DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Apr 20): NEW LIFE | 23 former NPAs receive Financial Assistance
PUERTO PRINSESA, Palawan (DWDD) – The Provincial Government of Palawan together with the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office and the AFP Western Command (WESCOM) provided financial assistance to twenty-three (23) former rebels through the “Local Social Integration Program”.
Each former rebel received a total of P25,000 worth of financial assistance to help them start a new and peaceful life together with their loved ones. The financial aid was personally handed by Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez.
The AFP Western Command and the Provincial Government has been relentless in its effort to convince the remaining rebels in the province to return to the fold-of-the-law and regain a peaceful and meaningful life. The community is always ready to receive our misguided brothers and sisters and is ready to provide them with all necessary livelihood and financial assistance. WESCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/04/20/new-life-23-former-npas-receive-financial-assistance/
Friday, April 20, 2018
AMLC seizes P52 million in Maute loot
From GMA News (Apr 19): AMLC seizes P52 million in Maute loot
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has seized at least P52 million in hot money recovered by military forces from the ISIS-inspired Maute group during the siege of Marawi City.
In the executive summary of AMLC's 2017 audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the AMLC issued "a freeze order on all the bank accounts and other assets owned and controlled by the Maute Group including P52 million in funds recovered by Philippine troops from a Maute/Abu Sayyaf-controlled area."
COA said AMLC financial investigators also have an ongoing inquiry into bank accounts linked to the terror group.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said troops recovered the money from a house once held by the terrorists during their five-month long siege of the Lanao del Sur capital, but added that they may have hidden more funds elsewhere.
"P52 million lang nakuha sa isang house. We suspected the Maute looted many more but we could not find them," Lorenzana said in a text message.
He added that someone had claimed to be the owner of the money, but the Department of National Defense issued no certification upon the request of AMLC due to uncertainty about the individual's claim.
The money is currently in the custody of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas pending forfeiture proceedings, according to Lorenzana.
The Defense chief said he is unaware of the total worth in the Maute bank accounts frozen by the AMLC.
The same COA report said that the council also boasts P8.2 billion in criminal proceeds frozen and forfeited since 2001. The amount is P901 million higher than the P7.3 billion total reported in 2016.
Out of the total, the AMLC recorded a P34-million increase in forfeited funds from P877.9 million in 2016 to P911.9 million in 2017, P19 million of which awaits execution.
Those pending civil forfeiture and freeze orders reached P5 billion in 2017, up from P4.2 billion in the previous year.
Almost P99 million, meanwhile, was returned by AMLC to victims of fraud or investors whose accounts were frozen. This brings the total amount of returned funds to P1.7 billion.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act created the AMLC to serve as the country's financial intelligence unit meant to ensure that the Philippines and its banking system will not be used for money laundering operations.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/650620/amlc-seizes-p52-million-in-maute-loot/story/
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has seized at least P52 million in hot money recovered by military forces from the ISIS-inspired Maute group during the siege of Marawi City.
In the executive summary of AMLC's 2017 audit, the Commission on Audit (COA) said the AMLC issued "a freeze order on all the bank accounts and other assets owned and controlled by the Maute Group including P52 million in funds recovered by Philippine troops from a Maute/Abu Sayyaf-controlled area."
COA said AMLC financial investigators also have an ongoing inquiry into bank accounts linked to the terror group.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said troops recovered the money from a house once held by the terrorists during their five-month long siege of the Lanao del Sur capital, but added that they may have hidden more funds elsewhere.
"P52 million lang nakuha sa isang house. We suspected the Maute looted many more but we could not find them," Lorenzana said in a text message.
He added that someone had claimed to be the owner of the money, but the Department of National Defense issued no certification upon the request of AMLC due to uncertainty about the individual's claim.
The money is currently in the custody of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas pending forfeiture proceedings, according to Lorenzana.
The Defense chief said he is unaware of the total worth in the Maute bank accounts frozen by the AMLC.
The same COA report said that the council also boasts P8.2 billion in criminal proceeds frozen and forfeited since 2001. The amount is P901 million higher than the P7.3 billion total reported in 2016.
Out of the total, the AMLC recorded a P34-million increase in forfeited funds from P877.9 million in 2016 to P911.9 million in 2017, P19 million of which awaits execution.
Those pending civil forfeiture and freeze orders reached P5 billion in 2017, up from P4.2 billion in the previous year.
Almost P99 million, meanwhile, was returned by AMLC to victims of fraud or investors whose accounts were frozen. This brings the total amount of returned funds to P1.7 billion.
The Anti-Money Laundering Act created the AMLC to serve as the country's financial intelligence unit meant to ensure that the Philippines and its banking system will not be used for money laundering operations.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/650620/amlc-seizes-p52-million-in-maute-loot/story/
Military rebuts NPA rights violation claims
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 19): Military rebuts NPA rights violation claims
Camp Nakar, Quezon — The military’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) is standing firm in supporting human rights and international humanitarian law, as it rebutted claims by the New People’s Army (NPA) that it executed one of its fighters on April 9 in Camarines Sur.
First Lieutenant Felise Vida P. Solano, SOLCOM spokesman, derided the NPA claims as false and pure lies.
Solano cited an incident where government troops captured a wounded rebel following an encounter last week. The rebel, who was near death, was treated by a military medical team.
In contrast, Solano said the military captured a guerilla who was just 15 years old. The boy’s recruitment as a combatant by the NPA is a clear violation of the rights of children as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor.
Solano said the boy was turned over to social welfare officials.
It was just one of the many instances when SOLCOM demonstrated its love for fellow Filipinos, Solano said.
The communists, meanwhile, continue to spread fear and lies to recruit minors, women, and farmers, and extort money from local businessmen and entrepreneurs, she said.
She added that SOLCOM will remain committed to protect the people from rebel atrocities. It will not be bullied into submission by any terrorist group that threatens the peace and security the communities and stakeholders have built, Solano said.
She called on the rebels to surrender and allow the government to help them rebuild their lives. She also urged the families of the rebels to help the military rescue their relatives from exploitation. Solano stressed.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/19/military-rebuts-npa-rights-violation-claims/
Camp Nakar, Quezon — The military’s Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) is standing firm in supporting human rights and international humanitarian law, as it rebutted claims by the New People’s Army (NPA) that it executed one of its fighters on April 9 in Camarines Sur.
First Lieutenant Felise Vida P. Solano, SOLCOM spokesman, derided the NPA claims as false and pure lies.
Solano cited an incident where government troops captured a wounded rebel following an encounter last week. The rebel, who was near death, was treated by a military medical team.
In contrast, Solano said the military captured a guerilla who was just 15 years old. The boy’s recruitment as a combatant by the NPA is a clear violation of the rights of children as stated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labor.
Solano said the boy was turned over to social welfare officials.
It was just one of the many instances when SOLCOM demonstrated its love for fellow Filipinos, Solano said.
The communists, meanwhile, continue to spread fear and lies to recruit minors, women, and farmers, and extort money from local businessmen and entrepreneurs, she said.
She added that SOLCOM will remain committed to protect the people from rebel atrocities. It will not be bullied into submission by any terrorist group that threatens the peace and security the communities and stakeholders have built, Solano said.
