Monday, June 8, 2015

'China miscalculated US response to reclamation'

From Rappler (Jun 9): 'China miscalculated US response to reclamation'

Former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana tells Rappler China is 'caught in a bind' after the US strongly responded to its reclamation activities

'CHINA'S FURIOUS.' Former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana says China was furious that the US strongly criticized its artificial island-building in the South China Sea

'CHINA'S FURIOUS.' Former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana says China was furious that the US strongly criticized its artificial island-building in the South China Sea

China's massive reclamation in the South China Sea was meant to undermine the Philippines' historic legal case but Beijing “miscalculated” the strong reaction of the United States.

Former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana said that China's artificial island-building elevated the dispute from an issue between Manila and Beijing to one between Washington and Beijing.
 
In an interview on Rappler Talk, Sta Romana said that China was “furious” that the Philippines got its treaty ally and former colonizer to weigh in.
 
“The problem now is that the Chinese were basically expecting the Philippine counteraction, which is diplomatic protest, to go to ASEAN. They didn't expect the US would react in this way. So the Chinese, I think, have certainly made tactical, and possibly, a strategic miscalculation,” said Sta Romana, who lived in China for more than 3 decades.
 
Watch the full interview here:

Over the past 18 months, China built some 2,000 acres worth of territory on submerged reefs and rocks in the disputed South China Sea, the equivalent of about 1,500 football fields. The so-called "Great Wall of Sand" drew criticism from the US, with President Barack Obama urging China to stop “throwing elbows and pushing people out of the way.”
 
In the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore in late May, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter criticized Beijing's maritime claims on the artificial islands. He said, “The United States will fly, sail and operate wherever international law allows.”
 
Sta Romana said that the question now is how China will respond.
 
“I think they are basically caught in a bind. I think they will continue with their reclamation but because the Americans have made a big fuss about militarization, it may moderate. Because if the Chinese were to introduce anti-ship missiles or anti-air missiles, this would be a bigger story, a bigger case,” he said.
 
The president of the Philippine Association for Chinese Studies said that China's reclamation was merely meant to preempt the outcome of the Philippines' arbitration case, with a ruling expected in early 2016. (READ: 'PH case provoked China's massive reclamation in West PH Sea')
 
Sta Romana pointed out that China built artificial islands on 7 maritime features that are the subject of Manila's case under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. China rejects the case, and refuses to participate. The problem is the arbitral tribunal has no enforcement mechanism. (READ: Rough seas: Will PH 'lawfare' work vs China?)
 
“The Chinese have built artificial islands to say that even if the arbitration tribunal resolves this in our favor, 'Here we are. Come and get us if you can.' So it is a challenge,” Sta Romana said.
 
“Their objective was just to undermine the case filed by the Philippines, and to scare in a sense the Philippines and Southeast Asia, but they have now touched on a nerve, a strategic nerve that affected the US,” he added.
 
Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have claims over the strategic sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, a key fishing site, and an area believed to hold vast deposits of oil and gas. China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over almost the entire South China Sea.
 
Sta Romana said that China initially reclaimed land in secret but only explained to the international community when satellite images exposed the extent of its construction work.
 
“This is the effect. You can call it the Rappler effect, the CNN effect or the BBC effect. When something is put under the glare of television, it mobilizes international public opinion. And the Chinese have not encountered this. So this is what they're trying to react against.”
 
Photo of China's reclamation in Fiery Cross Reef. Courtesy: Armed Forces of the Philippines
 
Photo of China's reclamation in Fiery Cross Reef. Courtesy: Armed Forces of the Philippines
 
Avoid repeat of 2001 collision
 
With the escalating word war and tensions between the US and China, Sta Romana said that the two superpowers must avoid an accident similar to what happened in 2001.
 
Back then, a Chinese F-8 fighter collided with a US Navy EP-3 reconnaissance plane over the South China Sea.

“Because can you imagine a sophisticated Chinese jet falling into the ocean? Or a Poseidon falling into the ocean? All bets are off. This is what is to be avoided: an accident that could turn into a major incident that could turn into a possible conflagration.”
“The Chinese jet and its pilot crashed into the sea, and the American plane had to crash-land into Hainan, and the American crew was detained for more than 10 days. This provoked a diplomatic and political crisis so you could have a repeat of that and probably worse,” Sta Romana said.
 
Still, Sta Romana said it is to the interest of both the US and China to avoid a direct confrontation.
“The Chinese for sure don't want a war with the US now because they could lose, and the century of humiliation they are talking about that they want to overcome could be repeated. So that's the least they want but we cannot preclude a short, sharp conflict if there is a miscalculation.”
 
In a separate interview with Rappler, Ernest Bower of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) also said that there is “relatively high danger” of a flashpoint confrontation in the South China Sea.
 
“Washington and Beijing are assessing each others’ tolerance for risk. The Americans have to be careful not to fall into the trap where the Chinese will push ahead and say, 'If you respond to us militarily, you're the aggressor. Americans, you came in here. You provoked us.'”
 
