DND firms up plans to buy 2 Italian warships worth P6B each

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday said plans had been firmed up to buy two Italian warships worth US$ 30 million (P6 billion) each to upgrade the Philippines' defense capabilities. 

At the hearing of the House of Representatives' appropriations committee of the DND's proposed P121.6-billion budget for next year, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the purchase of Italian warships or frigates is part of the DND's modernization plan. 

The proposed budget is P15 billion higher than this year's capital outlay. 

Gazmin said the budget increase would be used for big investments aimed at beefing up territorial defense. 

Meanwhile, to ensure the safety of the President and his Cabinet, the House minority bloc said it was in favor of purchasing new planes dedicated for their use. 

House Minority Leader and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez, in a press conference, said the government needed at least six new aircraft -- one regional jet, one jet for local travel, two propeller-driven aircraft (1 Queen Air and 1 King Air) and two helicopters. 

Suarez said the new planes would cost about US$ 85 million (roughly P3.6 billion). 

"We should not put a tag price on the security of our leaders. We are expressing our concern for the safety of the President and his family because, as we are all aware, our country does not have a dedicated Presidential plane and he takes chartered flights for official travel," he said. 

Besides, Suarez said the new aircraft would also benefit political leaders after the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III. 

The House minority leader also asked the government to review all modes of public transportation following the death of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, whose plane crashed off Masbate last Saturday afternoon on the way to Naga City from Cebu City.

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Philippine News Agency/InterAksyon.Com | August 22, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Army captures Maguindanao BIFM camp, hospital

Government troops seized two more Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement camps, one of which was a hospital where the ailing BIFM leader Ameril Umbra Kato was reportedly previously taken.

 

According to Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, the hospital is located in Maguindanao province’s Datu Hoffer town.

 

The first BIFM camp was captured Saturday morning by troops from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion after a heavy military bombardment. The camp could accommodate 100 people and has 10 bunkers with overhead protection, said Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc.

 

“Several war materials and personal belongings were left behind by the rebels who hastily fled with numerous casualties when the artillery bombardments began,” said Cabunoc, quoting 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion commander Lt. Col. Ignatius Patrimonio.

 

Meanwhile, Asto said the camp, which also serves as a training ground for BIFM fighters, was seized with minor enemy resistance. The Rangers recovered Korans in a lecture room.

 

Sunday morning, Asto said the soldiers seized the second satellite camp which he said had bunkers and running trenches.

 

“It’s their camp where their hospital is located,” said Asto.  The troops seized medicines and a wheelchair believed to have been used by Kato, who suffered a stroke last December.

 

Citing an intelligence report, Asto said Kato, a former leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was brought to the hospital last Aug. 6 and left a day later. He said intelligence agents are tracking Kato.

 

“He was not in the area; he was not in the camp. He is probably in the communities,” said Asto of Kato, who established the BIFM last year due to differences with the MILF leadership.

 

Including this latest capture of the two camps, the military has seized five rebel lairs since they mounted an offensive against the BIFM August 5.

 

The offensive began after the rebels attacked 10 military installations in Maguindanao, including the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade.

 

Military officials claimed that at least 50 BIFM fighters have been killed since the fighting broke out. On the other hand, four soldiers and a policeman died and several soldiers were wounded in the skirmishes.

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GMA News Online | August 20, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Army kills 2 NPA fighters in Albay clash

Two New People’s Army rebels were killed in a firefight with government troops in Albay Saturday, reported Army 9th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Angelo Guzman Sunday. 

 

He related that soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division were deployed at the outskirts of Camalig town after receiving information from a resident about the rebels’ presence.

 

“(The soldiers) responded to an information from a local folk about the presence of 10 NPAs in their village doing some recruitment efforts, disinformation drives and extortion,” said Guzman.

 

At around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Guzman said that an army squad (about nine soldiers) caught up with the rebels.

 

Citing a report from the 2nd IB commander Lt. Col. Audrey Pasia, Guzman said, “Though outnumbered, they were able to outmaneuver the rebels and gave them a big blow.”

 

Guzman named the slain rebels as Arboy Moina and Fernando Mostoles Jr. Their remains were turned over to the police.

