4 Philippine Navy aircraft deployed

After completing maintenance and repairs, four Navy planes have been deployed in various parts of the country to boost the military’s maritime security efforts.
 
The four islander planes were deployed in a send-off ceremony held last Tuesday at the Naval Air Group headquarters in Sangley Point, Cavite.

Naval Air Group chief Marine Col. Ariel Caculitan, said the air assets went through the mandatory scheduled maintenance inspection that includes the repair and refurbishment of their systems and the retraining of pilots.

“SMIs (scheduled maintenance inspection) are required for all Navy aircrafts whenever they reach a total of 50, 100, 300 and 500 hours of flying time. This is necessary to ensure the safety and capability of our aircrafts when they are deployed in the operational areas,” Caculitan said.

The four planes that were deployed are Philippine Navy Islanders (PNI) 312 in San Fernando City, La Union; PNI311 in Cebu; PNI314 in Palawan; and PNI310 in Zamboanga.

Philippine Fleet spokesman Ltjg. Rommel Rodriguez said the islanders can conduct maritime air Surveillance, air drop, air lift and aerial reconnaissance missions.

Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Edgard Abogado, who served as guest of honor of the send-off ceremony, said the air assets play a vital role in securing the nation’s maritime domain.

He said the islanders provide the ships with an extended scope of information at sea.

Philippine Fleet Commander Rear Admiral Jaime Bernardino said members of the Naval Air Group worked even during the holidays to ensure the completion of the aircraft maintenance before the deployment.

Each aircraft has two pilots and four maintenance crew. PNI312 is being maneuvered by Navy Lt. Jovy Irignan and Marine 1Lt. Herbert Mananghaya while PNI 314’s pilots are Lieutenants Rolly Bio and Abelardo Ginete Jr.

The pilots of PNI311 are Lieutenants Brandon Belandres and Gerard Martin Dy while PNI310 is being maneuvered by Lt. Jose Pepito Lauron and Marine Cpt. Emmanuel Zamudio.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippine Navy patrol ship aids LPA-battered towns in Davao Oriental

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday announced that one of its patrol ships, the BRP Magat Salamat (PS-20), has delivered 52 tons of assorted relief goods to low pressure area (LPA) battered towns of Cateel and Baganga in Davao Oriental.

Ensign Herlijk F. Gregorio, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao spokesperson, said this aid was immediately forwarded to the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Davao for distribution to the affected residents.

At least 186,543 families or 895,572 persons were likewise affected by the LPA in 846 barangays in 15 provinces of Regions 10, 11, CARAGA, and ARMM.

Of the total affected, 55,501 families or 260,478 persons were displaced and served in 585 evacuation centers.

Twenty seven areas were placed under state of calamity, including Agusan Del Norte, Lanao Del Norte, Iligan City, Kapalong, Carmen, Asuncion, New Corella, and Tagum City - all in Davao Del Norte; Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga, Cateel, and Boston - all in Davao Oriental; Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Bunawan, San Francisco, Esperanza, Veruela, Trento, and Rosario in Agusan del Sur; Butuan City; and Lianga, Tago, San Miguel, and Bislig in Surigao del Sur.


Estimated cost of damage was pegged at P369,142,178.22, with P128,513,750 to infrastructure and P240,628,428.22 to agriculture.

Article Source: PNA

2 frigates undergoing bidding to be the most capable in the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy said on Wednesday the two frigates, now undergoing bidding at the Department of National Defense, will be the most capable vessels in its inventory.

PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the two vessels, which have a contract of P18 billion, will be armed with a variety of sensors and weapons capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and submarine threats.

Once the bidding process is completed within this year, the two frigates are expected to be delivered by 2017.

"The frigates (now undergoing bidding) will be the most capable vessels in the PN inventory once constructed and commissioned into service," Fabic said.

At the moment, the two most capable ships in the PN are the two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates acquired from the United States Coast Guard.

These vessels are armed with 76mm Oto Melara auto-cannon, a variety of light weapons and capable of handling, launching, and maintaining a helicopter, in this case the three brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, and capable of speeds up to 29 knots.

