NPA activities neutralized in 5 Northern Samar towns

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19): NPA activities neutralized in 5 Northern Samar towns

Five towns of rebel-infested Northern Samar province have been jointly declared by the provincial government and the Philippine Army as manageable conflict-affected and development-ready areas.

Governor Jose Ong, Jr. declared on Thursday the towns of Allen, Biri, Capul, San Antonio and San Vicente 'insurgency-free' after noting zero rebel activities for the past several years.

“The significance of this occasion goes beyond the assurance that the constituents of these municipalities can live happier in these secured areas. The absence of insurgency is vitally more significant as it will pave the way for the launching of more development projects,” Ong said.

Brig. Gen Jet B. Velarmino, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th infantry division, attributed the achievement to the participation of local residents.

“As we join them in their victory, I also encourage each and every resident of Northern Samar to sustain what you have started. Let us nurture what we have just achieved and commit ourselves to winning the peace,” Velarmino added.

These towns are located in the northwestern part of the province are all island municipalities except for Allen, the region’s gateway to Luzon.

These areas are now considered as tourist destinations. Biri is known for rock formations. The towns of Capul, San Antonio and San Vicente are endowed with white and pink beaches.

The Philippine Army said they are on track in making the provinces of Samar and Northern Samar insurgent-free by 2016.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, is optimistic of significantly minimizing New People’s Army activities in the two economically-depressed provinces of Samar by 2016.

Of the six provinces in Region 8, four have already been declared as insurgent-free, these are Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, and Southern Leyte.

The Army official could not give exact estimate of the strength of the insurgents operating in Samar since many of them come to Samar from Bicol and move back to Bicol.

The absence of road networks in the tri-boundaries of the island and lack of education, make people vulnerable to the influence of communist-rebels.

Samar and Northern Samar registered the lowest simple literacy rates in Eastern Visayas at 85.4 percent and 88.3 percent, respectively, according to the National Statistics Office.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577995

60 suspects in Zambo standoff to be transferred to Bagong Diwa

From InterAksyon (Oct 18): 60 suspects in Zambo standoff to be transferred to Bagong Diwa



Suspected MNLF gunmen are taken to detention in a bus in Zamboanga City (AFP file)

At least 60 suspected Moro National Liberation Front fighters will be detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City after the Supreme Court approved the transfer to Metro Manila of their trial for charges over their alleged involvement in the deadly Zamboanga City standoff.

Explaining the procedure, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said the high court will first order the Zamboanga regional trial court to “elevate the records of the case” to the Taguig RTC.

The judge to whom the case is raffled off will then issue a commitment order for the transfer of the suspects from Zamboanga to Bagong Diwa.

The suspects are all accused of rebellion and violations of international humanitarian law.

Also charged is MNLF founder Nur Misuari, his trusted lieutenant Habier Malik, who led the rebels in Zamboanga, and two other commanders, all of whom remain at large.

De Lima said the Zamboanga suspects will be separated from other “high profile” Bagong Diwa detainees, notably alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf and members of the Ampatuan clan and others accused of involvement in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre.

The Justice secretary explained that the transfer of venue was originally requested by Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabella Climaco-Salazar, who cited security concerns, especially should the MNLF attempt to spring the suspects.

“We concurred, the prosecutors concurred, the National Prosecution Service agreed na hindi dapat sa Zamboanga, mas delikado, mas nagpo-pose ng serious security concern, mas mataas ang probability na ma-rescue (that the trial shouldn’t be in Zamboanga, it’s more dangerous, poses a serious security concern, a higher probability of rescue),” De Lima said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/73017/60-suspects-in-zambo-standoff-to-be-transferred-to-bagong-diwa

2 abducted Filipino charity workers freed

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Oct 19): 2 abducted Filipino charity workers freed



Spanish priest and peace advocate Fr Angel Calvo, extreme right, speaks to freed kidnapped victims Frederick Banot and Cherden Masong  in Zamboanga City in this photo posted by the Claretian missionary on his Facebook page.

Kidnappers have freed two teachers working for a Catholic charity foundation in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, police said Saturday.

Police said the victims - Frederick Banot and Cherden Masong – were seized by gunmen on September 4 in the village of Tairan in Lantawan town and had been released in the neighboring province of Sulu after more than six weeks in captivity.

“The victims were released by their abductors in (the village) of Bagsak in Talipao town and brought to an unnamed Catholic priest in Jolo,” Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the Sulu police chief, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Capt. Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said the victims were forcibly taken by the gunmen from a staff house in Lantawan town and dragged them to waiting speedboats and escaped.