'HALT LAND RECLAMATION.' US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter looks on during the keynote on the first day of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 14th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, 29 May 2015. Photo by Wallace Woon/EPA
 
'HALT LAND RECLAMATION.' US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter looks on during the keynote on the first day of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) 14th Asia Security Summit in Singapore, 29 May 2015. Photo by Wallace Woon/EPA
 
Not a choice between US or China 
 
Beyond freedom of navigation, Sta Romana said that the US responded strongly to China's land reclamation because it challenged Washington's Asia pivot or rebalance policy, and its position as the “dominant power” in the Asia Pacific since World War II and the end of the Cold War.
 
He said that by building an airstrip and military installations on artificial islands, China will be in a position to exercise de facto control over the South China Sea.
 
“If you look at what the Chinese is doing, the rise of Chinese power, particularly its naval and military power, it's shifting the balance of power. So these are the opening salvos of what we are seeing as a historic transition, a rising power that is China, challenging an established power that is the US.”
 
Sta Romana stressed that claimant countries like the Philippines should not view the dispute as a choice between American or Chinese hegemony.
 
Critics of Philippine foreign policy accuse Manila of “excessive pro-Americanism” at the expense of the country's diplomatic ties with China.
 
“You can actually have another alternative. For the US not to be the superpower but to become a major power, and for the Chinese, from a regional power becomes a major power but you have Russia, Japan, India, ASEAN centrality. You can have a concert of powers,” Sta Romana said.
“But the Americans are certainly not going to give up so easily.”
 

NPA admits killing former commander in Cotabato

From GMA News (Jun 9): NPA admits killing former commander in Cotabato

PRESIDENT ROXAS, Cotabato - The New People’s Army (NPA) Front 53 North Cotabato-Bukidnon Operational Command of Southern Mindanao, admitted it has executed on Saturday its former commander who returned to government's side in 1986 (not last year as earlier reported).

In text messages sent to dxND Radyo Bida in Kidapawan City, a person who identified himself as a top official of the NPA said Larry Embac, also known as Commander Bartol, has long been wanted by their organization for being a “traitor.”

The NPA official disclosed that in 1986, Commander Bartol brought six of his men in a mountainous area in Magpet, Cotabato where a platoon of the military was waiting and forced them to surrender to the 39th Infantry Battalion who has jurisdiction over the province.
 
Commander Bartol and his men surrendered their high-powered firearms and availed of the government's “Balik Baril” program, the texter told reporters.
 
The former NPA commander was even said to have played the role of an asset of the government during the term of the late President Corazon Aquino. 
 
Melcepet Embac, the victim’s wife, admitted that her husband was a former rebel commander but it had already been two decades since he began to live a normal and peaceful life in Barangay Labu-o, President Roxas town.
 
She said Commander Bartol had a lingering illness due to his age.
 
Mrs. Embac said her husband was killed in broad daylight in their village at around 5:30 in the afternoon on Saturday.
 
“I could not do anything to save my husband," she said, adding the suspects trained their guns on him.
 
Their 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter also witnessed the killing of their father, perpetrated by a group of armed men led by one of their relatives.
 
“It was his nephew who is a member of the NPA who shot my husband while he was running to save his life,” Mrs. Embac said.
 
The victims’ two children were still in shock due to the incident they have witnessed.
 
They are being assisted by the town’s social welfare and development personnel for psychosocial intervention.
 
Mrs. Embac on the other hand called on authorities to arrest the suspects to give justice to her fallen husband.
 
“I am appealing to our local PNP [Philippine National Police], do everything to get the suspects and put them behind bars to give justice to our family,” Mrs. Embac said.
 

DND to acquire 5.56mm M27 links

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): DND to acquire 5.56mm M27 links

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday announced that it is allocating Php10,697,895 for the acquisition of 5.56mm M27 links, which are intended for the use of the 5.56mm light machine guns of the military.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 90 calendar days.

The M27 link is formally known as Link, Cartridge, Metallic Belt, 5.56mm. The M27 is a disintegrating metallic bullet link issued by the United States armed forces and designed for use in belt-fed firearms.

It holds 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. It was first developed for the Stoner belt-fed machine gun in Vietnam but was later resurrected and adapted for use with the FN Minimi LMG/M249 squad automatic weapon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=769972

82 rebel fighters surrender to 10th ID

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): 82 rebel fighters surrender to 10th ID

During the first six months of 2015, a total of 82 New People's Army (NPA) fighters have voluntarily surrendered to units of the Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division.

1st Lt. Vergel Lacambra in a statement forwarded to the PNA said reasons for the surrender of these rebels include their desire to be with their loved ones, hunger, unbearable hardships in the mountainsand disillusionment over the lack of cause of the rebel organization.

The ranks of these disaffected NPA fighters are expected to further rise in the coming days, Lacambra added.