Some technical specifications of the DND's P18-billion frigate program have been revealed by MaxDefense: Philippines, a blogsite for Philippine defense-related matters.

This includes a capability to conduct air-to-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and electronic warfare (EW).

Aside from this, these naval vessels should be able to do extended maritime patrol with an embarked helicopter and operating up to Sea State 6.

It must also have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, endurance of 30 days in tropical condition, and capable of running up to 25 knots of continuous speed.

Navigation equipment of the two ships, at a minimum, must consist of two navigation radars, GPS, depth sounding set, and vessel tracking system compatible to PN's existing system.


The frigates' weapon system, at a minimum, should consist of a 76-mm gun, stabilized secondary gun, four .50-caliber machine guns, surface-to-surface missile launchers, surface-to-air missile launching system, and anti-submarine torpedoes. 

Article Source: PNA

1st C-295 aircraft to be delivered within 18 months

Should EADS/CASA-Airbus Military pass the post qualification stage set by the Department of National Defense (DND) for its P5.3 billion medium lift fixed wing project, the first of three C-295 aircraft will be delivered within 18 months upon the opening of the letter of credit.

This will begin by Feb. 1 when members of the technical working group have arrived in Spain, DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo said.

Upon delivery of the first aircraft, the second plane will be delivered after four months and the third after another four months.

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military was declared the only eligible bidder for the DND's medium lift fixed-wing aircraft after competitor PT Dirgantara Indonesia was declared out of the running for its failure to meet the requirements of the DND.

The DND Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 (SBAC-1) said PT Dirgantara’s plane, the C-235, was not compliant with the technical specifications provided by the bid documents.

It added that the Indonesian manufacturer's plane could only carry 34 paratroopers, lower than the 40 set by the DND.

The bid documents also required that the aircraft can carry 11,000 pounds at 950 nautical miles but PT Dirgantara’s plane can only carry 10,120 pounds.


The Spanish aircraft manufacturer offered to supply three C-295 aircraft for P5.29 billion or slightly lower then the P5.3 billion contract price set by the DND.

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Navy launches strategy in the south amid China's aggressiveness

The Philippine Navy has launched its "active archipelagic strategy" to defend and secure the country's territory  in the face of China's aggressiveness over the disputed West Philippine Sea, said Naval Chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano.
 
However, Alano  refused to elaborate about the naval effort in asserting its mission following Beijing's  fishing rule in the disputed waters it claimed to be as part of its territory.

According to Alano, their security effort has been there and was not in response to the posturing of the Chinese  over the resource-rich disputed territory.

“This (active archipelagic strategy security plan) is something that has already been there. As we do that, we are creating more prosperity. And with prosperity more things needs to be secure for our people,” Alano said when asked by newsmen if the naval operational plan was in response to the Chinese domination and control of the disputed territory.

Alano said the Navy is developing its capability.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier said  the military is willing to escort and secure Filipino fishermen following China's fishing rules.

Alano said the Navy continues to improve increase its capabilities and the upgrades are  in the pipeline under the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Alano has also installed Tuesday a new commander of the naval command base here.

Alano placed Rear Admiral Jesus Millan as commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), the largest navy operational command  to replace Vice Rear Admiral Isabelo Gador in a formal turn-over of command ceremony held at the ground of Romula Espaldon naval base in Lower Calarian in this city.

Gador was promoted to a higher position being the incoming Naval Vice Commander.

Alano, who presided  over the change of command ceremony, credited Gador’s leadership in helping quell the siege staged by the rebels of the Nur Misuari faction of the  Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in September in this city.

The attack of the MNLF rebels was detected initially by the patrolling naval boat following the encounter that left one of its personnel killed and prevented possible succeeding reinforcement of the rebels coming from Sulu and Basilan through the seas.

Alano reminded the new leadership of the NFWM of the vital role of the base here as the Philippine Navy's largest operational command in ensuring  stability in this part of the country.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

10th Infantry Division chief laud residents for timely tips on landmine cache

The 10th Infantry Division commander, Major Gen. Ariel B. Bernardo, on Tuesday expressed his thanks to the civilians who provided his troopers with the location of the New People's Army (NPA) landmine cache in Sitio Mampait, Barangay Mansanitas, Loreto town, Agusan Del Sur.