The duo arrived in Zamboanga City and was met by Spanish priest and peace advocate Fr Angel Calvo, who also heads the Zamboanga-Basilan-Integarted Development Alliance, and has been active in community development and Christian-Muslim peace and reconciliation works in southern Philippines for many decades now.

“Fredrick and Cherben, the two volunteers from the Claret Samal Foundation, were finally released in Jolo, Sulu. They are safe, sound and they arrived in Zamboanga City for debriefing and (medical) check up yesterday morning,” the Claretian priest said.

The foundation helps in various programs aimed at uplifting the lives of ethnic Badjao and Yakan tribes in Basilan, one of five provinces under the autonomous region.

It was unknown if any ransom is paid for the Banot and Masong’s freedom and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the abductions, but Abu Sayyaf rebels and bandits are actively operating in the province and have been previously blamed for many ransom kidnappings and killings.

In May this year, gunmen also abducted a social worker Jennelyn Enprera in Basilan’s Ungkaya Pukan. The woman, who was later freed, works for the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and was said to be in-charge of the government’s anti-poverty alleviation program called Pantawid Pamilya, whose objective is to provide financial support to poor families for the children’s health and education.

Another group of gunmen is also holding Lucio Gonzales, a skipper of a fishing trawler seized off Lantawan town. The kidnappers demanded P15 million for the freedom of Gonzales.

Basilan is one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and is notoriously known for its kidnappings and ambuscades. Provincial government officials rarely release any statement about local abductions and are hardly accessible for media interviews.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/10/2-abducted-filipino-charity-workers.html

Rebels imposing permit-to-campaign on barangays in North Cotabato-Army

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Rebels imposing permit-to-campaign on barangays in North Cotabato-Army

A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to-campaign (PTC) in some barangays in North Cotabato.

Speaking to reporters, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so called PTC.

He lamented the reports that communist rebels impose PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.

“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.

The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South and North Cotabato.

He said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South and North Cotabato.

Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the  Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.

He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.

“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people.  They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381382079741

Scout rangers return to Visayas after clearing Zambo conflict zone

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Scout rangers return to Visayas after clearing Zambo conflict zone

One hundred ninety nine soldiers from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and their commanding officer Lt. Col. Oriel Pangcog were officially sent-off Wednesday morning from Zamboanga City back to their area of operation in the Visayas region in simple ceremonies held at the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) in barangay Upper Calarian this city.

According to Maj. Franco Rafael H. Alano of the WesMinCom Information Office, about 220 rangers arrived from Negros Occidental last Sept. 10, a day after the conflict started. They were called to assist and augment the local troops in securing the conflict-affected areas in the city during the standoff with heavily-armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction that lasted three weeks. Some of the rangers returned to their station in Negros earlier.

The rangers were finally pulled out from the frontlines after the situation in barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo, Kasanyangan, Talon-Talon and the neighboring conflict-affected had stabilized. These areas are now subjected to “mopping” operations, the second passing of the clearing operations, which was undertaken by the local police.

“Right now, the situation does not anymore warrant the need for the scout rangers,” said Maj. Alano, adding “we cannot use them just for checkpoints and cordons, and their expertise are very in demand in other areas.”

According to the WesMinCom information office, three scout rangers were wounded during the encounters. No one was reported killed in action.
The scout rangers are an elite group of soldiers specially trained in anti-guerilla warfare. They have the reputation of being one of the world’s best anti-guerilla fighters.

Meanwhile, in a press conference held Thursday at the city hall, Col. Randy Sino Cruz of the AFP reported that the conflict areas are approximately 98 percent cleared. He said that the clearing operations are expected to end next week when the authorities have the utmost confidence that the area is 100 percent safe.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar still urged the populace to remain vigilant of any possible disturbances to the peace and security in the city.

“Please remain alert at all times, and instead of spreading or forwarding threatening and unverified text messages and online scares, immediately report them to the local police hotline 117,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2651382060781

AFP deploys water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): AFP deploys water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas
 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday announced that it has deployed water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas in Central Visayas.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that these units will help in producing and supplying potable water to evacuation centers sheltering earthquake displaced residents from Cebu and Bohol.

These teams equipped with water purifiers capable of converting unsanitized water into clean drinking water.

Each purifier is capable of producing 32,000 liters of water per hour.

Zagala added that the 2nd Special Forces Battalion and 53rd Engineering Brigade with a total of 48 officers and 511 enlisted personnel is conducting search and retrieval operations in the two provinces.

The AFP Central Command also deployed a total of 233 trucks to help in clearing, evacuation and other humanitarian assistance operations in gravely affected areas.

Two UH-1H, one Huey II, and two W-3A "Sokol" helicopters also conducted damage assessment and transport operations.

