Thursday, September 22, 2016

MILF: Bangamoro leaders, peace advocates attend Mediation and Negotiation Training Workshop

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 19): Bangamoro leaders, peace advocates attend Mediation and Negotiation Training Workshop



Select Bangsamoro leaders engaging in peace advocacy and supporting the Bangsamoro peace process attended the Training-Workshop on Negotiation and Mediation as Instruments for Conflict Settlement for Bangsamoro Leaders held at Waterfront Hotel, Davao City on September 14-17, 2016.

The activity aimed to increase the capacity of the participants in handling mediation and negotiation as peace-building and peace-keeping approaches used to address conflicts.

The training was facilitated by negotiation and mediation international experts, Prof. Wilbur Perlot (Dutch) and Prof. Mark Anstey (British) from Netherlands Institute for International Relations.

Among the participants were representatives from the academe, Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations, Bangsamoro Development Agency, Bangsamoro Transition Commission and some organs of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and international NGO Clingandael, a Dutch think tank and diplomatic academy which aims to enhance insight in international relations, sponsored the activity.

In the previous years, UNDP supported the Culture of Peace (COP) Training targeting conflict affected areas of Mindanao in a bid to strengthen community peace.

COP training participants learned dialogue, arbitration negotiation and mediation as the approaches in settling disputes. The training also stressed the importance of communication to avoid conflict.

Mediation is a third party assisted intervention aimed to settle conflict by helping the disputants to come up with agreed solution.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/22-davao-region/884-bangamoro-leaders-peace-advocates-attend-mediation-and-negotiation-training-workshop

MILF: IMT urges Zambo village residents to be strong in pursuit of peace

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 21): IMT urges Zambo village residents to be strong in pursuit of peace



A high-ranking official of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) told residents of Purok Kasanyangan of Barangay Santa Catalina in this city to adhere to the rule of law and be resilient in the quest for long lasting peace in Mindanao.

In his second engagement with Moro community leaders on September 14, IMT Team- 3 Leader Colonel Mohammad Zakri bin Abu encouraged them to actively advocate and support the peace endeavor being forged by GPH and MILF for it will redound to long lasting peace and development in Mindanao.

“In the pursuit of genuine peace, you should always exercise patience and steadfast and never create any unfavorable acts that may derail its right course since the peace agreement is now approaching to its finishing-line desirably” he said.

The half-day meeting was also attended by the Moro leaders from nearby barangays who expressed their profoundest gratitude for the IMT initiative as unprecedented gesture of goodwill since it was their first time to be visited by IMT officials.

Some officials from MILF- Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and a NGO accompanied the IMT and facilitated the meeting that took place in a private residence.

Hadji Basaron Kamlon of the MILF-AHJAG presented the purpose of IMT visitation and other aspects related to IMT, AHJAG and other security components and its mechanisms that are part of GPH-MILF Peace agreement.

Tirso Tahir from the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) who was among the facilitators introduced the visiting officials and the village Leaders as well and also grateful to IMT officials for their unwavering support since then as stipulated in the Terms of Reference (TOR) to monitor the peace agreement entered between the GPH and MILF.

During the course of dialogue, questions and answers were raised on security aspects of the Moros living in Zamboanga City since it is outside the Bangsamoro core territory.  Both IMT and AHJAG Officials cordially clarified the issues based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

IMT Team-3 area of coverage includes Zamboanga Peninsula, the Island provinces and cities therein. It based in Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) under IMT Batch-11.

The mandate of IMT is to monitor the implementation of the Tripoli Agreement on Peace between the GPH and the MILF of 22 June 2001 and its Implementing Guidelines on the Security Aspect, Implementing Guidelines on the Humanitarian, Rehabilitation and Development Aspects and Agreement on the Civilian Protection Component (CPC).

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/73-westhern-mindanao/880-imt-urges-zambo-village-residents-to-be-strong-in-pursuit-of-peace

MILF: CBCS to host consultation w/Socsksargen Bangsamoro CSO, sectoral leaders for unity, solidarity

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Sep 23): CBCS to host consultation w/Socsksargen Bangsamoro CSO, sectoral leaders for unity, solidarity



The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) will conduct next Tuesday (Sept 27) a consultation with the Bangsamoro Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and sectoral leaders from South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and General Santos City (Socsksargen) to be held at Tboli Hotel in this town.

The aim of the activity is to strengthen unity and solidarity among the Bangsamoro leaders including the CSOs by creating a platform of cooperation that can serve as a venue for consensus building towards a common political peace agenda.

Expected participants will come from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), members of the royal houses, and religious leaders.

A resource person is invited to tackle the Peace and Development Road Map to the Bangsamoro.

CBCS Chair Guiamel Alim will discuss “The Roadmap to success from CSO Perspective.”

Lawyer Raissa Jajurie will talk about “The Transitional Justice and Reconciliation (TJRC) study and recommendations: an initial victory of the peace process.”

The participants are also expected to convey their views to the plans and efforts of the parties involved in the Bangsamoro peace process.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/887-cbcs-to-host-consultation-w-socsksargen-bangsamoro-cso-sectoral-leaders-for-unity-solidarity

NDF-SMR: Mobilize thousands to fast-track freeze on land conversion, campaign for peasant rights

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Sep 19): Mobilize thousands to fast-track freeze on land conversion, campaign for peasant rights

National Democratic Front of the Philippines Southern Mindanao Region
Press Statement | September 19, 2016

The National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao urges all peasants, Lumads and other revolutionary forces to mobilize tens of thousands to actively campaign for the moratorium on land conversion of agricultural lands and other peasant rights. Only through organized, sustained and militant mass movement will there be any chance to secure democratic rights at the present favorable situation.

