Top US diplomat questions China's construction in disputed sea

From the Philippine Star (Dec 18): Top US diplomat questions China's construction in disputed sea

A top official in the United States' rebalancing policy in the Asia Pacific questioned anew the construction and encroachment in the contested South China Sea.

In his remarks in Washington on Tuesday, Department of State Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel said that the rapid development is contrasted by regional tensions, among which is the maritime contest between China and its neighbors such as the Philippines.

"China's rise is by no means the only development—the entire Asia-Pacific region is changing ... This is all to the good, but the shifting regional dynamics generate tensions as well; tensions that pose serious risks to stability and prosperity for all of us," Russel said in an address at the Brookings Institution, an influential centrist think tank.

United States Department of State Assistant Secretary Daniel Russel, chief of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Xinhua/Yin Bogu

Russel, chief of the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said that such tension cannot be settled by assertiveness in the waters and by delaying the creation of a binding code to govern the hotly contested seas.

"Is the construction of large-scale man-made outposts and continual encroachment by ships, planes and oil-drilling rigs going to be the way that Asians resolve maritime boundaries?" Russel asked.

"Will ASEAN’s longstanding effort to negotiate a basic Code of Conduct in the South China Sea require another decade?" he continued.

He maintained that rival claimants should focus on rules and not "rocks," referring to maritime features such as shoals, reefs and islets claimed by some East Asian states.

"The sharpening of tensions over maritime boundaries underscores the importance of maintaining a regional system based on adherence to rules, not adhesion to rocks," Russel said.

A law-based system based on interdependence and not "a sense of entitlement or muscle" is needed to maintain peace in the rising region.

While Russel expressed concern over the sea row, he said the isolated North Korea is currently the "greatest threat in the region."

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/12/18/1404079/top-us-diplomat-questions-chinas-construction-disputed-sea

MILF: FASTRAC, DAP conduct introductory workshops on Bangsamoro Executive Development Program

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 19): FASTRAC, DAP conduct introductory workshops on Bangsamoro Executive Development Program



The Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities (FASTRAC) in Cooperation with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) conducted a 2-day Introductory Training Workshop on Bangsamoro Executive Development Program (BEDP) in support to the GPH-MILF Peace Process held at the Kutawato Hall, EM Manor Convention Center, Cotabato City last December 12-13, 2014.
  

Those that attended were representatives from MILF line agencies from different Provincial Committees in Mindanao.  The overall target of the training program is to constitute a pool of prospective senior government leaders and public managers to be able to confidently and adequately undertake specific duties and responsibilities in the governance of the Bangsamoro.

Mr. Sam Chittick explained the workshop objectives. One of them is to undertake a series of extensive training program focus to train the future Bangsamoro senior leaders for managerial and public policy making. A broad modular training designed for would-be executives that consist of the following major courses such as (1) Governance and Development, (2) Strategic Public Sector Management, and (3) Personal Efficacy and Leadership. 

The DAP training team headed by Ms. Ma. Christina R. Valte, Training Manager was the main workshops facilitator. Along with Mr. Sam Chittick, FASTRAC International Advisor; and Mr. David Ali, Program Officer. The resource persons were Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, former ARMM Regional Executive Secretary who presented the Current State of Governance in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; BTC Commissioner Atty. Raisa Jajurie discussed the Proposed Bangsamoro Government as outlined in the CAB and the BBL; Mr. Benjie Ubpon on the Bangsamoro Development Plan as reference for the development of the proposed new political entity; and Ms. Maricris R. Valte presented ‘Contextualizing Bangsamoro: An Introduction to the Philippine Government System’.

Hon. Muhammad Ameen, Head of the General Secretariat of the MILF Central Committee delivered a written message from MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim with high hope that the BEDP will be implemented by DAP. It is an extended program that focus on the developing a core of public managers, facilitative to undertake the responsibility to govern the Bangsamoro.

It is essential that participants will take all the challenges of managing the coming bureaucracy of the Bangsamoro from an activity designed to require and undertake the series of rigorous workshop under training methodologies to ensure that you (participants) will acquire proper knowledge and skills to manage and run effectively the ministries of the Bangsamoro Government, Chairman Murad said as read by Ameen.

The participants shall carry out priority programs, targets, indicators and resource requirements per ministry and also the preparation for the proposed 100-days agenda for the BTA and the individual ministries.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1412-fastrac-dap-conduct-introductory-workshops-on-bangsamoro-executive-development-program

CPP: CPP condemns US custody of Subic killing suspect, demands VFA abrogation

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Dec 18): CPP condemns US custody of Subic killing suspect, demands VFA abrogation

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) issued the following statement condemning the US position yesterday to retain custody of its marine serviceman Joseph Scott Pemberton who has been issued a warrant of arrest over the killing of Filipina Jennifer Laude last October 11 in Olongapo City:

The CPP joins the Filipino people in condemning the US government and military for rejecting the Philippine government’s request to have custody of US marine serviceman Joseph Scott Pemberton who has been indicted for the murder of Jennifer Laude.