Other AFP units were also tapped to assist in the ongoing relief operations.

These units are the Naval Reserve Eastern Visayas, Bohol Ready Reserve Battalion, and the 505th "TAS" Group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577634

Transfer of custody of over 200 arrested MNLF rebels being processed

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Transfer of custody of over 200 arrested MNLF rebels being processed

The transfer of custody of more than 200 rebels arrested during the clashes between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City is being processed.

According to Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, she has talked to Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano for a copy of the resolution from the Supreme Court directing the transfer from the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court to the Taguig City RTC of the hearing on the case of rebellion and violation of the International Humanitarian Law filed against the group of Nurulaji "Nur" P. Misuari.

De Lima said there is a big possibility that the MNLF rebels will be detained in Camp Bagong Diwa, in Taguig City.

The SC granted Thursday the request of Prosecutor General A. Arellano for the transfer of venue of the hearing of the controversial case for the security of the witnesses and the others who will attend the hearing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577731

F/A-50s to boost country's capability to defend territory

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): F/A-50s to boost country's capability to defend territory

The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet fighter, which the Philippines is acquiring from South Korea, will greatly boost the capability of the military to defend the country's aerial domains, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Col. Ernesto Miguel Okol said Friday.

"It will greatly increase our capability to defend the country," he added.

The Philippines and South Korea earlier agreed to fast-track the acquisition process for F/A-50s.

The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.

The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.

"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he said.

ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.

Galvez said the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.

"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.

The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)'s previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577700

Army’s 8ID goes full swing in its preparations for barangay elections

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Army’s 8ID goes full swing in its preparations for barangay elections
 
All units of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) are now conducting massive pre-election activities, especially in scouring possible areas in Eastern Visayas believed to be influenced by insurgents.

These pre-emptive operations of the government troops already resulted to two encounters in Rizal village of Matuguinao town on Tuesday that caused the death of two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and recovery of an M16 and a shotgun.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) said that the immediate action on their part was to deter NPA plans to influence polls’ results.

The military is anticipating that attempts to influence results will possibly happen in NPA-infiltrated areas on the day of the elections.

Based on records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), there are at least 292 villages in the region that have been included in the “election watch lists” Of the number 90 are considered as “immediate areas of concern” while 202 are within “areas of concern.”

Among the parameters used in declaring an area as either “areas of concern” or “immediate areas of concern” are history of violence in the past elections (2007 and 2010 elections) and existence of partisan armed groups.

Gutierrez reported that in the whole region their concentration is on the 67 barangays they consider as “NPA-influenced areas.” Of the number 57 are “influenced” while 10 are “less influenced.”

“Influenced areas” are those where NPA members have organic structure that has the capacity to influence election results through threatening barangay folks to vote for their supported candidates and even supersede village councils by force. These barangays, according to Gutierrez, are the subjects of their ongoing efforts before the elections in the 28th.

Delineation of coverage areas during the elections will be discussed thoroughly during their final command conference this Oct 21, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577624

MILF to lose identity in 2016 with new Bangsamoro govt comes in : Negotiator

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): MILF to lose identity in 2016 with new Bangsamoro govt comes in : Negotiator

By the year 2016, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will cease to exist, a ranking MILF official said Thursday.

Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and currently chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), showed to reporters how optimistic the MILF with the Bangsamoro government that will come out after a peace deal is signed with Manila and his group.

"We are very confident with the current Philippine leadership that the Bangsamoro political government will be in place by 2016, so there's no reason for the MILF to continue existing," he added.

"We are very confident our dreams will be realized," he added.

Iqbal said the MILF is convinced on the sincerity of the Aquino administration thus its leaders remain very optimistic amid some obstacles along the way leading to the establishment of Bangsamoro government.

Without explicitly saying the MILF will disband, Iqbal hinted that the MILF will lost its identity when the Bangsamoro government it has been fighting for is already at hand.

His vision complemented the position of peace stakeholders in Mindanao who remained positive and patient on the progress of the GPH-MILF talks.

Iqbal said "all roads lead to that direction," referring to the establishment of a new political government in Muslim Mindanao.

“Even the panels have a positive attitude on the matter, as peace is the only way we should do it,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577647

ARMY official says some 140 barangays under areas of concern in Davao, Cotabato provinces

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): ARMY official says some 140 barangays under areas of concern in Davao, Cotabato provinces

An official of the Philippine Army here said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South and North Cotabato.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so-called PTC or permit to campaign.

He lamented the reports that communist rebels imposed PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.

“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.

The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South and North Cotabato.

Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.

He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.