She called on the rebels to surrender and allow the government to help them rebuild their lives. She also urged the families of the rebels to help the military rescue their relatives from exploitation. Solano stressed.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/19/military-rebuts-npa-rights-violation-claims/
Former CPP-NPA courier receives cash and livelihood assistance
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 20): Former CPP-NPA courier receives cash and livelihood assistance
BUTUAN CITY – A former courier of Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) who recently voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion (71st IB) received cash assistance from the government, 1st Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 71st IB told the Manila Bulletin today.
(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN)
The 71st IB CMO officer identified the former CNT Courier who received the cash assistance as Genaro M. Hisu aka “Tatay.”
He was a former courier of Guerilla Front Committee 2 –Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC 2) of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was tasked to transport NPA members and cadavers, food supplies, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and ammunitions and subversive documents in the municipalities of Maco, Mawab, Maragusan and Nabunturan, all of ComVal province, Asis said.
He yielded in the last week of March this year to “Bravo Company” under 1st Lt. Fel B. Saguin of the 71st IB in New Corella, Davao del Norte province.
The former CNT courier received livelihood assistance worth P 50,000 and P 15,000 for mobilization expenses during a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Building in Barangay Cabidianan, Nabunturan Compostela Valley (ComVal) province on Wednesday.
“He is one of the 12 new beneficiaries of Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in ComVal province now,” the 71st IB CMO officer said.
The CLIP which is under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPPAP) was implemented pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2014-01 which aims to encourage members of NPA to lay down their arms and rejoin mainstream society.
Miguel M Guzman, executive assistant of ComVal Gov. Jayvee Tyron L Uy, led the awarding of check to the recipient after giving a short message to the former rebel.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Esteveyn E. Ducusin, commanding officer of the 71st IB said his “Kaibigan” Battalion will continue its efforts in encouraging more rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law.
“Once again we are calling the remaining NPA terrorisst to grab this opportunity to surrender. No more reasons to stay in this terrorist group. The government’s initiatives and programs for former rebels are overflowing so they must grab this opportunity,” Ducusin added in the same statement sent to the Manila Bulletin today.
The 71st IB gave a short input on financial management and livelihood programs as basis of FR’s decision to live a peaceful and dynamic life.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/20/former-cpp-npa-courier-receives-cash-and-livelihood-assistance/
BUTUAN CITY – A former courier of Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) who recently voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion (71st IB) received cash assistance from the government, 1st Lt. Jhocell D. Asis, Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the 71st IB told the Manila Bulletin today.
(Czar Dancel / MANILA BULLETIN)
The 71st IB CMO officer identified the former CNT Courier who received the cash assistance as Genaro M. Hisu aka “Tatay.”
He was a former courier of Guerilla Front Committee 2 –Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC 2) of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. He was tasked to transport NPA members and cadavers, food supplies, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and ammunitions and subversive documents in the municipalities of Maco, Mawab, Maragusan and Nabunturan, all of ComVal province, Asis said.
He yielded in the last week of March this year to “Bravo Company” under 1st Lt. Fel B. Saguin of the 71st IB in New Corella, Davao del Norte province.
The former CNT courier received livelihood assistance worth P 50,000 and P 15,000 for mobilization expenses during a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol Building in Barangay Cabidianan, Nabunturan Compostela Valley (ComVal) province on Wednesday.
“He is one of the 12 new beneficiaries of Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) in ComVal province now,” the 71st IB CMO officer said.
The CLIP which is under the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPPAP) was implemented pursuant to Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) 2014-01 which aims to encourage members of NPA to lay down their arms and rejoin mainstream society.
Miguel M Guzman, executive assistant of ComVal Gov. Jayvee Tyron L Uy, led the awarding of check to the recipient after giving a short message to the former rebel.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Esteveyn E. Ducusin, commanding officer of the 71st IB said his “Kaibigan” Battalion will continue its efforts in encouraging more rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law.
“Once again we are calling the remaining NPA terrorisst to grab this opportunity to surrender. No more reasons to stay in this terrorist group. The government’s initiatives and programs for former rebels are overflowing so they must grab this opportunity,” Ducusin added in the same statement sent to the Manila Bulletin today.
The 71st IB gave a short input on financial management and livelihood programs as basis of FR’s decision to live a peaceful and dynamic life.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/20/former-cpp-npa-courier-receives-cash-and-livelihood-assistance/
Preventing other ‘Marawis’
Asia and the Pacific Policy Society-Policy Forum (Apr 19): Preventing other ‘Marawis’ (By Joseph Franco)
The real battle for the hearts and minds of Filipino Muslims
There are many lessons for the military, politicians and civil society from the Islamist attack that laid bloody siege to the city of Marawi, writes Joseph Franco.
For more than five months, the Battle for Marawi raged between Philippine security forces and militants linked to the Islamic State. The battle raised important questions as to how much foreign terrorist fighters influenced their Filipino counterparts.
Was Marawi the prelude to a systematic campaign to bring the so-called caliphate to Southeast Asia? On the face of it, the urban warfare seen in Marawi’s streets would appear to be a successful importation of tactics and strategy from Raqqa or Mosul.
In the aftermath of the battle, there were some concerns about how other cities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao might be targeted next by remnants of the Maute Group or other Islamic State‐inspired terrorist groups. But these views ignored the socio-economic and historical context of Mindanao.
The battle for Marawi should be viewed instead as a proverbial perfect storm, with the Maute Group and its allies more correctly considered as opportunistic actors who exploited the violent milieu of the area.
Several factors made Marawi a setting conducive for the Maute Group to attempt a violent takeover. Insecurity in Marawi is linked to the emergence of a built environment that is distinct in the Philippines. Houses and establishments are built from reinforced concrete or what the locals term as buhos, which made it especially difficult for government forces to re-take the city.
The self‐help and clan‐centred nature of Marawi’s enclaves not only created physical structures and micro‐environments that aided the terrorists. Distrust and insecurity also led to a fragmented sense of community, which could have inoculated the Muslim population against the appeal of IS. The perennial siege mentality of the city’s residents meant that the military could not hope to rely on the community providing information on infiltrating militants. That same hardy, self‐reliant mindset which built the city’s physical infrastructure effectively walled‐off the population from the security services.
What lessons can we draw from this battle and how can we prevent another Marawi?
The need to resolve the roots of the conflict remains under-appreciated and points to a surprising reality. Although the Philippines has been facing multiple secession and terrorist threats in Mindanao for more than four decades, no presidency has yet come out with a strategy to counter violent extremism at the national level.
Preventing future ‘Marawis’ cannot be premised on counter‐ideological approaches or be focused against IS narratives alone. Violent extremism in Mindanao is driven by largely material considerations, so counter‐ideological work such as promoting a state‐supported brand of Islam may only prove to be counterproductive and further alienate Filipino Muslims. It would also fail to address the material quality‐of‐life issues that underpin the conflict. A heavy‐handed ideological approach would further exacerbate identity-based divisions between Muslims, Christians and the indigenous peoples of Mindanao.
For the military, Marawi will serve as another reminder of the need to enhance its capabilities for future contingencies in urban terrain. The Armed Forces of the Philippines should incorporate the lessons of Marawi into military training curriculums. One lesson is that re-trained forces need the appropriate equipment to execute their expanded mission set. For instance, mechanisms which covered the emergency procurement of drones should be codified into better standard operating procedures.