 

Guzman added that government soldiers, backed by K9 tracking dogs, have been deployed to conduct pursuit operations against the fleeing rebels.

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GMA News Online | August 20, 2012 | Article Link

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief receives "QMK" award

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) - Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa was awarded the "Quezon Medalya ng Karangalan" (QMK), Quezon province's highest honor, during ceremonies at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City on Friday. 

Joining Dellosa in receiving the prestigious honor was Brig. Gen. Nestor Amador Anonuevo, the deputy chief of staff for operations. 

Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr., AFP spokesperson, said both officers were awarded the QMK for their exceptional and meritorious achievements for government service in the military. 

“I’m grateful and honored to be awarded this coveted medal, even more as I receive this from my fellow Quezonians who represent one of the country’s most distinguished statesmen and source of national pride, President Manuel L. Quezon,” Dellosa said. 

This year’s QMK awardees also include Maria Rhodora Perpetua Isabedra Fresnedi and Antonio Fleta for business corporate; Judge Rodoldo Obnamia Jr. for judiciary; photographer George Tapan and Rev. Msgr. Ramon Tiama for culture and arts; Engr. Renato Maza for agriculture; Atty. Manuel Barcelona Jr. for law; and Buenaventura Luces for education. 

Dellosa is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Matapat" Class of 1979. 

He was born in Bacon, Sorsogon, grew up in Lucena City, Quezon. 

His distinguished military career showcases his high standard of performance and standing leadership, which yielded many successes in his tour of duty both in garrison and in the frontlines. 

Dellosa is a recipient of numerous awards topped by Distinguished Service Star, two Wounded Personnel Medal, two Gold Cross Medal, thirty nine Military Merit Medal, six Bronze Cross Medal, Long Service Medal, Marksmanship Badge Expert,Outstanding Achievement Medal and the coveted PMA Alumni Association Incorporated Outstanding Achievement Award for Military Operations. 

The "QMK" is the highest award given by the Province of Quezon to its model citizens for their outstanding achievements, which greatly contributed to the advancement of interest and welfare development of the province and its people. 

It aims to recognize the exemplary contributions of Quezonians who best exemplify the sterling qualities and virtues of the late President Manuel L. Quezon, regardless of class, creed, and religion. 

The search for "QMK" awardees also hopes to inspire the public to contribute to the building of a just, humane, and better society to every Filipino. 

It is given annually on Aug. 19, the birth anniversary of the deceased president. 

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Philippine News Agency | August 18, 2012 | Article Link

Philippine Army chief distributes relief goods to flood displaced families in Pila, Laguna

MANILA, Aug. 18 (PNA) -- Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, together with various groups, distributed three truckloads of relief goods to families affected by the massive monsoon flooding in Pila, Laguna last Friday. 

Major Harold Cabunoc, PA spokesperson, said the distribution took place around 2p.m. at the Pila town gymnasium. 

"This is the essence of 'Bayanihan' that we are advocating nationwide. Your Army will always be a willing partner in these efforts which benefit the people in affected communities," Bautista stressed. 

Pila Mayor Edgardo Ramos appreciated the gesture shown by the PA, especially upon learning that Bautista himself was joining the relief efforts. 

Ramos said that 962 families received the packs of relief goods containing bottled water, canned goods, rice and clothing. 

Earlier in the day, soldiers and policemen also distributed relief items in Bagong Pook village of the same town. 

Lt. Col. Jose Augusto Villareal of the 1st Infantry Battalion and Laguna Police Provincial Director Senior Supt Gilbert Cruz personally handed out relief items to at least 350 families whose homes are still flooded. 

The relief goods were provided by ABS-CBN's Sagip Kapamilya, an active organization in the relief operations in many affected communities. 

Bautista has directed the Civil-Military Operations Group of the PA to support various NGOs in relief operations. 

Similar efforts are also supported by the Army in affected areas of Metro Manila, Pampanga, Pangasinan and Bulacan. 

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Philippine News Agency | August 18, 2012 | Article Link

Aquino renews commitment for AFP modernization

MANILA, Aug. 17 (PNA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III renewed his administration’s commitment to modernize the country’s armed forces to ensure peace and security. 

