Philippine soldiers accused as behind extrajudicial killings

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 20): Philippine soldiers accused as behind extrajudicial killings



Human rights group Karapatan has accused the Philippine military as behind the murder of two men who were tagged as communist rebels by government soldiers in Davao del Sur province in Mindanao region.

Karapatan said the victims – Tony Bago and Arnel Tanduya – were separately killed by gunmen after soldiers accused them of being members of the New People’s Army, an allegation strongly denied by their families.

In a recent news conference following a fact-finding mission, Karapatan said there were reports of numerous human rights violations, extrajudicial killings and harassment of civilians perpetrated allegedly by the military in the province.

It said Bago, a fish vendor, was killed on July 21 by two masked gunmen on motorcycle. Prior to the killing, Bago was summoned twice and interrogated by the army and told him to surrender his son who was also tagged by soldiers as a member of the NPA.

Karapatan said Tanduya, also accused by the military as a member of the rebel group, was also murdered on May 2. His body was peppered with bullets.

“The numerous human rights violations in Malita, Davao del Sur is a clear form of bloody Oplan Bayanihan under Aquino’s Regime, the killing of innocent Lumads,” Pastor Sadrach Sabella, Karapatan spokesman, said.

Sabella said they have recorded at least two dozen killings in the region and that 10 of the victims were tribesmen who fought for their ancestral rights.

“Families of the victims call for justice and appeal to authorities to stop the branding of innocent civilians as rebels or supporters of rebel groups,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the military on the allegations of Karapatan, but the Eastern Mindanao Command has previously denied all accusations of human rights violations and reports of extrajudicial killings by soldiers.

It also branded Karapatan as a front for the communist groups, an allegation strongly denied by the human rights organization.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/philippine-soldiers-accused-as-behind.html

Rebels identified in Bukidnon plantation raid

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jul 21): Rebels identified in Bukidnon plantation raid

TWO of the suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) responsible for the raid of a pineapple plantation at Sitio Kiantig, Barangay San Jose in Quezon, Bukidnon last July 15 were identified by the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office over the weekend.

The attack left two persons dead and about P1.5 million in damaged properties.

The Quezon municipal police station released photos of the suspected mastermind named Alexander “Kumander Bagwis” Llesis.

Aside from Llesis, a certain Randy Bayot was also tagged as one of the attackers.

Four of the 14 security guards of Kiantig Development Corporation disarmed by the Maoist rebels verified the images of the attackers who are in the rogues gallery of the police.

The security guards are identified as Jerry Santillan, Amado Navaja, Roberto Sanchez and Ruel Absalon.

The three cargo trucks used by the rebels in the raid were also recovered by authorities at Barangay Salawagan in Quezon.

The 10-wheeler truck with plate number GDL-527 owned by a Reynante Cahapon was driven by a Christopher Alvarado, while a Paulino Marnelo drove the Elf truck with plate number MCR-594 owned by a Miguel Rejas.

The forward truck with plate number GKA-995 is owned by a Richard Cahulogan drove it.

Inspector Joanne Galvez, Bukidnon Provincial Police Office spokesperson, said the owners of the vehicles used have been called by the Quezon police for investigation.

The drivers narrated they were coerced by the Maoist rebels to use their vehicles, Galvez told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro Sunday.

Superintendent Salvador Radam said the NPA rebels entered first in Barangay Merangeran then to Barangay Butong in the same town.

Radam added they kidnapped the plantation's watchman Toto Saplina who gained them entry to the firm's compound.

When they passed the guard bunker, they shot to death Rey Baylon, the guard on duty and Wenald Pangcat, the caretaker and set the bunker on fire.

"After the successful attack, they burned down the firm's warehouse and the bunker that left Baylon and Pangcat torched. Afterwards, they left for Sunny Day Spring in Butong, abandoned the vehicles and called up the owners and drivers to get them in the area," Radam said in a statement.

