Tuesday, July 5, 2016

BRP Ramon Alcaraz to visit Vietnam on July 11-15

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6): BRP Ramon Alcaraz to visit Vietnam on July 11-15

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16), one of the most capable warships of the Philippine Navy and its AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopter detachment, will be paying a port visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam from July 11 to 15.

Send-off ceremonies for the ship and the estimated 200 crewmen, surface warfare students, medical teams and Naval Special Operations Teams aboard will take place on July 8, 9 a.m. at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila.

Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said this activity is to demonstrate their sincere show of support to Vietnam People’s Navy and send a strong message of cooperation between the two navies to the regional/international community.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is the sister-ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15). Both vessels are ex-Hamilton class cutters acquired from the US.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901595

PAF willing to join Duterte's call for genuine change

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6): PAF willing to join Duterte's call for genuine change

In line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's call for genuine change, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has expressed its commitment to be the nation's "Jointly Engaged Transforming" (JET) force.

"This new spirit and direction ahead is clear. We have staked our claim as the 'JET' force for greater peace and security. We now make a new commitment to be truly the Jointly Engaged and Transforming force in everything we do, in all missions and operations," PAF commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina said in his message during PAF's 69th anniversary celebration at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga on Tuesday.

"Your Air Force is fully committed to transform positively, starting from within us, in order to make these changes permanent and significant. Indeed, we have come a long way. We have achieved much with little that we have," he added.

Incidentally, the PAF for the first time in 11 years, has now return to the supersonic age with the acquisition of the South Korean-made FA-50PHs, of which two are now in service, with another 10 scheduled to be deliver by 2016 to 2017.

Other air assets newly acquired by the PAF include three medium-lift Airbus Military C-295s, eight attack versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters, eight Bell 412 combat utility helicopters, seven W-3A "Sokol" helicopters among others.

"But we consistently turned the odds in our favor. Today, we are winners and champions in every sense of the word. But what we presently have can still be made better. For at the end of our performance, the question will not be how much do we have, but how much we have given," Fallorina stressed,

"Not how many victories we have won, but how much we have done. Not how much we have secured, but how much we have sacrificed. Not how greatly we were honored, but how unselfishly we have served. After all the ideal of success is not enough if it does not carry the ideal of service. Let us carry on the ideal of service…for it is the ideal of the Jointly Engaged Transforming force," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901597

Napolcom to probe 3 PNP generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6): Napolcom to probe 3 PNP generals allegedly involved in illegal drugs

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Wednesday said it aims to finish the investigation on three of the five officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) allegedly involved in illegal drugs within a month.

In an interview, Napolcom Vice Chairman Rogelio T. Casurao said the commission will create a team which will validate the information on the alleged involvement of the generals who are still in active service, namely, Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz of the Police Regional Office 6, former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Supt. Joel Pagdilao and former Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.

He noted however that former Dir. Gen. Marcelo Garbo, Jr. and Gen. Vicente Loot will not be included in their investigation as the two are already retired from the service.

”The concern of the Napolcom is the administrative side it’s the job of the Napolcom to oversee the activities and operation of PNP ang role ng Napolcom is very much of administrative side of disciplinary function and measure the other part for criminal aspect will be its regular by prosecution agency,” Casurao told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

”Referring the evidences we are doing is verifying the pieces of documents provided by the law enforcement agency,” he said.

”Expect one-month period and come up for a formal decision on the matter. The commission is group of six commission member it’s a collegial decision kung ano man ang makapag kasunduan o decision its collegial decision including the chairman of the commission,” he said.

Once they are found guilty, the three police generals will be immediately dismissed from the service.

When asked if they are going to talk to the involved generals, Casurao said “Hindi na darating sa ganun na kausapin yung mga general this are purely paper work of the submission of there position paper and punishment on the basis of the documents the Napolcom will act accordingly kakailangan lang siguro kung haharapin sila (if) there is need to ask clarificatory questions (but) kung sufficient based on the documents the Napolcom hindi na kakausapin.”.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday publicly named the five PNP officials suspected to be involved in illegal drugs and ordered them relieved from the posts.

Duterte made the announcement at the 69th Anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) at the Clark Airbase in Mabalacat, Pampanga.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901656

Send-off ceremony for BRP Ramon Alcaraz postponed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6): Send-off ceremony for BRP Ramon Alcaraz postponed

The send-off ceremony for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16), which was earlier scheduled for July 8 at Manila's South Harbor, was ordered postponed by the Philippine Navy (PN) Wednesday.

"We regret to inform you of the postponement of the scheduled send-off ceremony for BRP Ramon Alcaraz due to unavoidable circumstances and the change of the operational demand of the said Philippine Navy vessel," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said.

"We will be coordinating with you closely as soon as we have the directive to proceed on the said activity. Rest assured that we will be inviting you again to cover the send-off ceremony," he added.

Earlier, Lincuna said the PN will be conducting a send-off ceremony for BRP Ramon Alcaraz and her AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopter detachment this coming Friday, at 8 a.m., at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor.

This is for the ship's July 11 to 15 port visit to Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam.

An estimated 200 crewmen, surface warfare students, medical teams and Naval Special Operations Teams will be participating in the activity.

Lincuna said this activity is to demonstrate their sincere show of support to Vietnam People’s Navy and send a strong message of cooperation between the two navies to the regional/international community.

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz is the sister-ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (FF-15). Both vessels are ex-Hamilton class cutters acquired from the US.

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar was commissioned in December 2011 while BRP Ramon Alcaraz entered PN active service in November of 2013.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901664

Duterte: PH will purchase more anti-terrorism equipment

From Rappler (Jul 5): Duterte: PH will purchase more anti-terrorism equipment

The Philippine president calls terrorism 'the coming serious problem of the country'

INSPECTING TROOPS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the Philippine Air Force during its 69th anniversary celebration on July 5, 2016 at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Photo by REY S. BANIQUET/PPD

INSPECTING TROOPS. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte addresses the Philippine Air Force during its 69th anniversary celebration on July 5, 2016 at Haribon Hangar, Clark Air Base in Pampanga. Photo by REY S. BANIQUET/PPD

President Rodrigo Duterte promised Philippine security forces that they would have the equipment they need to fight terrorism.

“Kayong mga security forces, you will have all the things you need. I will see to that,” said Duterte during the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force on Tuesday, July 5.
 