“We are calling on our brothers and sisters who are just being deceived by the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA to grab the opportunity of living a peaceful life. The best option for them is to abandon the futile armed struggle,” 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Eduardo Año concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=770004

DOJ urged to drop cases vs political prisoner with baby

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 8): DOJ urged to drop cases vs political prisoner with baby

Human rights group Karapatan on Monday urged Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to drop all charges against a political prisoner languishing in jail with her baby at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.

The prisoner, Maria Miracle Torres, is facing murder and frustrated murder cases and has been in jail since June last year. She gave birth last November and has since been taking care of the baby in jail.

Karapatan-Southern Tagalog deputy secretary general Gil Sediarin said the charges against Torres were merely trumped-up.

The group said if the immediate release is not possible, at least, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) should give Torres a proper facility so she can take care of her seven-month-old son.

Torres’ bid for hospitalization was dismissed by the court.

“Torres and her baby have been suffering so much for the crimes that they did not commit. They have been in a miserable condition for almost a year now inside a congested jail that doesn’t even comply to the standard size of a prison cell and with other inmates who have contagious diseases,’’ Sediarin said.

‘’What we are fighting for aside from their immediate release is the right of a breastfeeding political prisoner as stipulated in United Nations Rules for the Treatment of Women Prisoners and Non-Custodial Measures for Women Offenders,” he added.

Torres was arrested on June 20, 2014, in Lucena City, Quezon province. She was then four months pregnant. She had a threatened abortion and was advised by her doctor to get bed rest.

However, she was immediately transferred from Quezon Province to Taguig City. She had a series of bleeding while in detention and was confined at Taguig Hospital months before giving birth. She gave birth at the Philippine General Hospital on Nov. 19, 2014.

 Torres was transferred back to Taguig upon orders by the Regional Trial Court Branch 65 of Infanta, Quezon.

 When she returned to jail, Karapatan said inmates jeered at the child, calling it “Batang City Jail.”

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/696912/doj-urged-to-drop-cases-vs-political-prisoner-with-baby

Steel-cutting for 2nd SSV now a done deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): Steel-cutting for 2nd SSV now a done deal

Steel-cutting for the Philippine Navy (PN)'s second strategic sealift vessel (SSV) formally took place last June 6 at PT PAL (Persero)'s Surabaya shipyard.

This was announced by the Indonesian shipbuilder over weekend.

The second SSV is scheduled for delivery this coming May 2017.

Earlier, PN public affairs office office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said that the keel of the first SSV is now being constructed.

He added that work on the first SSV has been proceeding smoothly since steel cutting started last Jan.22.

"(With the fast pace on construction), We are hopeful that the May 2016 delivery of the first SSV will be met," Lincuna said.

The Philippines has a two-SSV order with Persero for Php3,870,000,000 which is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The keel is a beam around which the hull of a ship is built.

It runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern, and serves as a basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull.

The strategic sealift acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by the Secretary of National Defense last Oct. 30, 2013.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

These vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=770099

Eastern Mindanao Command, OSPFI sign reconstructive surgery MOU

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): Eastern Mindanao Command, OSPFI sign reconstructive surgery MOU

In line with its community development efforts, the Eastern Mindanao Command and Operation Smile Philippines Foundations Incorporated (OSPFI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) Sunday to strengthen their partnership in reconstructive surgery and other health services.

The Eastern Mindanao Command was represented by Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad.

Signing in behalf of OSPFI was Dr. Joselito R. Cembrano.

The MOU seeks to beef up the partnership of the two groups in conducting reconstructive surgery and related healthcare services to indigent Filipino children and young adults with cleft lip, cleft palate and other facial deformities in the communities within Eastern Mindanao.

The signing took place 9:30 a.m. at the Davao City headquarters of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

With the signing of the MOU, the two parties will conduct a medical surgical missions starting June 13 to 19at Brokenshire Memorial Hospital in Davao City.

OSPFI was established in 1988 as the Philippine partner foundation of Operation Smile, Inc., an international volunteer medical services organization based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A,. to provide medical surgeries as well as to create learning opportunities for Filipino medical professionals for them to hone their skills.

Cembrano said that doctors of OSPFI are expert in reconstructive surgeries.

“I would like to encourage the affected children including young adults to avail these free medical services,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=770228

AFP condemns execution-style slay of NPA surrenderee in Cotabato

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 8): AFP condemns execution-style slay of NPA surrenderee in Cotabato

On his knees, Larry Embac pleaded with his executioners in the middle of the road Sunday to spare his life and allow him to lead a normal life after years of fighting the government as a New People’s Army (NPA) combatant.

But the five gunmen would not hear of it and proceeded to pump the 49-year-old resident of Barangay Labuo, President Roxas in North Cotabato with a hail of gunfire, killing him instantly in full view of horrified villagers  under the searing afternoon sun.

With the execution of a former comrade done, the gunmen declared to the crowd: “We are NPAs!”

The military here has condemned the NPA for the execution of Embac which it described as “barbaric and very inhuman.”

Col. Noel Clement, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the attack clearly showed that the ruthlessness of the leftist armed group.

Sr. Insp. Romy Castanares, President Roxas police chief, said Embac was whiling away his time, sitting at a waiting shed when the suspects arrived.

