Families affected by BIFF attacks get aid from provincial government

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Families affected by BIFF attacks get aid from provincial government
 

Families displaced by armed hostilities launched by lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in North Cotabato have received relief assistance from the provincial government, officials said today.

More than 200 families have deserted their communities in the villages of Malagakit and Simsiman, all in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato on December 24 last year when BIFF attacked the villages and killed a village “kagawad.”

The affected families went to the town center and stayed there during Christmas Day until after the New Year revelry was over. Some remained in evacuation sites at night but return to their farms at day time.

Marchita Capilitan, provincial social welfare focal person, and Jessie Enid, provincial health and legal matters focal person, led the relief distribution of food packs that contained rice, sardines, noodles and other immediate necessities for the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS).

Marian Joy Quilban, Pigcawayan town social welfare officer, said the IDPs have been staying temporarily at the municipal gymnasium.

Quilban was elated to see the office of the provincial governor immediately responded to her request for augmentation of relief assistance.

“The provincial government has immediately provided assistance to the IDP’s which eased their difficulties after running away from their houses. We are very grateful that even during holiday the PSWDO and the PGO sent their personnel to give much needed help”, Quilban said.

Besides Barangays Malagakit and Simsiman, adjacent barangays of Banucagon and Central Paatan were also attacked by BIFF bandits as they fled toward the Maguindanao marshland.

Quilban said Pigcawayan social welfare office listed 232 families or 1,039 individuals.

Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza has condemned the atrocities by the BIFF and directed the police to ensure the safety of civilians.

“It is heartbreaking to know that the attack occurred on Christmas Eve and that some lives were lost with hundreds of innocent civilians left their homes, but this will not deter us from doing our duties and responsibilities to our constituents with continued hope that long-lasting peace will soon prevail in the province,” she said.

She called for vigilance and calm amid threats from lawless groups in the North Cotabato-Maguindanao borders, assuring villagers provincial government is doing everything to restore normalcy in affected barangays and for evacuees to return safely to their homes.

“I urged everyone to maintain their calmness and continue to be alert and coordinate with the authorities if you have monitored untoward incidents or the presence of suspicious looking individuals,” Mendoza said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=845279

Fruit vendor's alertness prevent bombing attempt in Tacurong City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Fruit vendor's alertness prevent bombing attempt in Tacurong City

Alert fruit vendor prevented what could have been another bloody Monday morning here, police said.

Senior Supt. Junny Buenacosa, Tacurong City police director, said the improvised bomb was made of one kilo cut nails as shrapnel, blasting caps and explosive powder placed in a cartoon and left near the city’s welcome rotunda and in front of a department store.

Buenacosa said a fruit vendor near the site where the IED was found alerted the police about a suspicious box left unattended at about 8 a.m.

The unidentified vendor, at first, tried to personally check on the box but he found electrical wirings. He then called on the police.

Responding Tacurong City PNP bomb disposal team with canine dogs checked on the box where the K-9 dogs sat on it, an indication it contained bomb materials.

Police then cordoned off the area, rerouted the traffic and detonated the IED.

Buenacosa told reporters investigating was still going on.

No one has claimed responsibility but the city had been subjected to previous bombing attacks by suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and extortion groups preying on bus companies and business establishments.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=845298

Vintage M-16s to be issued to reserve units with arrival of R-4 rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): Vintage M-16s to be issued to reserve units with arrival of R-4 rifles

With the arrival and ongoing distribution of the brand-new 5.56 5.56mm R4A3 carbine to all military personnel, the venerable M-16 automatic rifle, which served the country for more than 40 years, will be now be issued to reserve and militia units.

This was disclosed by Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao Sunday.

He added that distribution to reservist and militia units will start this 2016 replacing their vintage M-1 and M-14 rifles.

Hao also said that the last 12, 657 R-4 units were delivered last December.

This is part of the 56,843 R-4 order by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The contract is worth Php1.9 billion.

Of this number, 24, 300 are now distributed to military units with 19,866 undergoing ballistics tests at the Philippine National Police.

The R-4 is a gas-operated, magazine-fed, selective fire, shoulder-fired weapon with a telescoping stock and 14.5 inch (370 mm) barrel to ease close quarters combat.

It fires the .223 caliber, or 5.56 mm NATO round.