This resulted in a successful operation with the recovery of 44 landmines and eight sacks of PVC pipes, batteries, detonating cords, improvised firing devices and several other explosive components Sunday morning, he added. 

"It is through cooperation like this that we will finally put a stop to this and win the peace for our people," Bernardo stressed.

It could be recalled that the 163 landmines and the manufacturing facility captured last December were in the same area. 

President Benigno Aquino III lauded the achievement stating that it will prevent death and injury of non-combatants. 

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Navy allots P25M for consultant

The Navy will spend P25-million for the services of a consultant for its multi-billion ship acquisition project.
 
Commodore Ronald Mercado of the Navy technical working group said the consultant would complement their expertise on the ships' design and capabilities.

"The consultant will provide us the technical expertise and the knowledge," Mercado told reporters in an interview Monday.

The Defense department has allowed the Navy to tap a consultant for the project, which seeks to improve the country's territorial defense capabilities.

The goverment is spending P18 billion to buy two Navy frigates as part of the military's upgrade efforts.

The bidding process for the project started late last year.

The consultant for the project will be chosen through negotiations. Mercado said they are looking for a consultant in the region with proven expertise and track record.

"We need to have it (consultant) within next month," he said.

The budget for the consultant will be charged from the Armed Forces Modernization Fund.
Earlier, THE STAR reported that four companies have been declared eligible to proceed to the next phase of the bidding for the P18-billion project.

The eligible bidders are Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc.

The four firms passed the first stage of the bidding, which involved the inspection of company eligibility documents.

Three other companies joined the bidding but the Defense department declared their documents to be deficient. The three disqualified firms are now asking the agency to reconsider its decision and to declare them as eligible bidders.

The three bidders that filed motions for reconsideration were Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, STX France SA and Thyssenkrupp Marine System.

The Navy will nevertheless review the offers of the four eligible fims while the Defense department deliberates on the appeal of the disqualified bidders.

Mercado said they would conduct workshops in Cavite next month to assess the technical features of the ships being offered. The Navy technical working group will allot five days to each bid submitted.

Mercado said they would allot another three weeks for assessments in the event that the Defense department reverses its decision on the three disqualified firms. 

The second phase of the bidding will involve the opening of financial documents to determine who among the bidders is offering the lowest price.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

DND to probe accidents of Spanish firm's planes

The Defense department on Monday vowed to look into the accidents involving the aircraft being offered by a Spanish firm to the Air Force.
 
The company, EADS/CASA - Airbus Military, was declared the only eligible bidder for the supply of three new medium lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3-billion. It offered to supply C-295 planes for P5.29-billion during the bidding for the project held this month.

The said aircraft model, however, figured in recent controversies that raised doubts on its quality. These include the 2008 crash which claimed the lives of 20 persons in Poland and the decision of the Czech military to return faulty C-295 planes to EADS/CASA.

Defense officials, however, said the plane’s quality will be scrutinized when they conduct the post-qualification phase.

“At present, we cannot offer any conclusion but we will continue to verify the accidents involving the C-295 during the post qualification phase,” Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said.

The post-qualification phase allows defense officials to determine whether the planes being offered by EADS/CASA are compliant with the standards they set.

Velez cited reports stating that the 2008 air mishap was caused by human error and not due to the plane’s quality.

EADS/CASA claimed that the Polish Air Force acquired five more C-295 planes four years after the crash but this would be verified by defense officials.

The post-qualification phase for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft has been slated for next month in Spain.

The Airbus website described the C-295 planes as “the most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.” The air assets is said to be capable of carrying up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 kt or 480 km/h.

Meanwhile, the Defense department rejected an appeal by an Indonesian firm for it to be declared as an eligible bidder for the project.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia joined the bidding for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft but was disqualified due to its failure to meet some requirements.

The company filed for a motion for reconsideration but this was rejected yesterday by the Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 (SBAC-1).

The SBAC-1 said PT Dirgantara’s plane was not compliant with the technical specifications provided by the bid documents.