During his speech at the fellowship meeting with the Philippine Air Force Aviation Cadet and Officer Candidate Alumni Association Inc. (PAFACOCAAI) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday evening, the President acknowledged the need of the Philippine Air Force for modern and additional aircraft that will guard and protect the Philippine territory. 

For instance, he said, the air force had only one C-130 cargo plane and flying times had to be divided among the pilots to accommodate all of them. 

“Ito po ang dahilan kung kaya’t isinusulong na natin ang pagpapasa sa New AFP Modernization Bill, na siyang mag-e-extend sa pagpapatupad ng ating AFP Modernization Program,” the President said. 

“Pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong (P75 billion) paunang pondo ang nakasaad sa panukalang batas mula sa Department of National Defense ang inihain para sa unang limang taon ng implementasyon nito,” he said. 

Under the program, more aircraft and helicopters will be purchased, initially trainer aircraft so that pilots will have the know-how to fly once fighter jets arrive, the President said hoping that the fighter aircraft arrive ahead of schedule. 

As new planes arrive, the President said, the flying hours of PAF’s pilots would also increase as well as their capability to serve the people. 

Aside from providing the new equipment and planes, the government is also building decent homes of the country’s soldiers to improve their lives, President Aquino said. 

The government has completed the Phase I of the housing projects for soldiers this year, building 21,800 new homes for them, the Chief Executive said. 

Under Phase II of the program, he said, additional 31,200 new houses would be built for the members of the military, the police, fire fighters and prison guards. The project is expected to be completed in August next year. 

“Naniniwala nga po tayo: kung mayroon kang isang lipunang kumakalinga sa iyo, mas nabibigyan ka ng kakayahang gampanan ang iyong tungkulin, at arugain ang iyong mga kababayan,” the President said adding that he envisioned an armed forces that can readily respond to any future challenge. 

As the country traverses the righteous path, the President said Filipinos could now achieve their dream for prosperity and better security. 

“At kapag may kapayapaan, kapag may kaayusan, wala na nga tayong ibang patutunguhan kundi tuloy-tuloy na kaunlaran,” he said. 

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Philippine News Agency | August 17, 2012 | Article Link

Philippines in the market for ASW helicopters

MANILA, Aug. 17 (PNA) -- As part of its efforts to improve the capabilities of the naval service, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will be acquiring four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Philippine Navy (PN) within the period 2013 to 2017. 

Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., AFP spokesperson, said the decision to acquire ASW assets for the PN is part of country's Medium Term Defense Acquisition List for the next four years. 

The ASW choppers will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and the soon-to-come BRP Ramon Alcaraz and hopefully to the two "Maestrale" class missile-firing frigates from Italy being eyed by the Department of National Defense (DND) for acquisition by 2013. 

Burgos declined to identify the manufacturer of the proposed ASW helicopters but said studies are now undergoing to identify the best and most affordable aircraft for the Philippines. 

DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier announced that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be getting 10 brand-new units of Eurocopter attack choppers to boost its fleet. 

He added that this contract is worth P3.2 billion. 

Gazmin said that the DND has already presented it to the government policy and procurement board for evaluation. 

This was after the defense department recommended acquisition approval for the above-mentioned helicopters. 

And should the contract be signed anytime this August, the DND chief said that the first four units will be delivered within the year. 

"All these choppers are brandnew and fitted with weapons, navigation and sensor equipment," Gazmin stressed. 

The body of the Eurocopter is made from 80 percent carbon fiber reinforced polymer and kevlar, 11 percent aluminum, and six percent titanium. 

The rotors are made from fiber-plastic able to withstand combat damage and bird strikes. 

Protection against lightning and electromagnetic pulse is ensured by embedded copper/bronze grid and copper bonding foil. 

Eurocopter's armor can withstand 23 mm autocannon fire. 

The helicopter can be equipped with a variety of air-to-ground weapons, rockets, and even air-to-air missiles and state-of-the-art sensor and navigation systems. 

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Philippine News Agency | August 17, 2012 | Article Link

Navy intercepts P10M smuggled goods off Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/16 August) – The Philippine Navy has intercepted a shipment of P10-million worth of contraband goods that came from Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, a top military official disclosed Thursday.