Specifically, Duterte wants more choppers with night-vision capability.
 
We will acquire more helicopters and night vision capability. Yan ang nagha-hamper eh. (That's what is hampering us.) If I have that, we can improve our performance,” he said in the presence of top military officials and new Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
 

The Philippine president has said he wants to focus on security threats within the country’s borders. One such threat is terrorism.
 
“That is our problem, the coming serious problem of the country: terrorism,” he said.
 
The lack of proper equipment to address such internal threats limits what his administration can do to better ensure security within the country.
 
“I cannot move, I have to bide my time. I need equipment. Panahon na. (The time is now.) I am sure this is a time for, you know, landing softly,” he said.
 
New Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya is in step with Duterte’s focus on internal security.
 
Yung gusto ng ating presidente is about yung internal peace natin (What our president wants is more on our internal peace) so it’s more of the equipment that will be needed in our internal security operations,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
 
Consistent with Duterte’s desire for night-vision capability, Visaya said some needed equipment are set to be delivered this year.
 
“Within this year there will be delivery of additional night fighting system,” said the AFP chief.
 
Talking peace
 
Duterte updated the military on his administration’s other strategy for dealing with security threats: peace talks with rebels.
 
He said he has been in communication with both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front. In fact, he said he already has a negotiating team ready for the talks.
 
As for the initiation of peace talks with communist rebels, Duterte said it is “doing well.”
 
He is ready to give safe conduct passes to communist leaders like Jose Maria Sison, Benito Tiamzon and his wife, and Luis Jalandoni, he said.
 
However, amnesty to more Leftist political prisoners would only be given if the peace talks are successful and if the New People’s Army lay down their arms.
 
As for terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, Duterte repeated his warning that a time of reckoning will come for them.
 

Duterte sees peace deal with Reds by end of 2016

From the Philippine Star (Jul 5): Duterte sees peace deal with Reds by end of 2016



National Democratic Front officials Fidel Agcaoili and Randall Echanis on Tuesday, June 28, 2016 wave shirt at the peace forum in Davao City in support of the government's renewed peace negotiations with the communist party. Philstar.com / AJ Bolando

Communist rebels would only get amnesty if they abandon the armed struggle, President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday as he expressed hope that a “firm agreement” would be forged within the year.
 
Duterte reiterated that he would only release the jailed rebels if the talks succeed.
 
“It’s good that we're talking to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). (It’s) doing well and we hope to have a firm agreement by the end of the year,” the president said during the 69th anniversary of the Air Force in Clark, Pampanga.
 
“I’m not ready to release everybody, only after the success of the talks if there is one coming our way…  and we can grant amnesty but they have to lay down their arms,” he added.
 
Duterte said he is ready to grant safe conduct passes to CPP founder Jose Ma. Sison, and New People’s Army (NPA) leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon so they can participate in the peace talks.
 
Sison, who got imprisoned during the Marcos dictatorship but freed after the 1986 People Power Revolution, has been on self-exile in The Netherlands since 1987.
 
The Tiamzons, meanwhile, were charged with murder and got arrested in Cebu in 2014
 
Talks between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the political arm of the communists, collapsed in 2013 after they failed to reach a deal on jailed rebels.
 
The NDFP claimed their jailed comrades are covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), a 1995 deal that prohibits the arrest and detention of peace consultants.
 
The government panel, however, rejected the demand saying the identities of the alleged peace consultants cannot be validated.
 
Last month, the Duterte administration and the NDFP agreed to resume the formal talks in the third week of July and to discuss a possible amnesty for political prisoners and an interim truce.
 
Other topics for discussion are the affirmation of previously signed deals and an accelerated process for negotiations including the timelines for the completion of socioeconomic, political and economic reforms and the end of hostilities.
 

PhilHealth issues IDs to rebel returnees

From the Baguio Midland Courier (Jul 6): PhilHealth issues IDs to rebel returnees

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Two hundred one former members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army and New People’s Army rebel returnees and their dependents who are beneficiaries of the Office of the Presidential  Assistant on the Peace Process recently received their PhilHealth identification cards.

Jean Baawa of PhilHealth said the IDs entitle the beneficiaries to avail of primary government health institution’s services and benefits if they are confined in hospitals or claim for other health services.

Baawa said the beneficiaries were oriented on PhilHealth benefits and have appreciated learning about the “no balance billing,” one of the benefits they are all entitled to avail.

Baawa added they are conducting mapping on employers for temporary closure of their number on their employees’ PhilHealth membership for reason of their termination, as well as former barangay officials whose membership were sponsored while in public service but whose terms have ended.

Some who continued their membership as self-employed will still be mapped to temporarily close their employer’s number.

“After the mapping, we will visit them to re-enroll those who stopped paying their membership contribution or renew their membership to PhilHealth,” Baawa said.

Among other functions, the PhilHealth is tasked to administer the National Health Insurance Program, to formulate and promulgate policies for the sound administration of the program; to supervise the provision of health benefits and to set standards, rules and regulations necessary to ensure quality of care; appropriate utilization of services, fund viability, member satisfaction, and overall accomplishment of the program’s objectives.

http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/health.asp?mode=%20archives/2016/july/7-3-2016/health7-PhilHealth-issues-IDs-to-rebel-returnees.txt
           

Reds told: Lay down arms and get amnesty

From The Standard (Jul 6): Reds told: Lay down arms and get amnesty

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte  on Tuesday  said he is willing to issue safe conduct passes and grant political amnesty to four top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines  who are in jail, as long as the rebels lay down their arms and give way to the peace process initiated by the government.

“Good thing that we’re talking to the Communist Party of the Philippines and we hope to have a firm agreement by the end of the year if [Jose Maria Sison] would come home,” Duterte said during the 69th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga.

“I am ready to give him safe conduct passes, including the Tiamzon couple and [Luis] Jalandoni,” he said.

Government peace negotiator Hernani Braganza had earlier said that up to 21 consultants are currently on the list of those being considered to be given safety conduct passes from the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity.

Guarantees were mostly CPP and NDF officials who were previously part of the initial stalled talks between the government and the communist rebels, all of whom are incarcerated in different parts of the country of criminal charges.

Leading the list are spouses Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, who both held senior ranks within the armed communist movement and were arrested on murder charges in Carcar, Cebu last March 2014.

Sison, CPP founder and Jalandoni, NDF chief peace negotiator, are currently seeking asylum in Utretch.

