DILG director shot, wounded critically in Laguna

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): DILG director shot, wounded critically in Laguna

CALAMBA CITY - At least two unidentified armed men shot and critically wounded Director Renato Brion of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) CALABARZON shortly after alighting his car in front of DILG CALABARZON office at Anderson Building along a national highway in Barangay (village) Parian, this city Monday morning.

Brion sustained four gunshot wounds - two in the head, one grazed his waist and another bullet grazed the back of his neck .

Initial investigation by Calamba police showed that around 7:40 a.m. Monday, the victim with his wife aboard their service Toyota Innova, with plate number SLC 963 and driven by Medel Ange Saturno, headed to DILG office at Andenson Bldg.

Brion alighted the vehicle, stood near his vehicle and about to enter the said building when the suspects, who were near the area fired several shots to the victim and then fled.

Brion was rushed to nearby Calamba Medical Center at Barangay Crossing, where he underwent an a operation at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Calamba police immediately responded in the area and continuously conducting Checkpoint/Chokepoint, dragnet operation while units from Police Regional Office 4A with Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are now conducting operation relative the incident.

Police Regional Office Calabarzon (PRO IV-A) Regional Director Richard A. Albano organized Special Investigation Task Force (SITF) "Brion."

Calamba City Chief of Police Supt. Fernando Ortega said there were at least two suspects who waited for Brion at the parking area of Andenson Building and used caliber 45 and 9 mm pistols in shooting Brion.

Deputy Regional Director for Operations (DRDO) Police Sr. Supt. Romulo Sapitula said in an interview that they would be checking the Close Circuit Television (CCTV) to identify the suspects.

“We have also witnesses who are undergoing interrogation,” Sapitula said. “We asked other eye witnesses to cooperate with Calamba police to resolve immediately the case.” Sapitula added.

DILG Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento proceeded to the hospital and condemned the shooting incident.

Sarmiento said that Brion had been receiving death threats in the past before he assumed as DILG IV-A Regional Director.

” Brion is one of the respected leaders in the Department who is a known expert in the field of local governance. The DILG is deeply saddened by this violent act perpetrated against a loyal and dedicated public servant who is due to retire in the next few months after several years of committed service to the people,” Sarmiento said.

”Rest assured that the DILG will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators will be brought to justice. We would like to assure our countrymen that the DILG will not be fazed by this challenge and we shall continue to put the interests of our people on top of our priorities,” he said.

Brion, whose family roots are in San Pablo City in this province assumed office as director for DILG IV-A CALABARZON last May 21, 2015 . He also served regional director in Region II, Region III and NCR.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=837845

Mindanao peace summit slated in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): Mindanao peace summit slated in Zambo City

Zamboanga City -- Officials and representatives of the tri-peoples--Christians, Muslims and Lumads--of Mindanao will converge Tuesday for a peace summit in this city.

The gathering dubbed as Mindanao Peace Summit 2015 is sponsored by the World Philosophical Forum (WPF) and the International Movement for Peace and Reconciliation (IMPR).

Shariff Ibrahim Albani, lead convenor and IMPR chairman, said Monday the summit is to promote religious harmony, respect, cooperation and understanding.

Albani said the summit is also aimed to identify causes of problems in the different sectors of the society which are often economic or political in nature rather than religious issues; to harness mutual cooperation and good social relations among the tri-peoples; to build trust and confidence; and, to break the barriers and stereotype, which lead to distrust, suspicion and bigotry.

Albani said the summit will be attended by multi-sectoral and cause-oriented groups from Mindanao and the NCR as well as other stakeholders and inhabitants to reach out a wide spectrum of society and build a broad-based popular movement for peace, unity and progress.

He said one way to promote peace and development is to encourage inter-community dialogue and cross-cultural interaction.

“We believe that the solemn and keen understanding of religion, culture and tradition as well building mutual respect and cooperation can be formidable instrument in the pursuit of harmony and peace,” he said.

He said the summit will culminate with the signing of manifesto of support, commitment and cooperation to peace and unity.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=837861

Cop killed, another wounded in ambush by rebels in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): Cop killed, another wounded in ambush by rebels in Bukidnon

A police officer was killed while another was wounded when armed men waylaid a police car in Bukidnon, the police said Monday.

