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Japanese, Philippine firms to set up defence optics facility Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - Jane's Defence Weekly

May 31, 2019, 2:59 pm
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From Jane's 360 (May 30, 2019): Japanese, Philippine firms to set up defence optics facility
Jon Grevatt, Bangkok - Jane's Defence Weekly

Key Points
  • The proposed manufacturing plant will focus on supplies of optics for the Philippines' military and police
  • The new agreement represents a milestone for Japanese industry investing in international defence markets

Companies from Japan and the Philippines have agreed to establish a facility in the latter country to manufacture optics equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The agreement, contained in a list of accords announced during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan, which ends 31 May, is believed to be the first time a Japanese company has agreed to set up a defence-related production plant in a foreign country.

[Want to read more? For analysis on this article and access to all our insight content, please enquire about our subscription options at ihsmarkit.com/janes]

https://www.janes.com/article/88957/japanese-philippine-firms-to-set-up-defence-optics-facility
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PH Coast Guard ship’s signal jammed while on West Philippine Sea patrol

May 31, 2019, 3:04 pm
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 31, 2019): PH Coast Guard ship’s signal jammed while on West Philippine Sea patrol



Photo from Philippine Coast Guard’s Facebook page

A Philippine Coast Guard vessel’s signal appeared to have been interfered with while conducting patrol in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) last week.

“We could not communicate with our vessel by satellite phone at some point during their patrol in the Spratly Islands. The signal was jammed,” said one coast guard official knowledgeable of the operation who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), a Parola-class vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard, sailed near Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal) last week as part of its routine patrols.

Panganiban Reef is located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but China has turned it into a massive artificial island in recent years.

Ayungin Shoal is occupied by the Philippines through BRP Sierra Madre, a naval floating outpost. China’s coast guard and militia vessels come close to it from time to time.

Because of the limited range of their radios, the Philippine Coast Guard usually uses satellite phones to communicate with the mainland whenever they are far out at sea.

But the recently reported signal jamming was not the first time, according to the official.

“Whenever our ships are close to China-controlled areas or vessels, they can no longer use their satellite phones likely because of the signal jammers,” he said, without directly accusing China as responsible for the jamming.

It is also not confined to the Spratly Islands. The official said there had been similar situations that their satellite phones were jammed when Philippine Coast Guard ships were near Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal), a traditional fishing ground controlled by China Coast Guard since the standoff with the Philippines in 2012.
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Duterte presses Xi to fast-track South China Sea rules

May 31, 2019, 3:10 pm
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From Nikkei Asian Review (May 31, 2019): Duterte presses Xi to fast-track South China Sea rules

Philippine leader vents frustration over 'flashpoint' during speech in Tokyo


Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on Chinese President Xi Jinping to hammer out a code of conduct for the South China Sea, warning the disputed waterway is increasingly becoming a potential "flashpoint" for conflict.

Duterte went off script in a speech at Nikkei's Future of Asia conference to vent frustration over tensions in the sea. Beijing claims large portions of waters that the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam insist are rightfully theirs.

"I love China," Duterte said. "It has helped us, but it behooves upon us to ask: Is it right for a country to claim the whole ocean?"

China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are in the process of crafting a maritime code, in an effort to manage the tensions and avoid an armed clash. Duterte said the code could be finished within two years, but some diplomats in the region have previously accused China of delaying the effort.

"I am sad and bewildered -- not angry -- because I cannot do anything," Duterte said. "But I just hope China would come up with a [code] soon and somebody should reach out to the U.S., because if you leave it to them to talk, nothing will happen."

The U.S., France and the U.K. have all challenged China's claims by sending ships through the South China Sea, drawing Beijing's ire. Duterte said that "the longer it takes" to agree on a code, the greater the chance the sea will become a "flashpoint for trouble."

"[They are] not testing water temperature, my God," he said. They are "really testing [who] fires the first shot."

