AFP: Rescue of Indonesian hostages an internal matter

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 30): AFP: Rescue of Indonesian hostages an internal matter

Thanks, but no thanks.

Amid offers of the Indonesian military and police to help in the rescue of their 10 nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it was capable of doing the job by themselves.

“Per our Constitution, we do not allow military forces here without a treaty,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla.        

 

Based on news reports, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said they were ready to help in the rescue of the hostages should the Philippines ask for it.

“It’s a foreign country. If we are not allowed to enter then we cannot force it. If Manila is ready to settle it themselves, then we’ll wait, but if they need help, then we should enter,” Ryamizard was quoted as saying.

READ: Indonesian army, police ready to send forces to the Philippines

But Padilla said that “the AFP has the capability to do its mandate.”

The Abu Sayyaf is demanding a P50-million ransom for the release of the Indonesian hostages abducted in Sulu waters last Saturday.

The victims are onboard a tugboat Brahman 12 when the gunmen boarded the vessel, according to military reports.

A smaller vessel was used to tow the tugboat and was later recovered in the waters of Tawi-Tawi.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/138195/afp-rescue-of-indonesian-hostages-an-internal-matter

Hostages’ release sought

From The Star Online (Mar 31): Hostages’ release sought

JAKARTA: The government is seeking the immediate release of 10 Indonesian sailors believed to be held hostage by hard-line militant group Abu Sayyaf, as Jakarta coordinates with Manila on whether the situation should be handled by Philippine or Indonesian authorities.

The foreign ministry was alerted to the abduction of Indonesian sailors from two boats in waters near the Philippines on Monday.

Preliminary information suggests that two Indonesian-flagged vessels, Brahma 12 and Anand 12, were manned by a total of 10 crewmen and carried a combined 7,000 tons of coal. The boats are known to have departed for Batangas in South Philippines from the Puting river in South Kalimantan.

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung said that regardless of the motive, whether the alleged ransom was aimed at funding Abu Sayyaf or for economic reasons, “what is clear is that in this case, the government should not be afraid of robbers”.

Abu Sayyaf is one of the most hard-line militant groups in the Muslim south of the largely Catholic Philippines.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said she was in touch with parties on both sides, including the Philippine Depart­ment of Foreign Affairs, to secure the hostages’ release.

“Our immediate priority is the safety of all 10 Indonesians taken hostage. The company (that owns the vessels) has informed the families of the 10 crewmen,” Retno said.

She said it was uncertain when the vessels were hijacked but noted that the shipowners had been informed on Saturday after receiving a call by someone claiming to be part of a group led by Abu Sayyaf.

National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti confirmed that Jakarta and Manila were coordina­ting to decide which side would handle the hostage release and to ascertain whether the captors were indeed linked to Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine military spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla earlier said the military had received initial information on the missing crewmen from a foreign vessel in the Zambasulta area, adding that authorities were still in the process of validating that information.

Retno said the tugboat Brahma 12 had been released and reclaimed by Philippine authorities, while the whereabouts of the other vessel and all 10 crewmen were unknown.

The abductors had called the shipowners twice to demand a ransom, she added. — The Jakarta Post/ Asia News Network

http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2016/03/31/hostages-release-sought-indonesia-philippines-in-talks-on-freeing-10-sailors-held-by-militants/

TNI in touch with Philippines over hostage crisis

From the Jakarta Post (Mar 31): TNI in touch with Philippines over hostage crisis

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has communicated with its Philippine counterpart to collect information on the militant group that is holding 10 Indonesian sailors hostage.

Two Indonesian-flagged vessels, Brahma 12 and Anand 12, which were manned by a total of 10 crewmen and carrying a combined 7,000 tons of coal, were hijacked by members of hard-line Islamist group Abu Sayyaf in Philippine waters near Borneo Island.

The boats departed for Batangas in South Philippines from the Puting river in South Kalimantan.

The company that owns the boats, Patria Maritime Lines, is still trying to negotiate the release of the crew from the captors, who have asked for a ransom of 50 million pesos (US$1.08 million) and set a five-day deadline for payment, beginning on March 26.