Police Supt. Gervacio Balmaceda, spokesperson of the regional police command, identified the lone fatality as PO3 Gerardo Luceno.

The wounded, a certain PO1 Luzano, is now recuperating in a hospital in Bukidnon, Balmaceda said.

The armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) carted away two M-16 rifles and two Gloc 17 pistols, both issued to the police officers.

Balmaceda said that the suspects also took away the camouflage shirt and combat boots of Luceno.

An initial investigation disclosed that the police officers were on board a patrol car in responding to a call for assistance on the burning of a sugar cane plantation in the village of Eden in Pangantucan, Bukidnon over the weekend.

Balmaceda said the patrol car hit a land mine (an improvised explosive device) planted along the way, which resulted in a firefight.

He said that Luceno was fatally hit while Luzano was wounded during the exchange of gunfire.

Balmaceda said that a combined police and military team has been dispatched to pursue the armed group that fled to the neighboring villages in Panngantucan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=837953

Army, PNP hunt down rebels who torched passenger jeepney in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): Army, PNP hunt down rebels who torched passenger jeepney in South Cotabato

Koronadal City: Police and military operatives have launched a manhunt against three men believed to be members of the communist movement who torched a passenger jeep in the borders of this city and Tampakan, South Cotabato, police said today.

Elements of the South Cotabato police public safety battalion and Army's 27th Infantry Battalion are now pursuing the New People's Army rebels who torched a passenger jeepney in Sitio Lasang, Barangay San Roque, Koronadal City at 3 p.m. Monday.

Senior Supt. Jose Briones, South Cotabato police director, told reporters manhunt has been ongoing in the hinterlands of Barangay San Roque in Tampakan.

Jeepney driver Rey Cano told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that three men boarded his jeepney in a terminal in Koronadal City en route to Tampakan town via Barangay San Roque.

Upon reaching portions of a banana plantation, two of the three men pulled their hand guns and poked a gun on him. At the same time, the suspects directed other passengers to alight while another suspect poured gasoline around the jeepney and set it on fire.

Two other armed men were seen by passengers waiting near the crime site.

The passengers were unharmed.

The gunmen also told the driver that they carried out the burning of the vehicle because its owner refused to pay them revolutionary tax.

Soldiers and policemen are still in the village to pursue the manhunt.

Tampakan town, an adjacent village of Koronadal City, is known to be infiltrated with communist rebels mulcting on banana plantation owners.

Those who refused to provide "protection money" were subjected to harassment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=837935

USAID holds training on water resources assessment, hazard mapping

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): USAID holds training on water resources assessment, hazard mapping

A total of 27 new facilitators completed on Friday the Training of Trainers on Participatory Capacity and Vulnerability Assessment (PCVA) of water resources and hazard mapping in the city organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Be Secure project.

The activity is in cooperation with the Community Based Adaptation and Resilience against Disasters (CBARAD) II, a joint project of the Iloilo City Government, City of Yokohama, CITYNET Yokohama Project Office and Japan International Cooperation Agency.

“We are involving as many stakeholders as we can from various sectors who are always willing to help in our quest for a more prepared, inclusive and disaster resilient Ilonggo community,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

The participants came from the local government unit, barangays, academe, senior citizens’ group, organization of persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the police force.

“After the three-day training, the participants are expected to train a new set of facilitators and to conduct risk assessment in more barangays particularly the identified priority barangays of the CBARAD II project,” said Donna Magno, CBARAD project coordinator.

The training held last week involved 10 facilitator-trainees who were trained by CBARAD on PCVA for community risk assessment in November.

She also cited the participants from city schools who already signified to help in the hazard mapping of the city following the conference between the academe and City Government on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation last month.

As part of the training, fieldwork was done in Tabuc Suba in La Paz and Sambag in Jaro to identify their barangays’ hazards and risks.

The community participants were composed of PWDs, elderly, youth and barangay officials.

Magno said draft risk assessment analyses were developed in the two barangays, with flood and drought as common problem for both.

Twenty five barangays under CBARAD II will be prioritized to undergo hazard mapping and risk assessment.