Early in his presidency, Duterte set aside the maritime issue to foster better relations with China, but the presence of over 200 Chinese ships near Philippine-controlled areas around the Spratly Islands earlier this year was difficult to ignore.

"We are friends with China, and I would not want to impose my own last words," he said. "But if I get a chance to visit Beijing again, I will try to talk to President Xi Jinping."

At a summit with Xi in Beijing last month, Duterte raised the issue, as well as Manila's 2016 arbitration victory that invalidated China's claims to the sea. Xi only reiterated China's expansive claims and the fact that his government did not recognize the arbitration decision.

Duterte also lamented seemingly ineffective global efforts to combat climate change. He then invited investors to come to the Philippines, touting a country that is safer because of his bloody war on drugs.

The president was able to deliver only half of his prepared remarks -- wherein he called for a resolution of the U.S.-China trade war -- because he was due to attend a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Future-of-Asia-2019/Duterte-presses-Xi-to-fast-track-South-China-Sea-rules
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Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute: felled by a bullet each, not three

June 1, 2019, 6:22 am
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From MindaNews (Jun 1, 2019): Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute: felled by a bullet each, not three

When Islamic State-linked leaders Isnilon Hapilon of the Abu Sayyaf and Omar Maute of the Maute Group were killed in the early hours of October 16, 2017, the military announced that Hapilon was felled by three bullets, Omar by one.

But autopsy results obtained by MindaNews from the Philippine National Police’s Regional Crime Laborary Office here showed both were killed by a lone bullet each.


Defense Secretary Delfin Lorezana and Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Eduardo Ano show the photographs of the slain terror leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute hours after they were killed in Marawi City on October 1,6, 2017. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

This is the first time that these reports, which also included the autopsy reports of 272 bodies found in Marawi’s ‘Ground Zero,’ were made public.

The 250-hectare, 24-barangay ‘Ground Zero’ was the main battle area between government forces and the groups of Maute and Hapilon in the five-month war in 2017. It is now referred to as the Most Affected Area (MAA).

Police Major Christian Caballes, chief Medico-legal officer in Region said he conducted the autopsy on Isnilon and Omar morning of Oct. 16, 2017, hours after they were killed in the battle with Philippine military in Barangay West Marinaut, Marawi City.

“There was a huge cavity on Hapilon’s body. His chest just caved in,” Caballes said.


He said the chest wound of Hapilon, allegedly the Emir of ISIS Philippines, was consistent with an injury caused “ by a long rifle” but he did not find any fragment of the bullet that killed him.

Caballes said the cause of death was “gunshot wound of the thorax.”

He said the single bullet that killed Maute was “again caused by a long rifle” that entered the left temporal region of the head.

He said the shell exploded, leaving the “ lacerated cerebral hemispheres of the brains exposed.”

Caballes said he also found that Omar had suffered from a bullet wound on his right leg.

“With a wound like that, Omar would have dragged himself or limped in pain during the fighting,” Caballes said.

The death of Hapilon and Maute marked the end of the five-month siege of Marawi City in 2017.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and then Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Ano announced the death of the two leaders in a hastily called press conference in Camp Ranao, Marawi City on Oct. 16, 2017.

According to Ano, Hapilon and Matue apparently sensed they were about to be surrounded so they dashed to another building at the back.

They were met however by troops supported by an M113A2 armored personnel carrier (APC) which was equipped with Remote Controlled Weapons System which could see through the dark.

Ano said Omar was shot by a sniper while Hapilon was felled by three bullets to his chest.


The next day, October 17, 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte flew to Marawi to declare the country’s lone Islamic City “liberated from the terrorist influence.”

In a statement on October 21, Lorenzana announced that that the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) had confirmed that Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon was, indeed, killed in Marawi City, based on DNA test results.

Lorenzana said FBI confirmed that the DNA sample from a body recovered by the Philippine military in the battlefield in Marawi “matches that of Isnilon Hapilon.”

There was no word on a DNA matching with Maute. At the time of his death, Maute’s mother was detained while facing criminal charges. His father was earlier arrested and detained but was rushed to a hospital where he died on August 27, 2017.

