to war with North Korea.
Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares also said any such move would drag the country into a conflict not of its own making and leave it open to attack by the US’ enemies.
"The Philippines is not involved in the dispute in Korea. If we set up US bases here, then we become a legitimate target of the enemies of the United States,” he said in a statement.
Gazmin said over the weekend that war on the Korean Peninsula would be an “extreme emergency” that might justify the “extreme measure” of allowing US based back on Philippine soil even if this is banned by the Constitution.
On September 16, 1991, the Philippine Senate rejected the renewal of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement, ending 93 years of US basing rights in the country.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the US obliges the Philippines to come to the aid of the Americans in the event of war.
Tensions have heightened on the Korean Peninsula ever since the United Nations imposed harsher sanctions on North Korea after it undertook a nuclear weapons test in February.
Aside from violating national sovereignty, Colmenares said the country “will not in any way benefit” from allowing foreign bases in the country “because we have nothing to do with the Koreans’ issue.”
“We've been asking the government what possible benefits do we get from the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and US bases, and the government has no answer at all except that we earn a few millions in tourist dollars. We cannot sell our souls and endanger the lives of our people, and more importantly our sovereignty, in exchange for a few pieces of silver. This is treason," he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59486/invitation-for-us-to-use-bases-is-treason-says-solon
An activist lawmaker on Monday accused Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of “treason” and “outright defiance of the Constitution” for suggesting the United States can again set up military bases in the country if it goes to war with North Korea.
Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares also said any such move would drag the country into a conflict not of its own making and leave it open to attack by the US’ enemies.
"The Philippines is not involved in the dispute in Korea. If we set up US bases here, then we become a legitimate target of the enemies of the United States,” he said in a statement.
Gazmin said over the weekend that war on the Korean Peninsula would be an “extreme emergency” that might justify the “extreme measure” of allowing US based back on Philippine soil even if this is banned by the Constitution.
On September 16, 1991, the Philippine Senate rejected the renewal of the RP-US Military Bases Agreement, ending 93 years of US basing rights in the country.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the US obliges the Philippines to come to the aid of the Americans in the event of war.
Tensions have heightened on the Korean Peninsula ever since the United Nations imposed harsher sanctions on North Korea after it undertook a nuclear weapons test in February.
Aside from violating national sovereignty, Colmenares said the country “will not in any way benefit” from allowing foreign bases in the country “because we have nothing to do with the Koreans’ issue.”
“We've been asking the government what possible benefits do we get from the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) and US bases, and the government has no answer at all except that we earn a few millions in tourist dollars. We cannot sell our souls and endanger the lives of our people, and more importantly our sovereignty, in exchange for a few pieces of silver. This is treason," he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59486/invitation-for-us-to-use-bases-is-treason-says-solon
Gunmen attack Palawan pearl farm, seize hostages, guns
From InterAksyon (Apr 15): Gunmen attack Palawan pearl farm, seize hostages, guns
Gunmen believed to be New People’s Army guerrillas attacked a pearl farm in northern Palawan early Monday morning, seizing at least six hostages, a police officer said.
Residents of Taytay town said the gunmen, whose numbers were not determined, ransacked the Jewelmer (not Salvamar as first reported by the Western Command) Pearl Farm managed by Jacques Branelic on Cagdanao Island, Barangay Pampang.
Pearl farm personnel said the leader of the gunmen introduced himself as "Ka Arnel."
Taytay chief of police, Chief Inspector Jeffrey Mendiola, confirmed that the attackers took hostage security guards Edgardo Ramos, Marcelo Mellado and Villamor Fernandez, and boat operators Nestor Dula, Marjun Diulon and Jovi Descartin.
The raiders, who authorities said were armed with M14 rifles and M203s, also seized eight shotguns, five radio transceivers and the company's speedboat, which they used to escape from Cagdanao towards Paly Island, also in Taytay, and later abandoned.
The hostages have been released and taken back to Cagdanao by police.
Taytay residents said the hostages were spotted by a helicopter owned by the pearl farm that was used for aerial reconnaissance.