In addition, Manila should foster its existing partnerships with foreign military forces. During the crisis, US special operations forces were immediately deployed to Marawi to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to their Philippine counterparts.
To prevent similar outbreaks of violence, broader initiatives should also be pursued in step with military efforts.
First, President Rodrigo Duterte must follow through with the promise for political autonomy for the region, as outlined in the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The creation of an autonomous Bangsamoro (‘Moro nation’) homeland should take precedence over the hard push by Duterte’s allies to convert the Republic of the Philippines into a federal state. A shift to a federal form of government would render moot the comprehensive agreement and could likely lead to a flare‐up in violence.
Second, young people should be given particular attention in any Mindanao development programs. The Maute Group was able to recruit its fighters from disaffected youth in Lanao del Sur province with promises of financial rewards and economic mobility. For those who were educated and hailed from wealthy clans of the Maranao ethnic group, the Maute Group promised adventure and the fulfilment of a sense of duty to fight the ‘crusaders’ from the Philippine military.
Much needs to be done, but there are reasons to be hopeful. In spite of decades of conflict in Mindanao, not one incident of a Filipino extremist killing himself in a suicide bombing or attack has ever been reported. The appeal of martyrdom (and rewards in the afterlife promised by jihadist propaganda) has meant little in the face of the real world financial inducements that prompt membership in organisations like the Maute Group.
Filipino militants appear to continue to be concerned with the here and now. This means that far from being intractable, the issues used to justify committing violence in Mindanao can be resolved by responsive governance.
[This article is based on the authors’ paper in Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies: ‘Preventing Other “Marawis” in the Southern Philippines’.]
[Comment by Steven Rood: “The perennial siege mentality of the city’s residents meant that the military could not hope to rely on the community providing information on infiltrating militants.”
–actually, Marawi residents insist they repeatedly warned the security forces about the gathering of these strangers before the clash. And note that the aborted arrest attempt was based on accurate information about Hapilon’s whereabouts.
I would add that step 1 in preventing other Marawis is a reasonable rehabilitation of the destroyed area, which is not what is happening under current plans.]
https://www.policyforum.net/preventing-other-marawis/
The real battle for the hearts and minds of Filipino Muslims
There are many lessons for the military, politicians and civil society from the Islamist attack that laid bloody siege to the city of Marawi, writes Joseph Franco.
For more than five months, the Battle for Marawi raged between Philippine security forces and militants linked to the Islamic State. The battle raised important questions as to how much foreign terrorist fighters influenced their Filipino counterparts.
Was Marawi the prelude to a systematic campaign to bring the so-called caliphate to Southeast Asia? On the face of it, the urban warfare seen in Marawi’s streets would appear to be a successful importation of tactics and strategy from Raqqa or Mosul.
In the aftermath of the battle, there were some concerns about how other cities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao might be targeted next by remnants of the Maute Group or other Islamic State‐inspired terrorist groups. But these views ignored the socio-economic and historical context of Mindanao.
The battle for Marawi should be viewed instead as a proverbial perfect storm, with the Maute Group and its allies more correctly considered as opportunistic actors who exploited the violent milieu of the area.
Several factors made Marawi a setting conducive for the Maute Group to attempt a violent takeover. Insecurity in Marawi is linked to the emergence of a built environment that is distinct in the Philippines. Houses and establishments are built from reinforced concrete or what the locals term as buhos, which made it especially difficult for government forces to re-take the city.
The self‐help and clan‐centred nature of Marawi’s enclaves not only created physical structures and micro‐environments that aided the terrorists. Distrust and insecurity also led to a fragmented sense of community, which could have inoculated the Muslim population against the appeal of IS. The perennial siege mentality of the city’s residents meant that the military could not hope to rely on the community providing information on infiltrating militants. That same hardy, self‐reliant mindset which built the city’s physical infrastructure effectively walled‐off the population from the security services.
What lessons can we draw from this battle and how can we prevent another Marawi?
The need to resolve the roots of the conflict remains under-appreciated and points to a surprising reality. Although the Philippines has been facing multiple secession and terrorist threats in Mindanao for more than four decades, no presidency has yet come out with a strategy to counter violent extremism at the national level.
Preventing future ‘Marawis’ cannot be premised on counter‐ideological approaches or be focused against IS narratives alone. Violent extremism in Mindanao is driven by largely material considerations, so counter‐ideological work such as promoting a state‐supported brand of Islam may only prove to be counterproductive and further alienate Filipino Muslims. It would also fail to address the material quality‐of‐life issues that underpin the conflict. A heavy‐handed ideological approach would further exacerbate identity-based divisions between Muslims, Christians and the indigenous peoples of Mindanao.
For the military, Marawi will serve as another reminder of the need to enhance its capabilities for future contingencies in urban terrain. The Armed Forces of the Philippines should incorporate the lessons of Marawi into military training curriculums. One lesson is that re-trained forces need the appropriate equipment to execute their expanded mission set. For instance, mechanisms which covered the emergency procurement of drones should be codified into better standard operating procedures.
In addition, Manila should foster its existing partnerships with foreign military forces. During the crisis, US special operations forces were immediately deployed to Marawi to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support to their Philippine counterparts.
To prevent similar outbreaks of violence, broader initiatives should also be pursued in step with military efforts.
First, President Rodrigo Duterte must follow through with the promise for political autonomy for the region, as outlined in the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The creation of an autonomous Bangsamoro (‘Moro nation’) homeland should take precedence over the hard push by Duterte’s allies to convert the Republic of the Philippines into a federal state. A shift to a federal form of government would render moot the comprehensive agreement and could likely lead to a flare‐up in violence.
Second, young people should be given particular attention in any Mindanao development programs. The Maute Group was able to recruit its fighters from disaffected youth in Lanao del Sur province with promises of financial rewards and economic mobility. For those who were educated and hailed from wealthy clans of the Maranao ethnic group, the Maute Group promised adventure and the fulfilment of a sense of duty to fight the ‘crusaders’ from the Philippine military.
Much needs to be done, but there are reasons to be hopeful. In spite of decades of conflict in Mindanao, not one incident of a Filipino extremist killing himself in a suicide bombing or attack has ever been reported. The appeal of martyrdom (and rewards in the afterlife promised by jihadist propaganda) has meant little in the face of the real world financial inducements that prompt membership in organisations like the Maute Group.
Filipino militants appear to continue to be concerned with the here and now. This means that far from being intractable, the issues used to justify committing violence in Mindanao can be resolved by responsive governance.
[This article is based on the authors’ paper in Asia & the Pacific Policy Studies: ‘Preventing Other “Marawis” in the Southern Philippines’.]
[Comment by Steven Rood: “The perennial siege mentality of the city’s residents meant that the military could not hope to rely on the community providing information on infiltrating militants.”
–actually, Marawi residents insist they repeatedly warned the security forces about the gathering of these strangers before the clash. And note that the aborted arrest attempt was based on accurate information about Hapilon’s whereabouts.