 

The freedom-loving Filipino people condemn the Aquino government for its torpid response to the contemptuous US position and refusal to assert full Philippine jurisdiction over the murder case beyond the confines set the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

 

Like dejected minions, Aquino’s officials failed to go beyond expressing “disappointment” over the position of the US government to retain custody of Pemberton.

 

That the VFA has again prevented the Philippine government from exercising full jurisdiction over a criminal case involving a US serviceman demonstrates once more that it is an overwhelmingly lopsided agreement favoring the US military and is violative of Philippine sovereignty.

 

The Filipino people repudiate the Aquino regime’s spineless position. By acceding to the position of the US government, Aquino has not only failed the Laude family who continue to suffer from the tragic loss of Jennifer at the hands of an American serviceman; but has also shown zero respect for the Filipino people’s national dignity.

 

The CPP supports the Filipino people’s demand for the immediate abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement as well as all other lopsided agreements such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty and for an end to US military presence in the Philippines.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20141218_cpp-condemns-us-custody-of-subic-killing-suspect-demands-vfa-abrogation

NPA claims killing Army officer in landmine attacks

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 17): NPA claims killing Army officer in landmine attacks

The Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur Sub-Regional Command of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) claimed it has killed an Army officer and two other soldiers in a series of landmine attacks over the weekend in the towns of Talacogon and La Paz in Agusan del Sur.

Omar Ibarra, the group’s spokesperson, in an emailed statement sent to the media here. said the attacks were staged against the elements of 26th and 36th Infantry Battalions operating in the area on Dec. 13 and 14.

Seven soldiers of the same battalions were also wounded in the attacks, Ibarra added.

At around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Ibarra said the NPAs attacked a platoon-size of 26th and 36th IB soldiers who were stationed in a literacy-numeracy school in Sitio Libon, Barangay Leydia in La Paz town.

It claimed wounding three soldiers in that assault.

The school was operated by the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines but has long been abandoned, allowing the soldiers to use it as their barracks, Ibarra added.

Then at 5 a.m. Sunday, the force that came to the besieged soldiers’ aid was met with landmines in Sitio Min-angkig, Barangay Angeles in La Paz where a certain Lt. Meneses was killed and four other soldiers were wounded, the NPA claimed.

Another landmine attack was staged by the NPAs in the afternoon against 26th IB soldiers who were on board military truck in Barangay Zillovia, Talacogon town, Agusan del Sur where two troops were killed.

When reached by Manila Bulletin here on Tuesday evening for confirmation of said reports, both the information offices of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the 4th Infantry Division denied having received such information.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through its Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, has announced the government’s declaration of the suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the NPAs in the country during the Christmas season.

Catapang said the suspension of SOMO will commence at midnight Dec. 18 until midnight of January 19, 2015.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao has not yet issued any statement in relation to the government’s declaration of truce.

http://www.mb.com.ph/npa-claims-killing-army-officer-in-landmine-attacks/

AFP will continue to sow the seeds of peace

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 18): AFP will continue to sow the seeds of peace

While human rights groups accuse the military for being the country’s leading human rights violators, the Army leadership here in Central Mindanao said they will continue “sowing the seeds of peace” and will not tolerate any kind of abuse.

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, head of the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division (ID), reiterated that the promotion and protection of human rights is a prime advocacy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its paradigm shift from sole combat orientation to community and peace building.

“I will not tolerate violations of human rights,” said Gen. Pangilinan, who had led the government panel’s committee on the cessation of hostilities with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) prior to his takeover early this year of the 6th ID.

In fact, Pangilinan emphasized that the Philippine Army (PA) has integrated in-depth orientation on the International Human Rights Law into the regular Army training and advocacy.

The Army national command and its more than 10 infantry divisions and mechanized units have formed their respective civilian-run multi-sector advisory boards (MSAB) to guide soldiers in their policy-making and implementation of thrusts, partly in the observance of existing human rights laws, he said.

The 6th ID tapped 10 renowned representatives coming from the academe, youth, media, government, youth, Church, business, NGO and people’s organization in the composition of the MSAB.

The 6th ID civilian advisory board chaired by Prof. Susana Anayatin, during the recent celebration of the International Human Rights Day, gave the division’s rank and file personnel a favorable rating in upholding the principle of civilian supremacy in military undertakings.