The Bukidnon police put the identified rebels under manhunt operation to file the cases, Galvez said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/07/21/rebels-identified-bukidnon-plantation-raid-355051

NPA ‘not behind’ banana plantation attack

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jul 21): NPA ‘not behind’ banana plantation attack

THE New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were not responsible for attacking a banana plantation in the municipality of Pangantucan in Bukidnon last week, a provincial police official said Sunday.

Contrary to earlier reports, authorities in the province have clarified the perpetrators of the incident were local bandits and not the leftist insurgents.

Around 2 a.m. Friday, a group of about 10 men raided Sumiso Inc., a Japanese-owned banana grower at Sitio Holano, Barangay Bacusanon in Pangantucan. The perpetrators burned down a small SK240 backhoe and cut down 736 banana plants of the firm.

The group identified as Akuman is composed of robbers who hail only from the local community, Inspector Joanne Galvez, Bukidnon provincial police office (PPO) spokesperson, told Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro by phone Sunday afternoon.

Authorities mistook the local bandits as members of the Maoist rebels following the torching of a warehouse and a bunker of Kiantig Development Corporation in Barangay San Jose, Quezon town, Bukidnon last July 15 that left two workers dead and P1.5 million worth of damage.

In their investigation, Galvez said a Benjamin Tan, the Filipino partner of the Japanese company, received extortion letters last week of May and first week of July this year.

"The owner [Tan] refused to give money that prompted the robbers to cut down the bananas and burned the backhoe," Galvez said.

She added that “to threaten” the owners could be the only reason of the attack since no properties have been carted away, not even the banana fruits, by the suspects.

The police identified only one member of Akuman, a certain Ramil Bahian. The number of the attackers has remained unknown.

"This is actually not the first time they did this. One of them [Akuman] was identified based on the pictures in our rogues gallery," Galvez said.

Akuman's targets, according to Galvez, are the land and plant owners in the outskirt of Pangantucan. Sitio Holano is 20 kilometers away from the municipal proper.

Bukidnon police is now coordinating with local law enforcers for the capture of the perpetrators.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/07/21/npa-not-behind-banana-plantation-attack-355050

3 BIFF men, 2 soldiers hurt in clash in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): 3 BIFF men, 2 soldiers hurt in clash in Maguindanao

Three Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed, two soldiers and at least eight 10 civilians were slightly hurt when renegade Moro rebels clashed with government troops in Maguindanao’s marshland town Monday dawn, the Army here said.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the injured members of the 45th Infantry Battalion are now confined at the 6th ID’s Camp Siongco Hospital in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. He said the wounded soldiers are now safe.

The clash started at past midnight when a band of about 50 BIFF guerrillas tried to over-run two Army detachments in Shariff Saydona and Datu Piang towns in Maguindanao, triggering hours of exchange of bullets.

“Our troops repulsed the BIFF attempts to take over our detachments stationed in villages they previously occupied,” Hermoso said in a radio interview.

The fatalities were taken by the BIFF as they retreated following about two hours of firefight, Hermoso said, quoting villagers.

Hermoso admitted civilians from Barangay Ganta have fled to safer grounds following the BIFF harassment.

He added that the reported wounded civilians are being verified by government troops on the ground.

In a phone interview, BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama claimed responsibility for the dawn attacks but stressed it was meant to pressure the military to free one of its members the soldiers allegedly abducted two weeks ago in nearby Datu Unsay town.

The twin attacks came hours after government forces found and properly defused an improvised explosive device fashioned from 81 mm mortar with mobile phone as triggering device left by suspected BIFF at a roadside near an Army base in Barangay Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Hermoso said the military has been anticipating BIFF atrocities during the fasting month which add up to Muslim civilians' difficulties since they fast from sunrise to sunset.

”They resorted to absurd propaganda out to discredit the military in Maguindanao,” Hermoso said, citing pronouncement made by BIFF spokesperson that the attacks on a banana plantation in North Cotabato was triggered by the alleged abduction of a father-son tandem.