Embac knew the five men were NPAs since they were in the same platoon of communist rebels operating in the mountains of North Cotabato.

Gut feel told him that he was going to be a target of liquidation so he ran and sought cover in the house of a certain Emma Villasor, also in the same village.

But the gunmen chased after him and dragged Embac out of the house of Villasor.

In the middle of the road, the five gunmen took turns at firing at Embac who was last seen begging for his life, pleading with his executioners to just let him lead a normal life.

The victim had multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of his body and died on the spot.

Scene of the Crime Operatives of the Pres. Roxas PNP recovered 15 empty shells for 9 mm pistol and cal. 45 pistol.

Police probers could only theorize that the motive in the murder of Embac was to liquidate him for surrendering to authorities and turning his back on the communist movement.

Castanares also believed that the NPA killed Embac to prevent him for providing the military with revolutionary information and the plans it will launch against goverment forces in Pres. Roxas.

The attackers chanted “We are NPAs” after they executed Embac.

Early last year, communist guerillas tried but failed to over-run the President Roxas police station in an early morning attack.

Outnumbered but determined policemen repulsed the attack and also killed three communist guerillas.

Pres. Roxas is among the towns in North Cotabato infiltrated by NPAs operating around and near the country’s highest peak

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-condemns-execution-style-slay-of-npa-surrenderee-in-cotabato/

Millan meets with RBN counterpart Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): Millan meets with RBN counterpart Monday

Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan formally met his Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) counterpart, First Admiral Pengiran Norazmi Bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad Monday.

This took place as the RBN chief visited PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

Norazmi, who just assumed command of the RBN last March 13, arrived Sunday for an official visit and introductory call to Philippine military and defense heads.

Prior to his meeting with Millan, the RBN commander made a courtesy call to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang.

Norazmi expressed his enthusiasm in deepening and strengthening of the relationship between the PN and RBN.

The PN and RBN have a regular bilateral training codenamed Maritime Training Activity Seagull (MTA Seagull) hosted alternately to strengthen the bilateral relationship and enhance the mutual cooperation and understanding between the two navies.

MTA Seagull is held every other year in accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam signed on August 22, 2001 which serves as a framework for fostering closer defense relations and cooperation between the armed forces of both countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=770238

Ranking PN officials present during steel-cutting of 2nd SSV

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): Ranking PN officials present during steel-cutting of 2nd SSV

Ranking officials of the Philippine Navy (PN) were present during the steel-cutting of the second strategic sealift vessel (SSV) which took place last June 6 at the PT PAL (Persero)'s Surabaya shipyard.

This was confirmed by PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA.

"PN vice commander Rear Admiral Caesar Taccad and Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Leopoldo Alano attended the steel-cutting of the 2nd unit SSV," he added.

The second SSV is scheduled for delivery in May 2017.

Earlier, Lincuna said that the keel of the first SSV is now being constructed.

He added that work on the first SSV has been proceeding smoothly since steel-cutting started last Jan. 22.

"(With the fast pace on construction), We are hopeful that the May 2016 delivery of the first SSV will be met," Lincuna said.

The Philippines has a two-SSV order with Persero for PhP3,870,000,000 which is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The keel is a beam around which the hull of a ship is built. It runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern, and serves as a basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull.

The strategic sealift acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by the Secretary of National Defense last Oct. 30, 2013.

The Department of National Defense declared Persero as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder with a bidding price of PhP3,870,000,000 on Nov. 18, 2014.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Further, these vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=770136

MILF: Muftis, Ulama urge Congress to expedite passage of mutually agreed BBL

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 8): Muftis, Ulama urge Congress to expedite passage of mutually agreed BBL

Muftis, Ulama urge Congress to expedite passage of mutually agreed BBL

Muftis (Islamic law interpreters) and Ulama (Islamic scholars) urge the Upper and Lower Chambers of the Philippine Congress to expedite the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with its original substance as mutually agreed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Muslim religious leaders gathered at the 2nd National Muftis and Ulama Summit at Davao City on June 7 issued a joint resolution reminding the national legislators of the government’s thrust - promoting and maintaining its policy on observing peace and renouncing war with other states and/or militant groups within its territory and takes diplomatic and peaceful resolution to end the conflicts.

“The Muslims have inhabited the Philippines prior to the advent of Christianity and have practiced unique cultures and traditions enshrined in their divine scripture and teachings of their Holy Prophet, peculiar from Christian majority,” the resolution stated.

The religious scholars stressed, “By blood and spirit, the Muslims have defended to preserve their cultural identity and religious creed and practices in the belief that this is the only way that guarantees them true peace and salvation in this world and the hereafter.”

They also noted that the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are the vanguards to preserve their cultural identity and the religious profession of the Muslims in general and Bangsamoro in particular who are always seeking freedom and self-determination in their spiritual and cultural dimensions.

The group said the BBL is the manifestation of the Bangsamoro self-determination to preserve their cultural identity and religious belief and the legitimate agreement to promote and preserve peace in Bangsamoro region.

