MILF admits frustration amid Bangsamoro agreement’s 2nd anniv

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): MILF admits frustration amid Bangsamoro agreement’s 2nd anniv



MILF peace negotiating panel chair Mohagher Iqbal before the CAB commemoration event in Notre Dame University, Cotabato City. KRISTINE ANGELI SABILLO/INQUIRER.net

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—It has been dubbed as a “celebration” but the commemoration of the second anniversary of the historic Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) is marred by “frustrations” felt by the people, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) peace panel chair said on Monday.

“There is frustration. There is widespread frustration on the ground and that is expected,” MILF peace negotiating panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told reporters before the CAB commemoration event in Notre Dame University, Cotabato City.

“Seventeen long years of negotiation. We expect the BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) to pass Congress. It did not pass. So you can imagine, we are human [beings], especially those people involved in the negotiation,” he added. “Like me, I am frustrated. But frustration has to be managed.”

Iqbal said that there is negative reaction towards the anniversary of the CAB. “But we have to push through with the idea to commemorate the signing of the CAB rather than to just let it go,” he said.
READ: What is the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro?

He said the MILF has been “trying to manage (the) frustration” of their supporters and members.
Nevertheless, he said the group remains optimistic and is happy that the event will be held in Cotabato City.

“Still surging forward despite all the obstacles. The way is forward, not backward,” he said.

Iqbal said the way forward is not easy and he admitted that they continuously face challenges.
“We have to really overcome all these obstacles. And there is no shortcut to having peace here in Mindanao,” he said.

“The MILF will hold on to this document no matter what happens,” Iqbal said.

The continuation of the peace process between the Philippine government and the MILF was jumpstarted when President Benigno Aquino III met with MILF chairman Murad Ebrahim in Japan last August 2011. It was followed by the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and then the CAB.

The CAB paved the way for the filing of the proposed Bangamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.

However, the BBL was further stalled in Congress after the infamous Mamasapano botched operation, which left more than 60 people dead. The incident, which involved an alleged misencounter between government forces and the MILF, raised questions of trust and sincerity between the two parties.

READ: Congress adjourns, fails to pass BBL

Despite what happened, both negotiating panels look forward to the re-filing or re-drafting of the BBL through the next administration.

Iqbal said the CAB is already a document recognized by the international community. He said the next administration should recognize the CAB and follow through with the passage of the BBL, which will provide for a new Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chief of the Philippine government’s negotiating panel, said that while it is true that the failure to pass the BBL on time has made the people in Mindanao feel frustrated, the two parties cannot just give up.

She said a lot has been gained since the breakdown of talks in 2008 and the successful signing of agreements with the MILF.

She added there would still be a war in Mindanao if the government and the MILF did not push through with the peace process.

“Ngayon meron na naman tayong aberya pero dapat lamang ipagpatuloy nating muli. Wag tayong umatras. Umabante tayo. Wag tayong magpadala sa galit, sa awa sa sarili o sa frustration,” she explained.(Now we are facing new challenges but we should continue. Let us not back down. Let us go forward. We should not let ourselves be affected by anger or frustration.)

Coronel-Ferrer said that the peace process with the MILF has been through many administration changes.

“The most important thing is there is that commitment, there is a constituency that will push for it, will see it through,” she said, adding that it is worth it even if it will take longer.

“One administration to another can bring about changes in policy. But the point is you don’t just drop everything. You continue what you have achieved. You push from there,” she said.

In a separate interview, Iqbal said: “We will insist also that it will begin from where it started.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/776460/milf-admits-frustration-amid-bangsamoro-agreements-2nd-anniv#ixzz44BOpQMoT

Only 3 options for MILF after BBL non-passage, says Iqbal

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): Only 3 options for MILF after BBL non-passage, says Iqbal

To give up and fight, to not do anything or to continue to pursue peace.

These are the only options for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after Congress failed to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will implement that group’s peace agreement with the Philippine government.