Duterte, however, said that he’s not ready to release everyone unless the talks between the government and the reds were “successful.”

He added that granting a general amnesty might be possible for all political prisoners, but only if there are successful talks and the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army would surrender.

Braganza said that a general amnesty can be possible through legislation or amnesty can be granted by the President of the Philippines.

In both cases, however, Congress would have to approve the amnesty grant.

Braganza said that the progressive bloc in the Lower House may sponsor a measure in seeking to grant amnesty to all political prisoners.

President also reiterated that he will talk to both the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front.

Government negotiators earlier went to The Netherlands to ink a five-point agenda with the communist upon resumption of the talks, which includes an affirmation of previously signed agreements; an accelerated negotiation process, reconstitution of the previously signed Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees; an amnesty proclamation with the concurrence of Congress; and the mode for an interim ceasefire.

Earlier, incoming Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said that simultaneous peace talks will be pursued to accelerate the already 40-year peace efforts with the CPP to come up with a final peace agreement in 9 to 12 months.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/209990/reds-told-lay-down-arms-and-get-amnesty.html

Dozens killed in first four days of Duterte's drug war

From Media with Conscience (MWC) News (Jul 5): Dozens killed in first four days of Duterte's drug war

At least 45 people with suspected links to drug trafficking have been killed in four days since Rodrigo Duterte was sworn in as president of the Philippines, according to authorities.

ABS-CBN, the Philippines' largest TV channel, reported on Monday that at least 29 drug and robbery suspects were killed in Bulacan province, near the capital Manila, since June 30, when Duterte took over the presidency.

Authorities said the suspects resisted arrest and shot at police officers.

Nine other killings were reported in Manila.

Duterte won the election in May on a platform of crushing crime. But his rhetoric has alarmed many who hear echoes of the country's authoritarian past.

After his oathtaking on Thursday, Duterte said he wanted to get rid of drug traffickers, telling supporters to "go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful".

Duterte's top police commander, Ronald dela Rosa, also told officers accused of drug links that he would not hesitate to change their birthdays to November 2, referring to the Day of the Dead, a major religious holiday in Catholic Philippines.

In Manila, Oscar Albayalde, regional police chief, said five drug dealers were killed on Sunday in a gun battle with police in a shantytown near the Malacanang presidential residence.

Rodrigo Duterte: Shoot a drug dealer, get a medal

 
"My men were about to serve arrest warrants when shots rang out from one of the houses in the area," Albayalde told reporters, saying police returned fire and killed five men.

Four guns and 200g of crystal methamphetamine were recovered, police added.

Two other men were shot dead in separate sting operations in the Pasig district.

Two bodies were also found under a well-known Manila bridge on Saturday morning.

Their faces were bound with duct tape and their shirts bore signs in Filipino saying "Don't follow my example. I am a pusher".

A local reporter posted a photo of the bodies on Facebook.

Elsewhere, at least six alleged drug dealers and a policeman linked to drugs syndicates were killed in six other provinces across the country.

Media reports said more than 100 people had already died, mostly suspected drug dealers, rapists and car thieves, since Duterte's election win on May 9.

Azadeh Shahshahani, a human rights lawyer who has monitored rights abuses in the Philippines, said that the killings set a "worrisome trend" in light of the comments issued by Duterte.

"The president and his subordinates should remember that the accused should be afforded a fair process in an independent court of law regardless of the severity of the offence, per well-established principles of international law," Shahshahani, a director of the US-based group Project South, said.

Edre Olalia, secretary-general of the Manila-based National Union of People's Lawyers, also said the killings must stop.

"The drug menace must stop. Yet the apparent serial summary executions of alleged street-drug users or petty-drug lords, which appear sudden, too contrived and predictable, must also stop," he said in a statement to the Reuters news agency.

"The two are not incompatible."

In the northern province of Cagayan, officials said $19.23m worth of drugs from either China or Taiwan were seized on Monday.

The shipment was unloaded at sea and brought to shore by small fishing boats before delivery to Manila's Chinatown, according to Dela Rosa.

On Sunday, the communist armed group New People's Army issued a statement supporting Duterte's all-out war against drugs, saying it might conduct its own drug operations against soldiers, police and local officials.

http://mwcnews.net/news/asia-pacfic/59691-dutertes-drug-war.html

NPA rebs still the enemy–AFP chief

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 6): NPA rebs still the enemy–AFP chief

The Armed Forces of the Philippines  still classifies the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as an enemy of the state pending its return to the negotiation table, the new AFP chief said here on Tuesday.

Until there is no formal resumption of peace talks, we shall continue pursuing [communist rebels in the provinces],” said Gen. Ricardo Visaya on the sidelines of a program for the 69th founding anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at the Haribon complex here.

Before he assumed office,  President Duterte had set in motion the continuation of talks which broke down when Benigno Aquino III was president. Mr. Duterte also appointed Cabinet members who are identified with the Left.

Visaya said the priority of the AFP under his watch remains the internal security. “In three to six months, there shall be change (in terms of dealing) with the Abu Sayyaf and our support to the (Philippine National Police).”

“For now, we are monitoring (the NPA’s) activities,” he added.

Founded in 1968 as the armed wing of the new Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA has been waging the longest guerrilla war in Southeast Asia.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/794498/npa-rebs-still-the-enemy-afp-chief

Army denies mutilating NPA leader’s body

From the often pro-CPP online publication Davao Today (Jul 5): Army denies mutilating NPA leader’s body

Three days after news on the killing of a high-ranking Communist leader in Magpet town, Cotabato province broke out, photos of a New People’s Army member seen mutilated with eyes gouged out circulated on Facebook Monday, July 4.

The photo was posted at 9:09 am by radio broadcaster, Abner Francisco, on his Facebook account. The photo has been shared 156 times as of 1:37 PM on Tuesday, July 5. Another batch of photos were posted by Francisco on the same day. However, the photos are not anymore available online as of Tuesday night.

The caption on the photo read that the family of the slain rebel is angry over the brutal way of killing “Ka Jepoy”, Noel Gulmatico’s nom de guerre.