And with the arrival of the R-4 in Philippine military service, finding spare parts or replacement materials needed to keep this weapon on the firing line will no longer be a problem as 80 percent of its parts are similar with the M-16 automatic rifle now gradually being phased out the Filipino ground units.

This means that both weapons can interchange parts in case of malfunction or battlefield damage.

This is possible as the R-4 is basically the shortened version of the venerable M-16 rifle, according to the fact sheet forwarded by the AFP.

"The R-4 assault rifle is a lighter and shorter variant of the M-16A2 assault rifle. The two have roughly 80 percent of their parts in common (and thus) cost efficient," it stressed.

And despite its short length, the M-4 has a point target range of 500 meters and area target range of 600 meters.

This is greater than the 460 maximum effective range of the M-16 assault rifle.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845236

DND, veterans commemorate 71st anniversary of Lingayen Gulf landings

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): DND, veterans commemorate 71st anniversary of Lingayen Gulf landings

Ranking Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) officials with their defense and provincial government counterparts commemorated the 71st anniversary of American forces landings in Lingayen Gulf, Pangasinan on Saturday.

The event was held at the War Memorial Park, Lingayen, Pangasinan. Serving as guest-of-honor was PVAO administrator Ernesto G. Carolina.

The Lingayen Gulf Landings took place on Jan. 9, 1945 when the US 6th Army led by Gen. Douglas Macarthur landed in a 32-kilometer beachhead between the town of Lingayen and San Fabian.

This paved the way for the entire liberation of Luzon, was considered as one of the significant events in World War II.

Other officials present were Department of National Defense undersecretary for veterans affairs Jesus Millan; 702nd Infantry Battalion commander Col. David B. Diciano; Lt. Col. Bruce Murray, Defense Attache, Australian Embassy to the Philippines; Atty. James Curtis-Smith, President of the Returned and Service League of Australia; and several officials of local government of Pangasinan headed by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. and Vice Gov. Ferdinand Z. Calimlim Jr.

“This place where we stand right now was a witness to the gallantry of our forebears who offered their lives to regain the freedom we now enjoy. The priest even told them, 'Freedom was brought to the world by the Lord and nobody can take away the freedom from us'. The freedom from the Almighty that the Japanese had taken away from us was restored by our veterans,” Carolina said in Filipino.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845256

DFA secretary del Rosario and DND secretary Gazmin to meet with counterparts in Washington

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): DFA secretary del Rosario and DND secretary Gazmin to meet with counterparts in Washington

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin will meet with US Secretary of State John Kerry and US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter on January 12 in Washington for the second 2+2 Philippines-US Ministerial Meeting.

The two sides are expected to discuss a range of bilateral issues including defense and security cooperation and significant developments in the economic engagement of the two countries. The agenda will also cover regional and global issues that impact on both countries, in particular, the recent developments in the South China Sea, the upcoming Special ASEAN-US Summit in California, and cooperation on climate change.

Following the successful visit of President Obama to Manila in November 2015, the Philippines and the United States reaffirm the enduring strength of the bilateral alliance. The two governments are also committed to further enhance the historic friendship to better serve their respective national interests.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of PH-US diplomatic relations. Secretary Del Rosario is expected to thank Secretary Kerry for the continued assistance of the United States to PH defense modernization and support to PH efforts to promote inclusive growth. The Philippines has been selected for a second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact and has expressed interest in joining the Transpacific Partnership trade agreement.

The last 2+2 Ministerial Meeting was held in 2012.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845282

740 Police commanders reassigned -PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): 740 Police commanders reassigned -PNP

The Philippine National Police has issued reassignment orders to 740 Police Unit Commanders who have already reached or exceeded two years tour of duty in their posts, PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wilben M. Mayor said on Monday.

Mayor said that these police commanders were re-assigned as part of the regular administrative policies of the PNP on assignment and re-assignment.

Mayor said an accounting of police officers occupying key positions in different levels of command showed these 740 PNP unit commanders have completed the 2-year tour of duty in their present posts.

Among them are 25 Provincial Directors, nine City Directors, 27 commanders of Provincial maneuver units, 147 are Chiefs of Police and 532 other officers occupying various positions.

The reassignment of commanders is in line with the limited rotation of personnel and part of the best practices implemented by the PNP during election period, Mayor noted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845364

AFP junks reports of ISIS branch, province in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 11): AFP junks reports of ISIS branch, province in Mindanao

While exercising all possible means to deter the spread of Islamic State in Syria and Iraq extremist idealogy in the country, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday dismisses reports that an ISIS branch or province already exists in Mindanao.

