From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): NPA rebels gun down village councilor in Camarines Sur
Suspected New people's Army rebels gunned down an incumbent
barangay councilor in an ambush at about 7:45 a.m. Friday at Barangay Bangon,
Lupi, Camarines Sur.
A police report said Jose Auditor Jr., 44, married and
resident of the village, was on his way to Barangay Tagbak, Ragay on board his
motorcycle when the suspects armed with M-16 armalite rifles ambushed him.
The rebels immediately withdrew toward an unknown direction
after the ambush.
Responding authorities recovered empty shells of M-16
armalite rifle at the crime scene.
The report said the rebels had suspected Auditor of being a
military informant as he had friends in the service.
The victim's relatives have vehemently denied the
accusation, saying Auditor was just a simple and accommodating public servant.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 7): Civilian informants rewarded for successful neutralization of 8 rebel, ASG leaders
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday formally
handed the reward money to civilian confidential informants who aided police
and military operatives in the neutralization of eight ranking rebel and
terrorist leaders.
The reward money was handed at 3: 30 p.m. at the OJ2
multi-purpose hall, ISAFP compound, CampAguinaldo, Quezon City.
Handing out the cash rewards, which ranged from Php 150,000
to Php 10 million, was AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri.
Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said
the cash awards were in recognitions of the informants contributions which
resulted in the capture of New People’s Army (NPA) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
leaders between 2011 to 2014.
Among the NPA leaders arrested was Benito Tiamzon who was
arrested last March 22, 2014 for his involvement in various heinous crimes
including the death of an estimated 300 former NPA members in the purging of
their ranks dubbed the “Inopacan Massacre.”
Vital tips from these informants also led to the capture of
ASG member Andulgapar Imambakal who was wanted for kidnapping and multiple
murders.
Imambakal was responsible for the abduction of a priest, 15
teachers and a policeman in Isabela, Basilan, murder of students of Special
Forces Operational Course in Lantawan, Basilan, murder of seven members of the
Scout Rangers during the attack at Puno Mahadji, and murder of 14 Marine troops
in an ambush in Albarka, Basilan.
Other rebels who were arrested included Dionisio Almonte who
was responsible for the murder of two police officials and a hostage of another
policeman in the raid of Roxas Municipal Police Station, Roxas, Palawan; and
ASG member Algaber Said who was wanted for kidnapping of a priest, teachers and
students from Claret High School and Tumahubong Elementary School in Basilan.
The informants also helped in the capture of ASG cohort/Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member Caharudin Silongan Lacman who was wanted
for murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder and
involvement in illegal drugs and gun-running activities.
He was also known to have close links with notorious bomb
expert Basit Usman.
Detoyato said that their informants also provided vital
information in locating the whereabouts of NPA members Domingo Javier (wanted
for murder and arson), Ricardo Reyes (wanted for massacre of Ligiw family in
Dumengley, Abra, murder of five policemen and a CAFGU member, and kidnapping
and serious illegal detention of two other policemen during the attack and
burning of Municipal Hall and Police Station of San Juan, Abra); and Brandon
Magranga (wanted for murder of seven military personnel under 52nd Division
Reconnaissance Compnay in Bontoc, Mountain Province).
All of these NPA members were killed while resisting arrest.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Aussie-donated LCHs now in Sangley Point, Cavite
The two Australian-donated landing craft heavies (LCHs)
safely arrived in Sangley Point, Cavite
before dawn Friday.
"(The ships ) arrived at dawn of Aug. 7," said
Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna.
The LCHs left Cairns, Australia for their voyage to the Philippines
last July 23. They entered Philippine waters, specifically off Zamboanga, last
Aug. 5.
The two ships were named BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak
(AT-299). They will be joining the five other landing craft units in PN
service.
"The vessels will also be useful in transporting troops
from one operational area to another," the PN flag-officer-in-command Vice
Admiral Jesus C. Millan said.