“Dinukot ang dalawang mata, pinutol ang dila, nilaslas ang leeg. Tanggap nila na mamatay ang kanilang kapatid dahil sumapi ito sa rebolusyon pero hindi nila matanggap ang paglapastangan sa bangkay nito na kagagawan daw ng mga kasapi ng 39thIB ng Philippine Army (His two eyes were gouged out, his tongue was cut, his neck was slit. His siblings have accepted the fact that their brother died because he joined the revolution, but they cannot bear the way how his cadaver was treated allegedly by members of the 39th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army),” the caption reads.

Captain Danny Boy Tapang, 39th IB spokesman, said they strongly denied the accusation that the military mutilated the NPA’s cadaver.

“Mariin po naming tinatanggi yan, itong sinasabi nila (We strongly deny that accusation),” Tapang told Davao Today in an interview on Tuesday.

Tapang said based on the Scene of the Crime Operatives accounts, Gulmatico sustained a shot on his left temple with an exit wound on his right chin.

“His eyes were affected because those were soft tissues. Probably what hit his eyes was our new bullet of R4 and Ora machine gun,” Tapang said in vernacular.
He said they have a picture of the cadaver taken after the encounter which shows that the eyes were still “intact”.

The Army said Gulmatico was killed in a series of armed encounters between the soldiers of the 39th IB and the NPA in Barangay Balite, Magpet town, Cotabato province on Friday morning, July 1. He was killed along with Rino Vinson.
In a statement, the 10th Infantry Division, said they will look at the alleged mutilation of the NPA fighter.

“If true, these actions are unacceptable and deserve the highest condemnation. We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Jepoy and assure them of our resolved to seek the truth about this incident and give the commensurate punishment to any member of our command who will be proven to have committed this despicable act,” said Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of the 10th ID.

A Board of Inquiry (BOI) is now put up to investigate and determine whether the soldiers are responsible.

“The BOI will not prejudice any investigation that other authorities may conduct. The Command will likewise fully support and cooperate with any investigation that duly constituted authorities may conduct,” the Army said.

Davao Today is still trying to get the accounts from the family as of press time.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/army-denies-mutilating-npa-leaders-body/

Does it make sense to talk with the Abu Sayyaf?

From Rappler (Jul 5): Does it make sense to talk with the Abu Sayyaf?

The responsible government is the one who keeps looking for a peaceful solution, even if the chances of that taking hold are minimal at this time

ALLEGIANCE TO ISIS. In this screenshot, ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon (center) is seen in a YoutTube video swearing allegiance to ISIS.

ALLEGIANCE TO ISIS. In this screenshot, ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon (center) is seen in a YoutTube video swearing allegiance to ISIS.

Rodrigo Duterte said days before he became Philippine president that he may be open to holding talks with the Abu Sayyaf Group, a terrorist band whose leader has sworn allegiance to Islamic State and has a nasty habit of beheading captives if they are not paid millions in ransom.

He told reporters that “I want to ask them are they willing to talk or do we just fight it out.”
 
The reaction to the idea, which may just be a trial balloon after all, was predictable. Duterte was roundly slammed by several who argue there should be no negotiation with terrorists, especially given the murderous inclinations of the Abu Sayyaf.
 
The policy position of no negotiations with terrorists has a fairly recent history.
 
At the height of the Irish Republican Army’s (IRA) bombing campaign against the United Kingdom, then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher also vowed never to negotiate. That pledge has been taken by a variety of governments: Spain with the Basque ETA separatist group and Colombia which just signed an agreement with its own FARC rebel group.
 
In 2003, US President George W. Bush said of negotiating with terrorists: “You’ve got to be strong, not weak. The only way to deal with these people is to bring them to justice. You can’t talk to them. You can’t negotiate with them.”
 
The top reasons for not negotiating are that talks would give bands like the Abu Sayyaf a legitimacy they do not deserve.
 
The talks would also undermine the government, the terrorists are murderers and talking condones or even glosses over their horrendous activities like chopping off the heads of their captors or hostages or blowing up cruise ships, restaurants and other soft targets.
 
Michael Tomasky, writing in the Daily Beast, said with a touch of asperity that “every (US) president since has said we don’t negotiate with terrorists. And every president has. And I would say prudently and reasonably so.”
 
“When terrorists can give you information, for a certain price or because you have a shared enemy, take it. George W. Bush paid a ransom of US$300,000 to a radical Islamist group in the Philippines that was holding two American missionaries, a married couple, captive. To get them to safety? I say, fine. Alas, however, the man was killed, even after we paid the money. So an American president ended up financing terrorist operations and overseeing a failed military mission.”
 
Harmonie Toros of the Department of International Politics at the University of Wales and whose research focuses on this issue pointedly asked about the refusal to talk: “Why the aversion?”
 
“There is no doubt that a state’s agreeing to engage with an insurgent group would strengthen the latter’s legitimacy claim vis-à-vis the broader national and international community, particularly in democratic states, where there is a greater sense of representation by ordinary citizens.”
 
“However, the state’s acceptance of a party as a legitimate interlocutor does not automatically confer upon the latter broader legitimacy,” Toros said.
 
Other than negotiating, the only stance often left on the table is the military option, and if insurgent groups survive for years on end, using force as an option is practically a dead-end. More lives are lost and the fighting prevents the country from reaping any benefits from a peace dividend.
 
Keeping lines of communication
 
The question then becomes "can the Philippine government get any benefit from talking to the Abu Sayaf?"
 
Toros believes talks may be a way to wean away violent groups from their use of violent tactics, no matter how far fetched the idea may be.
 
She said: “First, negotiations may eliminate one of the reasons why the insurgents may have engaged in violence in the first place (lack of a legal outlet to voice their grievances). Second, they may strengthen the faction in the insurgent group that is in favor of nonviolent engagement. Third, they may draw insurgent groups down a path of change or transformation towards nonviolence.”
 
While that may not be possible at this time, keeping lines of communication open may eventually convince even intransigent groups like the Abu Sayyaf down the road about the idea of peace.
 
Rommel Banlaoi, chairman, Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research and Director, Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies, makes clear that “holding talks with the ASG does not mean formal peace talks like the way GPH does it with the NDF, MILF and MNLF. Talks with the ASG will be informal to de-radicalize their followers and disengage them from armed activities.”
 
Audrey Kurth-Cronin, a professor for the US National War College, wrote a few years ago that “it is not at all clear that refusing to ‘talk to terrorists’ shortens their violent campaigns any more than entering into negotiations prolongs them.”
 
“On the other hand, negotiations can facilitate a process of decline but have rarely been the single factor driving an outcome. The historical record indicates that wise governments approach negotiations as a means to manage terrorist violence over the long term, while a group declines and ceases to exist for other reasons.”
 