"There are no ISIS members in the Philippines. What we have here is ISIS-ISISAN (ISIS wannabes)," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said.

The official issued this statement on wake of another video showing Abu Sayyaf Group sub-commander Isnilon Hapilon and other bandit leaders pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

He added these videos are nothing but propaganda aimed at recruiting new members for the bandits.

"There is a difference between ISIS directed and ISIS inspired," Detoyato stressed, adding that violence actions conducted by these individuals against civilian and military targets are not ordered by the international terrorist group.

And in the same vein, the military official said all ISIS wannabes in the Philippines are being constantly monitored by the AFP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=845426

MILF infighting erupts anew; 2,800 internally displaced remain in evacuation centers

From InterAksyon (Jan 11): MILF infighting erupts anew; 2,800 internally displaced remain in evacuation centers

 PIKIT, North Cotabato - Warring members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) clashed anew in interior villages here despite efforts to separate warring families related both by blood and by affinity, police said.

Chief Inspector Sindatu Karim, Pikit town police chief, said the families of Bhuto Mantol attacked anew the communities in Barangay Talitay, where Mokamad Andoy and Ricky Husain, all leaders of the MILF, on Sunday dawn, triggering five hours of sporadic fire fight.

”No casualty was reported in the latest skirmishes,” Karim said.

He said that while the latest skirmishes did not hurt anybody, last Sunday’s trading of bullets and mortars has sent messages to displaced families their communities remain unsafe.

Per police assessment and evaluation, about 568 families or 2,831 individuals remain in various evacuation centers in Poblacion Pikit and nearby villages.

”This is an infighting among MILF leaders triggered by land dispute and family feud,” Karim said, adding the police have tried to mediate but they were met by gunfire from both sides.

”Our mandate is to secure the civilians. We will not interfere in the armed conflict because of the existing peace agreement between the government and the MILF,” Karim said in a radio interview.

”We look for MILF leaders’ action on this problem,” the police chief said.

”The national highway linking Cotabato and Davao is safe...We have enough police personnel securing the road network at the same time implementing election gun ban,” Karim said. Election gun ban commenced Sunday.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF’s military arm, said emissaries have been sent but the team is yet to submit report to the MILF central committee.

To avoid the escalation of armed hostilities involving Moro rebels in North Cotabato’s Pikit town, Army and police forces have been deployed to serve as peacekeepers.

Karim said in an interview that soldiers from the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade were deployed Thursday along with the police near the village of Talitay.

”They are there to secure the civilians and not to fight the rebels,” Karim told reporters after two commanders of the MILF traded bullets at grenades due to “rido” or family feud.

To contain the flame standing between warring MILF commanders in his area of operation, Maj. Gen. Eduardo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander, has a standing directive to all Army units under the 6th ID not to engage warring Muslim families but secure civilians in the event infighting occurs.

Clan wars are common in communities in Maguindanao, including infighting among forces of the MILF, the biggest rebel movement that entered into a peace agreement with the government in 2014.

At the break of dawn Thursday, civilians with their valuables and work animals went on an exodus to avoid getting caught in the crossfire.

Sadly, civilians suffer the most in armed conflict not of their own making in Pikit.
Karim said Commanders Andoy and Hussain allegedly refused to surrender to police authorities in Kabacan, North Cotabato one of his men suspected of killing Commander Mantol’s brother in Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato.

Karim said the infighting broke out a few kilometers from Camp Rajamuda, a government recognized MILF areas and one of the biggest MILF camps in North Cotabato.

Tahira Kalantongan, Pikit Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, said the evacuees fled to nearby Barangays Inug-og, Rajamuda, and Gli-Gli, also in Pikit.

Police and military authorities are hoping the MILF emissaries could bring the warring MILF leaders to the negotiating table so the displaced families could return home.

The skirmishes in Pikit came two days after unidentified armed men ambushed and killed village chairperson Pecson Mangansakan of Barangay Silik, Pikit, North Cotabato.

But Karim said the murder of Mangansakan was not related to the MILF infighting/

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/122535/milf-infighting-erupts-anew-2800-internally-displaced-remain-in-evacuation-centers

Final delivery of 12,000 M4 carbine rifles now with AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 11): Final delivery of 12,000 M4 carbine rifles now with AFP

As part of its efforts to modernize the equipment of its troops, the Philippine Army has fully equipped its troops with Remington M4 carbine rifles after the final delivery of more than 12,000 firearms arrived last December.