Hermoso denied the claim of BIFF that the Army seized two persons in Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

”The BIFF is using the radio and the social media for its propaganda. These are baseless allegations,” he said.

Hermoso said sporadic skirmishes followed after the fierce firefight that ended at past 5 a.m.

“We remained on alert, we anticipate retaliatory or diversionary attacks from BIFF,” Hermoso said.

The displaced families are now being attended to by the local government units and the Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (HEART), a humanitarian agency of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=664586

Rebel leader arrested in southern Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): Rebel leader arrested in southern Negros Occidental

A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in southern Negros Occidental was arrested Sunday by the police in Ilog, Negros Occidental.

Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said Monday that suspect Abraham Villanueva, who is facing arson charges, has been identified as the secretary of the South West Front of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros.

While on board a motorcycle, Villanueva, 51, passed by a police checkpoint in Barangay Dancalan, Ilog.

Lirazan said he tried to evade arrest but Ilog policemen led by Inspector Renante Salgado caught up with him after a brief chase.

Police records showed that Villanueva, with aliases of "Tikboy," "Gamay" and "Bods," has been denied bail by San Carlos City Regional Trial Court Judge Kathrine Go for arson charges.

Villanueva is now detained at the Ilog police jail.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=664650

MBLT-5 arrives in Manila for retraining, refurbishment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): MBLT-5 arrives in Manila for retraining, refurbishment

After conducting 10 years of security operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, officers and enlisted personnel of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5) arrived at the Philippine Navy (PN) headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila for retraining and refurbishing Monday.

These troops were lauded in arrival ceremony presided by PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan.

Awarding of the deserving members of the MBLT-5 witnessed by their families and dependents highlighted the activity.

The unit was deployed in Sulu on 2004 under the command of then Lt. Col. Romeo T. Tanalgo who is now a Major General and Philippine Marine Corps chief.

The deployment was intended to augment various military units in Sulu who were sent to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Misuari Breakaway Group and other threat groups operating in Sulu area.

After seven years of deployment in Sulu, MBLT-5 moved to Tawi-Tawi province.

The troops are presently under the Command of Lt. Col. Romel P. Recinto.

Among the notable accomplishments of MBLT-5 are the creation of pro-people programs and projects in promotion of health, welfare, education and alleviation of economic condition of civilian residents through construction of farm-to-market roads, makeshift footbridges, learning day care center, sports facilities, several deep well and water catch basins.

The troops also conducted numerous medical, dental and engineering civic action programs which benefited thousands of residents especially the indigent people.

In the field of military operations, the troops conducted various large scale/small scale combat missions and intelligence/counter intelligence operations which resulted to neutralization and capture of several ASG members and other terrorist groups and recovery of high powered weapons.

One of the most significant accomplishments is the surrender of three former ASG members that became instrumental in the recovery of the cadaver of ASG chief Khadaffy Janjalani who was killed in one of the encounters with government troops in Patikul sometime in September 2006.

The unit was also able to apprehend two ASG members namely Nadzmir Amirul Abu Kudama and Aldamil Jiram Maadi who were with the group responsible for the kidnapping of ABS-CBN news anchor Ces Orena Drilon.

To capture the hearts and minds of the people, MBLT-5 initiated the Literacy for Peace Development (LIPAD) Program in cooperation with Magbasa Kita Foundation Inc. wherein the unit provided Marines to teach adult learners how to read, write, compute basic arithmetic and organize them to team building activities to enhance attitude as peacemaker in the community.

For the year 2013, the unit became instrumental in producing 521 graduates of LIPAD Program in the province of Tawi-Tawi.

During the participation in the pacification of hostilities in Sabah Crisis, the unit apprehended 38 members of Kiram’s Royal Sultanate Forces (RSF) and facilitated the return of 2,854 Filipino deportees affected by the crisis.

On campaign against transnational crimes, the unit scored several apprehensions against smuggling, human trafficking, illegal logging, and illegal fishing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=664612

No need for PHL to get Chinese approval in extending working permit of drilling company --DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): No need for PHL to get Chinese approval in extending working permit of drilling company --DND

There is no need for the Philippine government to secure Chinese approval in extending the working permit of the drilling company tasked to explore for oil reserves at the Recto Bank.