Rear Admiral Armando Guzman, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) command chief, citing a belated report, said the shipment was intercepted Thursday last week at vicinity 1.2 nautical miles west of Tulian Island, Sulu.

Guzman said the troops aboard Patrol Gunboat-118 known as BRP-Emilio Liwanag were on maritime law enforcement operation when they spotted M/L Al-Kausar steaming towards the port of Jolo, the capital of Sulu province.

When inspected, Guzman said the troops found out that M/L Al-Kausar is loaded with 485 bales of used clothing (ukay-ukay), 3,000 sacks of rice, 300 cases of K2 soft drinks, 183 boxes of Sedaap noodles, 100 boxes of Maggi Kari, 115 bags of pancit/udang noodles, 30 boxes of white candles (BT lights), and 200 boxes of cooking oil.

Hudri Darusalam, the skipper of M/L Al-Kausar, failed to present documents of the cargo shipment, Guzman said.

The vessel is owned and operated by Albasher Salim Sangka of Basbas, Languyan municipality, Tawi-Tawi, he said.

Guzman said the vessel was escorted to the port of Jolo and the confiscated contrabands goods were turned over to the Bureau of Customs.

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MindaNews | August 17, 2012 | Article Link

Basilan clash kills soldier, injures 3 others

ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanews/15 August) – A soldier was killed while three others were wounded in a clash Wednesday with suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Basilan, a military official said.

Col. Charlie Galvez, commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade, said the soldiers were conducting clearing operations when they clashed with some 35 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik at around 8:45 a.m. in the boundary of Barangays Baiwas and Pamatsaken, Sumisip municipality.

The clearing operation was to pave the way for a resupply mission to a Scout Ranger jungle base in Barangay Baiwas, Galvez added.

He said the firefight lasted for about 30 minutes that resulted to the death of one soldier and the wounding of three others, all belonging to the 20th Scout Ranger Company of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits, who fled to the hinterlands, were also believed to have suffered casualties, he said.

About two hours later, combined police and military forces arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf bandit, who was allegedly involved in the abduction of 35 people on August 2, 2001 in Barangay Balolobo, Lamitan City, Basilan.

The police said Jaddatal Aling Bakulan alias Abu Jal, who has a standing warrant of arrest for massacre and kidnapping and serious illegal detention, was arrested at around 10:35 a.m. in Barangay Limook in Lamitan.

Bakulan was arrested while driving a motorcycle in a checkpoint manned by combined policemen and soldiers, the police said.

On August 2, 2011, Abu Sayyaf bandits abducted around 35 people, including children, when they raided Barangay Balobo, Lamitan.

Eleven of the 35 hostages were beheaded while the rest were freed or had managed to escape during clashes with the pursuing soldiers. 

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MindaNews | August 16, 2012 | Article Link

5 Maguindanao mayors face raps for alleged support to BIFF

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/14 August) — Administrative charges will be filed against five town mayors in Maguindanao for their alleged support to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement who staged attacks against Army detachments along a major highway last week.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said the mayors will also be investigated for abandoning their posts when BIFF rebels attack their towns along the Cotabato-Isulan highway.

The five mayors were identified as Mayor Datu Saudi Sheam Ampatuan of Saudi Ampatuan town, Mayor Bai Bongbong Midtimbang Ampatuan of Datu Hoffer town, Mayor Bai Reshal Santiago Ampatuan of Datu Unsay, Mayor Bai Zandra Sinsuat Ampatuan of Saydona town, and Vice Mayor Kanor Ampatuan of Salibo town who replaced Akmad Ampatuan who has gone into hiding after being implicated in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre.

All of the five mayors did not show up at the meeting yesterday called by Robredo at the North Cotabato provincial capitol in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

Robredo said the Maguindanao provincial government led by Gov. Toto Magugundatu will take the lead in the investigation of administrative cases against the mayors.

“We do not want to be seen that this is a political vendetta but provincial governments have their machinery in investigating administrative cases against erring elected officials,” Robredo said.

He said their investigation will focus on the whereabouts of the town mayors during the attacks by BIFF rebels.