Prior the turnover and commissioning, Millan and Royal
Australian Navy head Vice Admiral Tim Barret signed a memorandum of agreement
regarding the transfer of the LCHs.
The signing was witnessed by Philippine Fleet commander Rear
Admiral Leopoldo M. Alano and Sealift Amphibious Force head Commodore Narciso
A. Vingson.
The Australian government announced the donation of the two
LCHs last January following their decommissioning on November 2014.
The two donated LCHs are formerly named the HMAS Tarakan and
HMAS Brunei.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): 34 rebels surrender to 10th ID this July
Thirty four New People's Army (NPA) fighters have
voluntarily surrendered to field units of the 10th Infantry Division.
This was disclosed by unit public affairs office chief 1st
Lt. Alexandre Cabales in a statement Saturday.
The surrendered rebels were from the Davao Region and parts
of Regions 10 and 12.
Cabales attributed the surrenders to the 10th Infantry
Division's people-centered peace and development outreach program, which
continues to gain headway and gain the support of people in conflict-affected
communities.
He said that the Division was able to do this through peace
advocacy, information campaign to expose the ills and deception being
undertaken by the armed insurgents, and in tandem with the local government
units and agencies, address their needs and improve governance in the
communities.
As a result, these communities became more aware of the
services and support given by the government and thus increased their support
towards it.
Under the government's Internal Peace and Security Plan
“Bayanihan”, the thrust with regard to the communist insurgency is to reduce
their armed capability to an inconsequential level, and the primary approach to
achieve this is to enlighten them regarding the futility of armed struggle and
encourage them to lay down their arms and live peaceful, normal and productive
lives.
Since the start of 2015, more than 150 former rebels have so
far surrendered to the units under the 10th Infantry Division, and the rate is
expected to further increase with the active participation of former rebels and
other peace loving units and individuals who in turn facilitate the surrender
of other rebels.
Either a government official, tribal leader, family member
of the rebels or ordinary citizens from the community facilitated the surrender
of 20 of 34 rebel-surrenderees. The trend is expected to further increase with
the active implementation of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)
of the government.
CLIP is a program of government being implemented by the
Department of Interior and Local Government specifically to cater to the rebels
who opts to go back to the folds of the law and rejoin the mainstream society.
Under this program, the local government units form their
respective CLIP committees who will facilitate the different government
interventions necessary to reintegrate the former rebel to the society.
The former rebels (FRs) are given different lectures and
activities for values formation, livelihood enhancement, responsible
citizenship, and love for country.
Aside from remuneration of their surrendered firearms, they
also receive cash grant for livelihood and for them to start anew with their
lives as free and productive individuals.
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8): Strategic tieup between PHL and Japan allows cooperation on security issues, says Palace official
The Philippines
and Japan
have the right to work together on security issues that mutually affect them
because of the strategic partnership between them, a Palace official said on
Saturday.
China
accused the Philippine of conniving with Japan,
especially with the planned maritime drills of he two countries in the West Philippine Sea.
“Dapat kilalanin ‘yung reyalidad na ang Pilipinas at ang Japan ay
tumatayong strategic partners. Mayroon tayong kasunduan sa kanila sa larangan
ng kabuhayan, sa larangan ng seguridad, at sila ay strategic partner nga po ng
ating bansa,” Coloma said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
Coloma also said that when President Aquino visited Japan last
June, he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed how the current
strategic partnership could be strengthened further.
Part of it is ensuring freedom of navigation and easing the
tension in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea,
he said.
“Kaya ito po ay bahagi ng ating strategic partnership na
naipahayag sa iba’t ibang international forum, kabilang na ang idinaos na ASEAN
Regional Forum sa Kuala Lumpur,”
he added.
Asked to comment on China’s
statement that it has no plans to impede freedom of navigation in the West
Philippine Sea, he said China’s
recent action has raised tensions in the region.
China’s
reclamation activities in the contested territories are not constructive as
many countries opposed such moves, he said.