The Taytay police and troops of Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 are pursuing the abductors.
Personnel of the pearl farm surmised the raid was probably because of the company's refusal to pay so-called "revolutionary taxes" to the rebels.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59470/gunmen-attack-palawan-pearl-farm-seize-hostages-guns
Gunmen believed to be New People’s Army guerrillas attacked a pearl farm in northern Palawan early Monday morning, seizing at least six hostages, a police officer said.
Residents of Taytay town said the gunmen, whose numbers were not determined, ransacked the Jewelmer (not Salvamar as first reported by the Western Command) Pearl Farm managed by Jacques Branelic on Cagdanao Island, Barangay Pampang.
Pearl farm personnel said the leader of the gunmen introduced himself as "Ka Arnel."
Taytay chief of police, Chief Inspector Jeffrey Mendiola, confirmed that the attackers took hostage security guards Edgardo Ramos, Marcelo Mellado and Villamor Fernandez, and boat operators Nestor Dula, Marjun Diulon and Jovi Descartin.
The raiders, who authorities said were armed with M14 rifles and M203s, also seized eight shotguns, five radio transceivers and the company's speedboat, which they used to escape from Cagdanao towards Paly Island, also in Taytay, and later abandoned.
The hostages have been released and taken back to Cagdanao by police.
Taytay residents said the hostages were spotted by a helicopter owned by the pearl farm that was used for aerial reconnaissance.
The Taytay police and troops of Marine Battalion Landing Team 4 are pursuing the abductors.
Personnel of the pearl farm surmised the raid was probably because of the company's refusal to pay so-called "revolutionary taxes" to the rebels.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59470/gunmen-attack-palawan-pearl-farm-seize-hostages-guns
Army says NPA mulcting traders in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Army says NPA mulcting traders in
Kidapawan City, North Cotabato
The Communist Party of thePhilippines
Lieutenant Colonel Haron Acas, TFNC chief, said several business establishments inKidapawan
City
He did not identify the traders but hinted “these are big business owners in the city.”
A police source said among those who received extortion letters from the NPA were gasoline stations, hardware store, mall owners, and agricultural traders in nearby towns of Makilala and Magpet,North Cotabato .
Acas said business owners have received the letter telling them that they should pay revolutionary taxes.
”Precautionary measures are being applied by the concerned traders,” he said, adding that intelligence operatives are closely monitoring the activities of suspected NPA rebels in the city.
Acas urged traders not to give in to the NPA extortion demand as it would develop a cycle of extortion activities.
”Giving in to the rebels’ demands is like giving them more money to buy firearms and fight the government,” he added.
The CPP-NPA Front 72 and Front 73 are operating in the hinterlands of the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo and have been harassing multi-national firms in the province.
Kidapawan City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516479
The Communist Party of the
Lieutenant Colonel Haron Acas, TFNC chief, said several business establishments in
He did not identify the traders but hinted “these are big business owners in the city.”
A police source said among those who received extortion letters from the NPA were gasoline stations, hardware store, mall owners, and agricultural traders in nearby towns of Makilala and Magpet,
Acas said business owners have received the letter telling them that they should pay revolutionary taxes.
”Precautionary measures are being applied by the concerned traders,” he said, adding that intelligence operatives are closely monitoring the activities of suspected NPA rebels in the city.
Acas urged traders not to give in to the NPA extortion demand as it would develop a cycle of extortion activities.
”Giving in to the rebels’ demands is like giving them more money to buy firearms and fight the government,” he added.
The CPP-NPA Front 72 and Front 73 are operating in the hinterlands of the country’s highest peak – Mt. Apo and have been harassing multi-national firms in the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516479
NPAs attack pearl farm in northern Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): NPAs attack pearl farm in northern
Palawan
Police and Marines in Palawan are now on hot pursuit against alleged New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, who attacked a pearl farm onFlower Island
Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPPO) chief Senior Supt. Atanacio Macalan Jr. confirmed their troops and the men from the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4 were chasing after a group of armed NPA members that attacked a pearl farm at around 12:45 p.m.
The farm is reportedly being managed for Jewelmer International by a certain Jacques Branellec, a foreign resident.