I would add that step 1 in preventing other Marawis is a reasonable rehabilitation of the destroyed area, which is not what is happening under current plans.]
https://www.policyforum.net/preventing-other-marawis/
Villager killed in NPA harassment in Surigao del Norte
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 19): Villager killed in NPA harassment in Surigao del Norte
A villager was killed, while two other civilians were critically wounded, when an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists harassed a community on Wednesday in Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, said Capt. Francisco P Garello Jr., Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battallion (36th IB) late Wednesday afternoon.
“The terrorists harassed the community which resulted iin the instantaneous death of a civilian and the wounding two others around noon time on Wednesday,” Garello said, in a phone interview with The Manila Bulletin.
The 36th IB CMO officer, identified the slain victim as Jepti Acido, 32, single and resident of Barangay Tayaga, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Wounded and immediately evacuated to the Surigao City Medical Hospital for treatment were Virgil Flor Ortiz, 23, resident of Barangay Tayaga, Claver town and AdnerMalaque, 20 and resident of Barangay Villafranca, Gigaquit town, both of Surigao del Norte province.
The terrorists, believed to be under Guerilla Front 16-C (GFC 16-C) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) harassed the residents of Barangay Lahi by indiscriminately firing their high powered firearms near the barangay hall.
“The three civilians on board a motorcycle happened to pass by the area when the incident happened resulting in the death of Acido and wounding his two other companions,” Garello said.
Meanwhile, troops of the Army’s 56thInfantry Battallion (56th IB) discovered an abandoned NPA camp in the Palma Gil area in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, according Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, chief of Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID).
“The abandoned encampment that was found by our ground troops at 6 a.m. on Monday can accommodate 100 terrorists,” said the 10th ID spokesperson, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Wednesday evening.
“It was estimated to have been abandoned about 10 days ago,” the 10th ID PAO officer said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/19/villager-killed-in-npa-harassment-in-surigao-del-norte/
A villager was killed, while two other civilians were critically wounded, when an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists harassed a community on Wednesday in Barangay Lahi, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, said Capt. Francisco P Garello Jr., Civil Military Operation (CMO) officer of the Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battallion (36th IB) late Wednesday afternoon.
“The terrorists harassed the community which resulted iin the instantaneous death of a civilian and the wounding two others around noon time on Wednesday,” Garello said, in a phone interview with The Manila Bulletin.
The 36th IB CMO officer, identified the slain victim as Jepti Acido, 32, single and resident of Barangay Tayaga, Claver, Surigao del Norte.
Wounded and immediately evacuated to the Surigao City Medical Hospital for treatment were Virgil Flor Ortiz, 23, resident of Barangay Tayaga, Claver town and AdnerMalaque, 20 and resident of Barangay Villafranca, Gigaquit town, both of Surigao del Norte province.
The terrorists, believed to be under Guerilla Front 16-C (GFC 16-C) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) harassed the residents of Barangay Lahi by indiscriminately firing their high powered firearms near the barangay hall.
“The three civilians on board a motorcycle happened to pass by the area when the incident happened resulting in the death of Acido and wounding his two other companions,” Garello said.
Meanwhile, troops of the Army’s 56thInfantry Battallion (56th IB) discovered an abandoned NPA camp in the Palma Gil area in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, according Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, chief of Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Army’s 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID).
“The abandoned encampment that was found by our ground troops at 6 a.m. on Monday can accommodate 100 terrorists,” said the 10th ID spokesperson, in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Wednesday evening.
“It was estimated to have been abandoned about 10 days ago,” the 10th ID PAO officer said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/04/19/villager-killed-in-npa-harassment-in-surigao-del-norte/
2 BIFF men killed in firefight
From Tempo (Apr 19): 2 BIFF men killed in firefight
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Two Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and two others injured during a brief firefight in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao Monday night, the Army here reported.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the BIFF was frantic to get back at the military following their losses in recent clashes, including the discovery of a firearm fabrication shop in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Sunday.
Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, JTFC spokesperson, said the recent BIFF act of revenge took place in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
About 16 BIFF bandits, led by Commander Samad Simpal, harassed a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion at around 7:40 p.m. on Monday, triggering a brief clashes that left two BIFF killed and two wounded.
“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.
Another clash erupted Tuesday morning when gunmen fired at 40th IB troops conducting clearing operations in the previous night’s clash site.
The rebels fled when the Army returned fire.
Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered and safely deactivated by Army bomb experts.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/04/19/2-biff-men-killed-in-firefight/
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Two Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed and two others injured during a brief firefight in Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao Monday night, the Army here reported.
Major Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander and head of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), said the BIFF was frantic to get back at the military following their losses in recent clashes, including the discovery of a firearm fabrication shop in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao on Sunday.
Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, JTFC spokesperson, said the recent BIFF act of revenge took place in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.
About 16 BIFF bandits, led by Commander Samad Simpal, harassed a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion at around 7:40 p.m. on Monday, triggering a brief clashes that left two BIFF killed and two wounded.
“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.
Another clash erupted Tuesday morning when gunmen fired at 40th IB troops conducting clearing operations in the previous night’s clash site.
The rebels fled when the Army returned fire.
Two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were also recovered and safely deactivated by Army bomb experts.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/04/19/2-biff-men-killed-in-firefight/
Philippines: 15 Pro-Islamic State Militants Slain In Week Of Clashes
From Eurasia Review (Apr 19): Philippines: 15 Pro-Islamic State Militants Slain In Week Of Clashes
Flag of the Philippines.
Government security forces killed two more pro-Islamic State militants in the restive southern Philippines, bringing to 15 the number of militants slain in a week of clashes, the military said Wednesday.
But fighters from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the country’s largest rebel force, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), killed a government militiaman during a raid in the southern town of Pikit.
Superintendent Bernard Tayong, a local police spokesman, said the unarmed militiaman, Rodel Abellanida, 33, was tending his farm animals in the village of Bualan Wednesday when he was attacked by 10 heavily armed BIFF guerrillas.
Tayong said the militants were led by Guinda Mamaluba, a sub-leader of the BIFF.
“They opened fire and hit their target,” he said, adding the gunmen immediately fled.
The BIFF intensified their harassment against government militiamen and vital installations after they lost 13 fighters last week in clashes in several townships in the province of Maguindanao. Soldiers had also captured five BIFF fighters.
On Monday, another clash erupted between troops and BIFF men, leaving two gunmen dead and two others wounded.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Joint Task Force Central, told reporters the attack was meant to avenge the capture of their comrades.
“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.
Regional military commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said tight security measures have been imposed in the wake of the attacks.
“These nonsense attacks of the ISIS-inspired BIFF extremist group show that they can no longer handle the pressure that we have imposed on them. The full force of the law has to be implemented,” Dela Vega said, using another name for the IS.
“Time and again, we have given them options to lay down their arms and surrender or they will deal with the pressure as we intensify our mandate to get rid of all lawless elements in our area,” he said.
Recruiting
The BIFF has pledged allegiance to the IS, but did not send fighters to the southern city of Marawi, which has been reduced to rubble after five months of gun battles and airstrikes that killed 1,200 people, mostly militants, last year.
The military concentrated its combat operations in Maguindanao and nearby provinces after intelligence reports said militants were recruiting for another siege similar to Marawi. Several foreigners from the region and the Middle East have also been arrested since December.