Sources said the civilian board noted the 6th Division’s virtual “zero violation” of human rights this year, and acknowledged its vital contributions to the prospering government peace overtures with the MILF.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-will-continue-to-sow-the-seeds-of-peace/

Pemberton booked but not arraigned, to remain detained in Camp Aguinaldo

From InterAksyon (Dec 19): Pemberton booked but not arraigned, to remain detained in Camp Aguinaldo

US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was presented to the Olongapo regional trial court Friday morning and was booked but his expected arraignment did not push through after the court decided to first hear a motion to suspend proceedings against him.

Judge Roline Ginez Abalde of Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 74 also issued a commitment order for Pemberton's continued detention at the Joint US Military Assistance Group in Camp Aguinaldo, where he is under American guard and jurisdiction.

The American is charged with murder for the death in October of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo.

Pemberton's motion is scheduled for hearing on Monday.

Despite the commitment order, lawyer Harry Roque, counsel of the Laude family, said Friday's booking was significant because it signalled the assumption of jurisdiction over Pemberton by the court which, he stressed, has the authority to decide on any matter concerning the accused American, including where he should be detained.

Roque also said they would file a motion within the day to have Pemberton committed to a local jail.

Earlier, another lawyer of the Laudes, Virgie Suarez, said they woud ask that Pemberton be detained in Olongapo.

Despite the US's refusal to surrender custody of the suspect, invoking its rights under the Visiting Forcces Agreement, and the Philippine government's decision not to press the matter, Suarez maintained: "Dito naganap ang krimen sa (The crime happened here) Olongapo City, he (Pemberton) was not on official duty when he committed the crime, so our position is that he should be committed to (a) jail here in Olongapo City)."

At 5:12 a.m., the convoy of heavily tinted vehicles, two of these with diplomatic plates, that left the Joint Military Assistance Group Compound in Camp Aguinaldo with Pemberton onboard some two hours earlier arrived in Olongapo, passing through the gates of the city engineering department and throwing off journalists waiting in front of the Hall of Justice.

Among those seen entering the Hall of Justice earlier was Timothy Stone, a US Naval Service lawyer, and representatives of the US embassy in Manila.

Media were not allowed into the Hall of Justice, which was guarded by a multi-layered barricade manned by at least 100 police personnel who deployed around the building at 4 a.m.

Both US and Philippine authorities are on alert as the case has sparked protests both in Olongapo and Manila, and spurred calls to review or even scuttle the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that governs the handling of American personnel involved in criminal cases in the Philippines.

Activists have also found cause to ask the Supreme Court to totally shoot down the more recent Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), signed just last May by officials of Manila and Washington during the Philippine visit of US President Barack Obama.

Laude's sister Marilou said the tight restrictions and the heavy secruity around Pemberton prevented her from approaching him to ask: "How could you have managed to kill Jennifer when your face looks so sweet and innocent?"

Security

Security forces were also on the lookout for ralliers.

On Thursday evening, a big mall in the city reported getting a bomb threat, just as police had raised the alert on the eve of Pemberton's trip to the Hall of Justice.

US soldiers have primary responsibility for the security of Pemberton when he goes to court Friday.

The return of the warrant or the suspect’s surrender to the court could be followed by his arraignment.

According to Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla Jr., there has been no additional security arrangement at Camp Aguinaldo for Pemberton.

Neither have US authorities asked the AFP for any augmentation force in bringing Pemberton to court.

The AFP could not say what time, and in what manner, will the US serviceman be brought to the Olongapo court.

On Thursday, US officials returned to the Olongapo Hall of Justice to inspect the security layout, among others.

Leading the inspection - the second since Wednesday - was US Commander Judge Advocate Timothy Stone.

They spoke to the Clerk of Court, Atty. John Aquino.

2 US ships dock at Subic

Meanwhile, two US Navy ships made a port visit at Subic Bay on Thursday to replenish supplies.

The US Navy ships Richard Byrd and Carl Brasher docked at Alava Pier past 8 a.m. Thursday, bringing with them hundreds of soldiers.

The soldiers are barred from disembarking; the civilian crew were allowed to step out of the boats, but they cannot leave Subic free port.

The rest and recreation activities of US soldiers were stopped after the killing of Laude.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/101447/pemberton-booked-but-not-arraigned-to-remain-detained-in-camp-aguinaldo

Northern Samar now a peace and development ready province

From Samar News (Dec 4): Northern Samar now a peace and development ready province

CATBALOGAN, Samar – The Provincial Government of Northern Samar and the 8th Infantry (Stromtroopers) Division, Philippine Army through the 803rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade spearheaded the Joint Declaration of Northern Samar as Peace and Development Ready Province (PDRP) on December 4, 2014 at the Farmer’s Training Center, University of Eastern Visayas campus, Catarman, Northern Samar.