This means that its procurement of 56,843 rifles, which will replace the M16 rifles issued to its troops, is now complete.

Col. Benjamin Hao, the Army spokesperson, said the newly delivered firearms would be lined up for ballistics tests with the Philippine National Police’s crime laboratory just like the 19,866 M4 rifles currently undergoing ballistics examination.
 The final batch of 12,657 M4 carbine rifles were delivered last December.

“The target of the delivery of the 12,000 firearms was in the first quarter of this year, but the delivery came early. These will be distributed as well.  We hope to distribute the rest of the rifles before the end of 2016,” Hao said.

The 56,843 M4 rifles were purchased in 2014 as part of its capability upgrade program.

The Remington M4 rifles, also known as R4A3 rifles, were purchased from United States-based company Remington Firearms Company.

The new firearms are meant to replace the M16 rifles currently issued to Army soldiers, with the M16 rifles to be refurbished and issued to Army reservists.

In August 2014, President Aquino himself led the ceremonial distribution of the firearms to the military.

However, some of the initially delivered 24,300 firearms were recalled because of defective rear sights. These were repaired by Remington at no cost to the Philippine government.

Hao added that the ballistics tests for the second delivery of 19,000 M4 rifles were not finished yet, as of Sunday, (the day this announcement was released to the media) because of the PNP’s limitations in conducting ballistic exams per day.

The first delivery of 24,000 M4 rifles were already subjected to ballistics tests and were already delivered to units in the Visayas and Mindanao, and some special units.

“Of course, in order for us to complete the distribution, we need all the 56,000 rifles,” Hao said.

The M16 rifles previously issued to the recipients of the new M4 rifles have been recalled.

These M16 rifles will be used by reservists and militiamen under the Army.

“Right now, the reservists and paramilitary are armed with M1 Garand rifles, so now they will be using M16 rifles,” the Army spokesperson said.

Both the M16 and M4 use 5.56 mm caliber bullets and are both gas-operated. The M16 rifle has a longer barrel and has a longer effectivity range of 550 meters, compared to the M4 rifle’s 500 meter effectivity range.

Hao described the M4 carbine rifle to be a world class weapon.

“That is an element of the modern army that we are aspiring to be, it is a world-class rifle. Our troops are proud to have this weapon, it is lighter but more powerful. This brings high morale to us to use a world class weapon,” he explained.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/754376/final-delivery-of-12000-m4-carbine-rifles-now-with-afp

SC to rule on EDCA tomorrow

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): SC to rule on EDCA tomorrow

The Supreme Court (SC) is set to rule tomorrow on the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States.

An insider said the petitions filed in May last year by former senators Rene Saguisag and Wigberto Tañada and militant lawmakers led by Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate will be included in the agenda of the justices in their first regular session this year following a month-long holiday break.

The source said members of the high court are expected to arrive at a split decision, revealing that three magistrates have submitted dissenting opinions to the draft decision upholding the constitutionality of EDCA.

The SC was set to decide on the case on Nov. 10 and 16 last year before the arrival of US President Barrack Obama for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, but the high court failed to rule on the case because some justices were yet undecided.

The voting was then reset to Dec. 16, but was again deferred after some justices decided to come up with their respective opinions that required more time for deliberations.

The case was heard by the high court in oral arguments in November last year and had been up for resolution since December.

Petitioners alleged that EDCA violates provisions on national sovereignty, territorial integrity and interests, freedom from nuclear weapons and autonomy of local government units in the charter.

They also argued that EDCA is a treaty - not merely an executive agreement as the Palace has claimed – which needs concurrence of the Senate before it could be implemented.

Because of this, the groups said the agreement violates Article XVIII, Section 25 of the Constitution, which requires that any foreign military bases, troops or  facilities “shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.”

The government, through Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, had argued that the agreement is a valid executive agreement that could stand even without concurrence of the Senate.

Under the EDCA, the US will be allowed to build structures, store as well as preposition weapons, defense supplies, station troops, civilian personnel and defense contractors, transit and station vehicles, vessels, and aircraft for a period of 10 years.