Earlier reports suggested the hostages had been taken to the Philippines’ province of Sulu.

TNI chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said on Wednesday that the militant group consisted of several factions, and his recent communication with Philippine military chief Hernando Irebarri was focused on finding out which faction had abducted the sailors.

Gatot said his office had not decided whether launch a joint military operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to search for the hostages, adding that information about the faction responsible would determine their response.

 “We will provide whatever assistance [the AFP] needs. We are waiting for information from the Philippine military and will exchange [useful] information [to help it locate the group] ,” Gatot told journalists at the TNI headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.

He dismissed reports that the TNI has been building up its forces in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, following the kidnapping.

“Since it is inside Philippine’s territory, it is the Philippine Navy that has the authority to conduct a rescue operation,” he said.

Gatot also said the military would not take any action before it received news from the Foreign Ministry, which is leading negotiations with the hijackers.

Ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir has previously said the ministry was unable to give comment, including providing information about possible means to rescue the hostages.

Due to the sensitivity of the issue, he added, any misleading information might put the lives of the men at stake.

Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, the Foreign Ministry’s director for the protection of Indonesian nationals and entities abroad, said the Indonesian government had consulted with all relevant parties in order to step up its efforts to release the hostages.

Charlos Barahama and Sofitje Salemwuring, the parents of boat captain, Peter Tonsen Barahama, publicly expressed their worries after learning that their son was captured by the terrorist group, which has pledged allegiance with the Islamic State (IS) movement in Syria.

“We are sure Peter will be freed soon. All things happen under God’s watch and God must help release him,” Charlos said.

Badrus Sholeh, an international relations expert from Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University said Manila should open the door for other countries to become involved in handling the release operation.

“Given the fact that Abu Sayyaf has pledged alliance to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the abduction is not Manila’s domestic problem anymore,” he said. 

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/03/31/tni-touch-with-philippines-over-hostage-crisis.html

PHOTOS | US military vehicles, gear arrive at Subic for Balikatan 2016

From InterAksyon (Mar 28): PHOTOS | US military vehicles, gear arrive at Subic for Balikatan 2016



Some of the US military's vehicles as they arrive at Subic, the free port that used to host America's largest naval base outside the mainland. RANDY V. DATU, INTERAKSYON.COM

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – A big number of US military vehicles and heavy equipment arrived at the Subic Bay International Airport Monday, reportedly for use in the forthcoming annual joint Philippine-US military exercises “Balikatan 2016.”

Robert Chester, director of Liberty Call Logix Corporation, said the military cargo "will be used in the coming Balikatan joint military exercise between the United States and the Philippines scheduled from March 18 to April 22 this year.” Liberty Call Logix is a Subic-based one-stop-shop for land, sea and air services coordinating the arrival of the US military cargo.
Among the cargo were: Humvee vehicles, trucks, jeeps, back hoes and bulldozers.

Chester added that part of the cargo will be used for humanitarian and disaster relief assistance as well as community projects.

He declined to comment if some of the military cargo would be distributed to the four air bases and one army camp in some parts of the country that the US had earlier identified as the sites that its troops will use as temporary bases.

These places were earlier identified as: Antonio Bautista Air Base in Puerto Princesa in Palawan; Basa Air Base in Florida Blanca, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay in Palayan Nueva Ecija; Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro; and Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu. 

US troops were allowed on Philippine soil again after the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed between the Philippines and the US in April 2014.

Its implementation was delayed because the Supreme Court reviewed several petitions questioning the constitutionality of the executive agreement, which they said is really a treaty that requires ratification by the Philippine Senate.