Militants led by Isnilon Hapilon – the acknowledged leader of IS in the Philippines – took over Marawi and engaged security forces in five months of vicious fighting that ended in October after Hapilon along with several Filipino militant leaders were killed in a clash.
The BIFF, with hundreds of fighters, split from the 10,000-member MILF in 2008. In 2014, the larger rebel group signed a peace deal with Manila in exchange for expanded autonomy.
The BIFF had vowed to push on with the separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF.
‘Thankful’ for Indonesian, Malaysian help
In Manila, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the Philippine government has been working closely with Indonesia and Malaysia to combat terrorism and guard common sea borders against movements of militants.
“We are very thankful both to Indonesia and Malaysia,” Cayetano told reporters, adding that his counterparts as well as the police and military leaders of the three countries recently gathered in Manila “to help us deal with Marawi.”
At the height of the Marawi crisis last year, Indonesia and Malaysia offered intelligence help to track down militants from their countries planning to reinforce their comrades in Mindanao. This helped tremendously curtail militant movement, Cayetano said.
Malaysian and Indonesian nationals were among foreign fighters killed in Marawi, but Philippine military officials said others might have escaped the five-month battle.
Indonesia proposed a “mini-Interpol” for Southeast Asia in October at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, shortly after Manila defeated the militants. Malaysia and Indonesia have also been engaged in trilateral aerial and maritime patrols with the Philippines after the Marawi siege.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/19042018-philippines-15-pro-islamic-state-militants-slain-in-week-of-clashes/
Flag of the Philippines.
Government security forces killed two more pro-Islamic State militants in the restive southern Philippines, bringing to 15 the number of militants slain in a week of clashes, the military said Wednesday.
But fighters from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the country’s largest rebel force, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), killed a government militiaman during a raid in the southern town of Pikit.
Superintendent Bernard Tayong, a local police spokesman, said the unarmed militiaman, Rodel Abellanida, 33, was tending his farm animals in the village of Bualan Wednesday when he was attacked by 10 heavily armed BIFF guerrillas.
Tayong said the militants were led by Guinda Mamaluba, a sub-leader of the BIFF.
“They opened fire and hit their target,” he said, adding the gunmen immediately fled.
The BIFF intensified their harassment against government militiamen and vital installations after they lost 13 fighters last week in clashes in several townships in the province of Maguindanao. Soldiers had also captured five BIFF fighters.
On Monday, another clash erupted between troops and BIFF men, leaving two gunmen dead and two others wounded.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Joint Task Force Central, told reporters the attack was meant to avenge the capture of their comrades.
“They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments,” Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side.
Regional military commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said tight security measures have been imposed in the wake of the attacks.
“These nonsense attacks of the ISIS-inspired BIFF extremist group show that they can no longer handle the pressure that we have imposed on them. The full force of the law has to be implemented,” Dela Vega said, using another name for the IS.
“Time and again, we have given them options to lay down their arms and surrender or they will deal with the pressure as we intensify our mandate to get rid of all lawless elements in our area,” he said.
Recruiting
The BIFF has pledged allegiance to the IS, but did not send fighters to the southern city of Marawi, which has been reduced to rubble after five months of gun battles and airstrikes that killed 1,200 people, mostly militants, last year.
The military concentrated its combat operations in Maguindanao and nearby provinces after intelligence reports said militants were recruiting for another siege similar to Marawi. Several foreigners from the region and the Middle East have also been arrested since December.
Militants led by Isnilon Hapilon – the acknowledged leader of IS in the Philippines – took over Marawi and engaged security forces in five months of vicious fighting that ended in October after Hapilon along with several Filipino militant leaders were killed in a clash.
The BIFF, with hundreds of fighters, split from the 10,000-member MILF in 2008. In 2014, the larger rebel group signed a peace deal with Manila in exchange for expanded autonomy.
The BIFF had vowed to push on with the separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF.
‘Thankful’ for Indonesian, Malaysian help
In Manila, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the Philippine government has been working closely with Indonesia and Malaysia to combat terrorism and guard common sea borders against movements of militants.
“We are very thankful both to Indonesia and Malaysia,” Cayetano told reporters, adding that his counterparts as well as the police and military leaders of the three countries recently gathered in Manila “to help us deal with Marawi.”
At the height of the Marawi crisis last year, Indonesia and Malaysia offered intelligence help to track down militants from their countries planning to reinforce their comrades in Mindanao. This helped tremendously curtail militant movement, Cayetano said.
Malaysian and Indonesian nationals were among foreign fighters killed in Marawi, but Philippine military officials said others might have escaped the five-month battle.
Indonesia proposed a “mini-Interpol” for Southeast Asia in October at the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in the Philippines, shortly after Manila defeated the militants. Malaysia and Indonesia have also been engaged in trilateral aerial and maritime patrols with the Philippines after the Marawi siege.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/19042018-philippines-15-pro-islamic-state-militants-slain-in-week-of-clashes/
New Philippine military chief vows to drive Daesh out
From the Arab News (Apr 20): New Philippine military chief vows to drive Daesh out
New military chief seeks cooperation of mainstream Muslim groups in fighting violent extremists
For the first time, leaders of the two major Muslim rebel groups attended the Philippine military's change of command ceremony
Project Announcement: Evaluation of DoD Efforts to Train, Advise, Assist, and Equip the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Philippines
From the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General (Apr 18): Project Announcement: Evaluation of DoD Efforts to Train, Advise, Assist, and Equip the Armed Forces of the Republic of the Philippines D2018-D00SPO-0139.000
April 19, 2018 — The DoD OIG plans to begin the subject evaluation immediately in support of Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines (OPE-P). We will evaluate U.S. train, advise, assist, and equip efforts to build and sustain the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) capabilities to counter the expansion of violent extremist organizations, ....
April 19, 2018 — The DoD OIG plans to begin the subject evaluation immediately in support of Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines (OPE-P). We will evaluate U.S. train, advise, assist, and equip efforts to build and sustain the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) capabilities to counter the expansion of violent extremist organizations, ....
Related Documents
China’s show of force pushes Philippines back to America
From the Asia Times (Apr 20): China’s show of force pushes Philippines back to America (By Richard Davad Heydarian)
US aircraft carrier's arrival at Manila Bay, the second docking in a month, came days after China's largest ever naval exercises in South China Sea
Earlier this month, China conducted its largest-ever military exercise in the South China Sea, raising new concerns about the future of freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested maritime region.
The exercises put a new spotlight on the Philippines, with the United States and its key regional security allies now bidding to step up their strategic cooperation with Manila.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s warming ties with China, with ongoing discussions over energy and other resource-sharing arrangements in contested areas, has raised US concerns over China’s rising influence over its smaller neighbors.
While Duterte has reached to Beijing, his security establishment and other prominent Filipinos have remained more circumspect. Those divergent views have been on full display in recent months, witnessed in a flurry of strategic exchanges with the US and its regional partners.
Despite Beijing’s overtures, including rich promises of economic assistance and investments, the Philippines has cause for concern.