“The proposed BBL is consistent with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) has been crafted after series of public massive consultations across and with diverse stakeholders” the resolution said.

The measure which is now in the hands of the lawmakers for enactment into law is hoped to be passed before June 11.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/402-muftis-ulama-urge-congress-to-expedite-passage-of-mutually-agreed-bbl

MILF: Editorial -- ‘War is not an option’

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Jun 8): Editorial -- ‘War is not an option’

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has never issued any official statement that it will go to war over the non-passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is under intense deliberations in both Houses of Congress. On the contrary, the MILF consistently maintains that no matter what happens to the BBL the pursuit of peace would remain the menu in settling the armed conflict in Mindanao. War is not an option to the MILF.
  
Over the weekend, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate local government committee, reportedly appealed yesterday to the MILF to refrain from issuing threats or hints of war if the BBL would be diluted or not passed by Congress. He reminded the MILF that violence only begets violence and peace can only be achieved through peaceful means.

Mr. Senator, thank you for the reminder and discernment! Rest assured that we are on the same plane in the abhorrence of war. This is the reason that we agreed to talk peace since 1997 because, more than anybody else, we --- and those soldiers who served in the battlefields in Mindanao --- know exactly what war really is. People who are outside of the war zone can only imagine the horrors and devastations of war, but can never feel them.  WE DID AND DO.

Mr. Senator, your assertion that we have come this close to realizing the aspiration of our Muslim and Christian brothers and we should not let this opportunity slip our hands is also very much welcomed. The truth is that this can only come from the lips of a real leader of men or statesman.

It is on this basis that we appeal to you, Mr. Senator, to fast-track your process and come out with your committee report. You may have all the best intentions, because you want a good BBL, but time is running out. The BBL has been in Congress for nine months already and, therefore, it is not true to say that the BBL is being rushed up. The flipside is truer: The passage of the BBL is getting snagged. This is the popular impression thus far created.

By the way, virtually all those who were invited to your recent senate hearings, Mr. Senator, were reached out or consulted by the MILF and government peace panels, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) or the civil society organizations (CSOs) who push for peace in Mindanao and the BBL in Congress. In many special ways, the MILF had also consulted these groups. Similarly, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is not remiss in this regard. More prominently, the Lower House’s Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, in its more than 40 hearings, had also invited and consulted the various sultans, MNLF factions, and politicians especially those from Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.  None of them can justly assert that they were not consulted. But thanks that many of them are now supporting the passage of the BBL.

This early we should realize that not everybody is happy with the change of status quo in Mindanao. Those in Luzon and the Visayas are not exempted. The reasons are diverse. Many are using the BBL for grandstanding purposes and for popularity of names. Some are resorting to weird approaches like the filing of sedition charges against those who push for peace and signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).  Still others try to hijack the BBL in order to get even or settle old score with long-time nemesis.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/399-war-is-not-an-option

Japan Marine United: Delivery of Multi-Role Response Vessels starts August 2016

From Ang Malaya (Jun 8): Japan Marine United: Delivery of Multi-Role Response Vessels starts August 2016

Japan Marine United Corporation signed the agreement with Philippine Government for the construction of 10 units of Multi-Role Response Vessel and Special Spare Parts for the Philippine Coast Guard June 4, 2015.

“The project is based on the ‘Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard’ by the Japanese ODA Loan using the STEP: Special Terms for Economic Partnership,” JMU said in a released statement.

“The vessels will be delivered in succession from the end of August, 2016,” the Japanese builder said.

JMU said the project aims to improve the capabilities of Philippine Coast Guard for quick and appropriate response to maritime incidents, such as search and rescue, and maritime law enforcement, by providing MRRVs for PCG, and thereby to contribute to the maritime safety of Philippines.

The overall length of PCG MRRVs will be 44 meters with approximate width of 7.5 meters and depth of 4 meters. Main engine will be 2 MTU 12V4000M93L with cruising speed of 15 knots.

The vessels will be capable of housing five officers and twenty crews.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/08/11271-japan-marine-united-delivery-of-multi-role-response-vessels-starts-august-2016

PT PAL to launch first Philippine Navy Makassar vessel on November

From Ang Malaya (Jun 8): PT PAL to launch first Philippine Navy Makassar vessel on November

Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero) confirmed over-the-weekend that it conducted the ceremonial steel-cutting for the second Makassar-class Landing Platform Dock vessel of Philippine Navy June 6. The shipbuilder also announced that first unit of Makassar vessel is now undergoing keel laying.

Structural keel is a beam around which the hull of a ship is built. The keel runs in the middle of the ship, from the bow to the stern, and serves as a basic foundation or spine of the structure, providing the major source of structural strength of the hull.

Laying of keel, a significant event in a ship’s construction, is the initial step in construction of a ship.
PT PAL is looking to launch the first Makassar of Philippine Navy this coming November. Prior to commissioning, the vessel will undergo sea trials to identify any deficiencies needing correction.