In January this year, the high court ruled the agreement to be constitutional.
SEE BELOW PHOTOS BY RANDY V. DATU OF THE U.S. MILITARY VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT THAT HAVE ARRIVED IN SUBIC:













http://interaksyon.com/article/125729/photos--us-military-vehicles-gear-arrive-at-subic-for-balikatan-2016

Of Regional Terrorism Interest: Islamic State Plans to Turn Poso Into Southeast Asia Terror Stronghold: Police

From the Jakarta Globe (Mar 30): Islamic State Plans to Turn Poso Into Southeast Asia Terror Stronghold: Police

Jakarta. The Islamic State terror group plans to transform the restive area of Poso in Central Sulawesi into one of its strongholds in Southeast Asia, police said on Monday (28/03).

National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Anton Charliyan said officers have found documents, linked to the global terror group, detailing plans to make Poso more like Mindanao in the Southern Philippines. Mindanao is the stronghold of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which used that region as a fertile recruitment and training ground for terrorist cells across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

"That's why we are conducting a massive operation [in Poso]. We managed to get that document. Don't let Poso become like Mindanao," Anton told reporters at the National Police headquarters in Jakarta on Monday, as reported by Detikcom.

Poso is well known as the home of Indonesia's most-wanted terrorism fugitive Santoso, the leader of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT), who has pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State.

Santoso's group has been running a terrorism training camp, attracting militants from far-flung areas such as China's Xinjiang province, home to that country's Uighur Muslim minority.

Last week, the United States blacklisted Santoso as a "specially designated global terrorist," following his part in backing the Islamic State movement. Any US assets he might possess will be frozen and US citizen are banned from having any dealings with him. This also opens the way for US law-enforcement action against him.

Around 2,500 military and police personnel are currently looking for Santoso and his group as part of Operation Tinombola 2016, which commenced in January.

http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/islamic-state-plans-turn-poso-southeast-asia-terror-stronghold-police/

2 army officers nabbed in illegal drug buy bust

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): 2 army officers nabbed in illegal drug buy bust
  

Two military officers and a woman were arrested Tuesday evening during an anti-illegal drug raid operation here, the police said Wednesday.

Pol. Supt. Danildo Tumanda, the city’s deputy police director, identified the suspects as Corporals Marvin Mondela and Michael Cinco. The woman was identified as Roili Mae Flores, the alleged girlfriend of Mondela.

 

 

Tumanda said that the suspects were collared during an anti-illegal drug raid on a house that Flores allegedly rented in Patag village here.

He said that the house, owned by a certain “Escala,” was placed under surveillance for several months after residents complained about reports of a “pot session,” which often took place in the house.

During the initial investigation, Flores, who had just been released from jail last month for drug using, reportedly confessed that Mondela was present during the raid to count the money earned from drug pushing.

“The police already handcuffed Mondela inside the house when Corporal Cinco texted to buy drugs,” Flores said. She said she handed over a sachet of shabu to Cinco which led to his arrest.

Tumanda admitted that drug pushing is rampant in the area which caused to high incidents of theft and other crimes.

Capt. Joe Patrick Marinez, the spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said that the two soldiers have already been discharged after having been declared on absence without official leave (AWOL).

“Mondela, a member of the 36th Infantry Battalion assigned in Surigao, was discharged from service in 2008 due to AWOL after being involved in womanizing, drinking and gambling,” Martinez said.

He said that Cinco, is a member of the 3rd Field Artillery Battalion assigned in the Visayas, is not under the jurisdiction of the 4ID.

Tumanda said that the raiding team seized from the suspects, two sachets of methamphetamine hydrochloride, or shabu and various drug paraphernalia, including a cal. 22 Magnum revolver.

He said that the City police has forwarded the specimens to the crime laboratory, and is set to file the charges against the suspects in the City Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871471

Army camp announces recruitment of candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Army camp announces recruitment of candidate soldiers

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army (5ID, PA) based in Gamu town announces its recruitment activity for candidate soldiers.

DPAO head 2Lt. Maricel Parro said the 5ID started giving the pre-entry examinations to future soldiers last Monday, March 28, and it will end on Friday, April 1.

Lt. Parro said pre-entry exams were already conducted inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz in the town of Gamu on March 28 and yesterday (March 29), at Kalinga State University in the province of Kalinga.

On March 30, the pre-entry exam will be conducted at Cagayan State University in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan and on March 31, at 2RCDG, ARESCOM in the town of Echague.