The company’s aircraft can only carry 34 paratroopers, lower than the 40 set by the Defense department. The bid documents also required that the aircraft should have a payload of 11,000 lbs. at 950 nautical miles but PT Dirgantara’s plane can only carry 10,120 lbs.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippine Army seizes NPA camp

A week after improvised explosive devices were recovered in northern Negros, the 11th Infantry Battalion troopers discovered a large encampment of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Sunday.
 
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the camp, that can accommodate about 100 persons, is believed to have been abandoned several days before it was discovered.

The fleeing rebels left behind a CPP-NPA red flag, subversive documents, a handbook for the Batakang Kursong Pampartido and personal belongings, he said.

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11th IB Civil Military Operations Officer, said the discovery of the NPA training camp, was a result of ongoing military operations in the area.

Two weeks ago, suspected NPA assassins shot and killed CAFGU member Ricky Camacho in Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan City. It was followed by the killing of a Bukidnon tribe member in Brgy. Riverside, Isabela, military records show.

Gomez said the abandoned rebel camp, which is located in a forested area, has two makeshift huts and a comfort room, with an estimated area of 2,185 square meters. 

Last week, six IEDs with blasting caps and a fragmentation grenade were recovered by military intelligence operatives in an abandoned NPA makeshift hut in Hacienda Begonia, Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, the military reported.

Article Source: The Visayan Daily Star

113 military personnel found using illegal drugs in 2013

A total of 113 military personnel were confirmed positive of illegal drug use in 2013, the military said Monday. 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines targeted 20,000 personnel and officers for random drug testing last year, military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said. 

A comparative analysis of the AFP’s anti-drug body showed that personnel from the Air Force, Unified Commands and the Service Support Units have the lowest number of illegal drug users. 

Members from the Army and Marines have the highest number of personnel positive of illegal drug use, the analysis showed. 

There were 70 members from the Army confirmed positive, but Zagala explained that this was also because the Army has 80,000 personnel in its roster. There are 120,000 men and women in the whole armed forces. 

For the General Headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, there were 13 who tested positive; 12 for the Air Force; and 18 for the Navy. 

“They are undergoing investigation in their respective provost marshal. Rest assured they will be given due process. If they are found guilty they will be discharged,” Zagala said. 

“A tabulation of the drug users also shows a trend that the younger the individual, the greater the susceptibility to drug use is: 5 percent are Staff Sergeant/Petty Officer 2; 12 percent are Sergeant/Petty Officer 3; 26 percent are Corporal/Airman 1st Class/Seaman 1st Class; 51 percent are Private First Class/Airman 2nd Class/Seaman 2nd Class; and 6 percent are Private/Airman/Seaman,” Zagala said. 

With this, the AFP is boosting its anti-drug campaign. It will target recipients of random drug testing by 20 percent this year, he said. 

Zagala also said AFP plans to provide additional training for more personnel this year to enable them to come up with a better and more accurate results in drug testing.

Article Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

NPA bombs recovered in Southern Philippines

Army officials said troops have recovered dozens of landmines and various materials used in the manufacture of improvised explosives in the southern Philippines.
Officials linked the explosives to the communist rebel group New People’s Army in Loreto town in Agusan del Sur province. The cache of landmines was discovered by civilians in the village of Mansanitas, according to Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the Eastern Mindanao Command chief, praised the bravery of the civilians who informed the military about the explosives.
“We thank our people for their cooperation. Our soldiers are always ready to respond anywhere and whenever needed. If the NPA is sincere about peace, they must stop manufacturing landmines as these kill people and destroy properties,” Cruz said.
He said the discovery came a day after two NPA rebels - Robert Daging and Abet Guinson – surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Carmen town in the province of Surigao del Sur.
The duo also handed over two automatic rifles. The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. 

Article Source: Mindanao Examiner

Department of National Defense bidding for upgrade of Navy patrol ship fails

The bidding for the upgrade of the Navy’s patrol ship BRP Artemio Ricarte failed as the lone bidder for the project failed to meet some documentary requirements.
 