With the current pace of development, PN is optimistic that first vessel – which will act as strategic sealift vessel – will be delivered May 2016. Second vessel is scheduled to be delivered May 2017.

These two vessels will be 123 meters long with width of 21.8 meters and capable housing landing craft utility/mechanized, Amphibious Assault Vehicles (AAV) and attack helicopters. Each vessel can carry up to 500 troops plus a hundred vessel crew.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/06/08/11276-pt-pal-to-launch-first-philippine-navy-makassar-vessel-on-november

Basilan town folk cut off from water supply after Abu Sayyaf attack

From GMA News (Jun 8): Basilan town folk cut off from water supply after Abu Sayyaf attack

Residents of Maluso town in Basilan have had to line up for water after an attack by the Abu Sayyaf  over the weekend damaged their water supply facility.
 
As of late Sunday, residents had to line up at a well to get their water, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.
 
The Maluso Water District said it is not sure when water supply will return to normal.
 
On Monday, a crisis committee from the provincial government was set to visit Maluso to assess the damage caused by the attack last Saturday.
 
More than 20 families have also had to stay in evacuation centers after the attack.
 
According to earlier reports, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographic Unit and wounded another during an attack in Barangay Mabolo in Maluso.
 
The attackers then encountered CAFGU and 14th Special Forces Company personnel at Mabolo patrol base at Upper Mahayhay and engaged then in a five-minute firefight. Two suspected Abu Sayyaf members were wounded in the encounter.
 

Rebel returnee shot dead in Cotabato

From GMA News (Jun 8): Rebel returnee shot dead in Cotabato

PRESIDENT ROXAS, Cotabato - Five armed men suspected to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) recently killed a former comrade who surrendered to government troops last year, a police official said.
 
Inspector Romy Castanares, the town’s chief of police, said the victim, Larry Embac, 49, and a resident of Barangay Labu-o, was sitting at a waiting shed when approached by the five gunmen carrying various firearms.
 
Sensing that his life was in danger, Embac ran and tried to hide inside the house of Emma Villasor but he was dragged out and brought to a place along the national highway where he was shot to death.
 
Embac sustained multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of the body.
 
Members of the Philippine National Police in the municipality who responded to the said crime recovered 14 empty shells from a 9-mm pistol and a .45-caliber pistol.
 
Castanares believes the suspects executed Embac to silence and prevent him from divulging information regarding revolutionary activities in their area.
 
“Allegedly the suspects shouted, 'We are NPAs,' before leaving the crime scene,” Castanares wrote in his report submitted to the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.
 

27k residents displaced, without water after Abu Sayyaf attack in Basilan

From GMA News (Jun 8): 27k residents displaced, without water after Abu Sayyaf attack in Basilan

More than 27,000 residents of Maluso town in Basilan have been affected after an attack by suspected Abu Sayyaf members last weekend, the provincial government said Monday.

The suspected bandits allegedly damaged the town's water supply and engaged the military in a clash.

A report from the governor's office said six schools have suspended classes for two days pending a security assessment by the police and military, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.

The crisis is expected to last two weeks as Maluso's local government unit may also declare a state of calamity as 80 percent of its population had been affected, it added.

Schools that suspended classes for two days included:

- Kamangaan Elementary School
- Taberlongan Elementary School
- Upper Mahayahay Elementary School
- Tubigan Elementary School
- Abong-Abong Elementary School
- Pali Elementary School

Also, the governor's office said that about 80 percent or 27,282 of the town's estimated population of 33,803, were affected by the water crisis:

- Townsite (4,820)
- Port Holland 1 (3,171)
- Port Holland 2 (2,436)
- Port Holland 3 (3,417)
- Port Holland 4 (3,355)
- Port Holland 5 (1,444)
- North Gaunan (1,089)
- South Gaunan (1,202)
- Lower Mahayahay (440)
- Upper Mahayahay (1,112)
- Taberlongan (2,046)
- Tamuk (1,649)
- Canas (1,101)

Internally displaced persons from the firefight included:

- Upper Mahayahay: 55 families (305 dependents)
- Townsite: 58 families (105 dependents)

At 5:40 a.m. last Saturday, alleged Abu Sayyaf members reportedly placed improvised explosive devices to damage the town's main water line.

Local authorities suspect extortion against the water district may have been the motive for the attack.

Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit personnel responded to the scene where the Abu Sayyaf beheaded one CAFGU and wounded another.

Two water lines were punctured, cutting off the water supply to 80 percent of the population of Maluso. The remaining 20 percent get their water from backyard wells and rivers.

Investigation showed the local water district had received threats before Saturday's attack.

Last June 3, lawless elements hacked the main water lines and used an M-79 grenade launcher to sabotage the main water lines Saturday.

The Bureau of Fire Protection in Isabela City lent its fire trucks Sunday to deliver 2,000 cubic meters of water.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said it is sending a team along with another from the Philippine Red Cross Basilan for an initial on-site assessment.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/500586/news/regions/27k-residents-displaced-without-water-after-abu-sayyaf-attack-in-basilan

MILF says ‘war is not an option’ in case BBL fails to get Congress nod

From GMA News (Jun 8): MILF says ‘war is not an option’ in case BBL fails to get Congress nod

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Monday assured the public that it will not take up arms even if the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will not get Congress' approval, saying “war is not an option.”