“Nowadays, one can be easily swayed by emotions, rhetoric and agitations. There are calls for war, as well as the passive acceptance of this fate of the BBL by some sectors,” MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal said on Monday during the second anniversary celebration of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signing.
 READ: MILF admits frustration amid Bangsamoro agreement’s 2nd anniv

Iqbal, during his speech at Notre Dame University here, said “it is a worrying situation.”

“There are actually only three options left for the MILF and the Bangsamoro: one is to do away with the peace process and revert to armed struggle; or to pursue further the peace process, the BBL especially; or not to do anything at all,” he explained.

He said the MILF will not go to war or accept the fate of the BBL.

READ: Failure to pass BBL not a reason to stop Bangsamoro agreement celebration

“We are more determined to assert the full, unconditional implementation of the CAB, especially the enactment of the BBL,” he said.

Iqbal called the CAB a “summation of all [their] aspirations and emotions.”

He said, however, that the CAB is “not spared from mockery and opposition.”

“There are those who see no need, meaning and wisdom over this commemorative event. For them, the non-passage of BBL totally diminishes the value of the CAB,” he said.

Iqbal said the Filipino people should not take the CAB fo granted, although the BBL was supposed to provide for the implementation of many of its provisions.

“The CAB is very much alive. Even though we suffer the setback in the BBL, it is not the end of the road,” he noted.

During his speech, Iqbal blamed the groups that blocked the passage of BBL in Congress.

“They all ganged up together and worked their way triumphantly. Who are they? They are those who are insatiable with wealth and power, and those still enslaved by religious bigotry,” he said.

Iqbal called on to the presidential and senatorial candidates in the upcoming May national elections to “take their unequivocal stand on the CAB and the BBL.”

“You will surely inherit this political problem. We urge all of you to clarify to us the policy that your administration will pursue vis-à-vis the CAB and the BBL. The Bangsamoro votes may pale in comparison to the votes of Christians, but even a single vote can make a difference,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/776499/only-3-options-for-milf-after-bbl-non-passage-says-iqbal

4 Marines injured during bomb detonation in Basilan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 28): 4 Marines injured during bomb detonation in Basilan
Four Philippine Marine soldiers suffered injuries during a bomb detonation in Ungkaya Pukan town in Basilan on Monday morning.

Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, deputy commander of Task Force Zambasulta, said members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 (MBLT11) had recovered the bomb that was planted along the Basilan Circumferential Road in Ungkaya Pukan town.

After detonating the bomb, a secondary blast occurred, injuring four soldiers.

The wounded were identified as S sgt. Marcian Lustre, Sgt. Reynaldo Quiroben, Sgt. Randy Plandano and Private First Class Arnel Tanyag.

Tejares said four more explosives were recovered and successfully detonated.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/776556/4-marines-injured-during-bomb-detonation-in-basilan

Next president: No choice but to pursue peace with MILF

From Rappler (Mar 28): Next president: No choice but to pursue peace with MILF

Despite obstacles, peace panels from the Philippine government and the MILF say there's reason to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the peace deal with the MILF



CELEBRATING PEACE. Various groups attend the 2nd anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in Cotabato City. Photo by Jodesz Gavilan/Rappler

The next administration has no choice but to pursue the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the government’s chief peace negotiator said Monday, March 28, as various sectors celebrated the 2nd anniversary of the historic signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL) that was supposed to implement key provisions of the CAB has not been passed and the chances of it getting approved before the current administration ends its term in June is remote.

"Walang choice ang next administration kundi ipagpatuloy ito," said government peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the sidelines of the anniversary celebration at the Notre Dame University here. "Sa dami ng problema ng bansa, bakit pa hahayaan na magkagulo ulit?"

(The next administration has no choice but to continue this. With all the problems the country is currently facing, why would anyone still want violence?)

"We've been through a lot of changes in administration," Ferrer pointed out. "But what matters is that the commitment is there."

Ferrer added that the peace panel will continue with their timeline despite the significant delay in the approval of the proposed law.