On October 23, 2017, exactly five months to the day the siege began, Lorenzana ordered the termination of all combat operations in Marawi City.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/06/isnilon-hapilon-and-omar-maute-felled-by-a-bullet-each-not-three/
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European embassies’ donations to PH NGOs must have gov’t OK — Locsin

June 1, 2019, 6:26 am
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 1, 2019): European embassies’ donations to PH NGOs must have gov’t OK — Locsin

European embassies should first ensure that all donations to Philippine non-government organizations should be approved by the government, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teddy “Boy” Locsin Jr. said on Saturday.

“Over a month ago I fired off a memo to all our European embassies to tell their host governments to clear any and all donations to their NGOs in the Philippines with the Department of Foreign Affairs,” Locsin said in a tweet.

Over a month ago I fired off a memo to all our European embassies to tell their host governments to clear any and all donations to their NGOs in the Philippines with the Department of Foreign Affairs. Or we will deregister them in the SEC. If that hasn’t been done do it now.

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) May 31, 2019

Locsin said if his memorandum was not followed, he will “deregister” certain host governments in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

“Or we will deregister them in the SEC. If that hasn’t been done, do it now,” Locsin said.

Locsin’s statement came as an Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) official disclosed that the European Union (EU) will temporarily hold its funds for NGOs in the Philippines, which could have links with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

AFP deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. said they implemented this after a meeting with government officials and officials of European Union (EU), the European Parliament, and the European Commission to request Belgium and EU member countries to end giving funds to NGOs involved with communist groups.

READ: EU to hold funds for Philippine NGOs with link to Reds

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/175899/european-embassies-donations-to-ph-ngos-must-have-govt-ok-locsin
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400 plebes to enter PMA

June 1, 2019, 6:29 am
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From the Philippine Star (Jun 1, 2019): 400 plebes to enter PMA

BAGUIO CITY , Philippines — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will welcome today 400 plebes that will compose its class of 2023.

A total of 320 males and 80 females, who will take their oath, will be received by the cadet corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in ceremonies to be held at the sundial area and Borromeo Field.

The plebes underwent pre-cadetship orientation at the AFP Medical Center in Quezon City yesterday.

Maj. Renan Afan, PMA spokesman, said members of the PMA Class of 2021, who will serve as squad leaders and mentors of the plebes during the first two months of their training, would receive the incoming cadets.

On July 27, the plebes will join their upperclassmen in the cadet corps. 
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Not even SC reso safe from lies of Reds-linked groups: Parlade

June 1, 2019, 6:37 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2019): Not even SC reso safe from lies of Reds-linked groups: Parlade



Just pure propaganda and deceit.

This was how Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), called the latest spin of groups, with known ties to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), regarding the May 28 Supreme Court (SC) resolution on the writs of amparo and habeas data these groups filed against government officials on alleged red-tagging claims.

He also called out some members of the media for swallowing hook, line and sinker the lies of leftist groups led by Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.

"What the SC issued was not a (temporary) protection order in favor of the petitioners but only a directive for respondents to answer by way of return pursuant to the Rule of Writ of Amparo and (habeas) Data. which in the words of SOJ (Secretary of Justice Menardo) Guevarra, an SOP (standard operating procedure) for respondents to be heard vis-a-vis petitioners’ baseless claim?" Parlade said in a statement Friday.

"What made the claims of Palabay and her group more irritating are the allegation that "the court has seen the merit of our petition, and we see this as an acknowledgment of the perilous environment that human rights defenders work in," he said.

On Tuesday, the SC granted the petitions of the two progressive groups along with the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines and ordered respondents to submit a verified return of the writ of amparo and habeas data before the Court of Appeals (CA) on or before June 13 and to comment on the petition.

The SC resolution also directed the appellate court to hear the petition by June 18 and resolve the case based on the merits within 10 days.