There should be no overflow of optimism the talks with the Abu Sayyaf will accomplish anything. But the idea is to try even if the chances of success are minimal.
The level of violence may be reduced slightly. But the responsible government is the one who keeps looking for a peaceful solution, even if the chances of that taking hold are minimal at this time.
 
So long as the government is clear-eyed about what it wants in talking to the Abu Sayyaf, fears of giving them legitimacy should not stop the Duterte administration from sitting down and listening to the group.
 
“The vast majority of negotiations that do occur yield neither clear resolution nor cessation of the conflict. A common scenario has been for negotiations to drag on, occupying an uncertain middle ground between a stable ceasefire and high levels of violence. About half of the groups that negotiated in recent years have continued to be active in their violence as the talks unfolded, usually at a lower level of intensity and frequency – a factor that governments should take into account before talks begin,” Kurth-Cronin said.
 

China says wants peace after state-run newspaper warns on South China Sea clash

From InterAksyon (Jul 5): China says wants peace after state-run newspaper warns on South China Sea clash

China's government sought to downplay fears of conflict in the South China Sea after an influential state-run newspaper said on Tuesday that Beijing should prepare for military confrontation in the area.

The joint editorials in the Chinese and English editions of the Global Times were published as tension mounted ahead of a July 12 ruling by an international court hearing competing claims of China and the Philippines in the South China Sea.

The newspaper said the dispute had already been complicated by US intervention and now faced further escalation due to the threat posed by the tribunal to China's sovereignty.

"Washington has deployed two carrier battle groups around the South China Sea, and it wants to send a signal by flexing its muscles: As the biggest powerhouse in the region, it awaits China's obedience," the Global Times said.

China should speed up developing its military deterrence to give the US a bloody nose if it intervened in the dispute by force, the newspaper added.

"China hopes disputes can be resolved by talks, but it must be prepared for any military confrontation. This is common sense in international relations."

[Read related story: China must prepare for 'military confrontation' in South China Sea - state media]

Asked about the editorials and whether conflict could break out in the South China Sea, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the government was committed to peace.

"China will work with ASEAN countries to safeguard the peace and stability of the South China Sea," he told a daily news briefing, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"We've pointed out many times recently that as for the relevant dispute, China does not accept any decision imposed by a third party as a means of resolution, nor any solution plan that is forced upon China."

The Global Times is published by the ruling Communist Party's official People's Daily, and while it is widely read in policy-making circles it does not have the same mouthpiece function as its parent and its editorials cannot be viewed as representing government policy.

It is also well-known for its extreme nationalist views.

‘Nobody wants conflict’

China, which has been angered by US patrols in the South China Sea, will be holding military drills in the waters there starting from Tuesday.

China's Defense Ministry said the drills are routine, the official China Daily reported.

[Read related story: China to hold drills in disputed waters ahead of court ruling]

Manila has sought to dial down tensions with its powerful neighbor ahead of the decision but resisted pressure to ignore the ruling.

"The reality is that nobody wants a conflict, nobody wants to resolve our conflict in a violent manner, nobody wants war,” Philippines Foreign Minister Perfecto Yasay told ANC television on Tuesday.

"It is my understanding that the President would like to maintain stronger, better relationships with everybody, including China, including the United States, including Japan and all," Yasay said, referring to President Rodrigo Duterte, who was sworn into office last week.

He added that a "special envoy" was needed to help resolve the dispute with China.

US officials have expressed concern that the ruling by the court in the Hague could prompt Beijing to declare an air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, as it did over the East China Sea in 2013, or step up the pace of reclamation and construction on its holdings in the disputed region.

What response China takes will "fully depend" on the Philippines, the China Daily added, citing unidentified sources.

"There will be no incident at all if all related parties put aside the arbitration results," one of the sources told the English-language publication.

"China has never taken a lead in ... stirring up regional tension," another of the sources added.

About $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year though the energy-rich, strategic waters of the South China Sea, where China's territorial claims overlap in parts with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

http://interaksyon.com/article/129980/china-says-wants-peace-after-state-run-newspaper-warns-on-south-china-sea-clash

Regional Events of Intelligence Interest: Chinese, Japanese warplanes in close encounter

From InterAksyon (Jul 5): Chinese, Japanese warplanes in close encounter



File photo of a Chinese J-11 fighter jet. REUTERS

Beijing and Tokyo were at loggerheads Tuesday over accusations Japanese warplanes locked their fire control radar onto Chinese aircraft, as state-run Chinese media said the country needed to be ready for "military confrontation" elsewhere.

Beijing has long been embroiled in fierce territorial disputes with Tokyo over Japanese-controlled islands in the East China Sea, and with a host of littoral states over the South China Sea, which it claims almost in its entirety.

Chinese vessels and planes regularly enter waters and airspace near the East China Sea islands, called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.

China's defense ministry late Monday accused Japanese fighter jets of using their fire control radar to lock onto two Chinese aircraft on "routine patrol" in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) it declared unilaterally in 2013.

The aggressive move generally means an attacker is ready to fire weapons at a target.

Japan's deputy chief cabinet secretary Koichi Hagiuda denied the accusation Tuesday, telling reporters that Tokyo's Self-Defense Forces had scrambled F15 jets to monitor Chinese aircraft.

"There are no facts showing that we took provocative action against Chinese military planes," he said.

In 2013, Tokyo demanded Beijing apologize when it said a Chinese frigate had locked its fire-control radar onto a Japanese destroyer in international waters.

The row over the islands has seen relations between the world's second- and third-largest economies plunge in recent years, before recovering slightly, although they remain poor.

Beijing is also involved in a separate set of territorial disputes with other littoral neighbors over its extensive claims in the strategic and resource-rich South China Sea.

It has rapidly built up reefs and outcrops into artificial islands with facilities capable of military use.

The issue has raised tensions in the region and with the United States, which has key defense treaties with Japan and other allies in the area.

On Tuesday, China began a week of naval exercises in waters around the Paracel Islands, in the northern part of the sea.

They came a week before a United Nations-backed tribunal in The Hague rules on a case brought by the Philippines challenging China's position.

Beijing has boycotted the hearings and is engaged in a major diplomatic and publicity drive to try to delegitimize the process.