This was stressed on Monday by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin who said that the Philippines clearly owns the Recto Bank and that seeking permission from the Chinese government would mean that the country is recognizing China's claim in the area.

The DND chief also stressed that the Philippines is prepared to extend the necessary protection to the drilling company and its assets used in working at the Recto Bank.

The Department of Energy (DOE) had earlier extended for another year the working permit of Forum Energy Plc., a subsidiary of Philex Petroleum Corp., for Service Contract (SC) 72, which covers the disputed Recto Bank.

It has granted the company’s request for an extension to the second sub-phase of SC 72.

“The deadline for completion of the second sub-phase, comprising the drilling of two appraisal wells, has now been extended by one year to August 15, 2016,” Philex said.

The contract was signed last July 10.

The area is estimated to contain prospective resources of as much as 16.6 trillion cubic feet of gas and 416 million barrels of oil.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=664585

China ‘disrespectfully’ sent an uninvited spy ship to RIMPAC – report

From AngMalaya (Jul 19): China ‘disrespectfully’ sent an uninvited spy ship to RIMPAC – report



“The U.S. Pacific Fleet has been monitoring a Chinese navy surveillance ship operating in the vicinity of Hawaii outside U.S. territorial seas,” Capt. Darryn James, U.S. Pacific Fleet spokesman told USNI News.

Capt. James said that the said PLA spy ship showed up in the vicinity of Hawaii a week ago but did not speculate about the purpose of the said deployment, adding that questions about the intent must be directed to China’s PLA.

“We expect this ship will remain outside of U.S. territorial seas and not operate in a manner that disrupts the ongoing Rim of the Pacific maritime exercise.”

The said PLA ship is Beijixing (851), a Dongdiao-class auxiliary general intelligence (AGI) ship designed for intelligence collection/missile range instrumentation. It is equipped with High Tech Radio Signals Gather-and-Process.

“Now we learn they chose to disrespect the 20 other international participants by sailing an intelligence gathering ship directly into the middle of the exercise. It is clear China is not ready to be a responsible partner and that their first trip to RIMPAC should probably be their last,” Rep Randy Forbes (R-Va.) chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces also told USNI News.

RIMPAC, largest exercises of its kind held every other year, is joined by more than 20 nations by sending aircrafts, warships, subs, and specialized troops.

This year’s RIMPAC started June 26 and will end on August 1.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2014/07/19/2368-china-disrespectfully-sent-an-uninvited-spy-ship-in-rimpac-report

PNP-ARMM intensifies search, rescue for 1 more kidnapped DSWD worker

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 21): PNP-ARMM intensifies search, rescue for 1 more kidnapped DSWD worker

Police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday intensified its efforts to rescue, through peaceful means, the fourth social welfare worker seized by extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Talipao, Sulu last week.

The heavily armed ASG is still holding Roberto Saputalo, a social welfare worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-ARMM), in the hinterlands of Talipao, according to reports from Sulu police provincial director Senior Supt. Abraham Orbita.

Four social workers, namely, Lerma Jura; couple Nurhati Sicangco, coordinator for Talipao of the DSWD’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and her husband Agusto; and Saputalo, were conducting survey for 4Ps when the ASG flagged down the vehicle they were riding in Barangay Sinupaan Thursday.

Lerma, sensing something wrong, quietly fled from the group and walked for about a kilometer until village officials found her.

The victims were brought to the hinterlands of Talipao and the Sicangco couple was freed Saturday.

No ransom was paid but police learned the family paid “board and lodging fee” to the kidnappers.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman has ordered the local government officials in Talipao to secure the release of the remaining victim without paying any ransom as a matter of government policy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=664512

NDF sets release of cops captured in Surigao Norte raid

From MindaNews (Jul 21): NDF sets release of cops captured in Surigao Norte raid

Four policemen who were taken captives by New People’s Army rebels during the raid in Alegria, Surigao del Norte on July 10 have been scheduled for release on July 25, the National Democratic Front-Mindanao said in a statement Sunday.