"Really? That's how you see it? How lowly can you be to interpret the clear resolution of the SC that way? And that's how your media supports your twisted perspective? No, it is called propaganda and deceit, pure and simple. That's how your minds have been programmed through those years that you have kept a close-minded view of your fake human rights, or rather pure human left's advocacies," said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippine Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

He added that to add insult to injury, Palabay and her cohorts have the temerity to allegedly state that the "the issuance of the writ was not yet final”, as if to insinuate that there was a decision by the SC which is unfavorable to the respondents.

Named as respondents in the militants' petitions were President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Benjamin Madrigal and 10 others officials, including Parlade.

"One need not be a lawyer to understand the SC’s directive especially the rules on writs of amparo and (habeas) data are simply worded and short that can be easily discernible even by a layman. To reiterate, DOJ (Department of Justice) Secretary Guevarra said it already that it is SOP, just a matter of course, to be issued by SC.

"It's simply an order for the respondents to comment. None has been ruled about on the merits of the case, that is precisely why the SC remanded it to the CA for a hearing on the merits of the petition. How difficult is that to comprehend?" the NTF ELCAC official pointed out.

Despite baseless accusations and charges against the government, Parlade said the Duterte administration never contemplated on harassing these leftist groups despite their ties to the communist rebels.

"Did the government harass you for calling spade a spade? Did we hurt you? Then why are you still on the streets enjoying the freedom your democracy has given you?" Parlade said.

Due to fear of discovery of their illegal and violent activities to the CPP-NPA, he said Karapatan and its other allied groups are literally jumping at every shadow in the corner they see or pretend to see.

"You feared your own shadows for a long time because you know you have been involved in this insurgency since Karapatan was created. You hid under that legal cover while covering the illegal and violent activities of your communist bosses and Red fighters," he added. 

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"Coddling terrorists is not activism but a crime. Give the people and the government some time to understand some more of this duplicitous and deceitful character of yours and in due time the law will catch up on you. If not, the wrath of the people you have victimized, including the relatives of NPAs you killed during the purging years in the CPP, will," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071224
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Red-linked groups’ bid vs. gov’t still under review: Palace exec

June 1, 2019, 6:42 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2019): Red-linked groups’ bid vs. gov’t still under review: Palace exec

A Palace official on Saturday clarified that the petition of several groups allegedly linked to the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) against the government is still under review contrary to groups’ claim.

Undersecretary Severo Catura, head of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat, denied that the writs of amparo and habeas data issued by the Supreme Court favor petitioners Karapatan, Gabriela and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines.

"We denounce the efforts of groups rabidly critical of this administration to peddle information over media that the SC has issued a writ of amparo and habeas data in favor of groups deemed by the government as alleged fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)," he said.

He said the groups’ claim is utterly false and reeks of a coercive campaign by these same critiques to preempt a decision by the Judiciary even while the petition is still under review.

The groups, in their petition, claimed that their rights to life, liberty, and security have are being violated and being violated by the government's red-tagging allegations.

Named as respondents in this petition were President Rodrigo R. Duterte, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Madrigal, and 10 others.

The High Court also ordered the respondents to submit a verified return of the writs of amparo and habeas data before the Court of Appeals (CA) in Manila on or before June 13 and to comment on the petition.

It also directed the CA to hear the petition by June 18 and resolve the case on the merits within 10 days.

Catura said the government respects and welcome the move by the SC to refer the petition to the CA.

"It offers the government, especially those who were named as respondents, to clarify the true nature and character of these groups. It bears repeating that these groups that have decried being alleged to as front organizations of the CPP were actually named as such by no less than the CPP’s founder, Jose Maria Sison. If at all, Sison should be made to account for their misery, " he pointed out.

Catura said the respondents, assisted by the Office of the Solicitor General, will prepare counter-measures against the petition and vows a" solid defense" the court will appreciate.

Protecting PH

"In doing so, our people shall be made more aware that there is a local war on terror which our government, with our people’s support, must win if only to protect our country from this expanding scourge," Catura said.