“We are also interested whether they gave financial support to the rebels,” the secretary said.

Army officials said they were surprised that the BIFF rebels who launched simultaneous attacks on Army detachments last week were well-equipped.

“They could have good logistic support from somewhere in order to stage that attacks almost simultaneously,” Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division said.

Von Al Haq, spokesperson of the MILF  Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, estimated the BIFF had about 200-300 fighters when its leader Umbra Karo broke ties with them last year. 

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Froilan Gallardo | MindaNews | August 14, 2012 | Article Link

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 13 - 11:00 p.m., 15 August 2012

Weather Bulletin Number 13
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Storm "HELEN" (KAI-TAK)
Issued at 11:00 p.m., Wednesday, 15 August 2012 

Tropical Storm "HELEN" has accelerated as it moves in a West Northwest Direction.  

Location of Center:   190 km West Northwest of Laoag City
(as of 10:00 p.m.) 

Coordinates:     19.3°N, 118.8°E 

Strength:     Maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and
                    Gustiness of up to 90 kph

Movement:     West Northwest at 22 kph

Forecast Positions/Outlook:

Thursday morning - Expected to be out of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) or
                                  at 230 km West Northwest of Laoag City

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal 

Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds) 

• Batanes Group of Islands
• Cagayan
• Calayan
• Babuyan Group of Islands
• Ilocos Norte
• Ilocos Sur
• Kalinga
• Apayao
• Benguet
• La Union
• Abra
• Mt. Province
• Ifugao

Public Storm Warning Signal elsewhere now lowered.

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Tropical Storm "HELEN" will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring rains over the rest of Luzon and Visayas particularly over the western section.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 15 - 25 mm per hour (heavy - intense) within the 500 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

Moderate to occasionally heavy rains (5.0 - 10.0 mm/hr) and moderate to occasionally strong winds are expected over Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Southern Luzon tonight.

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas due to Tropical Storm "Helen" and the Southwest Monsoon.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 AM tomorrow.  

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PAGASA-DOST | August 15, 2012 | Article Link

50 killed as soldiers overrun rogue Moro rebels’ camp in Maguindanao

A BARRAGE of fire from 105mm howitzers backed by Air Force helicopter gunships and followed by ground assault resulted in the flushing out of rogue Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) fighters in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao, Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division commander, said on Wednesday.

Ardo said the whole-day assault was completed late Tuesday afternoon after the troops captured Hills 166 and 714, former communities of the Teduray tribe that the rebels turned into a training ground for young recruits.

“Our estimate is more than 50 of them [gunmen] have been killed and more than 20 were wounded,” Col. Mayoralgo de la Cruz, commander of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade, said.

De la Cruz said the death of 27 has been confirmed.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

De la Cruz said at least 20 gunmen were also confirmed wounded. 

The BIFM is led by Ameril Umbra kato, former commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who was expelled from the organization last year for rejecting the prospect of having a peace agreement with the government.

Earlier, Ardo agreed with the peace panels of the government and the MILF that tagged Umbra kato and his followers “spoilers” of peace in Mindanao.

“We’re coordinating now with the local government of Datu Hoffer and other government agencies, such as the agriculture department, on how to take care of those places to prevent the return of these rogue fighters of the BIFM,” Ardo said.

The MILF earlier condemned Umbra kato and his men for sowing violence in Maguindanao. The front believes that Umbra kato’s attacks were meant to frustrate the peace negotiations.

“However, we do not know what they get from this offensive.... Did they ably project their martial prowess? The answer is no. They are only confined in the small corner of the province. So, what did they gain, if ever? Nothing, except putting in the consciousness of people that they are still there, alive and kicking. But in exchange, their safe haven is now [a] free-fire zone,” the MILF said in its editorial at its web site www.luwaran.com.

The rogue fighters were operating in the fringes of the MILF’s Camp Omar.

Umbra kato himself is facing a string of criminal cases before different courts for his involvement in the violent attacks against government forces and civilian communities in Central Mindanao in 2008 after the Supreme Court junked the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain.

Ardo said efforts were also being done to convince the Teduray tribe to return to its original abode in order to develop the lands.