The results of the assessment will be used to enhance the city’s local climate change action plan, disaster risk reduction and management plan and comprehensive land use plan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=837880

Army units pursue rebels who detonated IED near military convoy in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): Army units pursue rebels who detonated IED near military convoy in Iloilo

Units of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division are now pursuing the New People's Army (NPA) band who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) near a passing military convoy, wounding seven people, in San Joaquin town, Iloilo Monday early morning

The incident took place at 6:30 a.m., near the San Joaquin Highway, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Ray Tiongson said.

He added this attack is in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

82nd Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez Jr., said his troops, who were based in Miag-ao, Iloilo, were headed to Antique aboard two military trucks when an estimated 10 rebels detonated the IED.

The troops disembarked from the vehicles, returned fire and maneuvered to occupy the vantage position as they pursue the rebels.

Six 82nd Infantry Battalion troopers and a civilian were wounded due to IED shrapnel.

The soldiers who sustained minor injuries are now in stable condition and back to duty after they were treated as out-patients in a hospital in Guimbal, Iloilo.

Meanwhile, the civilian victim identified as Bryan Servano is still confined in Guimbal hospital due to a wound.

In a separate incident, a group of lawless armed elements believed to be rebel fighters burned heavy equipment for a mini-hydro project in Igbaras, Iloilo at about 8 p.m. Sunday.

Tiongson said the bandits barged into the project site of Century Peak in Barangay Passi and at the dam site in Barangay Igcabugao and burned seven trucks, an Isuzu elf and three backhoes and carted away a shotgun and a .38 caliber revolver belonging to the duty security guards.

The attack stemmed from the company's failure to give in to the extortion demands of the rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=837793

AFP to present modern military equipment during 80th AFP founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): AFP to present modern military equipment during 80th AFP founding anniversary

Almost, if not all newly-acquired military equipment, will be presented to the public during the 80th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Dec. 21.

Ceremonies will be held first time at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga, said AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla.

Equipment to be presented include the newly-acquired South Korean-made FA-50PHs light-interim fighter aircraft, Airbus Military C-295 medium transport, AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" attack helicopters and the US-donated M-113A2 armored personnel carriers, among others.

All of these items were delivered this 2015.

Aside from this, newly-acquired humanitarian and assistance disaster relief equipment, military trucks and artillery pieces will also be presented.

Padilla said the presentation of these newly-acquired materiel is to show the public that all funds allocated for the AFP Modernization Program are being spent wisely and not a lip service as being claimed by some sectors.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=837728

Rebel base seized in Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 14): Rebel base seized in Samar clash

Government troops have captured a New People's Army (NPA) camp in the hinterlands of Calbiga, Samar province during an hour-long encounter last Dec. 11.

Lt. Col. George Domingo, 87th Infantry Battalion commander, said his men were able to capture the rebel base after receiving tips from residents long tired of the extortion and harassment of the NPA rebels.

The captured NPA encampment has 30 makeshift huts, two kitchens, three "bulwagan" (halls) that can accommodate 50 persons.

Recovered from the scene of encounter are the following: one M-60 general purpose machine gun with 90 rounds; one M-653 automatic rifle; two Claymore-type landmines; one 32-inch flat-screen TV; a Cignal cable transceiver; a generator set; one chainsaw; several medical equipment and medicines, assorted foodstuffs and subversive documents.

The rebels suffered undetermined number of casualties as evidenced by the bloodstains in their withdrawal route while two soldiers were wounded during the encounter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=837818

Army pays ‘ghost soldiers’ P21m—CoA

From The Standard (Dec 14): Army pays ‘ghost soldiers’ P21m—CoA

THE Philippine Army paid the salaries and wages of “297 ghost soldiers” amounting to P21 million in the first quarter of 2014, according to the Commission on Audit.

A CoA Annual Audit Report of the Philippine Army for 2014, showed that out of the 297, at least 37 were confirmed retired, deceased and discharged from the service but continued to be paid their salaries.

“The Philippine Army paid salaries and wages totaling more than P21 million to personnel no longer in active service or in the employ of the Army,” CoA said.   

For this reason, the CoA ordered the  Army to “require the refund of P1.24 million by 37 military personnel and determine the status of the remaining 260 military personnel who were paid P20.04 million.”   