‘Bitter pill of humiliation'

In an editorial Tuesday, the Global Times -- a newspaper owned by the People's Daily group that often takes a nationalistic tone -- said China should accelerate the build-up of its defense capabilities and "must be prepared for any military confrontation".

"Even though China cannot keep up with the US militarily in the short-term, it should be able to let the US pay a cost it cannot stand if it intervenes in the South China Sea dispute by force," it added.

Beijing also accuses Tokyo of interfering in the South China Sea, where it is not a claimant but has strengthened ties with some of the Asian giant's rivals, including the Philippines.

China bases its maritime claims on a vaguely defined "nine dash line" dating back to maps it produced in the 1940s, and has been asserting them more aggressively in recent years.

Manila lodged its suit against Beijing at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in early 2013, saying that after 17 years of negotiations it had exhausted all political and diplomatic avenues to settle the dispute.

The tribunal will issue its ruling on July 12, though China has consistently rejected its right to hear the case and has taken no part in the proceedings.

At a regular briefing on Tuesday, Chinese ministry of foreign affairs spokesman Hong Lei reiterated that Beijing rejected all third-party resolutions of the dispute.

The hearing would "in no way help peace and stability" in the region, he said, adding: "We will not accept any settlement imposed on us."

The arbitration case had been orchestrated by the Philippines and the US to portray China as "an outcast from a rules-based international community", said an editorial in the China Daily.

The newspaper, which is published by the government, added: "It is naive to expect China to swallow the bitter pill of humiliation".

http://interaksyon.com/article/129983/chinese-japanese-warplanes-in-close-encounter

China must prepare for 'military confrontation' in South China Sea - state media

From the InterAksyon (Jul 5): China must prepare for 'military confrontation' in South China Sea - state media

Beijing must prepare for "military confrontation" in the South China Sea, state-run media said Tuesday, as it began naval drills in the area ahead of an international tribunal ruling over the maritime dispute.

China asserts sovereignty over almost all the resource-rich strategic waterway despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbors -- raising tensions with the United States, which has key defense treaties with many allies in the region.

On Tuesday, China began a week of naval exercises in waters around the Paracel Islands.

They come a week before a United Nations-backed tribunal in The Hague rules on a case brought by the Philippines challenging China's position.

Beijing has boycotted the hearings and is engaged in a major diplomatic and publicity drive to try to delegitimize the process.

In an editorial, the Global Times -- a newspaper owned by the People's Daily group that often takes a nationalistic tone -- said China should accelerate the build-up of its defense capabilities and "must be prepared for any military confrontation."

"Even though China cannot keep up with the US militarily in the short-term, it should be able to let the US pay a cost it cannot stand if it intervenes in the South China Sea dispute by force," it added.

In recent years Beijing has rapidly built up reefs and outcrops into artificial islands with facilities capable of military use.

Manila lodged its suit against Beijing in early 2013, saying that after 17 years of negotiations it had exhausted all political and diplomatic avenues to settle the dispute.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration will issue its ruling on July 12, though China has consistently rejected the tribunal's right to hear the case and has taken no part in the proceedings.

The arbitration case had been orchestrated by the Philippines and the US to portray China as "an outcast from a rules-based international community," said an editorial in the China Daily.

The newspaper, which is published by the government, added: "It is naive to expect China to swallow the bitter pill of humiliation."

http://interaksyon.com/article/129969/china-must-prepare-for-military-confrontation-in-south-china-sea---state-media

Army commander opens camp for Muslims to celebrate Eid'l Fitr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Army commander opens camp for Muslims to celebrate Eid'l Fitr

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, based here has opened the military's predominantly Christian Army division for an Eid’l Fitr congregational prayer Wednesday.

Maguindanao local officials and Muslim Religious Leaders (MRL) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) were elated with 6th ID’s gesture.

Captain Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, said it is first time for the division to host an outdoor Eid congregational prayer for Muslims from around the camp and nearby towns.

The 6th ID covers the Muslim-dominated Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces as well as predominantly-Christian provinces of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

“We have 800 Muslim soldiers in the division and our commander wants to show to them that religions should not set boundaries among us. We are all siblings, believing in one God,” Petinglay told reporters.

Pangilinan, who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1983, was deputy commander for the southern peace process of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City before he assumed as 6th ID commander.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman said the Eid’l Fitr initiative of 6th ID, whose officers are mostly Christians, will convince the Bangsamoro people of its desire to attain genuine peace in its area of assignment.

“It’s something so laudable. Worthy of emulation by other major military units in the autonomous region,” Hataman said.

Pangilinan has said the 6th ID recognizes the importance of interfaith camaraderie among its Muslim and non-Muslim personnel.

“It will help ensure the efficiency of our peace and development programs for all sectors, the Christians, the Muslims and the Lumad people inside our area of responsibility,” Pangilinan said who also gathers soldiers and their families inside the camp during Christmas season.

The Eid’l Fitr marks the culmination of the month-long Ramadan fasting season.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=901520

Dutertes' call for end of conflicts in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Dutertes' call for end of conflicts in Mindanao

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte and Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, who is now the OIC-Mayor, have called for end of conflicts in Mindanao and the world as they joined the Muslim communities in celebrating Eidl Fitr marking the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan.

In a statement on Tuesday, Paolo said they joined the Muslims in praying for a meaningful reconciliation and the end of conflicts in Mindanao, war and terrorism in many other parts of the world that brought sufferings to the people.

“Allow me to extend our warmest wishes to our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrating Eidl Fitr,” Paolo said in a statement on behalf of Mayor Sara. Eidl Fitr also marks the start of the month of Shawwal, which is the 10th month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

Paolo said they witnessed how conflicts crippled growth of the nation and fomented more and more atrocities and human suffering.

Paolo reminded people that that the occasion of Eidl Fitr is a celebration of a new beginning as it is a celebration of hope, understanding, and respect for the faith and belief of others.

“Let us be reminded that just like Ramadhan, the message of Eidl Fitr is the message of peace,” he stressed.

Paolo himself has children with Muslim lineage from his first marriage.

He also recognized the contributions of the Muslims to the growth and development of Davao City.

“Over the years, many Muslims here have shown leadership and inspiration to others -- breaking the walls of diversity and crushing hostile relationships built on discrimination and mistrust,” he said.

Since the administration of then mayor and now President Rodrigo Duterte, the city government has institutionalized the Madrasah schools for Moro children in the city. The city has tapped the participation of Muslims and lumads in governance by appointing deputy mayors representing each Muslim tribe and the Indigenous People.