The DPAO chief said the applicants are advised to bring the following during the pre-entry examination: valid identification card, birth certificate from NSO, college diploma (if available), transcript of records (original, if available) and pencil #2 with eraser.

The applicants are also advised to wear white T-shirt and long pants during the pre-entry examination.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871469

AFP reiterates 'no ransom policy' on abducted Indon sailors

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): AFP reiterates 'no ransom policy' on abducted Indon sailors

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday reiterated its strict compliance with the government's 'no ransom policy' while assuring the mobilization of all resources to resolve the kidnapping incident which involved 10 Indonesian sailors off the coast of Tawi-Tawi.

This was stressed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla.

"The CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff AFP, Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri) during his visit to the WMC (Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City) yesterday reiterated AFP's strict compliance to the government's 'no ransom policy'," he added.

Padilla pointed out the rationale behind the measure, noting that activities of kidnapping groups will persist if they continue to acquire ransom money from their victims.

"If we are to end kidnapping-for-ransom (KFR) activities, we must deny these groups from achieving or getting their primary motive. The AFP will take strong action to discourage and will report monitored incidents of negotiations," the military official stressed.

Regarding the identity of the kidnappers of the Indonesian sailors, Padilla said they are still to establish this with certainty.

However, Padilla said that the kidnapping of the Indonesians over the weekend could have been conducted by groups sympathetic to the ASG bandits as the latter have been hard hit by government security forces in Basilan and Jolo for the past weeks.

"We see that the mounting pressure on the targeted groups in these areas may have compelled some of their sympathetic allies to initiate diversionary tactics to ease the pressure on their besieged forces. This may indicate that our forces are correctly pursuing core groups holding key hostages held by these KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) groups," he added.

Despite this, focused military operations will continue against the bandit group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871578

Bangsamoro peace process 'stronger' despite BBL non-passage, OPAPP and MILF say

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Bangsamoro peace process 'stronger' despite BBL non-passage, OPAPP and MILF say

Both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) vowed to pursue the path of peace and continue the fight for the passage of the stalled Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during the commemoration of the second anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said much has been attained in the Bangsamoro peace process amid the setbacks posed by the non-passage of the proposed measure.

“Our faith is not misplaced: the peace process, while badly hit, remains intact; while battered, it has emerged, I daresay, even stronger,” Deles said during the CAB anniversary celebration held at the Notre Dame University gymnasium on Monday.

“We have attained much despite the setbacks and difficulties we have faced. Perhaps, most important of these achievements is the fact that we have managed to foster a felt measure of peace on the ground even as the peace process is still moving towards its conclusion,” she added.

For his part, MILF Chair Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said in a statement that it would be a big mistake to discontinue the momentum of the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly noting that the indelible CAB is still intact.

“Turning our backs on the peace process would be a mistake. After all, we have the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro intact... which is over and above the Bangsamoro Basic Law. This silver lining among the dark clouds is the legitimacy of the CAB and its binding effect to the GPH and the MILF that forged the mutually acceptable agreement two years ago,” said Murad.

The statement likewise said, “It will take patience, steadfastness and leadership on both sides to reach the ultimate goal of achieving just and lasting peace. And even if the roadmap was not met, the signed CAB would at least ensure that commitments are kept and compliance is demandable."

The event was attended by around 500 guests comprised of local and international peace actors and stakeholders, including the MILF combatants who were decommissioned in June last year.‎ Each of the ceasefire and peace mechanism bodies established under the Bangsamoro peace process umbrella were represented as well.

Both GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal were present at the event to honor and recognize those who have been instrumental to the success of the process.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871614

3rd ID in Capiz welcomes US 'Balikatan' contingent

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 31): 3rd ID in Capiz welcomes US 'Balikatan' contingent

Officers and enlisted personnel of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division formally welcomed members of the US 'Balikatan' contingent.

This took place as the group made a courtesy call to 3rd ID headquarters in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, 3rd ID assistant commander, led the welcoming committee for members of the Joint Civil-Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) United States for "Balikatan" 2016.