"Hindi binubura ng isang kabiguan ang ilang dekada nang paguusap," she emphasized. "Hindi naman dapat na ating talikuran ang lahat na naitayo, naigawa, at natulungan." (One mistake doesn't erase decades of negotiations. It is not right that we abandon all that we've built, done, and helped.)

Challenge to candidates

Noting that they will “surely inherit this political problem,” MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal challenged the 5 presidential candidates to make a clear stand on the peace agreement and the BBL.

"We still look forward that the next president will continue what we've so far accomplished and eventually pass the BBL,” Iqbal told reporters. "We urge all of you to to clarify to us the policy that your administration will pursue vis-a-vis the CAN and the BBL."

All presidential candidates – Jejomar Binay, Rodrigo Duterte, Grace Poe, Manuel Roxas II and Miriam Defensor-Santiago – have declared they're for keeping the peace in Mindanao.

But they vary in approaches to it. Binay said the proposed BBL needs to be tweaked, while Duterte said the more sustainable path to peace is to expand the bill and change the form of government to federalism. Poe stressed she wanted "transparent, inclusive and sustainable" peace talks," while Roxas promised to ensure the passage of BBL. Santiago voted against the BBL in the Senate, saying it's unconstitutional.

The CAB is the basis of the proposed BBL which also outlines mechanisms and interventions needed to ensure sustainable peace in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The law's approval hit a snag after the Mamasapano clash between government forces and Moro rebels last year, which killed at least 65 people.

Iqbal said "vested interest groups" in Congress caused the "defeat" of the BBL.

"They all ganged up together and worked their way triumphantly," he said. "Who are they? They are those who are insatiable with wealth and power and those still enslaved by religious bigotry."

The mood was festive as different stakeholders from various sectors not just in Mindanao but from other parts of the country gathered to commemorate the anniversary.

But Iqbal acknowledged the frustration on the ground, adding, "we can't really blame them."

"Without the BBL, CAB can never become the solution to the Bangsamoro problem," he said. "But it is the summation of our aspirations and emotions. Now that our legitimate grievances and aspirations have already been recognized by not just the Philippine government but also by nations of the world, do we have to stop in our struggle just because the moment is not favorable to us? No."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/127325-next-president-peace-milf

AFP: NPA rebel’s strength dwindles in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): AFP: NPA rebel’s strength dwindles in Zamboanga

The military is winning the war against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CNN) in this province and in the two nearby Zamboanga provinces.

This was announced by Col. Jesus Manangquil Jr., Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade commander, citing the CNN has already lost mass based supports in this province and in the nearby provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

The NPA rebels operating in the three Zamboanga provinces are under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), which is headed by a certain Ka Bamban.

Manangquil said the strength of the WMRPC has declined to less than 100 armed members this year unlike in previous years they have more than 1,000 followers.

Manangquil said the Bayanihan Outreach Program of the province government is also of big help to the campaign against the NPA rebels aside from the continued military offensive.

“Malaking effect sa kanila (NPAs) dahil nawala ang mass-based support ng mga tao. Marami na sa kanila ang sumuko,” he said, citing the NPA rebels are always on the run evading the military troops.

He said this is also the reason why the NPA rebels could not even launch tactical attacks despite orders from the higher echelon of the CNN.

Manangquil’s headquarters is located in Barangay del Pilar in the nearby town of Piñan, this province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870666

Regional security heightens as NPA celebrates 47th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): Regional security heightens as NPA celebrates 47th anniversary

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City -- The regional police command has beef its security forces as the communist New People’s Army (NPA) observed its 47th founding anniversary Monday.

The regional police is closely watching Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental provinces where the strong NPA presence has been observed, Pol. Supt. Surki Sereñas said.

Sereñas, the police regional spokesperson, said that the police has established a round-the-clock checkpoint and beefed the village intelligence network in the region.

The police in Northern Mindanao have been on full alert status since the start of the election period, but with the NPA’s founding anniversary, the police are sharing the information on the ground with the military for assessment.

He said that while the police have not yet received any report of any possible attacks by the Maoist insurgents, there is no substitute to be vigilant.