The declaration of Northern Samar as PDRP is the latest milestone in the successful implementation of the peace and development efforts in the Eastern Visayas region. The activity was well-attended by key stakeholders for the peace effort which includes: Hon Jose L. Ong Jr., Governor of Northern Samar; Most Rev Emmanuel C. Trance, Bishop Archdiocese of Catarman; Lt Gen Nicanor M. Vivar, Commander of Central Command AFP; Maj Gen Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8th Infantry Division PA; Hon Gary M. Lavin, Vice Governor of Northern Samar; Col Heminigildo C. Aquino, Commander 803 Infantry Brigade; Ms Imelda C. Bonifacio, OPAPP Area Manager, and P/SSupt Daniel C. Mayoni, the PNP Provincial Director of Northern Samar. Likewise, the activity was graced by the different chief executives of Northern Samar municipalities, heads and representatives of the different local government agencies and sectors of the society.

Hon. Jun L. Ong Jr, Northern Samar Governor expressed his gratitude to the joint efforts of all stakeholders in making Northern Samar as Peace and Development Ready Province. He further added that the successful declaration of Northern Samar as PDRP is also a manifestation of the Northern Samarnon’s desire for peace and development.

It can be gleaned that the high presence of insurgents during the past decades caused general fear to the populace and disrupted the normal government processes and activities in Northern Samar. There was also widespread incidence of extortion due to limited capacity and capability of government instrumentalities to enforce their mandate, compounded with the community’s lack of vigilance and/ or fear from reprisals of this threat group.

Through several years of combined efforts of the Armed Forces of Philippines, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office and the Provincial Government of Northern Samar to combat insurgency problems in the province, the province has gained positive results taking into account the fact that no immense armed offensives by the enemy of the state occurred for the past years. The threats posed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) in the past have been successfully addressed, thus, threats to stability, peace and order have been reduced, paving the way for development projects to eventually succeed.

Further, the uninterrupted economic development activities spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, successfully addressed the poverty-induced insurgency through multi-sectoral and peace and development projects. This was coupled by PAMANA interventions in Northern Samar, which focused on making government felt through delivery of social services and creation of economic opportunities. The increased social participation among our stakeholders have greatly increased, resulting in increased productivity, social cohesiveness among the different sectors in the community and regained the trust and confidence of the people in the government.

Maj Gen Velarmino, Commander of the 8ID during his remarks, “Without peace and order, prosperity will never be possible. We have been advocating that it is only through peaceful means and not armed struggle, that we can achieve sustainable growth development in this province. We as your army here in the Eastern Visayas Region are very grateful that our efforts were supported and recognized by the local populace, otherwise this success would not have been achieved.”

http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/dec/d245.htm

Counterterrorism Conundrum

From Foreign Affairs (Dec 17): Counterterrorism Conundrum

Rethinking Security Policy in Australia and Southeast Asia

Since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, Australia has enacted some of the harshest and most extensive antiterror laws in the world. The laws give sweeping powers to security and law enforcement agencies and have reportedly helped thwart several terror plots inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Yet on December 14, Man Haron Monis, a self-proclaimed cleric from Iran whom Australia granted asylum in 1996, managed to take more than a dozen people hostage in a café in downtown Sydney. The siege ended less than 24 hours later when Australian commandos stormed the café; the standoff left Monis and two hostages dead.

Monis’ motivations, and the extent to which he was even inspired by events in the Middle East, remain a matter of speculation; a debate now rages over whether he was a terrorist or merely a mentally disturbed bigot. The siege itself, however, serves as a reminder that even the strictest and most comprehensive antiterrorism laws cannot immunize a society from risk. That lesson is all the more salient for Southeast Asian countries, which have experienced since 2000 several high-profile terrorist attacks in public places.

As I wrote in my recent article for Foreign Affairs, the large number of international fighters joining ISIS today recalls the stream of Southeast Asians who joined the Afghan jihad in the 1980s. I concluded that because of the region’s earlier experience with those fighters returning home, its governments possess a far more extensive set of tools to mitigate the terrorist threat. Even so, I urged caution and warned against complacency. Regardless of Monis’ motivations, the events in Sydney occasion a rethink on the ways in which the region remains vulnerable.

One major concern centers on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao and the Sulu archipelagic chain. Although the islands are Philippine territory, Manila has struggled to assert authority over them. These territories have long been troubled by warlordism and clan conflicts and provide a space for potential ISIS sympathizers to operate and train.