Lt. Col. Prudencio Asto, Ardo’s spokesman, said soldiers continue to mount offensives against the beleaguered fighters to totally flush them out from the area.

“With the capture of Hill 166 and Hill 714, farmers nearby can now grow their crops without fear of attacks from the bandits,” Asto said.

More than 10 people have been killed since the BIFM mounted attacks that started in August against military and police detachments and/or outposts in at least five towns in the province.

Director General Nicanor Bartolome, National Police chief, sent several teams from the Special Action Force  to help the military pound Umbra kato’s men. 

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Zaff Solmerin | BusinessMirror.Com.Ph | August 15, 2012 | Article Link

Army captures BIFF base in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao, Aug. 14 (PNA) -- The military here announced the capture on Tuesday afternoon of a major camp of renegade Moro rebels who launched atrocities in Maguindanao that left at least 28 people dead and thousands of people displaced. 

Colonel Prudencio Asto, chief of the 6th Infantry Division public affairs office, said elements of the 6th ID and the 601st Infantry Brigade, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery fires captured at 3 p.m. Tuesday Hill 714 in Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao. 

Asto would not say how many Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed following the air strikes and ground assaults, but he stressed no casualty was reported on government side. 

"The hill served as the command and control point and stronghold of the BIFF," Asto said.
According to Asto, the camp used to be the staging point for the BIFF bandits in planning their atrocities against soldiers and civilians in nearby communities. 

"The 6ID is now securing the hill to prevent members of BIFF lawless group from recovering their lost ground," he said. 

He said on orders of Maj. Gen. Rey Ardo, 6th Infantry Division commander the military is is now coordinating with the local government units, the Department of Agriculture and other line government agencies for the development of the former bandits’ enclave. 

With the capture of Hill 714, farmers nearby can now grow their crops without fear of attacks from the bandits. 

Claiming they wanted to avenge the death of a comrade last June 23, the BIFF, numbering about 500, launched simultaneous attacks in Maguindanao's seven municipalities, attacking Army and para military detachments. 

The atrocities led to the death of six soldiers, four civilians and more than 20 BIFF fighters, according to Asto. 

About 30,000 civilians have been displaced and portions of the highway linking Cotabato and Gen. Santos had been closed for five days until it was reopened for public use last Friday. 

Asto said sporadic fighting is still ongoing as BIFF forces still continue to fire at and harass Army installations in the towns of Datu Saudi, Datu Unsay, Datu Hoffer, Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak and Ampatuan.

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Philippine News Agency | August 14, 2012 | Article Link

TA-50 to revive PAF's 'fast mover' capability

MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) - The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will regenerate its "fast mover" capability once the decision to acquire South Korea's TA-50 "Golden Eagle" becomes final. 

The ability refers to the capacity to intercept aircraft intruding or encroaching over the country's airspace. 

Fernando Manalo, DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installation, and materiel, said that the TA-50 offers the PAF the best means to reacquire such capability. 

"It may be small and not that fast, but under the hands of a well-trained and capable pilot, this plane can prove itself a much for much faster and bigger aircraft," he said. 

The PAF lost its interception capability in 2005 when it formally retired the last 10 F-5 "Tiger" jet fighters in its inventory due to airframe aging and lack of spare parts. 

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

Korea Aerospace Industries, the designer of the TA-50, developed the the aircraft from the US F-16 "Falcon". 

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

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

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

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

T-50 trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.[43] 

It uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine produced by Samsung Techwin) and upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and Korea Aerospace Industries. 

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

The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.5. 

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kilo Newton (17,700 pound force) of thrust with afterburner. 

The aircraft can also be fitted with heat-seeking missiles, 20mm to 25mm automatic cannon, various surveillance equipment and is very capable of undertaking the air-superiority role due to its sleek design. 

And once the go-ahead signal is given for the TA-50, the DND official expressed confidence that the fighter will be in PAF service within two year's time. 

"We will get two immediately for training purpose so that when the 10 other aircraft arrive, our pilots are already trained for its use," Manalo said. 

"The other good thing about the TA-50 is that we will (be) buying it straight from the manufacturers. We will be its first-time users and not the second or third as in previous PAF aircraft," he said.