The US, the European community, G7 as well as Japan do not
support changing the status quo in the region as a result of China’s
reclamation works.
“Mayroon pong kasing epekto ito na nagpapataas nang tensyon
sa ating rehiyon,” he said adding that it is the reason the Philippines has been calling on China to halt
its activities there.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had asked China to stop
its reclamation, the construction of projects, and deescalate the tension in
the region.
“Komprehensibo ang aksyon at ang panawagan na ito ay umaani
ng suporta dahil nakikita naman ng mga bansang naniniwala sa rule of law na ito
ay makatuwiran," Coloma said.
From the Business World (Aug 5): Major inspection seen to make Army efficient, effective
THE inspector general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is conducting a major inspection of all units of the Philippine Army, a move seen to make it more efficient and effective.
Inspector General Major General Benito Antonio T. De Leon arrived in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday to begin the annual inspection of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army, the military’s largest service branch.
Mr. De Leon will head the Annual General Inspection (AGI) team, which will be visiting various units of the Philippine Army, gathering documents and data for validation.
“This AGI serves as a management tool, whereby the [Commanding General of the Philippine Army] and the Chief of Staff [of the] Armed Forces of the Philippines can see the performance of the command,” said Col. Jorge B. Lomboy, Executive Officer of the Office of the Inspector General and Chief Inspector for the AGI.
The inspection includes examination of the performance of the Philippine Army’s commanding general and his management staff, the state of morale and the welfare of its troops as well as the discipline, law and order existing with the command, Mr. Lomboy said.
“The Philippine Army is on the path of transformation to become a more dynamic land force. We acknowledge the need for constant assessment and evaluation to ensure it stays on the right path,” Major General Rafael C. Valencia, Philippine Army Chief of Staff said in another statement.
The AGI team is scheduled to deliver its exit briefing to the leadership of the Philippine Army some two weeks from now, on August 20, as it concludes the annual inspection of the military organization.
The Philippine Army comprises more than half of the country’s military organization, which currently numbers around 125,000 -- less than the 160,000 officers of the Philippine National Police.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 7): Reds can’t provoke us, says Palace peace adviser
Asserting that it will “not bite the bait,” the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) brushed aside Thursday what it called “untimely public statements” made by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF), regarding the stalled peace talks with the government.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the remarks by CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison and NDF chief peace negotiator Luis Jalandoni were “deliberately aimed at provoking the Philippine government into issuing statements that will only further heat up an already contentious discourse and further derail the [peace] process.”
“We will not bite the bait,” Deles said, quoting Alex Padilla, chair of the government peace panel in the talks with the communist rebels.
Sison and Jalandoni “already know that our Norwegian facilitator has been in touch with both parties precisely to determine the most feasible and mutually acceptable parameters for the resumption of the peace talks,” Deles said.
On Aquino’s hands
“To give this exercise the best chance of success, we prefer not to do our talking through the media,” she told the Inquirer.
The Opapp, she added, has a “facilitator for this purpose. We will make the proper announcement at the right time.”
In an online interview on Wednesday, Jalandoni, who is in self-exile in the Netherlands, said “the ball is in the hands of the Aquino regime.”
The President “must answer to the people for the continuing disrespect of the binding peace agreements forged by the government and the CPP-NDF-NPA during the Ramos administration,” he said.
Jalandoni cited two major agreements as The Hague Joint Declaration on Safety and Immunity Guarantees signed on Feb. 24, 1995, and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law signed on March 16, 1998.
He branded the government’s alleged violation of the agreements as “scandalous.”
‘Stubborn, stupid’
In a separate online interview, Sison, who also lives in Amsterdam, accused President Aquino and Deles of blocking the peace negotiations.
“No one can unlock their stubbornness and stupidity at this stage. They will go down in history as saboteurs of the peace process,” Sison said.
Earlier, Deles said the government had been searching for ways to restart the peace negotiations with the communist rebels “on the basis of a time-bound and doable agenda.”