The unit is head by Major Alejandro Bunyag.

He and his group will be training “shoulder-to-shoulder” on humanitarian civic assistance, cooperative health engagements and civil affairs with the troops of 3rd Infantry Division under the "Balikatan" 2016 Task Force Panay.

Military engineers of both countries started working side-by-side last March 29 at Jaena Norte Elementary School in Jamindan, Capiz, San Nicolas Elementary School in Tapaz, Capiz and Matangharon Elementary school in Dingle, Iloilo under the engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) which will run until April 16.

Last March 28-29, civil-military operations (CMO) exchange training particularly on information support affairs focusing on information support design and development was conducted; while a two-day civil affairs training started last March 30 with exchanges on CMO expertise from military personnel of both countries.

From March 31-April 1, leaders of "Balikatan" team in Panay will pay a courtesy call to the governors of the provinces of Capiz, Aklan, Iloilo and Antique.

Forthcoming "Balikatan" 2016 events in Panay include Cooperative Health Engagement in the three ENCAP sites through medical first aid trainings; at Camp Peralta through tactical combat casualty care courses and in Jamindan municipality which aims to provide medical associated training and seminars on first responders, disaster mental health, hygiene and nutrition training in accordance with the needs within the respective local communities.

Meantime, an implementation of a joint rapid reaction force particularly on Combined Logistics Point (CLP) will be conducted in the vicinity of Antique on April 11 to 14 demonstrating partnered capability in rapid response that will further increase the level of readiness and effectiveness of both countries in providing relief and assistance to the local communities in the event of natural disasters and other crises.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871655

Negros Occidental governor orders beefing up of police, military forces in 7 LGUs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Negros Occidental governor orders beefing up of police, military forces in 7 LGUs

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has ordered the augmentation of police and military forces in a city and six municipalities in the province identified as having complicated situations.

The governor said these areas include Moises Padilla, La Castellana, and Isabela in the Fifth District in the south, and San Carlos City, Salvador Benedicto, Toboso, and Calatrava in the First District in the north.

He pointed out that on top of election-related situation such as threats and intimidation, these areas also have problems like illegal drugs, illegal gambling, and personal grudges among various personalities.

“Instead of just staying at their respective headquarters, the police should go out to maintain peace and order and go after lawless elements,” he added.

Marañon, who is running unopposed in his bid for a third and final term in the May 9 elections, added that before any area in the province could be declared an election watchlist area (EWA), the police and the army should take preventive measures by employing more police visibility.

During the Regional Joint Security Coordinating Center meeting held at Bacolod Pavillion Hotel Monday, the Commission on Elections, Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Army have maintained that there are no EWAs in the province.

However, four localities, including Escalante City, Toboso, Isabela and Moises Padilla, which could be considered EWAs, are being closely monitored.

Chief Superintendent Conrado Capa, director of Police Regional Office-18, said the present situation in these areas can be said as “lower than EWAs.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871494

Authorities validate all information as search for Indonesian tugboat crewmen continue

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Authorities validate all information as search for Indonesian tugboat crewmen continue

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and the police are continuously gathering information in a bid to locate the whereabouts of the 10 Indonesians reportedly seized by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) off Tawi-Tawi.

Maj. Filemon Tan, Westmincom information officer, on Wednesday said they are constantly conducting intelligence-driven focus military operations to track down the whereabouts of the Indonesians.

The Indonesians, who were crew of a Taiwanese-owned tugboat, were reportedly seized by the Abu Sayyafs while they were en route to Manila from Indonesia passing through the Tawi-Tawi waters.

“We are gathering information and we analyze it,” Tan said, citing they are working along with the police forces.

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) told the Philippines News Agency that “there is initial information they (Indonesians) were taken to Sulu, but there was no confirmation yet.”

“We are monitoring now where they are,” Hataman said, citing reports indicated the Indonesians were taken at sea and the tugboat was found near the island town of Languyan in Tawi-Tawi province.