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Priam F. Nepomuceno | Philippine News Agency | August 14,2012 | Article Link

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 8 - 5:00 p.m., 14 August 2012

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 8
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Storm "HELEN" (KAI-TAK)
Issued at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, 14 August 2012 

Tropical Storm "HELEN" has intensified slightly as it moves closer to Northern Luzon.  

Location of Center:   230 km East Southeast of Tuguegarao City
(as of 4:00 p.m.) 

Coordinates:     17.3°N, 124.2°E

Strength:     Maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and
                    Gustiness of up to 100 kph

Movement:     Northwest at 13 kph

Forecast Positions/Outlook: 

Wednesday afternoon - 180 km North of Tuguegarao City or
                                       70 km North of Aparri, Cagayan
Thursday afternoon - 380 km Northwest of Aparri, Cagayan or
                                    300 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal 

Signal No. 2 (61-100 kph winds) 

• Cagayan
• Calayan Grp. of Islands
• Babuyan Grp. of Islands
• Isabela
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Ilocos Norte
• Abra
• Batanes Grp. of Islands

Signal No. 1  (45-60 kph winds) 

• Aurora
• Quirino
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Mt. Province
• La Union
• Ilocos Sur

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #2 and #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas under public storm warning #2 are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Tropical Storm "HELEN" will enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring rains over Luzon and Visayas especially over the Western section.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 20 - 35 mm per hour (intense - torrential) within 500 km diameter of Tropical Storm.

Intermittent light to moderate rains (2.5 - 7.5 mm/hr) over Central and Southern Luzon becoming more frequent moderate to heavy rains (7.5 - 10.0 mm/hr) in Quezon province, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Metro Manila.

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the Seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas due to Tropical Storm "HELEN" and the Southwest Monsoon.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 PM today.  

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PAGASA-DOST | August 14, 2012 | Article Link

AFP to Participate in Pacific Unity 12-6

CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City – In time of the aftermath brought by the torrential rains of the Southwest Monson or “Habagat”, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) together with the United States Pacific Air Force (PACAF) will conduct a joint and combined Humanitarian Civil Assistance (HCA) and Civil Military Operations (CMO) in the province of Pampanga and Tarlac from August 20 to September 20, to enhance the response capability of both armed forces during times of disasters and calamities.

This joint undertaking is in line with the Pacific Unity 12-6, a U.S. Pacific Command-funded humanitarian assistance mission. It is a bilateral and joint engineering civic action program conducted in cooperation with the provincial government of Pampanga and Tarlac.

The AFP through the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) will provide personnel and mission-essential equipment in the conduct of the HCA/CMO. Joining the month-long activity are the Philippine National Police, Local Government Units, Local Government Agencies, and Non-Government Organizations.

The PU 12-6 intends to conduct Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) and Medical Civic Action Program (MEDCAP) in an exercise scenario to perform joint and combined response in a mass casualty situation. It will formally start through a Ground Breaking/Opening Ceremony at Cacutud Elementary School wherein a school building will be constructed and rehabilitation and repair of classrooms will be conducted.

Military doctors and dentists from the AFP Reserve Command together with the participating agencies and partner stakeholders will also conduct Cooperative Health Engagement (CHE) which includes MEDCAP and Dental Civic Action Program (DENCAP) in Villa Bacolor, Tarlac City on September 15. Subject Mater Expertise Exchange (SMEEs) on Master Base Planning, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HA/DR) and Table Top Exercise on HA/DR will also be held at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga and Clark Air Base, Mabalacat, Pampanga.

Just recently, the AFP took part in the Pacific Partnership 2012, the largest annual humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the Pacific sponsored by the US Pacific Fleet. Over 20,000 residents of Samar benefitted from a series of MEDCAP, DENCAP, and ENCAP last June.

By the end of the PP12, four new classrooms were completed and built in Brgy. Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar and Brgy. Tambongan Elementary School Gandara, Samar. Military engineers also renovated and repaired Health Centers, an existing structure, and school play grounds around Samar.

Last April, the AFP hosted the 28th Philippines-United States Balikatan which focus on HA/DR. The activity sought to identify gaps and solutions from previous disaster situations that were addressed through discussions with representatives from foreign disaster response systems.