The NDFP welcomes the commitment of GPH Department of Agrarian Reform Sec. Rafael Mariano to endorse to Pres. Rodrigo Duterte the suspension of further conversion of agricultural land for industrial and commercial purposes. Similarly laudable is the former peasant leader’s initiative to also condone penalties of agrarian reform beneficiaries who have failed to pay their amortization.

Such measures are necessary elements of socio-economic reform because it intends to provide relief to the productive forces—peasants and Lumads—long exploited by the semi-feudal landscape of the country’s agriculture and economy. Both peasants and Lumads, especially in Mindanao, bear the detrimental consequences of converting lands to commercial and industrial use.

While a freeze on land use conversion is a consequential step, it must also expand on precluding the excursion and expansion of agri-business plantations and foreign and large scale mining ventures in order to significantly push the dismantling of imperialist, feudal and semi-feudal control over vast tracts of the country’s productive lands.

At present, more than 12% of Mindanao’s agricultural lands are occupied by export crop plantations mostly owned by transnational corporations. To make matters worse, there are plans to expand 116,000 additional hectares for rubber, 87,903 hectares for coffee, and 60,000 hectares for cacao plantations by 2016. In Southern Mindanao alone, about one million hectares of land have pending applications for Mineral Production Sharing Agreements (MPSA).

Similarly, there is an urgent need to review, renegotiate or abrogate onerous trade agreements under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade of the World Trade Organization entered into by previous neoliberal-groveling reactionary regimes that have seriously damaged the productivity and welfare of the peasantry.

Next month, October, marks the Peasant and Lumad Month and concurrently the second round of the peace negotiations between the GPH and the NDFP. The NDFP urges all revolutionary mass organizations, legal organizations and allies to popularize and ensure thorough discussion of genuine land reform and national industrialization.

In the same vein, the NDFP warns peasants and Lumads to be wary of disgruntled big landlords, foreign large scale mining capitalists and their domestic bourgeois comprador partners and their armed cohorts who are out to sabotage the former’s interest for genuine land reform. For years, previous reactionary government have given them leeway to accumulate vast tracts of lands and continue their exploitation and plunder of our natural resources. We must seize every opportunity to achieve considerable gains and continue to be vigilant against saboteurs from the rabid faction of the ruling class.

(Sgd) RUBI DEL MUNDO
Spokesperson
NDF-SMR

http://www.ndfp.org/mobilize-thousands-fast-track-freeze-land-conversion-campaign-peasant-rights/

CPP/NPA: Police arrest NPA in Mindoro, Revolutionaries condemn ceasefire violation

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 21): Police arrest NPA in Mindoro, Revolutionaries condemn ceasefire violation
 
KA HIGOM MARAGANG, Spokesperson, Lucio de Guzman Command, NPA-Mindoro
 

CPP/NPA: On the 44th anniversary of Martial Law

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Sep 21): On the 44th anniversary of Martial Law
 
Ka Oris, Spokesperson, New People's Army
 

Pentagon details anti-IS aid to Southeast Asia

From the Bangkok Post (Sep 23): Pentagon details anti-IS aid to Southeast Asia

The United States is helping Southeast Asian allies do more to prevent the Islamic State group from gaining a greater foothold in the area, senior Pentagon officials said Thursday.


US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter (L) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joe Dunford testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee on September 22, 2016
 
The IS has already established a presence in several countries across the region including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, and authorities worry both about domestic attacks and nationals traveling to join the jihadists in Iraq and Syria.

General Joe Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the United States is helping partners share intelligence and information on extremist groups.

"We're trying to work with them to develop a framework within which they can share information, share intelligence," Dunford testified at the committee hearing.

"We are absolutely working close with our partners, and frankly, the limit of the support we provide is often what they are willing to accept politically," he added.

Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said he was meeting with regional defence ministers next week at a summit in Hawaii and IS would be one subject of discussion.

"Southeast Asia clearly is a place (IS aspires) to spreading," Carter said.

Islamic militants in the Philippines on Thursday freed an Indonesian sailor abducted at sea, days after the gunmen released a Norwegian captive and three other Indonesians.

The group, the Abu Sayyaf, is a loose network of a militants that has in recent years pledged allegiance to IS, though analysts say the group is mainly focused on a lucrative kidnapping business rather than religious ideology.

The Philippines's new president, Rodrigo Duterte, last week called for the small number of US military advisers to leave the southern part of the country, though top officials quickly moved to downplay his comments.

In Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, there has been a surge in attacks and attempted attacks this year due to the growing influence of IS.

According to Dunford, more than 1,000 Indonesians have left to join IS in Iraq and Syria, and hundreds from the Philippines.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asean/1092441/pentagon-details-anti-is-aid-to-southeast-asia

Westmincom: Another Indonesian kidnap victim freed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Westmincom: Another Indonesian kidnap victim freed in Sulu

Another Indonesian kidnap victim seized by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands over a month ago was released Thursday morning in the province of Sulu, a military official here said.

Released was Herman Bin Manggak, according to Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson.

Manggak was initially taken to a camp of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sitio Bakud, Barangay Kagay, Indanan, Sulu.

Tan told the Philippines News Agency that the MNLF later handed over Manggak to the Joint Task Force Sulu around 11 a.m. Thursday.

Tan said Manggak was taken to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper medical examination and debriefing and eventual turnover to proper authorities at the Westmincom headquarters.

The ASG brigands seized Manggak, a skipper of a Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel, along with two of his crew on August 3, 2016 in the Malaysian side of the Kinabatangan border area in Sabah.

However, the ASG brigands left behind two of Manggak’s crew, an Indonesian and a Malaysian.