Out of the 81,674 average monthly personnel of the Army included in the payroll for the period January to March 2014, CoA said, the 297 personnel were not included in the masterlist/roster maintained by the Plans and Research Branch, Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, G1 since they are military and civilian personnel who are already retired, deceased or discharged/terminated from the service; hence, resulted in the payment of salaries and wages totaling P21,293,423.26.

“Regular account for the period January to March 2014 showed that the Philippine Army has an average monthly payroll of 2.2 billion for salaries and wages of 81,674 personnel [average] consisting of 80,795 military personnel and 879 civilian employees,” it said.

It said the payment of salaries and wages of those no longer in the service resulted in the “overpayment/doubtful payment of salaries and wages.”   

CoA revealed that 297 personnel in the Philippine Army payroll for January to March 2014 were not included in the master list maintained by the Plans and Research Branch of the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel.

The CoA  found “gaps in the payment of salaries and wages of military and civilian personnel of the Philippine Army.”

CoA also found the discrepancy in the master list and payroll roster was due to the G1 and the Electronic Data Processing branch of the Philippine Army using different reference documents in the updating/preparation of the master list and payroll files. 

Inquiry from the Plans and Research Branch, Operations Group 1, the updating of the masterlist/roster of personnel of the Philippine Army is based on the roster of troops submitted by the G1 of each Philippine Army Major Units, it added.

Each unit, CoA said, conducts daily head count of their personnel to determine their status (on official leave, on official travel, Awol, etc.), which is summarized in the Morning Report and serves as the basis in the preparation of the roster of troops.

“Realizing that one major deficiency in the human resource management of the Philippine Army is the absence of a working database program that can account for its personnel and generate accurate personnel information in real time, personnel accounting system was established,” COA said.

The Operation Group1 has developed a modified information system called Personnel Accounting Information System (PAIS) in order to address this perennial problem, COA said.   

The database program which passed its pilot-testing at the Operation Group 1, Philippine Army has already automated a lot of manual work in the Office; hence, the reason for increased efficiency. The system is capable of generating the following reports in real time:

a)   PA roster of Troops (Listing of military personnel and their unit of assignment);

b) Total Annual Re-enlistees for Reenlistment Clothing Allowance (RCA) projection (Used in projecting the Re-enlistment Clothing Allowance because of detailed information of military personnel);

c) Attrition listing as basis of Procurement Programming such as discharged, retired,separated, deceased, terminated personnel.

However, COA said, despite the application of the system, there was inaccuracy of data on the PA masterlist/roster of troops.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/194332/army-pays-ghost-soldiers-p21m-coa.html

(YEARENDER) PAF ends 2015 with supersonic capability, more capable aircraft

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): (YEARENDER) PAF ends 2015 with supersonic capability, more capable aircraft

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), ended 2015 not with a bang, but with the loud full-throated roar as the first of its two Mach 1.5 capable South Korean-made FA-50PHs light-interim fighter aircraft sped through the skies last Nov. 28.

The arrival of the two jet aircraft, the first pair out of the 12-plane contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth Php18.9 billion, highlights the return of supersonic capability to the PAF after an absence of 10 years.

This fact was also pointed out by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin who was the guest-of-honor in the welcoming ceremonies for the jets at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga.

"We’re glad we’re finally back to supersonic age," Voltaire said.

Supersonic refers to having aircraft capable of flying faster than sound or 750 miles per hour.

Having this capability will allow the PAF to respond much faster to possible threats.

The country's last supersonic aircraft was the Mach 1.6 capable Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighters. These were decommissioned in 2005 due airframe defects and lack of spare parts, forcing the PAF to rely on the subsonic SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers as its primary interceptor aircraft.

The other 10 FA-50PHs are expected to be deliver by 2017. The DND and KAI signed the Php18.9 billion contract for the planes in March 2014.

The acquisition of the FA-50PHs is the highlight of the ongoing AFP Modernization Program worth Php85 billion.

The F/A-50 (the other designation for the FA-50PH) has a top speed of Mach 1.5 (990 miles per hour) or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and Korean Aerospace Industries.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

Aside from the FA-50PHs, another PAF highlight for 2015 is the arrival and commissioning of all of eight attack versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopter.

The first PAF attack AW-109s were commissioned last Aug. 17 while the remaining six were formally accepted for PAF service this Dec. 5.