Terrorists from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore had frequently used the islands as sanctuaries in the past. And Abu Sayyaf, a criminal gang that operates in Sulu, has already vowed allegiance to ISIS. To regain control over the islands, Manila will have to work closely with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the former Muslim rebel group with which it recently signed a landmark peace agreement. Yet there are also limits to what the insurgency group can do; although it has a strong presence in central Mindanao, its influence is much weaker in Sulu.

ISIS and its sympathizers also pose a threat in cyberspace, where they have used websites and social media to recruit followers and where Southeast Asian governments have struggled to respond. Particularly in Indonesia, extremist websites, many of which brazenly celebrate ISIS battlefield victories and collect donations, are proliferating. Indonesian extremists have also used the Internet to circulate propaganda videos, often depicting carefully choreographed public pledges of allegiance. ISIS, for its part, has created apps and Twitter accounts to amplify its message—demonstrating a level of technological sophistication that sets it apart from other militant groups and makes its ideology more difficult to contain.

Southeast Asian governments, meanwhile, have not yet found a way to stem ISIS’ appeal to foreigners. Although ISIS is believed to have prioritized its recruitment efforts in Europe and the immediate Middle Eastern region, the group has a comparatively light footprint in Southeast Asia. It is still not evident, for instance, that ISIS is actively dispatching operatives to the region for recruitment purposes the way al Qaeda purportedly did in the late 1990s. In addition, ISIS has yet to empower another group to play the partner role that Jemaah Islamiyah did for al Qaeda when both shared a similar ideology and operational knowledge. Nor have any of the so-called Southeast Asian jihads—namely, Pattani in southern Thailand and Mindanao in the southern Philippines—appeared with any prominence in ISIS rhetoric.

That could well change. But for now, it is precisely ISIS’ ambiguity about the group’s goals in Southeast Asia that has made its ideology more potent. The absence of a clear agenda for Southeast Asia has allowed local groups and individuals to appropriate the ISIS narrative for their own ends, not unlike what Monis did in Sydney when he raised the flag of the al Nusra Front, the Syrian affiliates of al Qaeda. Thanks to the prolific media coverage that ISIS enjoys, there is no need for the group to actively reach out to Southeast Asia, certainly not if other friendly groups have already done the work of reaching out to them. ISIS is already seeing the fruits of that labor: more than a handful of Southeast Asians, ranging from religious zealots to those with vague sympathies and little more than a taste for adventure, have flocked to Iraq and Syria to join the ISIS ranks. Many have blogged about their motivations for joining the fight or captured their adventures on film.

So what does this all mean for Southeast Asia, in the wake of the tragic event that unfolded in Sydney? What happened over December 14 and 15 will prompt Southeast Asian governments to reevaluate their own counterterrorism policies and strategies. In the uncertain climate that ISIS’ rise has created, it behooves pundits to avoid scaremongering and governments to resist enacting knee-jerk policies. But it is also a time for clear-eyed vigilance. As the siege in Sydney has shown, even the most comprehensive strategies are not foolproof. Southeast Asian governments would do well to seriously consider how to address their biggest vulnerabilities, both as individual states and as a region.

http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/142691/joseph-chinyong-liow/counterterrorism-conundrum

Catapang trumpets gains in peace, security ops at AFP Day

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 18): Catapang trumpets gains in peace, security ops at AFP Day

Living heroes took the center stage of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 79th anniversary on Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo.

“There is no greater way to honor the bravery of each Filipino soldier than to perpetuate their devotion to duty and carry on the faithful services they rendered,” Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr said in his speech before troops, civilians, high level officials and the commander-in-chief, President Benigno Aquino III.

“We held this true, in this particular year through the challenges that inspired the sense of heroism in us.”

He cited that soldiers faced numerous challenges in 2013.

“The challenges faced by the Filipino soldiers as UN peacekeepers in Golan Heights, Liberia, and Haiti; the numerous calamities like flooding, volcanic eruption and typhoons, where the AFP’s immediate response and proactive role during disasters were manifested,” Catapang said.

“Apart from these, we have also gained headway in internal peace and security operations in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders,” he added.

He said that “many provinces” are becoming almost insurgency-free or “peaceful and ready for development.”

28 personnel honored

Twenty-eight officers, enlisted personnel, civilian employees and cadet reservists were awarded for their “invaluable accomplishments in the service of the people.”

First Lieutenant Dante Espiritu received the second highest award in the military, the Distinguished Conduct Star. He was the patrol leader of 1st Scout Ranger Company that encountered over 300 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu last November. Part of his citation read: he “inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy, thereby showcasing extreme stability under fire and keeping up with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.”