She said, however, that it was “difficult to start [the talks] with preconditions.”
She was apparently referring to Jalandoni’s insistence that the rebels’ return to the negotiating table depended on the release of political prisoners jailed on criminal charges.
Deles said it was premature to talk about prisoner releases “without a full appreciation of the context and parameters of the talks now being proposed.”
“What is more important to consider is where the talks will go,” she said.
From the Sun Star-Cebu (Aug 6): Ex-combatants work toward peace, dev’t
Beneficiaries. The Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates Inc. has also built classrooms in Peace Development Communities scattered around 36 municipalities in Maguindanao. (Contributed Foto/RAFI)
WHEN they were as
young as 12 years old, many combatants of the Moro National Liberation Front
(MNLF) were already holding firearms, wielding knives, and lobbing bombs out in
the battle field, fighting against the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
But in 1996, they
laid these down and left their war-torn communities to begin another struggle:
to win peace and promote development in Mindanao.
This new chapter began after the signing of the Final Peace Agreement between
the government and MNLF, which mandated the peace and development efforts in Mindanao.
In 2000, former
MNLF commanders and combatants established the Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace
and Development Advocates Inc. (KFPDAI) with the aim of transforming
conflict-affected areas into Peace and Development Communities (PDCs).
Founders were
trained to become Peace and Development Advocates (PDAs), together with other
MNLF members in other parts of Mindanao and Palawan.
Former MNLF
territories serve as sites of projects of the United Nations Multi-Donor
Programme (UNMDP) and the Philippine Government. Fifty-three PDCs in the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) became the nucleus of
peace-building efforts at various levels.
Transformation
“It is about
shifting paradigms of the combatants. It is also about changing the
perspectives of the communities that peace can be attained through helping each
other. This transition period involves all the stakeholders, not only Muslim
communities,” said KFPDAI Executive Director Hadja Giobay Diacolano.
“Kadtabanga” in
Maguindanaon means “helping one another.” The organization is a leading civil
society organization in the province in the area of peace-building. It serves
36 municipalities in Maguindanao, focusing on peace and development activities
like emergency assistance, relief and rehabilitation, livelihood development,
capacity-building, infrastructure, and delivery of basic social services.
The 15-year-old
foundation has transformed 57 former MNLF combatants into PDAs.
Full-time MNLF
volunteers in the 28 PDCs underwent extensive training to become “facilitators,
linkers, information agents, translators, educators, mobilizers, coordinators,
managers and mediators.”
With its unique
identity as combatants-turned-peace-advocates, KFPDAI earned the support of
several international organizations like the United Nations Development
Programme and Oxford Committee for Famine Relief in kick-starting their
operation.
Partnership-building
is the organization’s forte. Over the years, KFPDAI has established strong
partnerships with numerous barangay, municipal, and provincial planning bodies.
It is also part of the Regional Assessment Team, Regional Economic Planning
Board, and the National Anti-Poverty Council.
Post-conflict
Observable
changes brought about by KFPDAI’s interventions include an increase in
community participation of former combatants in peace and development programs,
and the breaking of the culture of silence among Muslims and non-Muslims.
KFPDAI also works
closely with women and the youth in its programs. Through their programs,
Muslim women have taken a more active role in their communities and have joined
economic and social activities.
In 2003, KFPDAI
facilitated only five PDCs, but as its community organizing approach proved
successful, the number steadily grew and has now reached 28.
“We have not
separated from the community. We are still here to help our brothers and
sisters who have been most affected by the situation in Mindanao,”
one staff member said.
PDCs are
post-conflict barangays or clusters of barangays that have been marginalized
but have expressed desire for peace and development. The PDCs undergo a
comprehensive, six-stage development framework facilitated by Kadtabanga. To date,
majority of the PDCs are in stage 4 (currently implementing projects) while
three are in stage 6 (self-sustaining).
Personal
duty
The
transformation is concretely manifested from residents’ testimonies that the
PDCs have become refugee centers in past conflicts around the area.