Westmincom emphasized the release was the result of the Joint Task Force Sulu troops in conducting continuous focused military operations to track down and destroy the ASG brigands responsible for the series of kidnappings and atrocities in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925241

Visaya lauds 35th IB for successful rescue of 60-year-old woman from ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Visaya lauds 35th IB for successful rescue of 60-year-old woman from ASG

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya lauded officers and enlisted personnel of the Sulu-based 35th Infantry Battalion for their swift rescue of businesswoman Martina Yee from the clutches of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Wednesday.

"Let me commend all the troops for a well-coordinated and incessant two-day rescue operation that led to the successful rescue of Martina Lyn Yee who was kidnapped in Sirawai, Zamboanga Del Norte (3 p.m. of Sept. 19). As your chief-of-staff, I am truly proud of this accomplishment, noting that this is the first time that we have intercepted the ASG while they are still enroute to their hiding place," he added.

Yee was recovered by government troops at a pier in Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu.

This took place after strike-and-rescue operation of 35th Infantry Battalion which made the terrorists scamper, resulting in the rescue of the 60-year-old victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925477

DND shopping for 'Maritime Situational Awareness' equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): DND shopping for 'Maritime Situational Awareness' equipment

The Department of National Defense (DND) is in the market for equipment that will enhance the "Maritime Situational Awareness" capability of its three stations and one center in Northern Luzon.

The project which is formally called the "Supply and Delivery of Coast Watch System Requirements has a project of PHP256,360,000.

Funding will be source from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, DND Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) chair Undersecretary Raymundo DV Elefante said.

The project will again be undertaken through alternative mode of procurement which is Limited Source Bidding.

"Likewise, the mode of procurement involves direct invitation to bid by the procuring entity from a set of pre-selected suppliers or consultants with known experience and proven capability relative to the requirements of a particular contract," Elefante said.

These are Datatrail/Elbit System Ltd, Indra, Baybridge Services (Far East), Pronet Systems Integrated Network, Elita System Ltd, HITT (Scan Marine, Inc.), Ltd One Commerce Int'l Corp (Signalis Rep).

They are also required to sign an undertaking for the non-disclosure of details for the project.

Submission and opening of bid envelopes is on Oct. 3, 10 a.m. at DND SBAC Secretariat, Right Wing Basement, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925474

Kidnappers slip past 10,000 troops

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 22): Kidnappers slip past 10,000 troops

BUSINESSWOMAN Martina Yee is examined at a military hospital in the Western Mindanao Command.     JULIE S. ALIPALA/INQUIRER MINDANAO

BUSINESSWOMAN Martina Yee is examined at a military hospital in the Western Mindanao Command. JULIE S. ALIPALA/INQUIRER MINDANAO

Kidnappers were able to slip past at least 16 battalions of soldiers now posted in the province of Sulu where their latest victim, a businesswoman, had been brought and later freed in what the military said was a well-coordinated rescue effort.

Gunmen who took Martina Yee, a businesswoman from the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte province, made it past more than 10,000 soldiers to take their captive to Sulu.

Yee was rescued in the town of Indanan, Sulu province, yesterday, two days after she was taken captive on Monday.

On Sunday, hours before the kidnapping of Yee, Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), said at least 16 battalions of soldiers, “with different specializations,” are now posted in Sulu province to take part in the all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf, a terror and crime group behind a spate of kidnappings and terror attacks in parts of Mindanao.

“We have there Scout Rangers, the infantry battalions, special forces, to include our Air Force and naval assets,” Dela Cruz said.

MNLF support

“And we also know we have support from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF),” he  added.

Despite the heavy presence of soldiers, kidnappers were still able to bring their 60-year-old victim, Yee, to Sulu province.

Yee’s captivity was brief, however, compared with that of other victims.

MNLF forces noticed a small speedboat with engines bigger than what it needed, an unusual thing, docked at a small wharf in the village of Tanjung in Indanan around 4 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Samsula Adju, speaking for MNLF in Sulu province.

Adju said a group of MNLF members, led by Abraham Joel, went to check the boat and found Yee.

Adju said Joel quickly coordinated with the 35th Infantry Battalion and handed over Yee.

“MNLF men missed the Abu Sayyaf,” Adju said.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Wesmincom, said Yee’s rescue is the result of massive intelligence work.

Tan said soldiers had been posted in “possible landing sites” of the kidnappers and their victim.

“True enough, we monitored them,” Tan said. Soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion, he said, “conducted strike operations.”

“The bandits were scared away and abandoned their captive,” he said.

Yee owns several hardware and grocery stores, and a gasoline station in Sirawai.

Coordination

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion picked up Yee at a pier in Indanan.

Yee was kidnapped by at least six men around 3 p.m. on Monday.

Yee went through medical checkup at Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu province, and given food as she had not eaten since Monday.

Padilla said the successful rescue of Yee is the result of coordination between the military and police, and cooperation from residents who served as eyes and ears of authorities.
 
Template

At least 16 Filipino and foreign hostages are still being kept captive by the Abu Sayyaf.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, joint task force Sulu commander, said the rescue of Yee is “a template of enhanced collaboration of all government agencies concerned.”

“We hope to see more collaborations from different stakeholders in the coming days to destroy the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) and rescue the remaining hostages,” Dela Vega said.

Col. Jose Faustino, commander of the Army’s 501st Brigade, said the military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf would continue until Sulu province is free from terrorists.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/817778/kidnappers-slip-past-10000-troops

Army general loses gun to thief in Baguio City

From Malaya (Sep 22): Army general loses gun to thief in Baguio City

AN Army general lost his cal. 45 pistol to a thief who broke into his vehicle while it was parked near a Baguio City restaurant last Sunday night.