Two generals also received the Philippine Legion of Honor with Degree of Officer — Major General Oscar Lactao and Brigadier General Alexander Balutan “for their exceptionally meritorious and valuable service rendered in a position of major responsibility.”

Showcase of military assets

The pass-in-review after the ceremony had a parade troops and some of assets of the AFP, such as tanks, howitzers, amphibious assets, UN tanks, rescue assets, communication vans.

The audience were also treated to a skydiving exhibition led by Lieutenant Colonel Eliglen Villaflor of the Philippine Army Parachute Team, where about 20 skydivers jumped from the plane and landed one by one at the parade grounds.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/658037/catapang-trumpets-gains-in-peace-security-ops-at-afp-day

Filipino soldiers meeting challenges head-on – AFP chief

From the Manila Times (Dec 18): Filipino soldiers meeting challenges head-on – AFP chief

Regardless of the time setting, the Filipino soldiers, despite lacking modern equipment and weapons, have again and again proven their capabilities in the combat and disaster relief operations.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. in his speech at the 79th anniversary of the AFP Thursday at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City with the theme: “Sandatahang Lakas: Ika-79 taong Naglilingkod ng tapat tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganaan.”

“Based on our history as a nation, napakarami na nating pinagdaanang pagsubok, but history also tells us na sa lahat ng pagsubok na ito, nasa likod ang Kawal Pilipino. Patunay dito ang mga hamon ng paghihimagsikan laban sa pananakop ng mga dayuhan; sa paglaban sa diktadorya; sa kampanya laban sa komunismo at sesesyonismo; sa pagpuksa ng terorismo; sa masigasig na pagtugon sa lumalalang epekto ng climate change; at sa masugid na pakikibahagi sa United Nations peacekeeping operations,” he added.

Catapang also stressed that there is no greater way to honor the bravery of the Filipino soldiers than to perpetuate their devotion to duty and carry on the faithful services they rendered.

“We held this true, in this particular year, through the challenges that inspired the sense of heroism in us. The challenges faced by the Filipino soldiers as UN peacekeepers in Golan Heights, Liberia, and Haiti; the numerous calamities like flooding, volcanic eruption and typhoons, where the AFP’s immediate response and proactive role during disasters were manifested. Apart from these, we have also gained headway in internal peace and security operations in partnership with local government units and other stakeholders,” he said.

The AFP chief also said that since the implementation of the Internal Peace Security Program “Bayanihan,” many provinces have already been declared peaceful and ready for further development.

“We have seen considerable progress in uplifting the credibility of the AFP through its adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights. The progress of our campaign is evidenced by the results of the independent third party survey commissioned by the Philippine Army. The positive growth in our economy and the further improvement of our country’s credit ratings can be seen as dividends of peace and stability,” he added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/filipino-soldiers-meeting-challenges-head-afp-chief/

Steps underway to develop territorial defense capability – AFP

From the Manila Times (Dec 18): Steps underway to develop territorial defense capability – AFP

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrate its 79th founding anniversary today, Dec. 18, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said that steps are underway to develop their territorial defense capability.

“In the middle of an evolving regional security architecture that is increasingly volatile and uncertain, it is imperative for the AFP to develop its territorial defense capability. It is important that we adjust our defense structures and synchronize our systems and processes in order to shape an Armed Force capable of providing a credible defense posture, ” he added.

Catapang also said that the necessary adjustments are now being made in the AFP’s modernization efforts.

” We have identified the capability gaps and have laid down the capability requirements for the three horizons of the AFP modernization. We came up with some approaches on how our funding requirements will be addressed,” the AFP chief pointed out.

He added that this can be demostrated by the fact that by year, the AFP will receive 28 armored vehicles, three medium lift and two light lift aircraft, eight combat utility helicopters, eight attack and two naval helicopters, 10 amphibious vehicle and hopefully two fighter planes next year.

“We in the AFP publicly thank and praise our President, our Commander in Chief, Benigno S. Aquino III for his strong commitment and support to the AFP modernization program.

On the other hand, Catapang said that through the AFP Transformation Roadmap, we will continue to pursue reform initiatives within the framework of security sector reform by institutionalizing the principle of good governance in partnership with the Multi-Sectoral Governance Council headed by Dr. Jesus Estanislao.

“I am confident that the direction that we are undertaking will make the AFP more responsive and responsible as a modern armed force — an institution that is capable of defending our territory through a multi-tiered defense approach; of protecting the safety of the people through intensified stakeholder engagement; and of furthering our national and regional agenda through enhanced and sustained global partnerships. We will be prepared to address the challenges of the 21st century,” Catapang stressed.