On its website, the MILF clarified that it has “never issued any official statement that it will go to war over the non-passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law which is under deliberations in both houses of Congress.”

“On the contrary, the MILF consistently maintains that no matter what happens to the BBL, the pursuit of peace would remain the menu in setting the armed conflict in Mindanao,” the MILF said in a statement.

“War is not an option to the MILF,” it added.

The MILF gave the assurance after Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appealed to the rebel group not to resort to threats and warnings if Congress fails to pass the BBL, which will establish a new political entity in Mindanao to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BBL embodies the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in March last year.

Marcos heads the Senate local government committee, which is currently tackling the BBL. He had earlier said that his committee cannot pass the Malacañang-drafted bill as it has many questionable provisions.

In its statement, the MILF appealed to Marcos to “fast-track your process and come out with your committee report.”

“You may have all the best intentions, because you want a good BBL, but time is running out,” it said, noting that the BBL “has been in Congress for nine months already and, therefore, it is not true to say that the BBL is being rushed up.”

“The flipside is truer: The passage of the BBL is getting snagged. This is the popular impression thus far created,” the group said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/500534/news/nation/milf-says-war-is-not-an-option-in-case-bbl-fails-to-get-congress-nod

Iqbal vows 145 MILF rebels disarmed 'very soon'

From GMA News (Jun 8): Iqbal vows 145 MILF rebels disarmed 'very soon'

One hundred forty-five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces  (BIAF), the armed component of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be "decommissioned very soon,” MILF Chief Negotiator Mohagher Iqbal has said.

Decommissioning is defined as returning to civilian life and putting firearms out of use.

Iqbal told GMA News that aside from 145 armed rebels returning to cvilian life, 75 high-powered and crew-served firearms will be turned over to the International Decommissioning Body (IDB).

“This is a symbol that the MILF is will deliver on its commitment to the signed agreements. We hope the government does that too,” Iqbal said.

Decommissioning is mandated in the Normalization Annex signed by the rebel group and the government in January 2014, and will be done in phases. The decommissioned members and their families will be given socio-economic assistance by the government.

The normalization annex states that “the decommissioning of MILF forces shall be parallel and commensurate to the implementation of all the agreements of the Parties (the MILF and the GPH).”

Thirty percent of MILF members are expected to be decommissioned once the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is ratified. Two months prior to the signing of the exit agreement by the parties, 100% of MILF members should have been decommissioned.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/500474/news/nation/iqbal-vows-145-milf-rebels-disarmed-very-soon

Catapang to start farewell visits to military units

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 9): Catapang to start farewell visits to military units

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. will start making farewell visits to military field units starting next in preparation for his upcoming retirement in July, signaling the search for next military chief.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, AFP-Public Affairs Office chief, said that the chief of staff was scheduled to make his rounds to AFP field units first week of June but to pressing concerns in the General Headquarters it was moved for next week.

Unlike previous AFP chiefs, Cabunoc said that Catapang has foregone exit calls with his counterparts in the neighboring Asian countries.

“He made his calls with his Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) counterparts during a gathering in Brunei months ago,” Cabunoc said.

Catapang is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 11.

Among the top contenders to succeed Catapang are Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Air Force chief Jeffrey Delgado and Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

Iriberri, commander of the 85,000-strong Army, enjoys the trust and confidence of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin having served as his (Gazmin’s) senior military aide and spokesman.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/catapang-to-start-farewell-visits-to-military-units

MILF: No to war even if BBL isn't passed

From ABS-CBN (Jun 8): MILF: No to war even if BBL isn't passed

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said it will never go to war even if the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is not passed.

In an editorial that on Luwaran, MILF’s official website, the group assured Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that war will never be an option in their struggle for identity and justice.

“Mr. Senator, thank you for the reminder and discernment! Rest assured that we are on the same plane in the abhorrence of war. This is the reason that we agreed to talk peace since 1997 because, more than anybody else, we --- and those soldiers who served in the battlefields in Mindanao --- know exactly what war really is. People who are outside of the war zone can only imagine the horrors and devastations of war, but can never feel them. WE DID AND DO,” the editorial read.

MILF said the pursuit for peace will always “remain the menu.”

The group, however, reminded Marcos that the opportunity for peace is growing closer.

“It is on this basis that we appeal to you, Mr. Senator, to fast-track your process and come out with your committee report. You may have all the best intentions, because you want a good BBL, but time is running out,” it said.

The group dismissed criticisms that the BBL is being rushed. It noted the draft has been with Congress for nine months now.

It added that some are even using “weird approaches” such as filing sedition raps against peace stakeholders.