The Philippines signed an eight-unit attack AW-109E order with AgustaWestland in 2013 for Php3. 44 billion.

Arrival of the attack AW-109Es will greatly boost the Air Force's close-air support capability, PAF chief-of-air staff Major Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar said.

"Definitely it will significantly increase our capability for close-air support as the (PAF) commanding general (Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado) said we only have a dozen of the MG-520 so this is a welcome addition of capabilities, what is important is it has more capabilities to speak of, it will be able to carry more ordnance and it can operate at night," Kintanar said.

Another feather in the PAF's cap, to speak of is the completion and delivery of its three C-295 medium transport order from Airbus Defense and Space which is worth Php5.3 billion.

The first C-295 was commissioned in March 30 while the second was formally accepted by the PAF last Dec. 5.

While the third, which arrived last Dec. 11, is expected to be commissioned by the first quarter of 2016.

The 220th Airlift Wing of the PAF will operate and maintain the above-mentioned aircraft.

The PAF uses the medium lift aircraft for tactical and medium airlift requirements, and are essential to internal security operations in ferrying personnel and logistical requirements of different line/combat units to any part of the country.

The timely deployment of troops and supplies is vital to ensure the success of any military operations.

With the acquisition of the C-295, the present and future needs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could be addressed having an additional aircraft dedicated to operate in any combat support, territorial defense and disaster response missions of the AFP as well as the national development.

The Airbus C-295 is a new generation, very robust and reliable, highly versatile tactical airlifter able to carry up to nine tonnes of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt /480 km/h.

Fitted with a retractable landing gear and a pressurized cabin, it can cruise at altitudes up to 25,000 ft, while retaining remarkable short take-off & landing (STOL) performance from unprepared short, soft and rough airstrips, as well as low level flight characteristics.

As this developed, modernization efforts for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has gained further momentum after President Benigno S. Aquino III has approved DND Gazmin's request to enter into a "Multi-Year Contract" for seven acquisition projects.

This was disclosed by DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, material and modernization Fernando Manalo in an interview.

"PNoy (President Aquino) has approved the request of DND for SND to be authorized to enter into Multi-Year-Contract. The approval will pave the way for the acquisition of two frigates for the Philippine Navy; anti-submarine helicopters and amphibious assault vehicle for PN; long-range patrol aircraft, close-air support aircraft, munitions for FA-50 and air surveillance for the PAF," Manalo said.

Manalo said 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.

Total value of the seven projects is about Php44 billion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=837599

Photo: New Philippine Air Force FA-50 with tail number 002 coming in to land at Manila runway

Pinoy Aviator photo posted to the Philippine Defense Bulletin (Dec 13): Photo: Philippine Air Force FA-50 with tail number 002 coming in to land at Manila Runway

 

Philippine Air Force FA-50 with tail number 002 coming in to land at Manila Runway piloted by our local pilots from the Bulldogs, the 7th Tactical Fighter Squadron.... (Photo courtesy of Mr.Lester Tangco/Post courtesy of Pinoy Aviators)

 https://www.facebook.com/PilonoyAviators022513/photos/a.542142562486654.130905.539201296114114/1050228695011369/?type=3&theater

Air traffic forces AFP to celebrate anniversary outside the metro

From the Philippine Star (Dec 13): Air traffic forces AFP to celebrate anniversary outside the metro



In this February 2015 file photo, military personnel conduct troop inspection at the Armed Forces' headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "For the first time, we will celebrate our anniversary outside Manila," a military spokesperson says on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015. AFP/File

The military will celebrate its 80th anniversary next week in Clark, Pampanga, the first time such event will be held outside Metro Manila.

Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said Clark was chosen as venue for the Dec. 21 event to prevent air traffic congestion when the military shows off its newly-acquired air assets.

"For the first time, we will celebrate our anniversary outside Manila. Before, we used to hold it at Camp Aguinaldo or Luneta. This year, we will hold it at Clark Air Base," Padilla told radio station dzBB on Sunday in Filipino.

"It will be hard to conduct a long flyby (of air assets) here in Manila. Traffic jam is experienced not only in EDSA and other roads in Metro Manila but also in our airways," he added.

Padilla said some passengers have been complaining that the one-hour trip from Cebu to Manila now lasts for one and a half hour because of air traffic congestion.