No less than Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed symbolically in army fatigues, addressed military personnel who participated in the recent mass maritime exercises.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews a military display of China’s Navy in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. Photo: Li Gang/Xinhua via Reuters
Over 10,000 sailors, 48 warships and 76 aircraft took part in what Chinese state-owned media described as “the biggest maritime military parade since the foundation of the new China and a heroic display of the PLA Navy in the new era.”
China also leveraged the unprecedented drills to install equipment capable of jamming communication and radar systems of rival states on land features under its control in the Spratly islands, including on the Philippine-claimed Mischief Reef.
It’s becoming clearer that China wants to discourage and deter any challenge to its expansive South China Sea claims, outlined in its controversial nine-dash line map. Recent moves aim to restrict other claimants and external powers’ ability to operate their military assets in the area.
For Washington and other regional powers, continued security cooperation and engagement with Southeast Asian nations is crucial to preventing complete Chinese domination of the waters, through which over US$5 trillion worth of global trade travels every year.
China’s reported installation of jamming technology on Mischief Reef provoked a political backlash in Manila, with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano promising to take the necessary diplomatic measures to protest China’s latest perceived provocation in nearby waters.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who has consistently expressed reservations about China’s intentions in adjacent waters, promised to verify and examine whether national communication and weapons systems could now be in jeopardy. That review is ongoing.
Just days after China’s large-scale drills, the US, Japan and Australia deployed warships to Philippine bases in Manila and Subic Bay in their own show of force.
Washington deployed USS Theodore Roosevelt to Manila Bay, its second aircraft carrier to visit the Philippines in the span of a month.
In February, the USS Carl Vinson made a high-profile visit to the Philippines ahead of its freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, the latest in a series of US pushbacks against China in the maritime area.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon made the unprecedented move of challenging China’s de facto control of the Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal by deploying warships within 12 nautical miles of the contested land feature.
An F18 fighter takes off from the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt while transiting the South China Sea, April 10, 2018. Photo: Reuters/Karen Lema
Other US allies are pitching in. The Royal Australia Navy’s guided-missile frigate HMAS Anzac, accompanied by the auxiliary oiler replenishment HMAS Success, arrived in the Philippines on April 11 for a five-day-long visit.
Two days later, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ Akizuki-class destroyer made a separate three-day good will visit.
“I think there are times when we should speak loudly and clearly,” declared the United States’ Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim from aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt while it was docked at Manila Bay.
“Our friendship has never been stronger and we have been and remain an Indo-Pacific nation. And our commitment to this region and its well-being is enduring,” he said.
Underlining the two sides’ deep historical ties, the American diplomat also pointed out the presence of 400 Filipino-Americans aboard the warship, part of the large number of first- and second-generation Filipino-Americans who have jointed the US armed forces in recent decades.
A US Marine runs with a Philippine soldier during assault exercises at a Philippine naval base, October 9, 2015. Photo: Reuters/Erik De Castro
Commander of the Carrier Strike Group 9 Rear Admiral Stephen Koehler welcomed some 300 prominent Filipinos from the business community, government and academia on the aircraft carrier, also known as the “Big Stick”, alongside the US ambassador.
The naval commander emphasized the importance of ensuring that international waters like the South China Sea are “a rightful place for everybody” – a not so subtle swipe at China’s perceived threat to freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.
“It’s a showcase of the capability of the US armed forces, not only by sea but also by air,” Philippine army Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista said during his visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt. “The Americans are our friends. In one way or another, they can help us to deter any threat.”
While Duterte has expressed his commitment to warmer relations with China, often at the expense of strategic ties with the US, many prominent Filipinos – including Duterte’s known rivals – continue to value the country’s longstanding alliance with America.
Among those in attendance at the aircraft carrier ceremony was interim Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla and Harvard-educated tycoon Don Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.
http://www.atimes.com/article/chinas-show-force-pushes-philippines-back-america/
US aircraft carrier's arrival at Manila Bay, the second docking in a month, came days after China's largest ever naval exercises in South China Sea
Earlier this month, China conducted its largest-ever military exercise in the South China Sea, raising new concerns about the future of freedom of navigation and overflight in the contested maritime region.
The exercises put a new spotlight on the Philippines, with the United States and its key regional security allies now bidding to step up their strategic cooperation with Manila.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s warming ties with China, with ongoing discussions over energy and other resource-sharing arrangements in contested areas, has raised US concerns over China’s rising influence over its smaller neighbors.
While Duterte has reached to Beijing, his security establishment and other prominent Filipinos have remained more circumspect. Those divergent views have been on full display in recent months, witnessed in a flurry of strategic exchanges with the US and its regional partners.
Despite Beijing’s overtures, including rich promises of economic assistance and investments, the Philippines has cause for concern.
No less than Chinese President Xi Jinping, dressed symbolically in army fatigues, addressed military personnel who participated in the recent mass maritime exercises.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reviews a military display of China’s Navy in the South China Sea, April 12, 2018. Photo: Li Gang/Xinhua via Reuters
Over 10,000 sailors, 48 warships and 76 aircraft took part in what Chinese state-owned media described as “the biggest maritime military parade since the foundation of the new China and a heroic display of the PLA Navy in the new era.”
China also leveraged the unprecedented drills to install equipment capable of jamming communication and radar systems of rival states on land features under its control in the Spratly islands, including on the Philippine-claimed Mischief Reef.
It’s becoming clearer that China wants to discourage and deter any challenge to its expansive South China Sea claims, outlined in its controversial nine-dash line map. Recent moves aim to restrict other claimants and external powers’ ability to operate their military assets in the area.
For Washington and other regional powers, continued security cooperation and engagement with Southeast Asian nations is crucial to preventing complete Chinese domination of the waters, through which over US$5 trillion worth of global trade travels every year.
China’s reported installation of jamming technology on Mischief Reef provoked a political backlash in Manila, with Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano promising to take the necessary diplomatic measures to protest China’s latest perceived provocation in nearby waters.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who has consistently expressed reservations about China’s intentions in adjacent waters, promised to verify and examine whether national communication and weapons systems could now be in jeopardy. That review is ongoing.
Just days after China’s large-scale drills, the US, Japan and Australia deployed warships to Philippine bases in Manila and Subic Bay in their own show of force.
Washington deployed USS Theodore Roosevelt to Manila Bay, its second aircraft carrier to visit the Philippines in the span of a month.
In February, the USS Carl Vinson made a high-profile visit to the Philippines ahead of its freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, the latest in a series of US pushbacks against China in the maritime area.
Earlier this year, the Pentagon made the unprecedented move of challenging China’s de facto control of the Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal by deploying warships within 12 nautical miles of the contested land feature.
An F18 fighter takes off from the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt while transiting the South China Sea, April 10, 2018. Photo: Reuters/Karen Lema
Other US allies are pitching in. The Royal Australia Navy’s guided-missile frigate HMAS Anzac, accompanied by the auxiliary oiler replenishment HMAS Success, arrived in the Philippines on April 11 for a five-day-long visit.
Two days later, Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ Akizuki-class destroyer made a separate three-day good will visit.
“I think there are times when we should speak loudly and clearly,” declared the United States’ Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim from aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt while it was docked at Manila Bay.
“Our friendship has never been stronger and we have been and remain an Indo-Pacific nation. And our commitment to this region and its well-being is enduring,” he said.