He said for over 50 years, local terrorism has taken a heavy toll on countless innocent Filipino lives, especially on our children and on indigenous peoples, and on our economic development as a nation.

“Anything less than what we are doing now to quell this form of terror would be a brazen remiss of our obligation to ensure our people’s protection and the security of our country, " he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071264
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Nothing illegal with mandatory ROTC for senior high

June 1, 2019, 6:45 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2019): Nothing illegal with mandatory ROTC for senior high



DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong. (File photo)

The proposed reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 students does not violate any international law, the spokesperson of the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.

"It is the DND’s position that those opposed to the proposed bill are using a myopic interpretation of the law, which misleads the public into forming false perceptions and ill-informed opinions. The proposed bill was vetted by the DOJ, DND, DepED, and DFA (departments of justice, national defense, education, and foreign affairs) to ensure that it does not contravene the Philippine constitution and international conventions," Arsenio Andolong told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Andolong was reacting to claims made by some sectors that making ROTC mandatory for senior high students violates international law.

He was referring to House of Representatives Bill 8961, which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act. The bill was passed by the House on third and final reading, with a vote of 167-4-0.

Andolong said that under the “Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict”, to which the Philippines is a signatory, the minimum age for voluntary recruitment into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is 18 years old.

He also pointed out that ROTC cadets are not conscripted into the military and expected to fight wars during their two-year training.

"While some cadets may opt to join the regular force after they finish their voluntary advanced ROTC in college, mandatory ROTC will not automatically make our Grades 11 and 12 students part of the AFP. Furthermore, critics of the bill also forget that (the) mobilization of reservists in times of war will require an Act of Congress," Andolong explained.

He added that reinstating mandatory ROTC among Grades 11 and 12 students is logical as only a small percentage of high school students are able to attend college.

This will automatically exclude them from the program should mandatory ROTC be reinstated for college students only.

"As to the question of age, we must point out that mandatory ROTC in the past was part of the curriculum of first and second year college students, most of whom were 16 to 18 years old. Reinstating mandatory ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 would not be any different in terms of age because these students fall within the same age bracket of the first and second year college students of the old curriculum. This seems to be a fact that proponents of college-level ROTC conveniently forget when they cite age as a problem in the current proposal," Andolong he said.

Under House Bill 8961, ROTC training would apply to “all students in Grades 11 and 12 in all senior high schools in public and private educational institutions” and shall be a requirement for graduation.

The following students may, however, be exempted: those who are physically or psychologically unfit; those who have undergone or are undergoing similar military training; those who are chosen by their school to serve as varsity players in sports competition; and those who may be exempted from training for valid reasons as approved by the DND, upon recommendation by an educational institution where the student is enrolled.

The proposed measure also strictly prohibits the use of ROTC training for “political” objective and for teaching and instilling a particular political ideology on students. House Bill 8961 also bans hazing and other forms of physical or mental abuse.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071248
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663 candidate-soldiers undergo training in Zambo Sur

June 1, 2019, 6:48 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2019): 663 candidate-soldiers undergo training in Zambo Sur



CANDIDATE-SOLDIERS. Six-hundred sixty-three candidate soldiers undergo a 16-week training that kicked-off Saturday, June 1, in Camp Sang-an that houses the Army's 1st Infantry Division headquarters in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur -- The 16-week training of the 663 new candidate-soldiers kicked-off Saturday, June 1, in Camp Sang-an that houses the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division here.

The candidate-soldiers consist of 613 males and 50 females who are from across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said the candidate-soldiers comprise the training quota for the 1st Infantry Division, 11th Infantry Division stationed in Sulu, and the 54th Engineering Brigade based in Zamboanga City.

Ancan said many are still interested to join and serve in the Philippine Army despite the possibility of being assigned in areas where clashes against rebels and terrorists often erupt.

He said the candidate-soldiers will be treated equally as trainees regardless of gender and religion.