Sereñas also warned the public to be wary of passing around text messages from unknown sources about bomb threats that might induce fear or panic.

Founded by Bernabe Buscayno on March 29, 1969, the NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

In the past few months, the NPA has carried out attacks against government soldiers and armed paramilitary groups in various parts of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, and even admitted responsibility for the burning of properties owned by private corporations in Bukidnon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870724

GPH peace panel chair calls for end of violence amid NPA’s 47th founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): GPH peace panel chair calls for end of violence amid NPA’s 47th founding anniversary

The Philippine government (GPH) chief negotiator for the talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) on Monday called for the communist rebels to put an end to the armed hostilities ahead of the 47th founding anniversary of NPA.

In a statement, GPH peace panel chair Alexander Padilla said that the NPA had escalated its campaign of violence during its founding anniversary in order to validate their presence as a force to be reckoned with.

The NPA will celebrate their 47th founding anniversary on Tuesday, March 29.

Padilla urged the communist rebels to consider abandoning the armed struggle.

“We invite the NPA and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines, to heed the call of the Filipino people to end its violent struggle against the government and discuss the issues that divide us in sincere, honest and peaceful dialogue,” said Padilla.

“There is no issue that cannot be resolved between well-meaning Filipinos who are determined to secure a better life for all our people,” he added.

Padilla said these violent operations perpetrated by the NPA were “totally out of tune” with the Filipinos’ desire to live in peace, noting that the Lenten week had just transpired and the campaign period for the May polls had further intensified.

“Our people deserve their right to fair, free and peaceful elections, but this is not possible under the regime of arson, extortion, and murder imposed by the NPA in the countrysides,” said the chief peace negotiator.

Padilla also noted that the CPP/NPA, the only remaining communist insurgency in Asia, has become part of the problem despite their assertions to resolve the ills of society.

“We therefore invite our armed brethren to be part of the restoration of democracy that we regained in 1986 via a peaceful struggle against an entrenched dictatorship. Just imagine what we, the Filipino people, united in our desire for peaceful change, can accomplish if we work on our issues jointly and creatively together, in peace,” said Padilla.

The NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, was founded on March 29, 1969, with Bernabe Buscayno, alias "Ka Dante," as its first leader.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870793

PHL units involved in 'Balikatan' to conduct 'CPX' exercises Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 27): PHL units involved in 'Balikatan' to conduct 'CPX' exercises Monday

Filipino military units, deployed for this year's 'Balikatan' exercises, will start their "command post exercises" (CPX) Monday.

This was disclosed by "Balikatan" spokesperson Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson on Sunday.

He added that the activity is one of the pre-'Balikatan' maneuvers which will last for one week.

"CPX" involves placing all commanding officers of Philippine units earnmarked for the annual wargames will be place in one room and made to response to stimulated scenarios which include a sudden movement of the West Valley Fault which triggered a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that severely impacted Metro Manila.

Sayson said this stimulated exercises will teach Filipino commanders on how to properly react during a crisis, exercise their command-and-control mechanisms, and how to coordinate their response with Malacanang and the National Security Council and allied nations like the US.

Units involved in the earthquake scenario includes those of the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command and Lucena-headquartered Southern Luzon Command.

"Balikatan 2016" is scheduled to start this April 4 and will end on April 15.

An estimated 3,773 Filipino soldiers and 4,904 US troops will participate in the two-week military maneuvers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870417

US forces also monitoring PHL 'CPXs'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): US forces also monitoring PHL 'CPXs'

While Filipino units, involved in this year's 'Balikatan' exercises, are now conducting their disaster response "CPXs" in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, their US counterparts are also doing their exercises to help Philippine forces effectively deal with the event.

"CPXs" is short for command post exercises. "Balikatan" spokesperson Capt. Celeste Frank Sayson said Armed Forces of the Philippines units will start their planning Monday and this will last the entire week.

While American units will conduct their version of the CPXs in Hawaii where their Pacific Command is based.