This has paved the way for good relations and peaceful co-existence between Christians and Muslim communities here.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=901539

Army to probe alleged mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Army to probe alleged mutilation of dead rebel’s body in NorCot

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division on Tuesday issued a statement directing the formation of a Board of Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the alleged mutilation of the body of a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of the 10th ID said the command took note with serious concern over the allegation, stating further that such act is unacceptable and deserves the highest condemnation.

“We express our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Noel Gulmatico, alias "Jepoy", and assure them of our resolved to seek the truth about this incident and give the commensurate punishment to any member of our command who will be proven to have committed this despicable act,” Batchar said.

Gulmatico, the commanding officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda under Guerilla Front (GF) 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) was killed in a series of armed encounters between the soldiers of 39th Infantry Battalion and the NPA rebels in Barangay Balite, Magpet, North Cotabato last July 1.

Upon recovery of the cadaver of Gulmatico his family complained of the alleged mutilation of his dead body and accused the troopers of 39th IB as responsible for such acts.

A netizen posted on his Facebook page photos of the cadaver showing Gulmatico’s eyes were already gouged out, his tongue cut and his throat was slit.

“The headquarters of the 10th ID has organized a Board of Inquiry to investigate, determine the facts and if there are any, the culpability of the involved soldiers will be dealt with.”

Batchar added that the BOI would not prejudice other investigation to be conducted by duly constituted authorities.

“The Command will likewise fully support and cooperate with any investigation that duly constituted authorities may conduct. As a professional organization, we do not tolerate any violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Rest assured that the public will be updated on the results of our investigation,” Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=901536

AFP to uphold rule of law in helping in law enforcement operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): AFP to uphold rule of law in helping in law enforcement operations

With the military about to play a more active role in law enforcement operations especially in the neutralization of the illegal drugs trade, newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya assured the public they will be guided by the rule of law while performing these operations.

"In all these the AFP will always be guided by the principles of transparency, accountability and adherence to human rights, international humanitarian law and the rule of law. These values will never be lost despite massive change in the way we think and operate," he added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he is mobilizing the AFP to help the Philippine National Police in its campaign to eradicate criminality in the country.

Visaya is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, took command of the 125,000-strong AFP last July 1.

He replaced classmate Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda who served as acting AFP chief since April.

"Therefore the AFP will continue to seek the support and cooperation of the entire Filipino nation as we aggressively pursue the path towards transformation, as change is coming we wil first embrace it from within and then, help others so we can all create a societal order that is anchored on a platform of discipline and unity," Visaya added.

"Over and above our role to run after the terrorists, we will also intensify our support to law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in their mission to eliminate widespread criminality and the wanton destruction of lives brought about by the spread and use of illegal drugs," he added.

Visaya earlier vowed to weed AFP personnel using illegal drug-users and those with links with illegal groups and activities.

"We will start the same advocacy with our ranks by continuously weeding out those scalawags who use drugs, who have links with illegal groups and activities. Then we will proceed to build alliances with our counterparts to bring down syndicates and other organized crime groups," he added.

"Over and above our role to run after the terrorists, we will also intensify our support to law enforcement agencies, particularly the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in their mission to eliminate widespread criminality and the wanton destruction of lives brought about by the spread and use of illegal drugs," Visaya added. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901322

New peace adviser vows continuity, inclusivity in the peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): New peace adviser vows continuity, inclusivity in the peace process    

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza emphasized to continue previous commitments, including the implementation of signed agreements from past administrations, in pursuing peace and development in the country.

“There will be a change of command but let me assure everyone that there will be no transition as they use to call it. We would like to use the word ‘continuity’,” Dureza said during the formal turnover ceremony of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to its new chief on Monday.

“We build on every brick on the ground. There is so much that has been done already.” Dureza added. “The message is continuity, and this is for the Filipino people. Enabling peace is a work for a lifetime. It is a continuous work.”

The ceremony was attended by former OPAPP Secretary Teresita “Ging” Quintos Deles, who was joined by previous agency officials. The incoming OPAPP executives were also present during the event.

The new peace adviser also recapped parts of the inaugural speech of President Rodrigo Duterte that are significant to this administration’s peace policy.

In his speech, President Duterte underscored the continued implementation of all signed peace agreements in conformity with the constitutional and legal reforms.

At the same time, there must be an inclusive roadmap, which takes into account all stakeholders, particularly the indigenous peoples.

“These are our marching orders and we will work in that direction,” Dureza said.

The new peace adviser stressed the importance of development efforts relative to peace-building, as these will sustain peace on the ground.

“Hindi lang pwedeng piece of paper o peace agreements, it will not be sustainable. Dapat may katuwang na development. (It is not enough that we have signed peace agreements, it will not be sustainable. We must couple it with development.),” Dureza said.

“In other words, when you sign agreements, you must always make the people feel that there are dividends for peace because it is development that will sustain all these gains.”

Dureza called on all peace stakeholders to persevere on what they are doing so that the strides of peace will be “one step forward from where these are today.”

“We like to invite you to continue being with us. There are a few changes but, definitely, we will continue what the previous Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has done because Secretary Ging Deles also built on the work of previous peace advisers,” Dureza said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901351

Trillanes files bill establishing national ID system

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Trillanes files bill establishing national ID system

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV has filed a bill seeking to establish a national identification system.

Known as the Filipino Identification System, the Senate Bill No. 95 seeks to consolidate all other identification system into one.

The Filipino Identification Card that the government would be issued will serve as the identification for all citizens of the country, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad. This ID will be honored in all government transactions requiring identity of the person.

”Ultimately, this measure would help the government deliver better services to the people. Having a national ID system would be helpful in our anti-crime and anti-terror campaign,” Trillanes said.

”By having a centralized database, we would have easy access to information about suspects, fugitives and other lawless elements. Further, this would reduce leakage in providing social services to the people, such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program,” he added.

According to the bill, the Filipino ID shall be made of tamper-proof security material.

It shall have the imprinted photograph, name, birth date, sex, date of issue, signature of owner, the corresponding individual serial number issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and such other data as may be deemed necessary.

It shall also have the capability to store at least the biometric data of the cardholder.

Trillanes said the initial application for and issuance of the Filipino ID shall be free of charge as part of the government social service responsibility. However, a replacement fee shall be paid by the cardholder.