Padilla gave assurance that the military anniversary would not disrupt flight schedules. He said commercial traffic in Clark usually peaks in the afternoon or in the evening while the armed forces' anniversary will be held in the morning.

President Benigno Aquino III, the commander-in-chief of the 125,000-strong armed forces, is expected to attend the event.

"This is his (Aquino) last AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) day as president because there will be a change of leadership in the country in July. This will serve as our testimonial for the commander-in-chief," Padilla said.

"To thank him for his support, we will show that we have acquired a lot of equipment for the armed forces. This capability was not matched by the three previous administrations. Everything then was lip service. Now, they became a reality," he added.

During the event, the military is expected to display its newly-acquired air assets including the two FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets that were delivered on November 28.

The military has acquired 12 jets from South Korea's Korea Aerospace Industries for P18.9 billion, making it the largest item in the armed forces' modernization shopping list.

The two jets, along with a C295M medium lift fixed wing aircraft, and six AW-109E attack helicopters were formally turned over to the Philippine Air Force early this month.

Another C295 aircraft was also scheduled to arrive from Spain last weekend.

Earlier, The STAR reported that Spanish firm Airbus Military (now Airbus Defence & Space) won the bidding for the purchase of three medium lift fixed wing aircraft. The winning bidder submitted a bid of P5.29 billion, well within the P5.3-billion budget ceiling.

The first of the three C295 planes arrived in Clark in March while the second was delivered in Mabalacat City also in Pampanga in September.

Also to be displayed during the anniversary are the 77 M113 armored personnel carriers that were delivered on Wednesday. Padilla said the armored personnel carriers were acquired from the United States through the excess defense articles program.

"We will also display artillery pieces, mobility equipment, trucks, tanks we acquired the other year, and HADR or humanitarian assistance and disaster response equipment like rescue vehicles," Padilla said.

"We want to show our countrymen that the funds allotted for the modernization of the armed forces were spent properly," he added.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/12/13/1532237/air-traffic-forces-afp-celebrate-anniversary-outside-metro

MILF: MILF panel shares learning lessons from Bangsamoro peace process with peace practitioners in a conference at Cambodia

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 13): MILF panel shares learning lessons from Bangsamoro peace process with peace practitioners in a conference at Cambodia



Photo courtesy of Center for Peace and Conflict Studies

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel member, Prof. Abhoud Syed Lingga, shared the learning lessons from the Bangsamoro peace process with the delegates of the 4th Peace Practitioners Research Conference  held at Siem Reap, Cambodia on December 9-10, 2015.

The event, hosted by Center for Peace and Conflict Studies, gathered around 120 peace scholars and practitioners from around the globe to critically reflect on lessons learned in the areas of mediation, negotiation and dialogue from current peace processes in Asia region.

Lingga said, the dialogue with no pre-conditions made the start of the talks between the Government and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1975 and then the negotiations between the state and the MILF in 1997 easier.

He underscored the importance of “building trust” between parties and that “the role of a third party is helpful to bring together conflicting parties to talk peace.”

The peace panel member further stressed that the conflicting parties have to be encouraged  to negotiate and work towards building settlement.

Lingga, one of the much sought resource persons that tackles Mindanao conflict, emphasized the need for the leadership of conflicting parties to rally support for the peace process.

“The support of influential institutions like military, Congress, media, business, civil society and the religious strengthen parties' position to search for creative measures in resolving the conflict,” he pointed out.

He said that military approach does not only fail to resolve but in many cases fuel conflict.

“While talking peace, ceasefire is significant to keep the peace proess going and to preserve whatever gains achieved. It provides space to build confidence among conflicting parties.”

“Even after the negotiations drag on for long time, encourage parties to keep talking peace,” he suggested.

“Agreements on ceasefire, and return and rehabilitation of evacuees are important steps that have to be undertaken before or simultaneous with discussion on substantive issues” Lingga said.

“After an agreement is signed, it is important to have a road map of implementation and benchmarks to guide parties to the agreement, third parties intervener and funding institutions in implementing the agreement,” the peace negotiator explained.

He suggested, “Even after the agreement is signed, do not disband negotiating panels and other infrastructures until the parties are fully satisfied that the agreement is fully implemented” and added the importance of establishing the Third Party Monitoring Team (TMPT).