Underlining the two sides’ deep historical ties, the American diplomat also pointed out the presence of 400 Filipino-Americans aboard the warship, part of the large number of first- and second-generation Filipino-Americans who have jointed the US armed forces in recent decades.
A US Marine runs with a Philippine soldier during assault exercises at a Philippine naval base, October 9, 2015. Photo: Reuters/Erik De Castro
Commander of the Carrier Strike Group 9 Rear Admiral Stephen Koehler welcomed some 300 prominent Filipinos from the business community, government and academia on the aircraft carrier, also known as the “Big Stick”, alongside the US ambassador.
The naval commander emphasized the importance of ensuring that international waters like the South China Sea are “a rightful place for everybody” – a not so subtle swipe at China’s perceived threat to freedom of navigation and overflight in the area.
“It’s a showcase of the capability of the US armed forces, not only by sea but also by air,” Philippine army Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista said during his visit to the USS Theodore Roosevelt. “The Americans are our friends. In one way or another, they can help us to deter any threat.”
While Duterte has expressed his commitment to warmer relations with China, often at the expense of strategic ties with the US, many prominent Filipinos – including Duterte’s known rivals – continue to value the country’s longstanding alliance with America.
Among those in attendance at the aircraft carrier ceremony was interim Supreme Court Chief Justice Antonio Carpio, opposition Senator Antonio Trillanes, former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Major General Restituto Padilla and Harvard-educated tycoon Don Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.
http://www.atimes.com/article/chinas-show-force-pushes-philippines-back-america/
Comtech Telecom (CMTL) Secures $6.5M Contract from Armed Forces of Philippines for MTTS Deployable Troposcatter Systems and Advanced ISR Downlinks
From StreetInsider.com (Apr 20): Comtech Telecom (CMTL) Secures $6.5M Contract from Armed Forces of Philippines for MTTS Deployable Troposcatter Systems and Advanced ISR Downlinks
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) announced today that during its third quarter of fiscal 2018, its Orlando-based subsidiary, Comtech Systems, Inc, which is part of Comtech’s Government Solutions segment, received orders of approximately $6.5 million to provide tactical troposcatter equipment and to design and install ISR Video Downlink Systems for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Modular Transportable Transmission System (MTTS) troposcatter terminals will enable the Armed Forces to establish data links between island locations that were previously beyond the reach of high bandwidth terrestrial communications. These systems are an integral part of the AFP C4I Modernization plan, and will be utilized to transport various types of data from remote locations to command centers for real time decision making. The Video Downlink systems will allow the AFP airborne assets to deliver ISR data for distribution to ground-based decision makers in real time, and are designed to support future upgrades of AFP ISR capabilities.
Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., commented, “We believe the award by the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrates our long-standing troposcatter market leadership position and our belief that many other international countries can benefit from incorporating troposcatter systems in complex command and control systems. As the only modern field-proven deployable troposcatter system, the Comtech MTTS is a natural choice for the AFP. We look forward to the opportunity to support the AFP modernization across a range of C4ISTAR technologies.”
https://www.streetinsider.com/Management+Comments/Comtech+Telecom+%28CMTL%29+Secures+%246.5M+Contract+from+Armed+Forces+of+Philippines+for+MTTS+Deployable+Troposcatter+Systems+and+Advanced+ISR+Downlinks/14072979.html
Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL) announced today that during its third quarter of fiscal 2018, its Orlando-based subsidiary, Comtech Systems, Inc, which is part of Comtech’s Government Solutions segment, received orders of approximately $6.5 million to provide tactical troposcatter equipment and to design and install ISR Video Downlink Systems for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Modular Transportable Transmission System (MTTS) troposcatter terminals will enable the Armed Forces to establish data links between island locations that were previously beyond the reach of high bandwidth terrestrial communications. These systems are an integral part of the AFP C4I Modernization plan, and will be utilized to transport various types of data from remote locations to command centers for real time decision making. The Video Downlink systems will allow the AFP airborne assets to deliver ISR data for distribution to ground-based decision makers in real time, and are designed to support future upgrades of AFP ISR capabilities.
Fred Kornberg, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp., commented, “We believe the award by the Armed Forces of the Philippines demonstrates our long-standing troposcatter market leadership position and our belief that many other international countries can benefit from incorporating troposcatter systems in complex command and control systems. As the only modern field-proven deployable troposcatter system, the Comtech MTTS is a natural choice for the AFP. We look forward to the opportunity to support the AFP modernization across a range of C4ISTAR technologies.”
https://www.streetinsider.com/Management+Comments/Comtech+Telecom+%28CMTL%29+Secures+%246.5M+Contract+from+Armed+Forces+of+Philippines+for+MTTS+Deployable+Troposcatter+Systems+and+Advanced+ISR+Downlinks/14072979.html
PH, US troops kick off war games
From the Manila Times (Apr 20): PH, US troops kick off war games
Philippine troops will train with US soldiers in the 34th iteration of Balikatan to be held from May 7 to 18 in multiple locations in Luzon.
Filipino and American forces held community outreach projects in Luzon on Thursday. They renovated five schools and held a medical mission to mark the start of several information exchanges and live training events between the two militaries.
Balikatan 34-2018 is an annual US-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. This year’s exercise will focus on interoperability training events designed to enhance the capabilities of US and Philippine armed forces.
US and Philippine troops will conduct humanitarian civic action activities throughout Luzon during the military training. To improve their ability to coordinate a multilateral response to crisis, the two militaries will continue their commitment to train and share information.
The two countries will work with regional partner nations throughout the military exercises. Multinational forces from Australia and Japan will also participate in all major training events. The AFP invited the United Kingdom to observe the training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-us-troops-kick-off-war-games/393662/
Philippine troops will train with US soldiers in the 34th iteration of Balikatan to be held from May 7 to 18 in multiple locations in Luzon.
Filipino and American forces held community outreach projects in Luzon on Thursday. They renovated five schools and held a medical mission to mark the start of several information exchanges and live training events between the two militaries.
Balikatan 34-2018 is an annual US-Philippine multilateral military exercise focused on mutual defense, counterterrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. This year’s exercise will focus on interoperability training events designed to enhance the capabilities of US and Philippine armed forces.
US and Philippine troops will conduct humanitarian civic action activities throughout Luzon during the military training. To improve their ability to coordinate a multilateral response to crisis, the two militaries will continue their commitment to train and share information.
The two countries will work with regional partner nations throughout the military exercises. Multinational forces from Australia and Japan will also participate in all major training events. The AFP invited the United Kingdom to observe the training for the mitigation of post-disaster suffering.
http://www.manilatimes.net/ph-us-troops-kick-off-war-games/393662/
34th Balikatan begins May
From Tempo (Apr 20): 34th Balikatan begins May
The Government has invited the US military forces to train with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the 34th iteration of Balikatan (BK), an annual exercise that focuses on mutual defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
To be held from May 7 to 18 across multiple locations in Luzon, BK 2018 will focus on interoperability training events designed to enhance the capabilities of both the US and Philippine armed forces in dealing with events that endanger public health and safety.
Consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), this year’s BK will have US forces and the AFP working together with other regional partners including Australia, and Japan in all of the major training events.