Apart from this measure, Trillanes also filed other priority measures such as the new Salary Standardization bill; increase of SSS pension; establishment of Philippine archipelagic sea lanes; defining the Philippine maritime zones; Freedom of Information bill; institutionalizing Hotline 117; increase of old-age pension for military and other uniformed personnel; and the new comprehensive nursing bill.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901439

AFP to acquire 145 units of reflex sights

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): AFP to acquire 145 units of reflex sights

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is allocating the sum of PHP4,177,450 for the acquisition of 145 units of reflex sights.

The latter is optical device that allows the user to look through a partially reflecting glass element and see an illuminated projection of an aiming point or some other image superimposed on the field of view.

The items will be attached to some of the assault rifles in its inventory.

Bid opening is on July 21, 9:00 a.m. at the General Headquarters-Bids and Awards Committee Conference Room, 3/F Bulwagang Syquio, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, BAC GHQ analyst Dona May DC Tauro said in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

Winning bidders must be able to deliver the items within 140 calendar days.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901396

PAF open to reorganization for fight vs terrorism, other threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): PAF open to reorganization for fight vs terrorism, other threats

As the Philippine Air Force (PAF) celebrated its 69th founding anniversary Tuesday, it has expressed willingness to reorganize in order to curb terrorism and other threats.

This was disclosed by PAF head Lt. Gen. Edgar R. Fallorina in his speech at Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga.

"Time and again, the entire country bore witness to what the Air Force is all about. As we destroy enemy strongholds… as we rush to save countless of lives at the heights of disasters and calamities… as we stimulate rain in areas threatened by El Niño… as we establish roaming presence over the Kalayaan Group of Islands… and as we reorganize and regroup to fight and counter terrorism and other threats," he added.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte earlier called the military to help the Philippine National Police in the ongoing anti-drug and criminality campaign.

In the same vein, focus will also be given to the terrorism threat.

"Time and again, the people saw how we prized our service honor by keeping ourselves above controversies and anomalies and by instead going about our business of transforming our bases into centerpieces of professionalism, discipline and order; and our Airmen and Airwomen into champions in crises, in peace, and even in sports. Because our goal - is to secure the nation and serve the people," Fallorina said.

"Time and again, people saw how we respond as we extricate victims of terrorism and recover bodies albeit harsh weather…treacherous terrain… or hostile ground fire. And time and again, through continuous training and exercises, we continue to enlarge our character in combat… in peacekeeping efforts… and in human assistance and disaster response," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901466

Pagdilao denies involvement in illegal drugs; expresses willingness to undergo lifestyle check

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): Pagdilao denies involvement in illegal drugs; expresses willingness to undergo lifestyle check

Former National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Police Director Joel Pagdilao on Tuesday said that he wants to clear his name after President Rodrigo Duterte included his name as one of the five generals involved in illegal drugs.

Pagdilao, a member of PMA Class 1984, who was relieved from his post since July 1 and assigned at the Office of PNP Chief.

"Wala pong katotohanan na ako ay protektor ng illegal na droga tayo po ay lumaban dyan matagal na po tayo lumalaban sa illegal na droga at lagi nating unang pinag uutos ay hulihin yung malaki o maliit man na nagbebenta ng illegal na droga," Pagdilao said in TV interview.

"Kaya ko pong linisin ang aking pangalan at alam ko po ay legal ang ating pinapagawa sa ating mga tauhan at alam ko po ay trabaho nating ginagawa na katapatan sa paglilingkod mula ng ako po ay tinyente (and) for almost 32 years na po ako sa serbisyo at hindi po ako nagkaroon ng bahid sa paglilingkod sa ating trabaho," he added.

Pagdilao also expressed willingness to undergo lifestyle check and ready for the investigation as he wants to clear his name.

"Nakahanda po kung anuman ang imbestigasyon, administratibo o kriminal, nakahanda po akong ipagtanggol ang aking sarili at pangalan po na Pagdilao," he noted.

In related development, Quezon City Police District head Sr. Supt. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar on Tuesday received the ordered coming from PNP Chief Director General Ronald 'Bato' Dela Rosa to relieve the 32 members of QCPD and send them to Mindanao.

Dela Rosa immediately ordered the relief of all members of the Quezon City Police’s anti-illegal drug unit and send them to Mindanao on the day he assumed office last Friday.

The relieved 32 members of the Quezon City Police District’s Anti-Illegal Drug Unit (QCPD-DAID) included its head, Chief Inspector Roberto Razon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901562

AFP willing to help in solving MM's traffic woes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): AFP willing to help in solving MM's traffic woes

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to provide whatever help it can to help in addressing Metro Manila's traffic woes, especially those caused by colorum vehicles.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla made this statement as the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced that it is studying the possibility of using military personnel in tracking down colorum vehicles.

"We will comment as soon as we receive and study the request or proposal to help in resolving Metro Manila's traffic woes. Nonetheless, as part of government, the AFP stands ready to assist within the limits of its resources," he added.

LTFRB chair Atty. Martin Delgra III earlier said they are considering assistance from the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group and AFP to track down colorum vehicles.

“We are working inter-agency with other government offices like MMDA, HPG and representatives of AFP so you see some soldiers on the road to go after colorum,” he added.

“With AFP, it will be just like what happened currently wherein we have sought assistance from HPG. They are deputized to enforce LTFRB rules. But details are still being discussed,” Delgra stated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901459

WESMINCOM yet to verify execution of Norwegian captive by ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 5): WESMINCOM yet to verify execution of Norwegian captive by ASG

The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) is yet to confirm reports that Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the last Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) captive from their Samal Island last Sept. 21, has been beheaded.

Major Filemon Tan, WESMINCOM spokesperson, said operations are still ongoing to rescue the Norwegian victim and they are still to confirm this report.

Earlier, an ASG spokesperson identified as Abu Rami, threatened to behead Sekkingstad if their PHP300 million ransom demand was not paid.

The Norwegian is the last Samal Island captive captured during the ASG's Sept. 21 raid Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Samal City, Davao Del Norte.

Of the four victims, Canadian John Ridsel was beheaded last April 25 while his compatriot Robert Hall was executed last June 13. The two were killed by the terrorists as the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed ASG's ransom demand worth Php600 million for the pair.

Marites Flor, Hall's girlfriend, was freed last June 22.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901427