The TPMT monitors if all of the provisions of the peace accord have been implemented by both parties.

In preserving the gains of the peace process, Lingga emphasized it has to be done base on the needs. As for the negotiations, there is the International Contact Group (ICG) while for the security, the Local Monitoring Team (LMT), Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Ad Hoc joint Action Group (AHJAG), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) were in place.

He said in conceptualizing creative approaches to a conflict situation, it is useful to learn from the experiences of others. 

“Every conflict has its own history, context, issues, and necessity,” Lingga said and hinted that, “The approach and process to address them must be responsive to the circumstances.” 

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/727-milf-panel-shares-learning-lessons-from-bangsamoro-peace-process-with-peace-practitioners-in-a-conference-at-cambodia

MILF: MILF holds meeting with other Moro factions, calls for unity among Bangsamoro people

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 13): MILF holds meeting with other Moro factions, calls for unity among Bangsamoro people

ABS-CBN News Central Mindanao said in its report on December 12 that, “Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) held a unification and reconciliation meeting on Saturday, at Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao”.

Those who attended the meeting were MILF 1st Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar, who led the meeting, Abulkaihr Alonto, leader of a separate MNLF faction and former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Assemblyman Romeo Sema who represented Muslimin Sema. Muslimen Sema is leader of the MNLF Council of 15 who signed a unified declaration with the MILF last October.

Before that historic event at Camp Darapanan, Alonto had previously expressed support for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Alonto said that despite Misuari’s absence, the MNLF founder had expressed his interest to join the unification and reconciliation.

All three leaders expressed their optimism and hope that the BBL will still be passed under President Aquino's term. 

They said that they will also continue pushing for the BBL even in the next administration, if it fails to be passed under the Aquino administration. They, likewise, are pushing for unity among the Bangsamoro people.

Jaafar said that at present, the Moro people are divided as some are supporting different leaders who have different positions on the BBL.

Alonto insisted that there is only one MNLF organization. Through Romeo Sema, Alonto conveyed his message to Muslimen Sema and asked him to visit Misuari.

Alonto added they will settle the organization's internal problems and assured the public they can resolve it.

The MILF and other MNLF leaders will continue convincing Misuari to join them in their call for unity and reconciliation. (Source: ABS-CBN New central Mindanao)

ABS-CBN quoted Jafaar saying that, “When Moro leaders are on the same track towards the goal of achieving the Bangsamoro government, the Philippine government will most likely listen to them”.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/725-milf-holds-meeting-with-other-moro-factions-calls-for-unity-among-bangsamoro-people

MILF: Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission hands over Report to GPH, MILF Peace Panels

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 12): Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission hands over Report to GPH, MILF Peace Panels



TJRC Chairperson Mo Bleeker in handshake with Chair Mohagher Iqbal to submit the official report of the TJRC Commission

The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), an independent commission created by the Government and MILF Peace Panels, has completed its work and submitted its official report to the two peace panels of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

The Normalization Annex under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) provides the creation of the TJRC ensuring the protection on the rights of the Bangsamoro anchored on mutual understanding, harmony and unity among the people.

TJRC Chair Mo Bleeker came in full force with the other members of the Commission to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission office to turn over the report to the MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal in the morning of December 9, 2015.

At the meeting chair Bleeker also sought permission of the two negotiating parties for the TJRC to have the report published, explaining that publishing the same will serve to inform the people and also guide policy making bodies in their decisions.

For his part, Chair Iqbal apprised the group of his personal agreement to the proposal and hoped that his counterpart in government, Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel would agree to the publication of the report.

It can be recalled that the TJRC was a part of the signed agreements and even made an important provision in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law pending enactment in the Congress of the Philippines.

The TJRC has the mandate to undertake a study and make recommendations to address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro, human rights violations, correct historical injustices and marginalization through land dispossession.

It can also recommend immediate interventions for reconciliation, conflict prevention and the promotion of healing of physical, mental and spiritual wounds.

The other members of the Commission who came with Chair Mo Bleeker were Jonathan Sisson, senior adviser, Atty. Cecilia Jimenez representing the GPH and Atty. Ishak Mastura representing the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/724-transitional-justice-and-reconciliation-commission-hands-over-report-to-gph-milf-peace-panels