The statement signed by NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos however said the release of PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino will depend on the “security situation”.

“The date of the release is set on 25 July 2014, Friday, in a location we shall disclose in future time. The release will only be possible if the situation warrants it, where the NPA Custodial Force, the POWs themselves, the receiving 3rd party facilitators and all those who will be present, including the media, shall be completely out of harm’s way,” Madlos said.

He said that to ensure the safe release of the captives military operations should be suspended “from noon of until 1 week after the actual date of release, in the mainland towns of Surigao del Norte, including Surigao City and the municipalities Kitcharao, Jabonga and Santiago of Agusan del Norte , and that all evacuees from these areas are able to return safely to their respective barangays”.

Madlos said the suspension of military operations was necessary for the preparations of the release such as communications with third party facilitators and families.

 

He said the NPA will declare its own “temporary ceasefire covering the aforementioned areas” once the Armed Forces of the Philippines declares a suspension of military operations.

He said the rebel group will cancel the release if military operations would continue three days before July 25 for the safety of the captives and the NPA unit holding them.

“We intentionally skipped the preliminary investigation and possible trial of the 4 POWs under the revolutionary judicial system to release them as a goodwill gesture for the resumption of the GPH-NDFP peace talks and for humanitarian consideration of the POWs themselves and their families,” Madlos said.

But he said that if the government could not meet the conditions the NPA may “terminate the release” and subject the captives to a “trial”.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/21/ndf-sets-release-of-cops-captured-in-surigao-norte-raid/

DND orders 10 small amphibious vehicles for the Marines

From AngMalaya (Jul 20): DND orders 10 small amphibian vehicles for the Marines



Department of National Defense awarded Hydratek to supply the Philippine Marine Corps with 10 units of brand new small amphibian vehicle.

Defense Studies, through their source, acquired the Notice of Award for the said deal with US-based private company Hydratek. The Notice of Award was conformed by Hydratek’s representative dated April 10, 2014.

The NOA says, “This is to inform you that the proposal of Hydratek, Inc. for the supply and delivery of ten (10) units Small Amphibian Vehicle for the Philippine Marine Corps with a corresponding contract price of Sixty Six Million Eight Hundred Sixteen Thousand Nine Hundred Thirty Four Pesos and 90/100 (P66,816,934.90), is hereby accepted.”

“You are hereby required to provide ten (10) days the performance security in the form and amount stipulated in the bidding document. Failure to provide the performance security shall constitute sufficient grounds for cancellation of the award.”

The said document was signed by Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.
As per Hydratek’s product description, “This vehicle is also popular with public safety organizations that routinely deal with the threat of hurricanes or river flooding.”

It can carry a payload of 3,000 lbs in land and 1,400 lbs, with seating capacity of 6 persons,

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/20/2384-dnd-orders-10-small-amphibian-vehicles-for-the-marines

DND moves bids opening for close air support aircraft on August 11

From AngMalaya (Jul 18): DND moves bids opening for close air support aircraft on August 11

“This supplemental bid bulletin is issued to inform prospective bidders of the change in the schedule of the Bid Submission and Opening for the acquisition of Close Air Support Aircraft Project for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) to be held at the DND BAC Conference Room, Basement, Right Wing, DND Building, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City,” said USec Fernando Manalo, Chairman of DND Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 in a letter.

The schedule was moved from July 23 to August 11 at 10 am.

Allocated budget for this acquisition program is PhP4.9 billion.

Six close air support (CAS) aircraft will acquired in this project mainly for counter-insurgencies.

According to source, DND is eyeing the Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano.

It was also reported that IOMAX will be offering the Archangel Block 3 Border Patrol Aircraft.