The Cordillera regional police office yesterday identified the victim as Brig. Gen. Ramon Yogyog, deputy commander of the Army’s Special Operations Command based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. Yogyog is a member of the Philippine Military Academy class of 1985.

Police said Yogyog, 54, parked his Isuzu Sportivo at the parking lot of the Solibao restaurant on Abad Santos Drive in Burnham Park to attend a dinner-meeting with his classmates from the University of Baguio.

While driving back to Fort Magsaysay Yogyog said he noticed that the black bag containing his service firearm, a Colt cal. 45 pistol, that he left at the passenger compartment was missing.

“The victim claimed that there was no forced entry on his vehicle and its remote control lock is defective which might (have given) the opportunity for the thief to take his issued firearm,” the police report said.

Yogyog, a Scout Ranger officer, served as the commander of Special Operations Task Force in Basilan that went after members of the Abu Sayyaf Group a few years ago.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/army-general-loses-gun-thief-baguio-city

PH, China agree to intensify ties in 5 areas of cooperation

From Update.Ph (Sep 22): PH, China agree to intensify ties in 5 areas of cooperation

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III and Chinese ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua have agreed to revitalize Philippine-China relations in five vital areas of cooperation, including currency swap arrangements, agricultural trade, customs and tourism.

In a courtesy call to Dominguez, the Chinese ambassador offered Beijing’s support to the priority projects of the Duterte administration in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) for pipeline projects of the Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), of Transportation (DOTr) and of Agriculture (DA).
 
Dominguez expressed his appreciation for the ambassador’s offer.

According to Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Maria Editha Tan, who was present at the meeting, the Chinese side “strongly recognized the DOF’s role” in project financing “and is looking forward to participate on opportunities to support the Administration’s agenda such as infrastructure projects.”

Tan heads the DOF’s International Finance Group.

During the meeting, Dominguez explained the priority goals of the Duterte administration, which, he said, focuses on poverty reduction, upholding the rule of law and order, and seeking lasting peace with our neighbors in the international community as well as with armed rebels in our country.

The meeting held at the BSP Complex was also attended by Jin Yuan, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila; and Zhu Min, Third Secretary of the Embassy.

The talks also touched on the Philippines’ membership to the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Tan said.

“The Chinese Ambassador expressed appreciation that the Philippines is taking steps to complete procedures in its membership with the AIIB,” said Tan.

She added that “the Ambassador reiterated the need to complete all steps for full membership in the AIIB so Philippines can access project financing to support its infrastructure requirements.”

The Philippines’ membership to the AIIB remains pending because the Senate needs to ratify the country’s participation in the China-led multilateral institution.

Tan said that during the meeting, Dominguez and Ambassador Zhao also discussed the following areas of cooperation:

· Bilateral Financial Cooperation, in which both sides agreed to revisit current currency swap arrangement to manage foreign exchange risks

· Project Financing, in which they agreed to explore possible areas of interest and cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, education, tourism, technology, power, ports and information technology (IT).

· Agriculture Trade and Cooperation, in which both sides exchanged views on growth potentials in the agriculture sector and shared opportunities where the countries can mutually gain benefits, such as the export of Chinese-made agricultural equipment appropriate to the Philippine setting; expansion of Philippine exports to China such as tropical fruits (e.g., banana, coconut, pineapple) and “high-end” marine and fishery products such as lapu-lapu (grouper), bangus, tuna, crabs, and shrimps)

· Customs Cooperation, in which both agreed to cooperate in addressing reported trade gaps, improving the exchange of information on import/export data and curbing the entry of illegal drugs from China to the Philippines

· Growth in Tourism, in which Ambassador Zhao offered to assist in the joint development of tourist areas in the country and expressed interest in establishing the presence of Chinese hotel brands and chains in the country and increasing the number of Chinese tourist arrivals to the Philippines.

http://www.update.ph/2016/09/ph-china-agree-to-intensify-ties-in-5-areas-of-cooperation/9653

PH enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness facilities in Northern Luzon

From Update.Ph (Sep 22): PH enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness facilities in Northern Luzon

To enhance the country’s Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), the Department of National Defense (DND) initiated the PHP256,360,000-worth “Coast Watch System Requirements” project enhancing the capability of three stations and one center Northern Luzon.

Funding will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, DND Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) chair Undersecretary Raymundo DV Elefante said in the Letter of Invitation. Submission and opening of bid envelopes in on Oct. 3, 10:00 a.m. at DND SBAC Secretariat, Right Wing Basement, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
 
The project will be undertaken through alternative mode of procurement which is Limited Source Bidding, having satisfied the conditions as stated in Section 49 of the Revised Rules and Regulations of RA 9184.

“Likewise, the mode of procurement involves direct invitation to bid by the procuring entity from a set of pre-selected suppliers or consultants with known experience and proven capability relative to the requirements of a particular contract,” Elefante said.

Pre-selected suppliers are Datatrail/Elbit System Ltd; Indra; Baybridge Service (Far East); Pronet Systems Integrated Network; Elta System Ltd; HITT (Scan Marine, Inc.); and Ltd One Commerce Int’l Corp (Signalis Rep).

http://www.update.ph/2016/09/ph-enhancing-maritime-situational-awareness-facilities-in-northern-luzon/9643

NSA Esperon shrugs off 'oust Duterte' plot

From Rappler (Sep 22): NSA Esperon shrugs off 'oust Duterte' plot

'I have some reports, but I will not classify them into actions that would merit an attempt to topple the government,' says National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr

NO CREDIBLE THREAT. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr brushes aside a reported ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com

NO CREDIBLE THREAT. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr brushes aside a reported ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr on Thursday, September 22, shrugged off rumors of a supposed plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Mayroon akong mga (I have some) reports, but I will not classify them into actions that would merit an attempt to topple the government," the former Armed Forces chief told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on the budget of the National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday, September 22.