“This early we should realize that not everybody is happy with the change of status quo in Mindanao. Those in Luzon and the Visayas are not exempted. The reasons are diverse. Many are using the BBL for grandstanding purposes and for popularity of names,” the MILF said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/08/15/milf-no-war-even-if-bbl-isnt-passed

US NCIS agent testifies in Pemberton murder trial

From ABS-CBN (Jun 8): US NCIS agent testifies in Pemberton murder trial

Special Agent Jeremy Michael Dastrup of the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (US NCIS) testified in the continuation of the trial of Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton for the murder of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.

As a prosecution witness, Dastrup said that as a special agent of the US NCIS, he was tasked to gather evidence and take pictures of Pemberton during his physical examination.

He said he was present when Lt. Commander Kenny Choi and his assistant conducted the physical examination on Pemberton on board the USS Peleliu two days after the killing of Jennifer Laude last October 11, 2014.

The two medical officers testified last week, saying Pemberton suffered laceration, injuries and light scratches which is indicative of a struggle.

He also revealed that he was able to interview one of Pemberton's buddies, Lance Corporal Bennett Dahl, and confirmed his earlier testimony.

The prosecution was only able to present one witness today but is expected to present five more witnesses, mostly forensic experts and NCIS agents, before the end of June.

Pemberton and private lawyers of the Laude family were not able to attend the hearing today.

Last week, the United Nationalist Alliance announced that they are considering Atty. Harry Roque, private lawyer of the Laude family, to be part of their senatorial line-up.

 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/08/15/us-ncis-agent-testifies-pemberton-murder-trial

PH, Brunei navies strengthen ties, too

From Rappler (Jun 8): PH, Brunei navies strengthen ties, too

The Philippines and Brunei have a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation

COURTESY CALL: Commander of Royal Brunei Navy, First Admiral Pengiran Norazmi Bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, pays courtesy call on Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Jesus Millan. PH Navy photo

COURTESY CALL: Commander of Royal Brunei Navy, First Admiral Pengiran Norazmi Bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, pays courtesy call on Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Jesus Millan. PH Navy photo

The newly appointed commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) was in the country on Monday, June 8, to pay a courtesy call on top Philippine defense and military officials.

First Admiral Pengiran Norazmi Bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces chief Gregorio Catapang Jr, and Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.
 
"During his meeting with Vice Admiral Millan, First Admiral Norazmi expressed his enthusiasm in deepening and strengthening of the relationship between the PN and RBN," said Commander Lued Lincuna, director of the Philippine Navy public affairs office.
 
The navies of the Philippines and Brunei regularly hold bilateral trainings, too.
 
"The PN and RBN has a regular bilateral training codenamed Maritime Training Activity Seagull (MTA Seagull) hosted alternately to strengthen the bilateral relationship and enhance the mutual cooperation and understanding between the two navies," Lincuna said.
 
The two countries have a Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation, a deal signed in 2001.
 
Norazmi assumed his post in March.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/95699-philippines-brunei-navies-ties

Groups sue military, police for harassment

From the Philippine Star (Jun 8): Groups sue military, police for harassment

Members of a government employees' union and social workers from a non-government organization on Monday filed complaints against the military and police before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
 
Confederation of Unity of Recognition and Advancement for Government Employees (Courage) leaders and social workers from Salinlahi Alliance for Children’s Concerns and Children’s Rehabilitation Center (CRC) accused military and police agents in Metro Manila of harassment and surveillance. 
 
"This pattern indicates a worsening trend of political repression against union organizers and political activists and attempts to disrupt the organizations’ activities and terrorize people involved in development and human rights work," Courage Chair Ferdie Gaite said. 
 
Gaite said that on April 27, at least five members and officers of Courage received letters listing down their involvement with the union and alleging that they were linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army. 
 
Those who got the letters were Roman Sanchez, National Food Authority employee and National Food Authority Employees Association (NFAEA) national president; Evelyn Garcia, NFA employee and national assistant secretary general of NFAEA; Fely Saño, National Housing Authority employee and a union official; Rosalinda Nartates, Courage secretary general; and Manuel Baclagon,Social Welfare Employees Association–Department of Social Welfare and Development national president. 
 
On April 21, a certain Sgt. Borres who introduced himself as liaison officer of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines entered the NFA premises looking for Hilario Tan, retired NFA employee and former vice president of the NFAEA, and Garcia. 
 
He was stopped by the lobby guard and brought to the Security Service office of the NFA for questioning because he was carrying a .45 calibre pistol. The security personnel asked Borres for a mission order but he could not produce one, so he left.
 
From May 14 to up May 16, staff members of Salinlahi and the CRC claimed they were being hounded in their offices and tailed by suspected agents of the military and police.
 
"This is a clear act of harassment and reprisal on our active opposition to government policies and programs that are not beneficial for Filipino children and their families. CRC has been documenting cases and providing services to children victims of human rights violations perpetrated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and its paramilitary groups for almost three decades now," Salinlahi Secretary General Kharlo Manano said. 
 
Members and supporters of the organizations also held a picket protest outside the CHR building in Diliman, Quezon to support the complaints filed by the union leaders and social workers.