With funding
support from local and foreign partners, KFPDAI has constructed water systems,
health centers, resource centers and classrooms in PDCs. The water systems, in
particular, have made life easier for families who previously had to walk two
to three hours to get potable water.
“One of the
challenges is how to develop the spirit of volunteerism, especially among the
second-liners. We need to capacitate the children of our MNLF members, too,
even if they won’t be receiving salary,” Diacolano said.
Although it has
dedicated volunteers, it does not have regularly paid staff, the executive
director included. The organization relies on volunteerism and does not have
sustainable sources of funds and income-generating projects.
“But with or
without salary, PDAs continue functioning because they consider it their
personal duty and moral obligation to their communities,” one staff member
said.
As the
organization grew, so did the recognitions it received. Its highest
commendation to date is its recognition for “Organizational Transformation and
Strengthening of PDCs” awarded by the Mindanao Development Authority and the
UNDP in 2010.
“We hope to be
seen as community organizers and not just MNLF. We hope to be seen as partners
in bringing peace and development in Maguindanao,” Diacolano said.
(The
Kadtabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates Inc. is one of five
finalists in the institution category of the 6th RAFI Triennial Awards. The
winner will be revealed on Friday, Aug. 14.)
From DVIDS (Aug 7): Pacific Partnership hosts opening ceremony in San Fernando City, Philippines
150806-M-GO800-059 SAN FERNANDO CITY, Philippines (August 6, 2015) – Commodore, Task Force Forager, Capt. James Meyer delivers a speech during an opening ceremony Aug. 6. Task Force Forager will be in the Philippines until Aug. 15 providing medical and engineering assistance. Task Force Forager, embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3) is serving as the secondary platform for Pacific Partnership, led by an expeditionary command element from the Navy’s 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR) from Port Hueneme, California. Now in its 10th iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership, missions have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary service to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, Pacific Partnership has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering products. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by combat correspondent Sgt. James Gulliver/Released)
Pacific Partnership 2015 Task Force Forager members and Armed Forces of the Philippines service members kicked off the PP15 mission visit here during an opening ceremony Aug. 6.
TFF, embarked aboard the Military Sealift Command joint high speed vessel USNS Millinocket (JHSV 3), arrived in San Fernando City, La Union, Aug. 4, and will spend ten days conducting medical, dental, veterinary, engineering, band and community relations engagements.
Commander Naval Task Force 11, Philippines Navy Capt. Albert Mogol, explained the value of Pacific Partnership.
“Through our program trainings and exercises, we can be assured that we can be ready to plan, train and conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in accordance with international standards,” said Mogol.
TFF’s medical task force, comprised of 56 professionals from 20 different disciplines, will integrate with local doctors, nurses, veterinarians and dentists to provide medical care and build joint competency through hands-on training, seminars and public outreach programs.
“The men and women of Task Force Forager look forward to engaging with the people of the Philippines, sharing common goals and exchanging customs, culture and traditions,” said Commodore, TFF, Capt. James Meyer. “The long-standing alliance between the Philippines and the United States has contributed to peace, stability, and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region for many years and this mission will continue to strengthen our nations’ partnership.”
A 12-person engineering team from TFF comprised of service members from Amphibious Construction Battalion (ACB) One, ACB-2, and the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, will join Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Five and Philippine Navy Seabees, who have been working side-by-side for over a month at Eulogio Elementary School, Caba High School, and Boy-Utan Elementary School.
“We can be assured of improved interoperability for ourselves for the benefit of all involved,” said Mogol. “For the duration of the mission we have organized trainings and exercises to improve our knowledge and skills. One of the most valuable projects is the construction of school buildings. Through our joint efforts we have successfully started the construction and renovation of schools.”
The task force’s civil affairs team will be conducting disaster preparedness training and exercises to help the country better respond in the event of a crisis.
The Army/Navy joint band under the leadership of U.S. Pacific Fleet Band will be performing at multiple locations throughout the community.