"The groups that are being mentioned do not have capabilities," Esperon said.
The NSC is the chief advisory body that coordinates policies affecting national security.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar earlier made claims about a supposed ouster plot being hatched by a group of Filipino-Americans in the United States.

"Ano naman ang capability ng (What is the capability of the) Filipino-American group to destabilize? I would like to, at the moment, take all of those as criticisms against the government. Kung mapatunayan na mayroon (If we can verify that there's a) destabilization attempt, in due time, we will come up with statements," said Esperon.

Duterte himself had accused the Liberal Party of former president Benigno Aquino III of plotting to oust him, a claim that was denied by the LP leadership.

Esperon said he is also confident that Duterte has the full support of the military. He said it is the only institution that has the capability to overthrow the government.

"Huwag 'nyo na isipin 'yan (Don't think about that anymore)," he added.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/147036-national-security-adviser-esperon-assessment-oust-duterte-plot

Duterte: You'll see me more often in China

From Rappler (Sep 22): Duterte: You'll see me more often in China

President Rodrigo Duterte says that during his trip to China, he will demand that the Asian giant 'give back' the fishing rights of Filipinos

DUTERTE'S CHINA PIVOT. On National Heroes' Day, President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua. Photo from PPD

DUTERTE'S CHINA PIVOT. On National Heroes' Day, President Rodrigo Duterte shakes hands with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua. Photo from PPD

During a speech devoted largely to castigating the European Union, United States, and United Nations, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will likely be seen visiting China more often.

"You will see me more often in China," said Duterte on Thursday, September 22, during a speech at a new Misamis Oriental power plant.

The President also hinted that he will be heading to China soon. According to Rappler sources, Duterte is likely to visit China by the end of October.

Duterte affirmed that in his upcoming visit, he will demand that China respect the rights of Filipinos to fish in the West Philippine Sea.

"One of the things that I would demand if I go to the mainland China is: 'Give us back our fishing rights.' That's one. Ma-negosyo ‘tong pobre kong mga kababayan. (So our fellow Filipinos can make a living)," he said.
 
He also hinted that he may propose a joint venture between China and the Philippines involving gas resources in the disputed sea, repeating a plan he had mentioned during the campaign.

"Then, whatever gas, mayroon doon (there was) agreement between China and the Philippines during the time of [Gloria Arroyo]. It was supposed to be, actually it was just legalese, diplomatic really, towards the joint venture," he said.

Duterte was likely referring to the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU), which the Arroyo administration entered into with China as well as Vietnam. Under the JMSU, the 3 countries agreed, through their national oil corporations, to conduct joint explorations of the disputed South China Sea. (READ: Why China prefers Arroyo to Aquino)
Duterte is set to visit Vietnam this September.

In his China trip, Duterte said he would also bring up The Hague ruling on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), but not in an aggressive manner.

"Kung kami na lang nandoon (If we are the only ones there), I will present this problem, here is this piece of paper, our arbitral award, we do not go out of the 4 corners of this paper. We talk. Pero hindi 'yung magtatapang-tapangan tayo (But we won't be too aggressive)," he said.
 
Duterte said he wanted to preserve enough good will with China to allow for economic partnerships. One example of such a partnership would be the power plant he was visiting, which he said was partly funded by Chinese nationals.
 
"Negosyo na lang. Kita mo, tumulong sila gumawa ng power plant (Let's just do business. See, they helped build a power plant.) Imagine if we can get their help in the years to come," he said.
 
While saying he is eager to talk to China about issues of mutual interest, he said he is not depending on the United States, the Philippines' traditional ally, to put out their necks for the country.
 
"We cannot depend on anybody except us. I do not expect you, US, to die for us so we just have to navigate our way around," he said.
 

Expect more bombings

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 22): Expect more bombings

Gear up for more violence as young Moros pledge allegiance to ISIS: Duterte

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte warned of more bombings after the Sept. 2 explosion at the night market on Roxas Avenue here where 15 died and 69 were injured.
 
“There will be another explosion, not here but in other parts of the Philippines,” he said Monday at the Matina Enclaves during the distribution of cash assistance to the bombing victims.
 
He said more attacks might happen to avenge “historical injustices” against the Moro people, alluding to the Bud Dajo massacre committed by the US that caused so “much hatred in Mindanao.”
 
“To the Moro, it happened yesterday. So puputok ito ng putputok, kaya nagsabi ako,” he said.
 
Without naming any particular group, Duterte said there are young Moro people who will not talk peace with the government and have reportedly sworn allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
 
He said these people want US soldiers out of Mindanao.
 
“They would say, mayor, we can talk to you other things but we will not talk to you about peace. Until now, Americans are still directing the war against us. Nakikita nila sa camp ang American special forces. Tayo ang army pero ang nag-direct America pa rin,” he said.
 
“The wound is still there, very fresh,” he said. But they said this happened not only yesterday but also today. We are fighting the Spaniards and Americans until now.”
 
But the President vowed to reach out to these groups to bring peace in Mindanao as well as put an end to the drug problem and criminality in the country to fulfill his campaign promise.
 
“Drugs – it will continue. I don’t care if there are thousands of hearing everyday, I will not stop until the last pushers on the streets are fully exterminated,” he said,
 
Kawagib Moro Human Rights secretary-general Bay Ali Indayla said the Moro people admire Duterte’s position on US military forces in Mindanao and recognition of the historical injustices committed against them.
 