Close air support (CAS) is defined as air action by fixed or rotary-winged aircraft against hostile targets that are close to friendly ground or naval forces, and which requires detailed integration of each air mission with fire and movement of these forces. Both helicopters and fighter jets can be utilized as close air support aircraft.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/18/2334-dnd-moves-bids-opening-for-close-air-support-aircraft-on-august-11

Strategic Sealift Vessel of the Philippine Navy to be delivered 2016 and 2017

From AngMalaya (Jul 18): Strategic Sealift Vessel of the Philippine Navy to be delivered 2016 and 2017

“PT PAL executive Edy Andarto confirmed to IHS Jane’s on 17 July that the contract – worth USD92 million – was signed with the PN (Philippine Navy) in June and calls for the vessels to be supplied in 2016 and 2017,” IHS Jane’s Defence Industry said.

Indonesia’s PT PAL will be providing the Philippine Navy with two Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock to act as the force’s Strategic Sealift Vessel.

These sealift vessels will be carrying landing craft utility/mechanized, including the upcoming Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and attack helicopters.

Each vessel can carry up to 500 troops plus a hundred vessel crew.

“The contract also stipulates a requirement for PT PAL to provide an integrated support package that will enable Philippine industry to undertake maintenance and support of the SSVs in partnership with the PN,” IHS Jane added.

Indonesia’s PT PAL won the bidding last January this year.

Currently, PT PAL, in coordination with Philippine government, is building vessels with specifications provided by Department of National Defense.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/18/2339-strategic-sealift-vessel-of-the-philippine-navy-to-be-delivered-2016-and-2017

Textron AirLand Scorpion – reason for close air support aircraft project bids opening resched

From AngMalaya (Jul 18): Textron AirLand Scorpion – reason for close air support aircraft project bids opening resched

Department of National Defense just announced the rescheduling of the Bid Submission and Opening for the acquisition of Close Air Support Aircraft Project for the Philippine Air Force from July 23 to August 11.

It is given that Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano – designed for light attack, counter insurgency, close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions – has an advantage in this project via government-to-government deal with Brazil.  Super Tucano is being used by 10 operators with over a hundred built.

However, with the delay, experts say that the government might be looking for a deal with Textron AirLand venture who developed Scorpion, an American-made light attack and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) jet aircraft.

With the budget of PhP4.9 billion, the DND can still go for 6 aircraft.

Major constraint is, may be the deal breaker, the Textron AirLand Scorpion is currently on the hunt for its first clients. “We are well beyond initial discussions with at least three potential customers,” said Bill Anderson, president of the Textron AirLand venture.

The Scorpion is designed to carry out maritime security missions, close air support, jet training, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response.

It can reach the speed of 518 mph or 833 kph (Super Tucano – 590 kph), and carry 6200 lbs of armaments (Super Tucano – 3,300 lb).

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/18/2348-textron-airland-scorpion-reason-for-close-air-support-aircraft-project-bids-opening-resched

Russia looking to supply PH with radar and missile systems

From AngMalaya (Jul 19): Russia looking to supply PH with radar and missile systems

In an exclusive interview of Manila Bulletin with visiting Russian Federal Service Deputy Director Konstantin Biryulin for Military-Technical Cooperation, it was made known that Russia is currently negotiating with Philippine government to provide the country’s armed forces with “radar stations and means of intercepting and destruction of violators.”

Russia may be offering the Department of National Defense with radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, something that could shot down an aircraft flying in an altitude of 10,000 meters or more sophisticated hardware.

“We fully understand the problems Philippines has to face with its huge maritime border,” Konstantin Biryulin told Manila Bulletin on Friday.

“We have similar problems in Russia and we know how to tackle them. That’s why we have a proposal regarding equipments which could help in controlling those areas.”

About a day ago, a Russian-made SAM was reported to have allegedly downed a Malaysian Airlines plane killing 298 persons on board.

Would China or US allow a Russia-PH military hardware deal, will Philippines enter in this kind of deal.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/19/2359-russia-looking-to-supply-ph-with-radar-and-missile-systems