US forces and their equipment are expected to start arriving Monday until April 1. Their destinations are not giving for security reasons.

"While we are doing our unilateral defense planning (the CPX), the US is doing its own table top exercise on how to help the Philippines deal with (the simulated) crisis. Their battle staff is also monitoring and seeing our (simulated) response, giving them an idea on what is lacking and what support they can give us," Sayson said in Filipino.

The country's "CPX" involves placing all commanding officers of Philippine units earnmarked for the annual wargames will be place in one room and made to response to stimulated scenarios which include a sudden movement of the West Valley Fault which triggered a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that severely impacted Metro Manila.

Sayson said this stimulated exercises will teach Filipino commanders on how to properly react during a crisis, exercise their command-and-control mechanisms, and how to coordinate their response with Malacanang, the National Security Council and allied nations like the US.

Units involved in the earthquake scenario includes those of the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command and Lucena-headquartered Southern Luzon Command.

"Balikatan 2016" is scheduled to start this April 4 and will end on April 15.

An estimated 3, 773 Filipino soldiers and 4,904 US troops will participate in the two-week military maneuvers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870492

8th ID to conduct 3 series of AFPSAT in Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): 8th ID to conduct 3 series of AFPSAT in Eastern Visayas

In line with its efforts to hire quality people to fill its ranks, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division announced that it will be conducting three batches of AFP Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) Examinations from Tuesday to Friday in the Eastern Visayas.

The examination will be facilitated by representatives from the Philippine Army Mobile and Testing Team of the Army Personnel Management Center stationed at Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The first examination will be on Tuesday at Headquarters 803rd Infantry (Peace Maker) Brigade, Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar, the second will be on Wednesday and Thursday at Samar State University, Mercedez Campus, Catbalogan City and the third on Friday at Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City.

The following are the qualifications:

1) For Officer Candidate Course (OCC):

a. Holder of baccalaureate degree.

b. Natural born Filipino.

c. 21 to 29 years of age upon admission (no age waiver).

d. Single and never been married; never borne or sired a child.

e. Height of not less than 5’0 ft (152 cm) for both male and female but not more than 6’4” (193.04 cm).

f. Of good moral character.

g. Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit for active military service (P-1 profile).

2) For Officer Preparatory Course (OPC):

a. Holder of baccalaureate degree.

b. Inactive Commissioned Reserve Officer who were commissioned in the PA under Circular 4 Groups I and II.

c. Must not be over 31 years old on the date of Called to Active Duty (CAD).

d. Physically, mentally and psychologically fit for active military service (P1 profile).

e. Height of not less than 5’0 ft (152 cm) for both male and female but not more than 6’4” (193.04 cm).

f. Of good moral character.

3) For Candidate Soldier Course (CSC):

a. Natural born Filipino citizen.

b. At least 18 to 26 years old and must not be 27 years old or older on or before the date of appointment as candidate soldier. (no age waiver)

c. At least High School Graduate, but possessing technical/vocational skills needed by the AFP.

d. Single and never been married; never borne or sired a child.

e. At least 5’0” ft or 60 inches in height. (No height waiver).

f. Of good moral character.

g. Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit for military training.

Examinees must bring along with them the following original documents during the examination: NSO Live Birth Certificate; Transcript of Records or College Diploma; ballpen; pencil # 2. Examinees should wear white T- shirt, pants, and rubber shoes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870582

Rebel killed in Agusan Del Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): Rebel killed in Agusan Del Norte clash

A New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed during an encounter with troopers of the 401st Infantry Brigade in Jabonga town, Agusan Del Norte Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the clash took place 3:30 p.m. at Barangay Bangonay.

No losses were incurred by the 401st Infantry Brigade.

Government troops recovered an AK-47 automatic rifle in the encounter site.

The fighting stemmed ongoing pursuit operations against the NPAs who were earlier encountered in the outskirts of Jabonga and Kitcharao towns.

Major Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, 4th Infantry Division commander, lauded the troops who have been very successful in tracking down the NPA remnants’ location.