The provincial police chief was unable to name the six hostages, three boat operators, and three security guards.
The armed men have allegedly fled the pearl farm in different directions since the pursuit operations were launched in Taytay. A chopper by Task Force Linapacan is currently being used for the chase.
As of this writing, the PPPO said the hostages have been returned to the island and being investigated. There are no reports if armed men carted away valuable items from the pearl farm.
From standard security alert, Macalan, as provincial police director, has now ordered the wholeprovince
of Palawan
“We have not observed any group capable of doing this kind of attack except the NPAs, so these men are really members of the Leftist movement. I have ordered our policemen in Taytay, and all overPalawan
to be on full alert after this incident,” Macalan told the Philippine News
Agency (PNA).
Macalan made an appeal to the residents of Taytay to help stop NPA attacks by reporting any sighting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516493
Police and Marines in Palawan are now on hot pursuit against alleged New People’s Army (NPA) fighters, who attacked a pearl farm on
Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPPO) chief Senior Supt. Atanacio Macalan Jr. confirmed their troops and the men from the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4 were chasing after a group of armed NPA members that attacked a pearl farm at around 12:45 p.m.
The farm is reportedly being managed for Jewelmer International by a certain Jacques Branellec, a foreign resident.
The provincial police chief was unable to name the six hostages, three boat operators, and three security guards.
The armed men have allegedly fled the pearl farm in different directions since the pursuit operations were launched in Taytay. A chopper by Task Force Linapacan is currently being used for the chase.
As of this writing, the PPPO said the hostages have been returned to the island and being investigated. There are no reports if armed men carted away valuable items from the pearl farm.
From standard security alert, Macalan, as provincial police director, has now ordered the whole
“We have not observed any group capable of doing this kind of attack except the NPAs, so these men are really members of the Leftist movement. I have ordered our policemen in Taytay, and all over
Macalan made an appeal to the residents of Taytay to help stop NPA attacks by reporting any sighting.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516493
NPA burns poultry farm, building of banana company in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): NPA burns poultry farm, building of
banana company in Bukidnon
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) burned on Sunday the poultry farm owned by Gamma Farm and set on fire the administration building of the Agrinanas Development Corporation, a company engaged in banana plantations, both in Libona, Bukidnon.
Maj. Leo Bongasia, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Camp BGen Edilberto Evangelista here, confirmed the attack to the Philippines News Agency on Monday afternoon. He, however, failed to provide further details on the incident pending further confirmation from the ground.
Last week, police operatives in Bukidnon clashed with NPA rebels in the outskirts of Talakag town resulting in the death of two rebels and the wounding of three police officers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516548
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) burned on Sunday the poultry farm owned by Gamma Farm and set on fire the administration building of the Agrinanas Development Corporation, a company engaged in banana plantations, both in Libona, Bukidnon.
Maj. Leo Bongasia, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Camp BGen Edilberto Evangelista here, confirmed the attack to the Philippines News Agency on Monday afternoon. He, however, failed to provide further details on the incident pending further confirmation from the ground.
Last week, police operatives in Bukidnon clashed with NPA rebels in the outskirts of Talakag town resulting in the death of two rebels and the wounding of three police officers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516548
Abandoned NPA camp seized in Northern Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): Abandoned NPA camp seized in Northern
Samar
Government troops have seized an abandoned New People’s Army (NPA) camp in a village inNorthern Samar , a military officer
said.
Army Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said the camp, located atHappy Valley , San Isidro , Northern Samar , was overtaken by elements of the 20th IB
without a single shot fired.
Recovered from the camp were four .38-caliber revolvers.
Vestuir said the rebels apparently hastily abandoned the camp after they learned that government forces were on their way to the area.
“The camp was seized after the 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area,” Vestuir said.
“They were enforcing their permit to campaign strategy, extorting money and foodstuff from the people and as well as from politicians,” he added.
According to Vestuir, the camp had 15 bunkers that can accommodate more or less 20 people, a kitchen, a comfort room and three outposts.
“The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area,” he said.