“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people. They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said. A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to campaign in some barangays in North Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577718

2 insurgents killed in clash with Army troops in Samar town

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): 2 insurgents killed in clash with Army troops in Samar town
 
Two successive encounters between the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and members of the (New) People’s Army (NPA) in Samar town this week resulted in the death of the latter’s two members.

The separate encounters happened at barangay Rizal of Matuguinao town Tuesday morning.

The first clash happened at around 7:01 a.m. and after around 15 minutes, another fighting ensued just some 600 meters away from the first scene.

The incident occurred after Lt. Colonel Glen Jun C. Calambuhay, commanding officer of the 43IB, received information through text that armed NPAs have been staying in the said village.

According to the informant, the rebels were urging locales to vote for their endorsed candidate while at the same time extorting from them food and money.

Calambuhay immediately dispatched his troops to the area that later engaged some 10 to 15 rebels in separate fights.

The encounters also led to the recovery of one M16 Armalite rifle with one loaded magazine and one 12-gauge homemade shotgun.

Capt. Amado Guiterrez, chief of the 8ID public affairs division, said that the rebels who were killed in the encounter remain to be unidentified as of press time.

Meantime, 8ID commanding officer, Brigadier General Jet B. Velarmino said that it is “alarming” that NPAs are already campaigning for their candidates in Rizal village in line with the Oct 28 elections.

“Nonetheless, I commend the troops of 43rd Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt Col Calambuhay for their commitment to service and dedication to duty that sustain the peace and development in this part of Samar Island,” he added.

He also stated that “it is unfortunate and tragic” that the rebels continue with their armed struggle when the Filipino nation “believes that lasting peace, sustainable development and social justice can be attained through peaceful consultations.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577829

23 Bicol Navy applicants face board for final selection

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): 23 Bicol Navy applicants face board for final selection

Twenty-three of the 33 applicants to the Naval Officer Candidate Course held last July 22 faced the Philippine Navy Officer Procurement Board Friday via Video Teleconferencing System at the headquarters of the Naval Forces for Southern Luzon.

Commodore Manuel Abinuman, Navforsol commander, said the activity primarily aims to scout for qualified and potential naval officers that will undergo military training and schooling for one year in Naval Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Zambales.

Abinuman said applicants were asked to introduce themselves to the members of the procurement board headed by Capt. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, board chairman, who asked them questions on national issues and current events.

Likewise, they were asked why they chose the Philippine Navy and not the other AFP branches of service, Abinuman said.

Applicants defended themselves and gave their best reasons to convince the board why they chose the Navy and not the others, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577715

DND spokesperson hails pronouncement calling for fast-tracking of F/A-50 delivery

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): DND spokesperson hails pronouncement calling for fast-tracking of F/A-50 delivery
 
Defense Department spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Friday hailed announcements concerning pronouncements calling for the immediate delivery of the F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft.

The Philippines and South Korea earlier agreed to fast-track the acquisition process for F/A-50s.

The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.

"With our deepening and broadening cooperation with South Korea, this is a much welcome remark/statement and one that will be an exceptional development in the upgrading of our defense capabilities," Galvez stressed.

The DND spokesperson earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.

The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.

"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he added.

ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.

Galvez also said that the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.

"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.

The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)'s previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577817

CHR to re-issue advisory on permit-to-campaign scheme by NPAs next week

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): CHR to re-issue advisory on permit-to-campaign scheme by NPAs next week

Following the upcoming Barangay Elections on October 28, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to re-issue next week its Human Rights Advisory on the 'Permit-to-Campaign' plot by the New People’s Army and other rebel groups.

This Advisory would reiterate CHR’s call for the public to continue raising its awareness and to “mobilize its opinion into taking specific actions on how to prevent such illegal conduct”.

In a seven-page advisory, the CHR underscores that the Permit to Campaign Scheme is a “form of extortion being perpetrated by the NPA and other non-state actors, is repugnant in all possible ways to valued human rights principles and standards, not only of candidates and political parties, but of the individual voters as well.”

There were media reports in the past concerning the NPA’s Permit to Campaign Scheme, a practice that prevents political parties and candidates from entering certain territories, which were, allegedly, under the control of these non-state groups.

To be able to have the right of entry, candidates would have to give a certain amount in exchange for a pass to campaign.

CHR, in the advisory, explains that, this practice “arrogates to the requiring group the powers rightfully belonging to the people and lawfully designated authorities and disregards the rule of law, and scoffs at the principles of free, fair and genuine elections”.

The basic principles on the human right to electoral participation are enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, in international law instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others.

The fundamental rights spoken in these legal documents are: the right to take part in government; the right to vote and be elected; and the right to equal access to public service.

The CHR Advisory will be made available on Monday, October 21.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577823