“I congratulate our gallant soldiers who fought bravely and are fully motivated in accomplishing their mission. I also thank the concerned civilians who are giving timely and relevant information about the NPA’s location and activities," he added.

The body of the slain NPA was immediately turned over to the local officials and PNP for identification and burial.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870598

PN formally receives 3 Aussie LCHs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): PN formally receives 3 Aussie LCHs

The last three LCHs (landing craft heavies), out of the five pledged by the Australian Government to the Philippines, have finally arrived in Liloan, Cebu City last March 26.

This was announced by Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in an interview Monday.

The ships were transported aboard a cargo vessel of the NTG Shipping. Two of the LCHs were picked up in Darwin and another one in Cairns, Australia.

The LCHs were off-loaded in Liloan, Cebu 10: 30 a.m. last March 26.

Lincuna said the vessels will be moved from Cebu to the PN shipyard in Sangley Point, Cavite by mid-May, in time for the Navy's 118th founding anniversary.

The LCHs are former ships of the Royal Australian Navy and identified as the HMAS Balikpapan (L-126), HMAS Wewak (L-130) and HMAS Betano (L-133).

The three are sisters to BRP Ivatan (formerly HMAS Tarakan) and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Brunei) which were commissioned into PN service last August 10, 2015.

The first two LCHs were donated by the Australian Government to the Philippines in November 2014.

The three were sold for the "friendship price "of PHP270 million.

"With their capability of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment, these vessels will bolster the PN's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR). They will also be useful in transporting troops from one operational area to another especially during amphibious operations," Lincuna stressed.

Correspondingly, the PN initiated necessary preparations and other training activities last year to ensure the competent crewing of these ships which will be validated once they assume their posts.

The operational readiness training is deemed to be dynamic and adaptable to changes. At present, more or less 30 PN personnel are assigned aboardship while the vessel will undergo minor repairs and refurbishment, including the fitting of .50 caliber machine guns as defensive weaponry.

"The acquisition of additional capabilities of our Navy further translates into offering better service to our maritime nation as we continue to protect our country, step up commitment for HADR and our continuing pledge to provide assistance to our Filipino people in all corners of the archipelago. These new assets are manifestations of our Navy’s optimum readiness to perform its tasks and the ability to adapt vis-a-vis the emergent operating environment," he added.

LCHs are an extremely versatile vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

A very shallow draft (two meters) allows these ships to deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during HADR missions.

It is an all-welded twin-screw vessel, able to trans-ship cargo and supplies from ships lying offshore to water terminals or across the beach.

Maximum cargo load is governed by the load-fuel balance and varies between 140 and 180 tons.

A typical load of 175 ton gives the LCHs a range of 1,300 nautical miles, increasing to 2,280 nautical miles for a load of 150 tons.

Up to five shipping containers with HADR supplies and equipment can also be embarked.

LCHs have a draft of two meters, length of 44.5 meters, beam of 10.1 meters and displacement of 364 tons.

It has a speed to 10 to 13 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles and a crew of 15.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870627

3 Panay communities to benefit from 'Balikatan' activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): 3 Panay communities to benefit from 'Balikatan' activities

Three communities in Panay will benefit for this year’s Philippines-United States "Balikatan" joint exercise which will be held from April 4 to 16.

This year's maneuvers will focus on a variety of missions which includes humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement and environmental protection.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division together with its counterpart from the US Armed Forces (USAF) will conduct humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) projects that include engineering civic action program (ENCAP) and cooperative health engagement (CHE) activities in three sites namely: Barangay Jaena Norte in Jamindan, Capiz, Barangay San Nicolas in Tapaz, Capiz and Barangay Matangharon in Dingle, Iloilo.

Engineers from the AFP and USAF will begin preliminary work on three different elementary school buildings at the three ENCAP sites on March 29; while military medical personnel of both countries will conduct medical first aid training also at the three sites with the contribution of local community-based health workers as part of the CHE activities in the coming days.