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/steps-underway-develop-territorial-defense-capability-afp/

Tboli gets P93.8 M worth of PAMANA projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17): Tboli gets P93.8 M worth of PAMANA projects

The national  government  is implementing  P93.8 million  worth of  peace and  development  projects   in  Tboli, South Cotabato.

Interior and local government   OIC Regional Director  Reynaldo Bungubong  handed  the check  intended for  PAMANA-DILG projects   to Tboli  Mayor  Dibu  Tuan in a ceremony at  the municipal  gymnasium   on December  8.

According to  information from the  office of  Mayor Tuan, the  amount  will be  used   for infrastructure projects  in  conflict-affected  villages,  namely:  Maan, Lamsalome, Lambuling, and Talufo.

Projects  include  road concreting,  water  system, peace centers and others.

Josephine  Leysa,  DILG 12 assistant  regional   director, explained  that the  funding  comprises  first  tranche  of the initial  PhP117.35  M   worth of projects   approved  for  LGU Tboli under the  PAyapa at MAsaganang pamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.

Leysa  added that DILG has  endorsed P187.2 M  PAMANA projects  for the municipality in 2014  but the LGU has  only completed documentary requirements   for P117.3 M  worth of projects.

“We’re currently following up the requirements for the other projects as the funds have already been downloaded to the regional office and are now ready for release,” she said.

Leysa  revealed that DILG has  approved P258.5  M  worth  of  PAMANA projects  for SOCCSKSARGEN Region  and that the municipality of Tboli is the only  LGU  in South Cotabato that received an allotment.

Other  beneficiaries   are  Sarangani  Province  with P58.8 M approved peace and order  projects and North Cotabato  with P12.5 M.

PAMANA is a  flagship  program  of the Aquino administration that extends  development interventions  to  isolated, hard-to-remote, and  conflict-affected  communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1611418800184/tboli-gets-p93-8-m-worth-of-pamana-projects

Gingoog exec commends army’s bayanihan program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17): Gingoog exec commends army’s bayanihan program

GINGOOG CITY – Gingoog city chief executive has commended the commitment of Philippine Army’s men and women in implementing the Bayanihan Alert for Peace and Development (BAPD) program in collaboration with the Philippine National Police, Bantay Bayan, barangay tanods, tribal groups and other peace-keepers.

This after several months in deploying soldiers to the critical and densely populated barangays of the city.

Army’s presence in our villages never connote that our city is alarming. It just shows that this administration has a greater concern for peace and order as a requisite for integral development, said city mayor Marie de Lara Guingona.

Furthermore, this initiative re-assures that everybody can work peacefully and live well.

Mayor Guingona further said that “bayanihan’s culmination is not the end of our cause but it is just a beginning of a higher challenge in standing out for peace, in keeping together as one city against threats of criminalities and in safeguarding our life, liberty and community at all times.”

She acknowledged the support of the force of lieutenant colonel Jose Eriel M. Niembra, 58th Infantry Battalion commander, and from other high ranking officials for their assistance and deployment of their military as events call for their expertise.

“I salute to all peace-loving residents who observe vigilance and multiply our cohesive force in our plight against unpleasant individuals who attempt to hassle our genuine service towards our people. I challenge everyone to continue promoting the importance of bahaniyan,” said mayor Marie.

According to 2Lt. Janelle Diaz, BAPD’s main mission is to promote environment conducive for development, empower the less fortunate sector transform into self-reliant, responsible and progressive person and facilitate the delivery of government project and services, hence it satisfactorily served the local populace.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461418795392/gingoog-exec-commends-army-s-bayanihan-program

101st brigade holds color run for a cause in Dipolog

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17): 101st brigade holds color run for a cause in Dipolog

DIPOLOG CITY – The 101st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in partnership with the provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte and the city government here conducted the first color run for a cause last Sunday.

This undertaking was made for the benefit of the orphans of fallen soldiers from the province who died in line of duty.

Participants paid a registration fee of P30 for 3-kilometer run and P50.00 for the 5-kilometer run.

The said activity, which was participated in by more than 2,000 participants consisting of sports enthusiasts, teachers, student and employees from government and private offices, was able to raise P 80,000.

Before the kilometer run started, the participants had a warm-up exercise through a dance.

101st Brigade Commander BGen. Apolinario Y. Alobba has expressed his thanks and appreciation to Vicente Lao Construction Company, ESR Construction, Banco Dipolog, Premium Park ‘N Go Bakery, Unifruitti, LKS Pharmacy, Montaño Sardines, Palawan Pawnshop, Chevy Petron, Bigshots, Rizal Rural Bank, Manuel Resort, First Consolidated Bank, Mennens, Banco De Oro, Hans Marketing, Royal Farm, Katipunan Bank, Zaragosa Sardines and Friendly Mart for sponsoring/supporting the activity.