“Task Force Forager service members will also participate in numerous scheduled sporting events and community relations activities to invest in the children and youth—the future of the Philippines,” said Meyer.
Millinocket and embarked TFF, led by an expeditionary command element from the Navy's 30th Naval Construction Regiment (30 NCR) from Port Hueneme, California, are currently serving as the secondary platform for PP15. The primary platform for the mission is the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19).
Now in its tenth iteration, Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. While training for crisis conditions, Pacific Partnership missions to date have provided medical care to approximately 270,000 patients and veterinary services to more than 38,000 animals. Additionally, the mission has provided critical infrastructure development to host nations through the completion of more than 180 engineering projects.
Pacific Partnership 2015 supporting partners include Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Canada, Timor Leste, Fiji and France. Non-governmental organizations also participating are Project Hope, Operation Smile, Latter Day Saints Charities, University of California San Diego, University of Virginia, University of Hawaii, Project Handclasp and World Vets.
From the Business World (Aug 6): P22 million reward to be given to seven informants
MORE than P22 million in reward money will be given to seven informants for the capture of several rebel leaders in past years, including those from the New People’s Army (NPA) -- such as Benito Tiamzon and Dionisio Almonte -- and bandit group Abu Sayyaf, the Philippine military said.
Mr. Tiamzon is identified by the military as the Secretary General and a member of the Political Bureau and Central Committee of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), whose armed wing is the NPA. Arrested in Cebu on March 2014, Mr. Tiamzon carries a P10 million bounty for his arrest.
Mr. Almonte, on the other hand, is a regular member of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee of the same rebel group. He was arrested in 2015 and carries a P5 million bounty for his arrest.
The military will also give rewards for the capture of other key NPA officials including
• Dominador Javier, a member of the staff of the NPA Central Front in Cagayan, who has a P600,000 bounty and was killed in a government operation in 2011;
• Ricardo Reyes, a commanding officer of the NPA in the Ilocos-Cordillera Region, who has a P3.35 million bounty on his head and was killed in 2014; and
• Brando Magranga, an NPA Assistant Squad Leader in the Ilocos-Cordillera Region, who has a P150,000 bounty and was killed by the Philippine Army in 2014.
Rewards for the arrest of Abu Sayyaf members Makal Abubakar, Algaber Said and Caharudin Silongan Lacman will also be given. The three were arrested on separate occasions and carried bounties of P1 million, P600,000, and P1.3 million respectively.
Colonel Noel J. Detoyato, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said that the reward system has been effective in flushing out elements of the rebel movement in the country.
“Time and again, we’ve proven this to be effective although there are times that even if there was no reward, there were still people willing to give information to capture these wanted people,” he told reporters on Thursday.
From Ang Malaya (Aug 6): Naval Forces responsible for West PHL Sea, Northern Luzon waters merged: Navy established ‘eye’ in north
Naval Forces North which is responsible for the naval defense and security in Northern Luzon; and Naval Forces West which is responsible for Western Philippines and Kalayaan Island Group were merged into Naval Forces North-West in line with efforts to protect and secure the country’s vast maritime domains. The merger of two naval forces took place July 6.
“In line with the defense planning guidance of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, addressing common threat, the former Naval Forces North was merged with the Naval Forces West into Naval Forces North-West. So there are two naval task forces addressing security concerns within the area,” Naval Task Force 11 commander Captain Albert Mogol said today as quoted by PNA.
Mogol further said that Naval Forces North-West has two operating group. First is Naval Task Force 41 which covers the West Philippine Sea, and Naval Task Force 11 which is responsible for patrolling Northern Luzon waters and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.
Captain Mogol said that Naval Forces North-West covers maritime domains of five regions and 24 provinces, which includes Batanes.
The said province landed in the spotlight after several incidents of Taiwanese incursions were reported earlier. He added that they have sufficient ships and personnel for this mission.