Other “Balikatan” 2016 HCA events within the area of 3rd Infantry Division include basic first responder, disaster mental health, hygiene, and nutrition training in the Municipality of Jamindan, Capiz, civil-military operations exchange training at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, home of 3rd Infantry Division, and a series of structural assessment for airports and seaports in the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, Antique and Iloilo.

Meanwhile, in the vicinity of the province of Antique, the implementation of a joint rapid-reaction force will be done on April 11-14 as part of the distributed operations, demonstrating the partnered capability in rapid response.

Primarily, the purpose of the activities is to enhance techniques, tactics and procedures as a critical part of inter-operability as well as readiness and cooperation of both countries, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

This year’s “Balikatan” is the 32nd of its series and the second in Panay.

It will formally start on April 4 with an opening ceremony at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

Closing ceremony will take place at Matangharon Elementary School in Dingle, Iloilo on April 16.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870636

Roxas affirms commitment to peace and progress for Muslim Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): Roxas affirms commitment to peace and progress for Muslim Mindanao

Daang Matuwid standard bearer Mar Roxas on Monday affirmed his commitment to the Muslim community in the Philippines as he visited the Manila Grand Mosque in Manila.

In his speech, Roxas cited the gains accomplished in the Mindanao region under Daang Matuwid.

He said that data showed that PHP260 billion worth of infrastructure projects have been provided in Mindanao for the past five years – twice more than the terms of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada combined at PHP125 billion.

“This is part of Daang Matuwid's pursuit for peace in the region, which should continue alongside the strengthening of local economies. Progress without peace is impossible; but so is peace without progress. Kaya sabay-sabay ‘yan. Ang progreso, ang imprastraktura, ang tulong, ang serbisyo, katapat nun ay ‘yung kapayapaan. ‘Yan ang hinahanap natin sa Ka-Mindanaoan," Roxas said.

He vowed to continue the pursuit for peace in the region in order to have a solid basis for progress in Mindanao and said that he would push for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) under his administration.

"I would also push for broader consultations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," he said.

"Patuloy tayong mag-uusap, patuloy tayong magmi-meeting, patuloy nating hahanapin ang kapayapaan, susulong tayo ng panibagong bill sa kongreso. Hindi naman pwede na hayaan na lang nating magpatuloy ang digmaan, ang hidwaan, ang putukan, ang mayat-maya’t bombahan sa Ka-Mindanaoan," Roxas said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870685

Statement of GPH Peace Negotiating Panel Chair Alexander A. Padilla on the New People’s Army’s escalation of violence for its 47th anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 28): Statement of GPH Peace Negotiating Panel Chair Alexander A. Padilla on the New People’s Army’s escalation of violence for its 47th anniversary

In the run-up to the 47th anniversary of the founding of the New People’s Army, the NPA has escalated its campaign of violence, as if to remind the Filipino people that they are still a force to be reckoned with, capable of inflicting harm on their perceived enemies — that is, any person or entity that refuses to pay what they call ‘revolutionary’ and ‘permit to campaign’ taxes, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

The violence perpetrated by the NPA is totally out of tune with the desire of the Filipino people to live in peace. We have just come out of the Holy Week with its message of peace and redemption for all human kind. And we are entering the intensity of the campaign period for the next leaders of the country who will be elected in May.

Our people deserve their right to fair, free and peaceful elections, but this is not possible under the regime of arson, extortion, and murder imposed by the NPA in the country sides.

We invite the NPA and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines, to heed the call of the Filipino people to end its violent struggle against the government and discuss the issues that divide us in sincere, honest and peaceful dialogue. There is no issue that cannot be resolved between well-meaning Filipinos who are determined to secure a better life for all our people.

After 47 years of armed struggle, the CPP/NPA must realize that, in spite of their avowed intentions to resolve the ills of society, their bloody rebellion has become part of the problem.

We therefore invite our armed brethren to be part of the restoration of democracy that we regained in 1986 via a peaceful struggle against an entrenched dictatorship. Just imagine what we, the Filipino people, united in our desire for peaceful change, can accomplish if we work on our issues jointly and creatively together, in peace.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870721