She said Duterte’s assertion of Philippine sovereignty was a huge step towards the attainment of peace and freedom from an imperialist power.
 
She also lauded Duterte who, during the ASEAN Summit in Vientiane, Laos, scrapped his prepared speech and took up the Bud Dajo massacre in Sulu in 1906.
 
She said the Moro people are hoping that Duterte would live up to his avowed policy of pursuing an independent foreign policy on the grounds that the country has “long ceased to be a colony of the US.”
 
House and lot package
 
On the other hand, Duterte said that the soldiers have the full backing of the national government, and their bravery would be rewarded promptly.
 
“Give me Valor, and I will give you something very, very good.”
 
Mr. Duterte was a guest at the 10th Infantry Division Camp Manuel T. Yan, Sr., in Mawab, Compostela Valley Tuesday afternoon.
 
“It’s true, I have no money but I will raise it. I have so many friends who are millionaires. You will immediately own a house and lot here in Davao (for those who will win the medal of valor),” he promised.
 
The medal of valor is the highest military honor the government can bestow on a soldier in the line of duty.
 
Republic Act 9049, or the Act granting monthly gratuity and privileges to an awardee of the medal of honor, guarantees benefits and rewards for the recipients of the medal.
 
Recipients of the honor receive P20,000 in monthly gratuity for the lifetime, aside from salaries and pensions.
 
Mr. Duterte also promised to provide body vests and the acquisition of Barrett sniper rifles for the troops.
 
“I have told all your commanders, the Chief of Staff, that you will get everything you need to fight the enemy of the state,” Mr. Duterte said.
 
President Duterte said that he was already impressed with the capabilities of the Philippine army’s snipers.
 
“The Philippine military is doing good on snipers, so you better train,” he said.
 
According to the president, the Philippine Army should start training to be involved in counter-terrorism operations. He said that the military should invest more in training in the profiling of bombing or terror suspects.
 
President Duterte said that the soldiers should expand their training capabilities, especially since the Philippine war on terror includes only a handful of suspects, who were likely not interested in bombing the hinterlands.
 
“You’ll have to study crime and detection, bomba, tapos iyong profiling. How to deal with them, kasi ang kalaban natin diyan hindi naman paramihan – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” he said.
 

Medal of valor winners to get house and lot: Duterte

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 22): Medal of valor winners to get house and lot: Duterte

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte said that the soldiers have the full backing of the national government, and their bravery would be rewarded promptly.
 
“Give me Valor, and I will give you something very, very good.”
 
Mr. Duterte was a guest at the 10th Infantry Division Camp Manuel T. Yan, Sr., in Mawab, Compostela Valley Tuesday afternoon.
 
“It’s true, I have no money but I will raise it. I have so many friends who are millionaires. You will immediately own a house and lot here in Davao (for those who will win the medal of valor),” he promised.
 
The medal of valor is the highest military honor the government can bestow on a soldier in the line of duty.
 
Republic Act 9049, or the Act granting monthly gratuity and privileges to an awardee of the medal of honor, guarantees benefits and rewards for the recipients of the medal.
 
Recipients of the honor receive P20,000 in monthly gratuity for the lifetime, aside from salaries and pensions.
 
Mr. Duterte also promised to provide body vests and the acquisition of Barrett sniper rifles for the troops.
 
“I have told all your commanders, the Chief of Staff, that you will get everything you need to fight the enemy of the state,” Mr. Duterte said.
 
President Duterte said that he was already impressed with the capabilities of the Philippine army’s snipers.
 
“The Philippine military is doing good on snipers, so you better train,” he said.
 
According to the president, the Philippine Army should start training to be involved in counter-terrorism operations. He said that the military should invest more in training in the profiling of bombing or terror suspects.
 
President Duterte said that the soldiers should expand their training capabilities, especially since the Philippine war on terror includes only a handful of suspects, who were likely not interested in bombing the hinterlands.
 
“You’ll have to study crime and detection, bomba, tapos iyong profiling. How to deal with them, kasi ang kalaban natin diyan hindi naman paramihan – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,” he said.
 

Sayyafs free another Indonesian hostage in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 22): Sayyafs free another Indonesian hostage in Philippines

The Philippine military on Thursday said Abu Sayyaf militants have freed a kidnapped Indonesian skipper of a fishing boat in the southern province of Sulu in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

It said the 38-year old Herman Bin Manggak, who was kidnapped along two others on August 3 in Sabah, Malaysia was handed over by the Abu Sayyaf to the former rebel group Moro National Liberation Front under Nur Misuari.

The Western Mindanao Command did not release details surrounding the release of the Indonesian or whether ransom had been paid to the militants whose group is tied to the Islamic State.

But security officials said Herman was turned over by the MNLF to the military’s Joint Task Force Sulu on September 22 where the foreigner was interviewed by army interrogators at Camp Teodulfo Bautista before being handed over to the Western Mindanao Command.

“Western Mindanao Command emphasizes the efforts of Joint Task Force Sulu troops in conducting continuous focused military operations to track down and destroy the Abu Sayyaf group responsible for the series of kidnappings and atrocities in the area,” the military said.

Malaysian authorities said Herman is the captain of a Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel and that two of his crew members – an Indonesian and a Malaysian national – had been released earlier by the kidnappers, who originally demanded 10,000 ringgit ransom.

The MNLF did not release any statement, but Misuari’s group helped seek the release of over a dozen Indonesian hostages, including a Norwegian man kidnapped last year in Samal Island in Davao del Norte province in Mindanao.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-another-indonesian-hostage-in-philippines/

Sultan Kudarat offers PHP300,000 bounty for suspects in killings, grenade attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Sultan Kudarat offers PHP300,000 bounty for suspects in killings, grenade attacks  

The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat has offered an initial bounty of PHP300,000 for the arrest of the suspects behind the series of killings and other major crime incidents in the province since last year.