“We are on the process of validating the facts surrounding the disappearance of the Indonesians,” Tan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871508

1 rebel killed, another one captured in Nueva Ecija encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): 1 rebel killed, another one captured in Nueva Ecija encounter

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija --A suspected rebel was killed while another one was captured in a firefight between undetermined number of suspected New People's Army (NPA) and government security forces at Sitio Kabisalan, Barangay Digdig, Carranglan town in this province on Wednesday.

Authorities have yet to identify the fatality as well as the arrested rebel.

Reports said that the encounter happened at around 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Sr. Supt. Manuel Cornel, Nueva Ecija police director, said combined forces from the Philippine Army 3rd infantry battalion, 703rd brigade and Provincial Public Safety Company were still conducting follow up operations as of press time.

Reports said the Philippine Army conducted the operation upon receiving report on the presence of rebels in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871554

DND, AgustaWestland ink 2 ASW helicopter contract

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): DND, AgustaWestland ink 2 ASW helicopter contract

The Department of National Defense (DND) and Anglo-Italian aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland formally signed the contract for the Navy's first two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters Tuesday.

The signing took place at the DND main building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Department of National Defense (DND) undersecretary for finance, munition, materiel and modernization Fernando Manalo confirmed the signing of the deal in a message to the PNA Wednesday.

DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed the contract for the Philippine side while AgustaWestland senior vice president for sales and strategic sourcing Stefano Bortoli inked in behalf of the aircraft manufacturer.

Manalo said AgustaWestland will supply two of its brand-new AW-159 "Wildcat" for the DND's ASW program.

The contract is worth PHP5.360 billion or lower that the stated PHP5.4 billion.

The ASW helicopters will be deployed aboard the two missile-firing frigates being acquired by the DND for the Navy.

Projected delivery of the first helicopter will take place within a year's time, Manalo said.

AgustaWestland was selected by the DND as the possible supplier of its two ASW helicopters late in 2015.

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.

It is ordered for the British Army and the United Kingdom's Royal Navy.

It has a crew of two, has a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel)

The AW-159 is fitted with forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintle mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth charges.

The ASW helicopter project is one of the seven military modernization projects which President Benigno S. Aquino III has given DND the green-light to go into a "multi-year contract" in November 2015.

Projects placed under the "multi-year contract" include the two missile-armed frigates, eight amphibious assault vehicles, two long-range patrol aircraft, six close-air support aircraft, munition for the brand-new FA-50PH jet fighters and surveillance radars.

Payment from the seven projects will run from 2015 to 2018.

Granting of the "multi-year contract" will allow to pursue the military modernization program beyond Aquino's term, he added.

Total value of the seven projects is about PHP44 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871423

PHL now moving towards minimum credible deterrence with signing of ASW helicopter contract

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): PHL now moving towards minimum credible deterrence with signing of ASW helicopter contract
 

With the signing of the signing of the PHP5.360 billion contract for two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters with AgustaWestland Tuesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now on its way towards attaining a minimum credible deterrence posture.

“After more than four decades of aspiring to improve its capability, our Navy has found optimism in this anticipated acquisition of a new state of the art equipment and weaponry to address the requirements of anti sub-surface naval operations," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said.

The latter signed the contract with AgustaWestland Limited senior vice president for sales and strategic sources Stefano Bortoli on Tuesday at the DND main building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

To be supplied are two AW-159 "Wildcat" ASW helicopters.

AgustaWestland Limited emerged as the single calculated bidder during the project’s rebidding held in November 2014, with a bid proposal of PHP5,362,762,748.56.

The approved budget for the contract was PHP5,405,000,000.

After a series of workshops for the crafting of the final revised technical specification and the conduct of the post-qualification inspection, the DND approved and issued the notice of award, which was duly conformed by the supplier on March 22.

“With the eventual availability and utilization of these new air assets, our navy can conduct naval operations with a high degree of confidence and reliability,” Gazmin said.

The two anti-submarine helicopters are scheduled to be delivered 900 days after the signing of the notice to proceed which is expected in a few days time.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871443