Note the AFP has also invited the United Kingdom as observer particularly on post-disaster management training.
The US and the Philippines will also conduct humanitarian civic action activities throughout Luzon for this year’s BK.
On Thursday, US and Filipino forces started renovation work on some schools including organizing medical engagements as part of the lead up to the opening day of BK 2018.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/04/20/34th-balikatan-begins-may/
The Government has invited the US military forces to train with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the 34th iteration of Balikatan (BK), an annual exercise that focuses on mutual defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief.
To be held from May 7 to 18 across multiple locations in Luzon, BK 2018 will focus on interoperability training events designed to enhance the capabilities of both the US and Philippine armed forces in dealing with events that endanger public health and safety.
Consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), this year’s BK will have US forces and the AFP working together with other regional partners including Australia, and Japan in all of the major training events.
Note the AFP has also invited the United Kingdom as observer particularly on post-disaster management training.
The US and the Philippines will also conduct humanitarian civic action activities throughout Luzon for this year’s BK.
On Thursday, US and Filipino forces started renovation work on some schools including organizing medical engagements as part of the lead up to the opening day of BK 2018.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/04/20/34th-balikatan-begins-may/
Experts: No break of precedent in Chinese deployment of planes in Mischief Reef
From the Philippine Star (Apr 20): Experts: No break of precedent in Chinese deployment of planes in Mischief Reef
Beijing's deployment of transport military planes on Mischief Reef on the Spratly Islands show a steady pattern of escalation, according to maritime analysts.
Despite the Philippines mulling to file a protest over China's reported landing of military claims on the Manila-claimed reef, this development would not have a great impact on the overall situation in the South China Sea, according to RAND Senior Policy Analyst Lyle Morris.
Landing a transport military plane on Mischief Reef would not cross a new threshold of militarization in the Spratly Islands but fighter jets would, Morris said on Twitter.
China had already deployed a military transport aircraft on Fiery Cross Reef, another Manila-claimed feature in the Spratlys, in April 2016. Beijing had also deployed a number of planes on Woody Island in the Paracels.
"Because of the dual-use nature of military transport aircraft, the move does not cross an unambiguous threshold of offensive militarization of Chinese-occupied features in the Spratlys the same way that fighter jets would, for example," Morris told Philstar.com
Mischief Reef, however, would be more significant for the Philippines as it is a low tide elevation within the country's exclusive economic zone and on its continental shelf.
The Philippines has exclusive rights of use to Mischief Reef, where China had also reportedly installed military jamming equipment.
"Therefore I would expect the Philippines government to protest this move as being unnecessarily destabilizing and a breach of Philippines sovereignty," Morris said.
The latest developments in the Spratly Islands, however, extends the geographical envelope of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, according to Euhan Graham, director of the Lowy Institute International Security Program.
"I wouldn’t be surprised to see the first PLAAF combat jet deployment occur to the Spratlys later this year. China can always find an excuse to dress up as a “provocation” if it needs one," Graham told Philstar.com
The landing of Chinese transport aircraft might simply be delivering equipment and personnel to support ground-based military from the artificial island, the Lowy Institute director said.
Graham warned that China may consider another American freedom of operation and navigation operation or even the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US as a "provocation."
"Ultimately, the PLA has a plan to use the Spratlys for their custom-built purpose - to extend the envelope of China’s air and seapower throughout the South China Sea. The only debatable issue there is sooner, or later," Graham said.
Greogory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), said that China's deployment of military planes on its outposts did not come as a surprise.
"This fits a steady pattern of escalation," Poling told Philstar.com, adding that this individual deployment should not necessarily be a cause for alarm.
Echoing the analysis of Morris, Poling said that the real alarm should be when the first fighter jets land in the Spratlys "and all evidence is that they will sooner or later."
The latest developments should be a cause for skepticism of China's intentions.
"Combined with the recent deployment of jammers to the islands, and its ongoing construction of military facilities, this does not paint the picture of a party willing to forego military force and pursue negotiations in good faith," Poling said.
Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that the Philippine government is on top of the situation, assuring the public that the agency is taking all diplomatic actions needed to protect the country's claims.
"In fact, we know much more than what is published in the newspapers or released by US think tanks because we see the bigger picture," Cayetano said in a press briefing.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/20/1807790/experts-no-break-precedent-chinese-deployment-planes-mischief-reef
Despite the Philippines mulling to file a protest over China's reported landing of military claims on the Manila-claimed reef, this development would not have a great impact on the overall situation in the South China Sea, according to RAND Senior Policy Analyst Lyle Morris.
Landing a transport military plane on Mischief Reef would not cross a new threshold of militarization in the Spratly Islands but fighter jets would, Morris said on Twitter.
China had already deployed a military transport aircraft on Fiery Cross Reef, another Manila-claimed feature in the Spratlys, in April 2016. Beijing had also deployed a number of planes on Woody Island in the Paracels.
"Because of the dual-use nature of military transport aircraft, the move does not cross an unambiguous threshold of offensive militarization of Chinese-occupied features in the Spratlys the same way that fighter jets would, for example," Morris told Philstar.com
Mischief Reef, however, would be more significant for the Philippines as it is a low tide elevation within the country's exclusive economic zone and on its continental shelf.
The Philippines has exclusive rights of use to Mischief Reef, where China had also reportedly installed military jamming equipment.
"Therefore I would expect the Philippines government to protest this move as being unnecessarily destabilizing and a breach of Philippines sovereignty," Morris said.
The latest developments in the Spratly Islands, however, extends the geographical envelope of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, according to Euhan Graham, director of the Lowy Institute International Security Program.
"I wouldn’t be surprised to see the first PLAAF combat jet deployment occur to the Spratlys later this year. China can always find an excuse to dress up as a “provocation” if it needs one," Graham told Philstar.com
The landing of Chinese transport aircraft might simply be delivering equipment and personnel to support ground-based military from the artificial island, the Lowy Institute director said.
Graham warned that China may consider another American freedom of operation and navigation operation or even the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the US as a "provocation."
"Ultimately, the PLA has a plan to use the Spratlys for their custom-built purpose - to extend the envelope of China’s air and seapower throughout the South China Sea. The only debatable issue there is sooner, or later," Graham said.
Greogory Poling, director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI), said that China's deployment of military planes on its outposts did not come as a surprise.
"This fits a steady pattern of escalation," Poling told Philstar.com, adding that this individual deployment should not necessarily be a cause for alarm.
Echoing the analysis of Morris, Poling said that the real alarm should be when the first fighter jets land in the Spratlys "and all evidence is that they will sooner or later."
The latest developments should be a cause for skepticism of China's intentions.
"Combined with the recent deployment of jammers to the islands, and its ongoing construction of military facilities, this does not paint the picture of a party willing to forego military force and pursue negotiations in good faith," Poling said.
Earlier this week, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that the Philippine government is on top of the situation, assuring the public that the agency is taking all diplomatic actions needed to protect the country's claims.
"In fact, we know much more than what is published in the newspapers or released by US think tanks because we see the bigger picture," Cayetano said in a press briefing.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/04/20/1807790/experts-no-break-precedent-chinese-deployment-planes-mischief-reef
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)