Sultan Kudarat Gov. Sultan Pax Mangudadatu said Thursday the reward money mainly aims to speed up the resolution of the cases, among them the previous grenade attacks in Esperanza and Isulan towns.

“It will be given to anyone who would be able provide information leading to the arrest of the suspects,” he said.

The governor said the putting up of the bounty was supported by members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council in a recent meeting.

He specifically cited Vice Gov. Raden Sakaluran, officials of the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Police Office and the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade as those who backed the measure.

Mangudadatu said their top priority is the resolution of the two grenade attacks, and the killing of a former municipal councilor of Isulan as well as two other barangay officials.

A six-year-old boy was killed while more than 40 others were injured when a grenade explosion at a carnival in Esperanza town last February 21.

A grenade explosion also rocked the celebration of the province’s foundation anniversary on Nov. 21, 2015, leaving 11 persons injured.

On March 15, 2015, former Isulan councilor Elmo Segura was gunned down by unidentified suspects.

Two barangay chairs were also killed in separate shooting incidents in the province earlier this year.

Mangudadatu directed authorities to dig deeper into these incidents and give justice to the victims.

“All these suspects should be arrested and put behind bars,” he said.

The governor urged community stakeholders to assist local authorities in solving these cases and also help avert the occurrence of similar incidents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925192

Pampanga to ink deal with DND, VMCC on veterans’ healthcare

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Pampanga to ink deal with DND, VMCC on veterans’ healthcare

The provincial government of Pampanga headed by Governor Lilia Pineda, Department of National Defense (DND) and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center (VMMC) will partner to bring medical services closer to veterans.

VMCC medical professional staff Dr. Dominador Chiong Jr. and Dr. Martha Nucum met on Thursday with Governor Pineda, Provincial Administrator Andres S. Pangilinan Jr. and officer-in-charge of the Provincial Health Office Dr. Jose Antonio Rivera to discuss the veterans hospitalization and medical care program that can be implemented in 11 provincial and district hospitals.

Chiong said the program aims to address the health care needs of the veterans and their qualified dependents who do not have convenient access to VMMC and provide partial subsidy for the hospitalization expenses and reimbursement of certain select procedures and additional benefits.

Living World War II veterans, Armed Forces of the Philippines retirees and former members of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) and their dependents are covered in the program, Chiong said.

Rivera said the provincial government will put up a veterans ward in the 11 provincial and district hospitals and train nurses that will coordinate with the beneficiaries.

Rivera also said that a veterans summit will also be conducted to inform the veterans and retirees in Pampanga and other provinces in Central Luzon of the benefits that they can get under the said program.

A medical mission will also be conducted during the event that will render medical consultation, dental check-up, eye examination and ECG, among others.

A help desk will also be established where concerns of veterans regarding pensions, IDs and re-validation will be processed.

According to Chiong, “there are about 17,000 living World War II veterans and 424,000 retirees and their dependents in the whole country who are entitled to healthcare benefits at present. Every year, about 5,000 retirees are being added on the list."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925324

Agusan Del Sur-based Army unit opens drug rehab facility

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Agusan Del Sur-based Army unit opens drug rehab facility

The 401st Infantry Brigade, which is based in Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur, formally opened a two-hectare drug rehabilitation center Thursday.

Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said this is in support of President Rodrigo Duterte's anti-illegal drug campaign.

The two-hectare facility is called the "Residential Treatment and Rehabilitation Center" (RTRC) and inaugurated Thursday with Presidential Legal Adviser Atty. Salvador Panelo as guest-of-honor, representing President Duterte.

The RTRC can accommodate 60 patients at a time and will be administered by the provincial government of Agusan Del Sur, Hao added.

The establishment of the RTRC is in line with the province’s drug rehabilitation program called Substance Use Recovery and Enlightenment (SURE).

SURE aims to give victims of drug use a second chance to life and keep them away from drug syndicates who are covering their tracks.

The 401st Infantry Brigade camp in Prosperidad has a total land area of 334 hectares.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925372

20 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 22): 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Basilan

Twenty members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrendered and turned over eight high-powered firearms to the government on Thursday in Basilan province, a military official announced.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the surrenderers are led by ASG sub-leader Katatong Balaman alias Tatong.

Tan said the group of Balaman surrendered to Col. Thomas Donato Jr., Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade commander, and Mayor Gulam Hataman of Sumisip, Basilan.

The Sumisip-based Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion facilitated the surrender of Balaman’s group in a ceremony held at the town hall of Sumisip.

Tan said the group of Balaman also turned over two locally-made shotguns aside from the eight high-powered firearms.

Donato said the group of Tatong is responsible for several ambuscades and skirmishes against the government troops, particularly in Barangays Sukaten and Baiwas in the municipality of Sumisip.

“This is the result of the relentless operation we are conducting where they suffered lots of casualties. These Abu Sayyafs now fear for their lives, leading to the surrender,” Donato said.

The government troops have overran in August the Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo.

On Sunday, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman led the conduct of medical and dental outreach mission dubbed as “Peoples Day in Barangay Baguindan.

Thousands of residents benefited from the outreach mission. The ARMM also distributed relief packs to the residents in the area.

“We are very open to surrenderees. We want to end this war in peace and pave the way for development in Basilan,” Donato added.

Hataman said they believed there are still other ASG members who are willing to surrender and return to the fold of law.