The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area, he claimed, was made possible by the information provided by residents of the area.
"The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms was a big blow to the NPA. It is the seventh NPA camp recovered by the military since January," the military official said.
In 2012, a total of 131 NPA camps were seized or discovered by the military. Eight of these camps were recovered after a firefight and 123 others were seized without resistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516567
Government troops have seized an abandoned New People’s Army (NPA) camp in a village in
Army Lt. Col. Noel Vestuir, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, said the camp, located at
Recovered from the camp were four .38-caliber revolvers.
Vestuir said the rebels apparently hastily abandoned the camp after they learned that government forces were on their way to the area.
“The camp was seized after the 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area,” Vestuir said.
“They were enforcing their permit to campaign strategy, extorting money and foodstuff from the people and as well as from politicians,” he added.
According to Vestuir, the camp had 15 bunkers that can accommodate more or less 20 people, a kitchen, a comfort room and three outposts.
“The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area,” he said.
The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area, he claimed, was made possible by the information provided by residents of the area.
"The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms was a big blow to the NPA. It is the seventh NPA camp recovered by the military since January," the military official said.
In 2012, a total of 131 NPA camps were seized or discovered by the military. Eight of these camps were recovered after a firefight and 123 others were seized without resistance.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516567
PA soldiers acting as bridges of good governance, local exec says
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 15): PA soldiers acting as bridges of good
governance, local exec says
The city administration says the presence of government soldiers in some barangays here is part of their services as “bridges” of good local governance, contrary to claims by militant groups that it is an act of “urban militarization.”
“These soldiers serve as the city government’s bridges or links to the people because they alert us on the needs of our constituents. They let us know concerns and wishes ventilated upon them by communities with whom they work closely in their outreach program,” City Mayor Geraldine Rosal clarified over the weekend.
She said the soldiers are conducting an outreach program that provides education, livelihood skills training, health services, community development and peace-building initiatives in at least seven barangays of the city.
“We opened these barangays to these men in uniform for their outreach program as the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Perhaps, the militant groups falsely accusing this undertaking as a form of “urban militarization” should “give the soldiers a chance as they deserve it to prove themselves as different from what others think they are,” she stressed.
Rosal said the soldiers now are different from those that they knew before as today’s military is not only involved in security works to protect the state but also as campaigner for peace and implementer of development projects that now benefit poor communities towards freedom from extreme poverty.
According to Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, the commanding general of the PA’s 901st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Villahermosa of the nearby town of Daraga, Albay, their presence in the seven barangays here is part of their “bayanihan” project that conducts community immersions to find out the needs of communities and help attend to issues raised by villagers.
The PA’s bayanihan team is composed not only of soldiers but also of representatives from different line agencies whose services are badly needed in barangays it visits, Visaya said.
The team includes people from the local government unit (LGU), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare and Development, among other agencies, that may be needed depending on the concerns of each barangay, he said.
“Sometimes, we would invite representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform when issues and concerns that should be addressed in a particular barangay involve the agrarian reform program of the government,” according to Visaya.
If there are problems involving agrarian reform beneficiaries who are encountering difficulties in the payment of amortizations for their Certificates of Land Ownership Award, the bayanihan team would have people from the Land Bank of thePhilippines
The bayanihan team also helps in the sanitation problems in barangays by way of helping households construct toilets and communities put up safe water systems for their daily source of potable water, he added.
“In community assemblies that the team initiates, barangay residents find it easy to ventilate their concerns and for the government agencies concerned to act on them,” Visaya said.
The bayanihan team reaches out up to far-flung barangays that are seldom reached by government workers tasked to deliver basic services to the people, he said.
The PA has been doing this for years now not only in this city but also in the entire Bicol and in most parts of the country in close coordination with LGUs and various government line agencies working together for the attainment of peace and development in rural communities, Visaya added.
Maj Gen Romeo Calizo, the PA’s 9th Infantry (Spear) Division commander based in Pili, Camarines Sur, which oversees the Internal Peace and Security Operations in Bicol, said all units under his command have been aggressively pursuing efforts to link themselves with both public and private agencies towards helping in the development of impoverished communities in the region.