“Many applied but few were chosen,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071270
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Manhunt on vs. gunmen in ambush of 2 off-duty soldiers

June 1, 2019, 6:52 am
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From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2019): Manhunt on vs. gunmen in ambush of 2 off-duty soldiers

COTABATO CITY -- Police and military personnel have launched a manhunt for two men who shot and critically injured two off-duty soldiers along a busy street here Friday noon.

Col. Portia Manalad, acting city police director, identified the victims as Privates 1st Class Clyde A. Najera, 25, of Kapatagan, Zamboanga del Sur; and Rico R. Zamora, 22, of Sta. Maria, Zamboanga del Sur.

The two are members of the Philippine Army’s 549th Engineering Brigade based in Camp Siongco, Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.Manalad quoted a report from Police Station 2 that the soldiers were on board a motorbike heading towards the downtown area when they were shot by gunmen on separate motorbikes.

“In civilian clothes, the victims were on their way to fetch a package at a local LBC branch when ambushed,” she told reporters here following the shooting.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack but police and military intelligence agents believed the attackers belonged to the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) out to avenge the losses they incurred in continuing military operations against them in Maguindanao.

An Army intelligence officer, who requested anonymity, said off-duty soldiers in civilian clothes are “soft targets”. Steps are being undertaken to prevent similar attacks in the future.

Police and the Army’s 5th Special Forces based in the city are working closely to identify the attackers and the motive behind the killings.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071255
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MILF rebels to get financial aid as SAF 44 kin demand justice

June 1, 2019, 7:01 am
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From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 1, 2019): MILF rebels to get financial aid as SAF 44 kin demand justice

While kin of police commandos brutally killed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF rebels and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters or BIFF in Maguindanao’s Mamasapano town continue to demand justice, the Duterte government ironically is proposing to provide P100,000 in cash to each of the 12,000 MILF guerrillas as a gesture of goodwill and part of the peace process.

Families of those who died demanded that rebel leader Murad Ebrahim, now Chief Minister of the Muslim autonomous region, to surrender those behind the gruesome murders.

The commandos, members of the Special Action Force or SAF, were sent on a clandestine mission deep inside MILF territory in Tukanalipao village on January 25, 2015 to capture Malaysian bomber Zulkifli bin Hir.

But Zulkifli was eventually killed and commandos cut off his finger for DNA analysis. The elite group was on its way to re-join more than 300 SAF commandos when MILF forces aided by BIFF militants attacked them and sparking daylong clashes.

At least 18 MILF and five BIFF militants were killed in fierce fighting the Aquino government originally claimed was a mis-encounter. Barely a month after the fighting, the MILF, which signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014, surrendered at least 16 automatic weapons it took from slain police commandos.



Security officials inspect weapons of police commandos surrendered by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on February 18, 2015 in Maguindanao province. MILF rebels took the weapons from members of the Special Action Force they killed in fierce clashes in Mamasapano town on January 25, 2015. (Mindanao Examiner File Photo – Mark Navales)

The surrender of the weapons further bolstered reports by lawmakers and human rights groups that MILF rebels had finished off wounded commandos and collected their guns, among others. The weapons were handed over to the police, but SAF sources claimed the weapons had been tampered and that many of its parts were either taken out or replaced with defective mechanism.

Because of the killings, lawmakers shelved the Bangasamoro Basic Law (BBL) until investigations into the deadly clashes between SAF and MILF is completed. The BBL was eventually passed in the current administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, but families of the slain commandos were still crying out for justice.

The MILF said it will not surrender those involved in the slayings. According to reports, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez said the proposed financial aid will cover MILF fighters who will surrender their weapons as part of the decommissioning process, although there is no provision in the peace deal that the government will pay for guns collected from the rebel group.

The funds, the reports claimed, will come from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity which Galvez heads. About P1.2 billion is needed to pay off the MILF members who will also be provided with livelihood skills training to help them integrate into mainstream society.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/milf-rebels-to-get-financial-aid-as-saf-44-kin-demand-justice/
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Surrendered militants to get gov’t aid

June 1, 2019, 7:04 am
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From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 1, 2019): Surrendered militants to get gov’t aid

MARAWI CITY – The Philippine Army said the government is ready to provide aid to pro-ISIS militants who surrendered peacefully and returned to the fold of the law.