It was signed by officials of both countries hours before President Obama arrived in the country for his two-day state visit in 2014.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/11/1541371/sc-rule-edca-tomorrow

Over 12,000 new Army rifles to undergo tests

From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): Over 12,000 new Army rifles to undergo tests

More than 12,000 brand new rifles delivered to the Army would soon be subjected to ballistic tests.

The 12,657 R4 rifles that arrived from the US last December are part of the 56,843 rifles acquired from the American firm Remington, Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said yesterday.

“This is a world class rifle and our troops are proud to have these things,” he said. “This weapon will help us. It is lighter but more powerful.”

Of the 56,843 R4 rifles purchased from Remington, 24,300 have been distributed to Army units and 19,866 are undergoing ballistic tests. Rifles must undergo tests before they are turned over to troops, Hao said.

The 12,657 rifles delivered last month and the 19,866 rifles undergoing tests would be distributed to soldiers within the year, he added.

Soldiers receiving M4 rifles would turn over their old M16 rifles, which will then be distributed to reservists and government militias.  

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/11/1541372/over-12000-new-army-rifles-undergo-tests

Of General Intel Interest: US bomber in a show of force

From The Standard (Jan 10): US bomber in a show of force

OSAN AIR BASE, South Korea—The US sent a heavy bomber over South Korea on Sunday in a show of force as North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un insisted his country’s latest nuclear test was carried out in self-defense.

The test on Wednesday of what the North claimed was its first hydrogen bomb has sparked international alarm and raised tensions along the inter-Korean frontier, with Seoul reviving cross-border propaganda broadcasts.

Sunday’s overflight saw a B52 Stratofortress, which is capable of carrying nuclear weapons, briefly roar over the Osan Air Base, some 70 kilometersouth of the inter-Korean border, the US military and an eye-witness said.

It was escorted by a South Korean and an American jet.

The B52 conducted a low-level flight before heading back to Andersen Air Base in Guam, where it is stationed.

The mission was conducted “in response to recent provocative action by North Korea”, US Forces Korea said in a statement.

The aircraft are known to have taken part in joint annual US-South Korea military exercises that have enraged Pyongyang, but their flights over South Korea are rarely publicized.

The last time such a flight was made public was in 2013, after North Korea carried out its third nuclear test.

At that time, the US dispatched both a B52 and the more sophisticated B2 stealth bomber to South Korea in a show of military muscle against the North.

Wednesday’s nuclear test was Pyongyang’s fourth, though experts have questioned North Korea’s claim of the explosion having been triggered by a hydrogen bomb.

On Friday, the North’s state broadcaster also released video footage of a submarine-launched ballistic missile test, though South Korean media have suggested the footage was an edited compilation of a previous test.

Lieutenant General Terrence J. O’Shaughnessy, commander of the US 7th Air Force and Deputy Commander of the US Forces Korea, said on Sunday that the United States maintained an “ironclad” commitment to the defense of South Korea.

This commitment includes “extended deterrence provided by our conventional forces and our nuclear umbrella”, he said in a statement.

“B52 missions reinforce the US commitment to the security of our allies and partners, and demonstrate one of the many alliance capabilities available for the defense” of South Korea, he said.

“As demonstrated by today’s mission, the combined US and Republic of Korea air forces work and train together closely every day, and we are totally prepared to meet any threat to our alliance.”

The annual US-South Korea joint military exercises regularly spark angry reactions from North Korea, which brands them “nuclear war drills” against it.

Key Resolve/Foal Eagle, one of the annual joint exercises, is expected to take place in March.

South Korea hosts 28,000 US troops as the two Koreas technically remain at war because the Korean War of 1950-53 ended in an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

Sunday’s show of force came as Kim Jong-Un claimed the nuclear test was carried out in self-defense, to prevent a nuclear war with the United States.

In his first public remarks since the explosion, Kim said the test was “a self-defensive step for reliably defending the peace on the Korean Peninsula and the regional security from the danger of nuclear war caused by the US-led imperialists”.

“It is the legitimate right of a sovereign state and a fair action that nobody can criticize,” he added, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The North regularly accuses the US and its ally South Korea of warmongering.

An official commentary published by KCNA late Friday also cited toppled leaders Saddam Hussein of Iraq and Moamer Kadhafi of Libya as examples of what happens when countries forsake their nuclear ambitions.