“It’s time to end this terrorist problem in our country. We want to make Basilan a peaceful place to live so that development will prosper. We are closely working with the AFP to decimate all these terrorist groups,” Hataman said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925371

Westmincom: Another Indonesian kidnap victim freed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Westmincom: Another Indonesian kidnap victim freed in Sulu

Another Indonesian kidnap victim seized by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands over a month ago was released Thursday morning in the province of Sulu, a military official here said.

Released was Herman Bin Manggak, according to Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson.

Manggak was initially taken to a camp of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sitio Bakud, Barangay Kagay, Indanan, Sulu.

Tan told the Philippines News Agency that the MNLF later handed over Manggak to the Joint Task Force Sulu around 11 a.m. Thursday.

Tan said Manggak was taken to the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper medical examination and debriefing and eventual turnover to proper authorities at the Westmincom headquarters.

The ASG brigands seized Manggak, a skipper of a Malaysian-flagged fishing vessel, along with two of his crew on August 3, 2016 in the Malaysian side of the Kinabatangan border area in Sabah.

However, the ASG brigands left behind two of Manggak’s crew, an Indonesian and a Malaysian.

Westmincom emphasized the release was the result of the Joint Task Force Sulu troops in conducting continuous focused military operations to track down and destroy the ASG brigands responsible for the series of kidnappings and atrocities in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=925241

GRP-NDF 'agreed in principle' to revitalize monitoring mechanism on international humanitarian law in Manila meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): GRP-NDF 'agreed in principle' to revitalize monitoring mechanism on international humanitarian law in Manila meeting

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace negotiators have agreed in principle to revitalize the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) for the implementation of the comprehensive agreement on respect for human rights and international humanitarian law (CARHR-IHL).

Hernani Braganza, former agrarian reform secretary and member of the government peace panel, in a statement Thursday, said the panel members met Tuesday and Wednesday at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Taguig City in a meeting facilitated by Special Envoy to Peace Process Elizabeth Slattum.

The meeting was part of the agreement to speed up the peace process.

"This is another breakthrough in the peace process. The peace panels, through their committees and sub-committees, are holding talks in the Philippines, not only in Oslo, to fast-track the peace negotiations," Braganza pointed out.

"Whatever was agreed upon by the working groups in the Philippines will be elevated to the panel level during formal talks in Oslo for discussion and approval," he added.

The NDF contingent in the JMC discussion was led by panel members Fidel Agcaoili and Coni Ledesma, along with Concha Araneta-Bocala who was recently released from prison.

For the government panel, the lead discussant was Atty. Efren Moncupa, a human rights lawyer who chairs the GRP committees on JMC and Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER).

The items approved in principle during the JMC discussion include: maintenance of office with dedicated personnel to receive complaints on violations of CARHR-IHL; and joint GRP-NDF activities such as information and education campaign on human rights and international humantarian law.

Braganza further said the GRP-NDF committees on ceasefire also met last Wednesday to hold preliminary talks on the extension of their respective unilateral ceasefire and proposed agreement on a joint ceasefire.

"What we have at the moment is a unilateral ceasefire declared by both parties. We hope to sign a bilateral agreement in Oslo for a joint ceasefire, which is more durable and permanent," said Braganza, who is supervising panel member for the JMC and GRP ceasefire committee.

"Our aim is to harmonize the operational guidelines of the GRP and the NDF during ceasefire to avoid misencounters or other violations of the agreement. We are also expected to come up with a mechanism for reporting of ceasefire violations," he explained.

Braganza noted that the GRP and the NDF panels earlier agreed "to reconcile and develop their separate unilateral ceasefire orders into a single unified bilateral document within 60 days."

The GRP ceasefire committee is chaired by Dr. Francisco Lara, currently Philippine Country Director of Philippine Alert; with members that include Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip, Atty. Adel Abas, retired police Senior Supt. Wilmer Panabang and Atty. Marie Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes.

For the NDF, Agcaoili also sits as chair with members that include NDF consultants Benito Tiamzon, Rafael Baylosis, Tirso Alcantara and Alfredo Mapano. Another NDF consultant, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, attended the discussion on ceasefire as observer.

Braganza said initial agreements on JMC and bilateral ceasefire will be fleshed out and formalized when the GRP and NDF resumes formal peace negotiations in Oslo this October.

Aside from the JMC and bilateral ceasefire, other items up for negotiation in the second round of peace talks in Oslo include the substantive agreements on socio-economic reforms (CASER), political and constitutional reforms (PCR) and end of hostilities/disposition of forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925117

DND in the market for PHP256-M worth of 'Coast Watch System Requirements'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): DND in the market for PHP256-M worth of 'Coast Watch System Requirements'

In line with efforts to enhance the country's maritime situational awareness, the Department of National Defense (DND) announced that it has allocated the sum of PHP256,360,000 for the acquisition of "Coast Watch System Requirements" needed to enhance the MSA capability of its two Northern Luzon stations.

Funding will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund, DND Special Bids and Awards Committee (SBAC) chair Undersecretary Raymundo DV Elefante said.

The project will again be undertaken through alternative mode of procurement which is Limited Source Bidding.

"Likewise, the mode of procurement involves direct invitation to bid by the procuring entity from a set of pre-selected suppliers or consultants with known experience and proven capability relative to the requirements of a particular contract," Elefante said.

These are Datatrail/Elbit System Ltd, Indra, Baybridge Services (Far East), Pronet Systems Integrated Network, Elita System Ltd, HITT (Scan Marine, Inc.), Ltd One Commerce Int'l Corp (Signalis Rep).

They are also required to sign an undertaking for the non-disclosure of details for the project.

Submission and opening of bid envelopes in on Oct. 3, 10:00 a.m. at DND SBAC Secretariat, Right Wing Basement, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=925153