Over a hundred militants had surrendered to the government since last year after security forces defeated them in Marawi in 2017 following a deadly siege that left the city in ruins and displaced residents.



Abu Saif, a former pro-ISIS militant who surrendered to the military, is among those who will receive aid from the government. (Gian Raman)

The surrendered militants have undergone a process aimed at identifying what government programs are necessary for them to live a normal life with their family.

The 103rd Infantry Brigade is tasked to run the process and provide inputs to the government which shall decide what programs and aid would be given to those who surrendered. Most of these programs are financial aid and livelihood skills training, among others.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/surrendered-militants-to-get-govt-aid/
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Gov’t, Bangsamoro leaders come together for Brigada Eskwela in Lanao town

June 1, 2019, 7:09 am
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Posted to Davao Today (May 31, 2019): Gov’t, Bangsamoro leaders come together for Brigada Eskwela in Lanao town

Setting aside their differences, government, and Bangsamoro officials have come together to help ensure the smooth conduct of Brigada Eskwela in Lanao del Norte as schools open next month.

Instead of using guns, bullets, pen, and books, representatives of these agencies and groups used their palm as a sign of commitment to support education and providing opportunities to the people of the province, the Phil. Information Agency-10 (PIA-10) said in its report of the start of the National Schools Maintenance Week in Camp Bilal, Barangay Tamparan, Munai town, recently.

Those who graced the event were officials and representatives of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, Phil. Army, Phil. National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and other line agencies.

The ceremonial kick-off was a symbolic gestures that have reverberated all throughout Lanao del Norte, especially in areas that have seen conflict in the past.

Joining the government officials is Bangsamoro Transition Authority member Abdullah Macapaar, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader, also known as Kumander Bravo.

Munai is one of the municipalities in Lanao del Norte that has MILF presence.

Along with this kick off is the Launching of the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Center in order to provide a practical option to the existing formal instruction.

ALS includes both non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills for the people of Munai town.

Led by Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) Roy Angelo E. Gazo, Brigade Eskwela aims to bring together all education stakeholders to participate and contribute their time, effort and resources to prepare public school facilities to the opening of the school year in the month of June.

http://davaotoday.com/main/headline/govt-bangsamoro-leaders-come-together-for-brigada-eskwela-in-lanao-town/
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PH, Japan forge stronger cooperation on defense, maritime security

June 1, 2019, 7:30 am
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From Rappler (Jun 1, 2019): PH, Japan forge stronger cooperation on defense, maritime security

During their summit meeting in Tokyo, among the topics President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed was 'advancing the rule of law, including in the South China Sea,' a Palace statement says

SUMMIT MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe deliver a joint statement after their summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2019. Presidential Photo

SUMMIT MEETING. President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe deliver a joint statement after their summit meeting at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo, Japan on May 31, 2019. Presidential Photo

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines and Japan have agreed to further strengthen their bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, including trade and investments, defense, and maritime security, Malacañang said on Saturday, June 1.

This was among the highlights of the summit meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo on Friday night, May 31.
“President Duterte and Prime Minister Abe agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation in infrastructure development, trade and investments, agriculture, labor, defense, maritime security and maritime domain awareness, people-to-people exchanges, and the pursuit of just and lasting peace and process in Mindanao,” read the statement on the Japan working visit of Duterte, who returned to the country early Saturday morning.

During their meeting, the two leaders “discussed modalities for greater cooperation in upgrading the Philippines’ defense capabilities, including in maritime security and maritime domain awareness,” the statement said, but did not provide details.

“The leaders exchanged views on regional maritime security, non-traditional threats, ongoing efforts to secure peace in the Korean Peninsula, supporting free trade, and advancing the rule of law, including in the South China Sea,” the statement added.