The nuclear test has angered world powers, including the North’s key ally China, and the UN Security Council has said it will roll out new measures to punish the maverick state.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/world-news/196450/us-bomber-in-a-show-of-force.html

DWDD: DEFENSE ISSUES // Phl, US “2 on 2“Meeting

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 8): DEFENSE ISSUES // Phl, US “2 on 2“Meeting

Defense Sec Voltaire Gazmin

Foreign Affairs Sec Albert Del Rosario

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – Philippine and United States officials will be meeting next week to discuss important defense issues/topics.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario will be flying to Washington in the weekend to meet with  their counterparts next Tuesday and discuss defense cooperation.

Although Gazmin made it clear that the meet is to discuss preparing defenses for the Philippines, and it’s not directed at any country in particular, specially, the status of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between Manila and Washington, which is still awaiting a final decision by the Supreme Court (SC).

In regards China’s test landing landing in Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, Gazmin described it as “aggressive”.
It can be recalled that tensions run high last week when China confirmed that a test flight by a civilian plane landed on a newly-built airfield on Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef, which the Chinese call Yongshu Jiao.

The move shows that China continues construction activities after turning the reefs into artificial islands for possibly military purposes amid calls by the international community to halt such aggression in the disputed territories.

China’s increasing military presence in the WPS is being feared by many as the next step towards declaring a Beijing-controlled air defense zone. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/defense-issues-phl-us-2-on-2meeting/

DWDD: PEACEFUL ELECTION // Kick-Off Ceremony for SAFE 2016

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jan 10): PEACEFUL ELECTION // Kick-Off Ceremony for SAFE 2016





 DWDD— The Commission on Election (COMELEC) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), in collaboration with relevant stakeholders conducts the Kick-Off ceremony for Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE) 2016 today, January 10, 2016.

The activity aims to promote the significance of having a Secure, Accurate and Fair Elections on May 9, 2016.

Highlight of the event is a peace unity walk at six in the morning, starting from Quirino Grandstand, Luneta Park, Manila enroute through Bonifacio Drive and will culminate in front of COMELEC office at Palacio del Gobernador.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines participated on this momentous event together with the policemen in the peace walk.

Meanwhile, AFP Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri issued an instructions last month when he made rounds of military camps. “Those who will be involved in partisan politics will have to face the consequences of their actions. We don’t want any soldier, airman, sailor or marine to be involved in any partisan politics, ” Iriberri said.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/47160-2/

Reds threatens to abduct more troopers this year

From the Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Jan 6): Reds threatens to abduct more troopers this year



FILE PHOTO BY CONG B. CORRALES

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA) has threatened to continue its abduction of more military men in exchange for the release of its members from military custody this was said by NDF-Mindanao spokesperson Ka Oris during the release of Sgt. Adriano Delapena Bingil last year, December 31.

Ka Oris cited there are already 600 political prisoners in the entire country including 21 NDF consultants for peace who were arrested by the military without any further investigation.

He added the CPP, NPA and the NDFP is serious in pursuing peace negotiations with the government to achieve long lasting peace in Mindanao.

Ka Oris said they will be targeting high ranking military personnel and punish them accordingly to their crimes against the New People’s Army, but some of these prisoners of war will be released according to NDFP decisions that they are serious in pursuing peace process in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, The Sub Regional Command of Northern Mindanao Regional Committee Ka Joker said the abduction of Bingil was part of the NPA’s plan to prove that they are becoming stronger in this part of the country.

Bingil was abducted by the NPA at Barangay Policarpio, San Luis, Agusan del Sur last year in September 19, in an NPA checkpoint outside of the said area.

Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson said the abduction of Sgt. Bingil was part of the NPA’s plan to hinder the delivery of military services and programs to indigenes because the rebels has interest in the said area to conduct recruitment.

Martinez said “Tataw ni nga walay kaayohan nga gusto ang NPA sa maong barangay ug ang gusto lamang nila magpabilin ang kalisud arun dali ra makarekrut ug bag-ong miembro sa NPA.”

Col. Alexander L. Maca-rio Commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade explained that once developments and productivity in the said area are realize, the NPA will no longer be relevant and as a sign of desperation they turned to kidnapping of military personnel to block progress from reaching the people.

“For the NPA, once developments have set-in in that area or in every community, the issues that they are catalyzing upon will no longer be relevant. That is why they need to do something, for example kidnapping our soldier to block or impede these developments from reaching our people,” Macario said.
http://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/reds-threatens-to-abduct-more-troopers-this-year/