Among the linkages opened is the convergence formed among the PA, civilian government agencies and communities in the implementation of projects under Pres. Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.
PAMANA is a peace and development framework of the Aquino administration for the empowering of conflict-affected areas (CAAs) as it is a way towards attaining economic progress being focused on initiating reforms and development projects in line with the national government’s peace agenda and ending internal armed conflicts.
Bicol is included among these CCAs with Albay, Camarines Norte,Masbate and Sorsogon identified as among the four
provinces that yielded indicative plans for the program.
Through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, which is the main implementing arm of PAMANA, CAAs are being developed through livelihood, infrastructure and other peace-building initiatives to establish resilient communities, Calizo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516577
The city administration says the presence of government soldiers in some barangays here is part of their services as “bridges” of good local governance, contrary to claims by militant groups that it is an act of “urban militarization.”
“These soldiers serve as the city government’s bridges or links to the people because they alert us on the needs of our constituents. They let us know concerns and wishes ventilated upon them by communities with whom they work closely in their outreach program,” City Mayor Geraldine Rosal clarified over the weekend.
She said the soldiers are conducting an outreach program that provides education, livelihood skills training, health services, community development and peace-building initiatives in at least seven barangays of the city.
“We opened these barangays to these men in uniform for their outreach program as the Armed Forces of the
Perhaps, the militant groups falsely accusing this undertaking as a form of “urban militarization” should “give the soldiers a chance as they deserve it to prove themselves as different from what others think they are,” she stressed.
Rosal said the soldiers now are different from those that they knew before as today’s military is not only involved in security works to protect the state but also as campaigner for peace and implementer of development projects that now benefit poor communities towards freedom from extreme poverty.
According to Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, the commanding general of the PA’s 901st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Villahermosa of the nearby town of Daraga, Albay, their presence in the seven barangays here is part of their “bayanihan” project that conducts community immersions to find out the needs of communities and help attend to issues raised by villagers.
The PA’s bayanihan team is composed not only of soldiers but also of representatives from different line agencies whose services are badly needed in barangays it visits, Visaya said.
The team includes people from the local government unit (LGU), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare and Development, among other agencies, that may be needed depending on the concerns of each barangay, he said.
“Sometimes, we would invite representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform when issues and concerns that should be addressed in a particular barangay involve the agrarian reform program of the government,” according to Visaya.
If there are problems involving agrarian reform beneficiaries who are encountering difficulties in the payment of amortizations for their Certificates of Land Ownership Award, the bayanihan team would have people from the Land Bank of the
The bayanihan team also helps in the sanitation problems in barangays by way of helping households construct toilets and communities put up safe water systems for their daily source of potable water, he added.
“In community assemblies that the team initiates, barangay residents find it easy to ventilate their concerns and for the government agencies concerned to act on them,” Visaya said.
The bayanihan team reaches out up to far-flung barangays that are seldom reached by government workers tasked to deliver basic services to the people, he said.
The PA has been doing this for years now not only in this city but also in the entire Bicol and in most parts of the country in close coordination with LGUs and various government line agencies working together for the attainment of peace and development in rural communities, Visaya added.
Maj Gen Romeo Calizo, the PA’s 9th Infantry (Spear) Division commander based in Pili, Camarines Sur, which oversees the Internal Peace and Security Operations in Bicol, said all units under his command have been aggressively pursuing efforts to link themselves with both public and private agencies towards helping in the development of impoverished communities in the region.
Among the linkages opened is the convergence formed among the PA, civilian government agencies and communities in the implementation of projects under Pres. Aquino’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.
PAMANA is a peace and development framework of the Aquino administration for the empowering of conflict-affected areas (CAAs) as it is a way towards attaining economic progress being focused on initiating reforms and development projects in line with the national government’s peace agenda and ending internal armed conflicts.
Bicol is included among these CCAs with Albay, Camarines Norte,
Through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, which is the main implementing arm of PAMANA, CAAs are being developed through livelihood, infrastructure and other peace-building initiatives to establish resilient communities, Calizo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516577
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