“In the north we have just established our automatic identification system in Batanes so we have already an eye in the north,” Mogol said. “It’s a littoral observatory station, but we call it the littoral monitoring detachment in Batanes and manned by the Philippine Marines.”
They also noted “serious concerns expressed by some Ministers on the land reclamations in the South China Sea, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security and stability in the South China Sea.”
They also called for the full and effective implementation of Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) which prescribes to build, maintain and enhance mutual trust and confidence. The DOC also promotes exercise of self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes.
The ASEAN ministers also noted that DOC prescribes resolution of differences and disputes through peaceful means in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. And not to resort to threat or use of force.
“We welcomed the recent outcome of the 9th ASEAN-China SOM on the Implementation of the DOC whereby they agreed to proceed to the next stage of consultations and negotiate the framework, structure, elements as well as to address crucial, difficult and complicated issues relating to the proposed COC (Code of Conduct in the South China Sea),” they said.
The group of foreign ministers also said they were updated on the case filed by Philippines against China’s maritime claims. “The Philippines briefed the Meeting on further developments including matters particularly relating to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
From Ang Malaya (Aug 7): Littoral observatory station installed in Batanes supporting National Coast Watch System
The Philippine Navy (PN) now has the capability to detect and monitor unauthorized shipping planning to enter Batanes waters. This is due to the installation and activation of the so-called “littoral observatory station” for maritime situational awareness, PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan said in a message to the PNA.
Maritime situational awareness refers to the capability to detect, monitor and if necessary, drive away intruding water craft from one’s territorial waters.
He said that the facility is support to the National Coast Watch System. “Temporarily, it is co-located (at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA in Basco, Batanes) since it is also an inter-agency monitoring tool,” the PN chief said. No other specifics were given for security reasons.
“We have PN personnel deployed in strategic areas nationwide including Batanes for their roles to secure mission essential facilities used for monitoring activities for maritime domain,” Millan said.
Similar units have also been deployed off Zambales, considered to be the gateway of the West Philippine Sea.
The PN chief is also hoping that with the support of the government and the local government units, the Navy can set up “capabilities for monitoring and response in partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Science and Technology, and the local government unit.”
From Ang Malaya (Aug 7): PHL, US to convene top Defense, Foreign Affairs officials asap: Immediate implementation of EDCA important
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and United States Secretary of State John Kerry had a meeting at the sidelines of the 48th ASEAN Ministerial Meetings in Kuala Lumpur to discuss bilateral and regional issues. The Department of Foreign Affairs said during the meeting of two officials Philippines and US reiterated commitment to peaceful resolution of disputes.
Secretaries del Rosario and Kerry also highlighted the importance of the early implementation of Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which will “underscore the strength and relevance of the treaty alliance.”
The two secretaries also agreed on the need to reconvene the Philippines-Unites States 2 + 2 Ministerial Consultations at the soonest possible time, to move forward a more robust security agenda, DFA said. PHL-US 2+2 meeting will convene Philippine Secretaries of Defense and Foreign Affairs and US Secretaries of State and Defense.
“The Secretaries reaffirmed the commitment of their respective countries to the resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with the rule of law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” DFA said.
They also discussed the progress on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines, and agreed on the need for all claimant states to behave responsibly and avoid further aggressive unilateral action.
“Recognizing the shared regional challenges, they also discussed new areas and initiatives for defense and security cooperation, which in recent years have focused on maritime security and maritime domain awareness,” the department said.
From The Standard (Aug 7): US vows to keep China Sea open
WASHINGTON will not tolerate any navigation restrictions in the South China Sea, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday at a regional security meeting dominated by tensions over Beijing’s island building.
“Let me be clear: The United States will not accept restrictions on freedom of navigation and overflight, or other lawful uses of the sea. These are intrinsic rights that we all share,” he said according to a transcript of his remarks.
Bilateral meeting. US Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario stand together before a bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Aug. 6. AFP
Kerry made his comments at a security meeting hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Kuala Lumpur.