He was also grateful to the people of Zamboanga del Norte, the provincial government, the city government of Dipolog, third district representative Isagani S. Amatong, Board Member David Navarro of Clarin Misamis Occidental and the Police Regional Office-IX for helping make the event a success.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2491418778350/101st-brigade-holds-color-run-for-a-cause-in-dipolog

AFP honors soldiers in Sulu battle

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 18): AFP honors soldiers in Sulu battle

The Armed Forces of the Philippines will honor today (Thursday) 28 soldiers, led by a junior officer, who gallantly fought Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu that led to the release of two foreign hostages during the AFP’s 79th Founding Anniversary at Camp Aguinaldo.

Leading the awardees is Army Lt. Dante Espiritu of the 1st Scout Ranger Company, who led his troops in a fierce firefight against more than 300 ASG rebels in Talipao, Suluy.

Espiritu will receive the Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS), the second highest combat medal next to the Medal of Valor.

President Benigno Aquino will be the guest of honor in today’s AFP rites under the theme “Sandatahang Lakas: Ika-79 taong Naglilingkod ng tapat tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kasaganaan.”

“Our anniversary celebration will be modest, but special nonetheless since this is an opportunity to showcase developments in our reform and modernization programs in the AFP,” said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Other awardees include Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao and Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, who will both receive the Philippine Legion of Honor – Degree of Officer for their meritorious and valuable services rendered in a position of major responsibility.

Lactao was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations in December 2013 to September 2014 and current Commander of the 4th Infantry Division.

Balutan, meanwhile, was cited for his numerous accomplishments as the former commander of the 1st Marine Brigade from November 2010 to February 2014 and now Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command.

The Outstanding Achievement Medal will also be awarded to Maj. Gen. Victor Bayani, Col. Alvin Francis Javier, and Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista as Project Manager of three In-House Research and Development Projects; Commander and General Manager of AFP Commissary and Exchange Service; and Project Manager of a Career Development Project, respectively.

The Distinguished Service Stars, meanwhile, will be given to Brig. Gen. Vic Castro, commander of 702nd Brigade from March 2012 to April 2014; Lt. Col. Erick Escarcha, Group Commander of Tactical Operations Group 11 from April 2013 to April 2014; and Cdr. Marcos Imperio, Commander of Naval Communications, Electronics, and Information Service Center from September 2007 to March 2014.

Also, Col. Jorge Lomboy of the AFP Peace Process Office and Lt. Col. Glenn Joy Aynera of the Technical Working Group for Cordillera People’s Liberation Army will receive the Gawad sa Kapayapaan award for their efforts in the successful peace agreement with former CPLA rebels in Northern Luzon.

The Gold Cross Medal award, the fourth highest military award, will be given to Capt. Edwin Duclan, Ground Commander of Joint Special Operations Unit 1 in Macalang, Al Barka Basilan; Lt. Alfie Ayo, Platoon Leader, 31st Infantry Battalion in Upper Calmayon, Juban, Sorsogon; and SSg. Andly Mejos, 7th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights.

The Gawad sa Kaunlaran, an award for meritorious and valuable achievement in the pursuit of socio-economic and non-combat activities, will be awarded to Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, U7, Wesmincom; Col. Joseph Acosta, Medical Incident Commander in Samar and Leyte; Lt. Col. Reynaldo Gabinete, Disaster Response Operation Unit in Bohol; and Maj. Alano Abdulhalim, member of CMO in Western Mindanao.

The Bronze Cross Medal, on the other hand, will be awarded to Lt. Cdr. Bennie Demetillo for their successful anti-illegal drugs campaign; Capt. Carlo David, UH-1H pilot; and Cpl. Antonio Manipis Jr. for heroism following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda.

Col. Glicerio Peralta, the commander of 18th Philippine Contingent to Liberia, will also receive a United Nations Service Medal and Ribbon. He was among the four peacekeepers who have just finished their quarantine at the AFP Medical Center last week.

CAA Sergio EbañezJr, member of the 17th CAFGU, A Coy, 72nd Infantry Battalion, will receive the Kagitingan sa Barangay award for the risk of life beyond the call of duty during an encounter with over 30 NPAs in Compostela Valley.

The Outstanding Achievement Award (OAM) will be given to TSg. Joselito Luna as EP of the year; Mr. Nilo Abaigar as Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year; Dr. Shiela Liboon as Model Civilian Employee of the Year; Cadet Lt. Col. Jan Rogie Macandili as Male ROTC Cadet of the Year; and Cadette Maj. Joy Nathalie Avelino as Female ROTC Cadet of the Year.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/18/afp-honors-soldiers-in-sulu-battle/