The summit meeting was held hours after Duterte addressed the Nikkei International Forum on the Future of Asia, where he questioned China’s claims to the entire South China Sea. It was a rare criticism of the country he had consistently praised and defended, and even allowed to venture into oil exploration in Philippine waters despite strong calls against it.

Three days before he addressed the Nikkei forum, Malacañang released Executive Order No. 80 removing a major roadblock in the oil exploration deal with a Chinese state-owned oil producer. Duterte signed it on May 28.

During his meeting with Abe, Duterte also welcomed Japan’s “fresh commitment of around 25 billion yen for the development of Mindanao’s road network, vocational training facilities and equipment, water supply development in the Bangsamoro, and livelihood programs, among other projects,” the statement said.

“They explored opportunities to tap the demographic complementarity between the two countries to drive economic growth, including the possibility of Japan opening its door to skilled foreign labor,” it added.

Duterte's final activity in Tokyo was a banquet that Abe hosted for him.

Malacañang said about $5 billion in business deals were signed during the trip, estimated to generate over 80,000 jobs.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/231972-philippines-japan-agree-stronger-cooperation-defense-maritime-security
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Duterte on China: Is it right for a country to claim entire sea?

June 1, 2019, 7:37 am
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From Rappler (May 31, 2019): Duterte on China: Is it right for a country to claim entire sea?

The Philippine President urges the quick completion of the South China Sea Code of Conduct to lessen risk of conflict in the disputed water body

REMARKS IN JAPAN. President Rodrigo Duterte is in Japan for the Nikkei International Forum on the Future of Asia. Malacañang photo

REMARKS IN JAPAN. President Rodrigo Duterte is in Japan for the Nikkei International Forum on the Future of Asia. Malacañang photo

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte questioned China's claim to the entire South China Sea during a speech in Japan as he urged the early completion of a code of conduct for claimant countries in the disputed waters.

"I love China, it has helped us a bit but it behooves upon us to ask, is it right for a country to claim the whole ocean?" said Duterte on Friday, May 31, at the Nikkei International Forum on the Future of Asia.
He was speaking before leaders and economic experts from all over the Asia-Pacific region.

"I am sad and bewildered, not angry because I cannot do anything but I just hope that China will come up with a conduct of the seas soon," he said.

The Philippine leader said "no one is pushing" for the South China Sea Code of Conduct which Beijing has said it expects to finish crafting with Southeast Asian nations by 2021. ASEAN and China had completed the code's framework in 2017.

Duterte suggested more high-level talks to urge China to hasten the completion of the code so as to reduce the risks of conflict in the South China Sea, where 80% of world trade passes through.

"It would do as well maybe in a higher ministerial level to talk about this and try to prod China to come up with it, to shorten the possiblity, to make sure the law of averages is reduced to the barest minimum. If fighting can erupt, if 25%, maybe we can reduce it to 15," said Duterte.

US should keep distance

He also said the United States has to be told to keep its distance, saying a US-China clash on the maritime dispute would not solve matters and may make things worse.

"Somebody should reach out to the United States because if you leave it to them to talk, nothing will happen. There is so much animosity covered by talking about how they desire to have an agreement," said Duterte.

He suggested a neutral 3rd party bridge to speed up the code of conduct.

"But there has to be somebody not identified with any country that China does not like because there will never be a sort of an America, China talking seriously about territories. It will just end up in a shouting match," said Duterte.

He also said the Philippines "gave" China parts of the West Philippine Sea, the area in the South China Sea being claimed by the Philippines, because Manila had no choice,

"China is standing pat that the China Sea is part of the Republic of China and so we gave it, why? Because you are there," said Duterte.

The Philippines is currently the coordinator for the ASEAN-China dialogues until 2021.

In 2019, Duterte took on a more aggressive tone with China, bristling when told of possible China designs on Pag-asa Island and asking Beijing to "temper" its warnings to planes flying over the South China Sea. 

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