China has sparked alarm by expanding tiny reefs and constructing military posts, steps viewed by some of its neighbors as violating a regional pledge against provocative actions in the area.
The long simmering dispute has flared at the Malaysia meet, attended by members of the 10-nation regional grouping as well as more than a dozen others including China, Japan, South Korea and the US.
The US and Southeast Asian nations have called for Beijing to halt both reclamation in the South China Sea and construction on reefs, something Beijing has staunchly resisted.
“I have urged all claimants to make a joint commitment to halt further land reclamation and construction of new facilities or militarization on disputed features,” Kerry told delegates, arguing such a step would “lower tensions”.
ASEAN members were at loggerheads Thursday over how hard to press China on its contentious efforts to assert control over the South China Sea, with the issue threatening to fray regional unity.
Diplomatic sources said the Philippines and Vietnam in particular were pushing for stronger language on Chinese land reclamation, which could help shore up Beijing’s disputed territorial claims.
But there was pushback from traditional China allies among the ASEAN.
“China’s friends are taking a hard stance,” said one diplomat familiar with the drafting.
The diplomat did not specify which countries were taking a hard line, but Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar traditionally ally with China within ASEAN.
The tug-of-war raises the specter of a 2012 ASEAN meeting hosted by Cambodia, when the bloc was unable for the first time in its four-decade history to issue a joint statement.
Cambodia was accused of precipitating the debacle by refusing to allow criticism of China over its maritime territorial assertions.
“China has already figured out how ASEAN works on the South China Sea, it knows how to divide us. Look at what happened in Cambodia,” one diplomat at the talks in Kuala Lumpur said.
Envoys from 27 nations -- including the United States and China -- were in Kuala Lumpur for the final day of regional security talks dominated by long-running disputes over the strategic sea.
Beijing claims control over nearly the entire South China Sea, a key shipping route thought to hold rich oil and gas reserves.
Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei -- all ASEAN members -- also have various claims, as does Taiwan, many of which overlap.
Each year the regional bloc, which prides itself on its history of consensus diplomacy, releases a joint communique after the annual meeting of its foreign ministers, which took place Tuesday.
Singapore Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam told reporters Thursday morning that the joint statement was supposed to have been completed the previous day.
“It has not been finalized as of now. There are difficulties,” he said.
“The paragraphs relating to the South China Sea are causing some problems,” he added.
A draft of the communique obtained by Agence France-Presse makes no mention of halting reclamation.
Instead it warns that recent developments in the sea “have the very potential of undermining peace, security and stability”.
It adds: “There is an imperative need to urgently address the erosion of trust and corrosion of confidence amongst parties on these matters”.
Delegates said they still hoped to get a final joint statement by the end of the day.
The United States and Southeast Asian nations have called for a halt to further land-reclamation and construction.
China had so far refused, but on Wednesday Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said land reclamation had “already stopped”.
However some delegates in Kuala Lumpur have played down those claims.
One diplomat told reporters: “They’re not saying they’re stopping construction, nor are they saying they’ll stop future reclamation.”
The Philippines said it would only be satisfied once Beijing halts construction in the disputed sea.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said Thursday that the East Asia Summit should play a major role in crafting the region’s security architecture and it must address all major issues that prevent the creation of a region of peace and cooperation.
Del Rosario made the call during high-level meetings of the ASEAN and East Asia summit in Kuala Lumpur, and emphasized that recent provocative actions by China constituted an infringement on the rights of the Philippines and other countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a violation of the 2002 ASEAN China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
The Palace on Thursday said that China’s claims that it has already stopped construction on disputed areas in the South China Sea still needed to be verified.
“Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had earlier said there must be a halt to reclamation, halt to construction and halt to activities that tend to escalate tensions in the region,” said Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.
Coloma also said there were reports that there is a second phase of construction, which he said must also be stopped.
He could not verify, however, reports that Japan will provide the Philippines with surveillance planes.
“This must be verified first from the Department of National Defense,” he said.