“The Pacific Unity 12-6 comes very timely as we continue to undertake significant efforts to strengthen our humanitarian, disaster response, and civic action programs in times of distraught like the recent calamity caused by ‘Habagat.’ This is another opportunity for us to enhance our capabilities in ensuring a safe and secure environment for our people,” AFP Chief of Staff, General Jessie D. Dellosa said.

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PAO - AFP | August 11, 2012 | Article Link

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 7 - 11:00 a.m., 14 August 2012

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 7
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Storm "HELEN" (KAI-TAK)
Issued at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, 14 August 2012 

Tropical Storm "HELEN" has maintained its strength as it continues to move towards Northern Luzon.  

Location of Center:   230 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora
(as of 10:00 a.m.)

Coordinates:     16.8°N, 124.8°E 

Strength:     Maximum sustained winds of 75 kph near the center and
                   Gustiness of up to 90 kph

Movement:     West Northwest at 13 kph

Forecast Positions/Outlook:  

Wednesday morning - 50 km North Northeast of Tuguegarao City
Thursday morning - 270 km West Southwest of Basco, Batanes
Friday morning - 550 km Northwest of Laoag City

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal  

Signal No. 2 (61-100 kph winds) 

• Cagayan
• Calayan
• Babuyan
• Grp. of Islands
• Isabela
• Apayao
• Kalinga
• Batanes Grp. of Islands

Signal No. 1 (45-60 kph winds) 

• Quirino
• Aurora
• Nueva Vizcaya
• Ifugao
• Benguet
• Mt. Province
• Ilocos Sur
• Abra
• Ilocos Norte

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #2 and #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas under public storm warning #2 are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone.

Tropical Storm "HELEN" is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring rains over Luzon and Visayas especially over the Western section.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 15 - 25 mm per hour (heavy - intense) within 500 km diameter of Tropical Storm.

Intermittent light to moderate rains (2.5 - 7.5 mm/hr) are now affecting Central and Southern Luzon becoming more frequent moderate to heavy rains (7.5 - 10.0 mm/hr) today over Camarines provinces, Quezon province, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Mindoro, Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Metro Manila.

Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the Seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon and Visayas due to Tropical Storm "HELEN" and the Southwest Monsoon.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.  

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PAGASA-DOST | August 14, 2012 | Article Link

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 3 - 11:00 a.m., Monday, 13 August 2012

Severe Weather Bulletin Number 3
Tropical Cyclone Warning: Tropical Storm "HELEN"
Issued at 11:00 a.m., Monday, 13 August 2012 

Tropical Depression "HELEN" has intensified into a Tropical Storm and is now threatening Northern Luzon.  

Location of Center:   550 km East Northeast of Casiguran, Aurora
(as of 10:00 a.m.) 

Coordinates:     17.2°N, 128.0°E 

Strength:     Maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center and
                    Gustiness of up to 80 kph

Movement:      West Northwest at 13 kph

Forecast Positions/Outlook:

Tueday Morning - 330 km East Northeast of Tuguegarao City
Wednesday Morning - 80 km North Northeast of Aparri, Cagayan
Thursday Morning - 220 km West of Basco, Batanes

Areas Having Public Storm Warning Signal 

Signal No. 1  (45-60 kph winds)

• Isabela
• Kalinga
• Apayao
• Cagayan
• Babuyan
• Calayan Grp. of Islands
• Batanes Grp. of Islands

Residents living in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signal #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Tropical Storm "Helen" is expected to enhance the Southwest Monsoon that will bring rains over Luzon and Visayas especially over the western section.

Estimated rainfall amount is from 15 - 35 mm per hour (heavy - torrential) within 400 km diameter of Tropical Storm.

Intermittent light to moderate rains (2.5 - 7.5 mm/hr) are now affecting Central and Southern Luzon becoming more frequent moderate to heavy rains (7.5 - 10.0 mm/hr) during the latter part of the day towards the evening over Camarines provinces, Quezon province, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas Mindoro, Bataan, Zambales and Metro Manila.

The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 5 PM today.
 

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PAGASA-DOST | August 13, 2012 | Article Link