The STAR learned that Keppel Marine Philippines Inc., the only firm that submitted a bid, was declared ineligible during the bidding for the P216-million project held early this month.
The Defense department’s Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) found a deficiency in one of the documents submitted by the company.

Under the rules, a company should satisfy all documentary requirements to be declared an eligible bidder.

The documents for the upgrade project have been returned to the Navy for a mandatory review. End-users of the projects conduct reviews after failed biddings to determine if some adjustments should be made.

The BAC will likely hold another round of bidding for the project, which aims to boost the Navy’s maritime security capabilities.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippines to add Scorpion turrets to M113s

The Philippine Army is to fit 14 of its BAE Systems M113 tracked armoured personnel carriers (APC) with the turrets of decommissioned Alvis Scorpion armoured reconnaissance vehicles.

The two-person Scorpion turret is armed with a 76 mm L23A1 gun and a 7.62 mm co-axial machine gun (MG) with day/image intensification sights.

Prior to being integrated on the M113 hull the Scorpion turrets will be upgraded with a new fire control system and thermal imaging system. This will enable targets to be detected and engaged at longer ranges and with increased accuracy under almost all-weather conditions.

The 76 mm L23A1 gun will be very useful in counter-insurgency operations as it can fire a wide range of ammunition types including high explosive, smoke, illuminating, and high-explosive squash head. The modified M113 will retain its full amphibious capability with the installation of additional buoyancy aids on the hull's sides and front.

The Philippines Army currently operates around 100 M113A1 variants. The 76 mm version is expected to use surplus vehicles as the M113 production line was closed in the United States some years ago.

The Philippines took delivery of 41 members of the Scorpion Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance - Tracked (CVR-T) family of light tracked armoured vehicles, including the Scorpion, Sultan command post vehicle and the Samaritan ambulance.

The installation of the Scorpion turret on an alternative platform is not a new idea. It was first achieved by Australia, which fielded 45 vehicles under the M113A1 Fire Support Vehicle (Scorpion) designation - later the medium reconnaissance vehicle - after trials with three prototype vehicles. These have now been phased out of service.

Canada also fitted the 76 mm Scorpion turret to its Grizzly wheeled fire support vehicle but these have also been retired.

Article Source: IHS Janes 360

Philippine Army’s ‘revolving door’

If you think the “revolving door” concept of leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is strictly an affair involving the position of the AFP chief of staff, you are seriously mistaken or misinformed. This particular disease affects not just the top post in the organization but virtually the leadership of the major commands of the AFP. It is an affliction that has continued over a long and trying period brought about by a political leadership in this country that sees a fixed term of office for its military commanders as a possible threat to national security. Or, perhaps, that  views these military positions as part of the patronage package available for its  disposal. 

In the next few days—possibly two weeks—the Philippine Army, the oldest, the largest, and the most dominant major service branch of the AFP, shall have its change of command ceremony. This is usually held at the parade ground of Fort Bonifacio, home of the 80,000-strong Army in Taguig City. 

The Philippine Army traces its roots to the Tejeros Convention of March 22, 1897, when members of the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the revolution met to establish a republic and create its armed force. The convention elected Artemio Ricarte as captain-general of the Filipino Army.
Let me digress a bit. 

Ricarte is considered the “father of the Philippine Army” and served as its commanding general from March 22, 1897 to Jan. 22, 1899. Although lacking presence or charisma, he had a reputation as a vicious and deadly fighter; he adopted the nom de guerre “Vibora” (viper). 

Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Ricarte graduated from Letran College with a bachelor’s degree and was preparing for a teaching career. Instead he joined the Katipunan in the fight for independence. At one point, he led the attack on a Spanish garrison in San Francisco de Malabon. Ricarte continued the fight for freedom against the new colonizers until he was captured by US forces. In 1901, he and Apolinario Mabini were exiled to Guam. Upon their return, Ricarte refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States and was barred from setting foot in the Philippines. In 1903, as a stowaway on a Chinese vessel, he landed in Manila and immediately met with former colleagues for the continuation of the fight for independence. A year later, he was captured by constabulary agents and spent six years in Bilibid Prison. On his release, he again refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States and he was deported to Hong Kong. 

From Hong Kong, he moved to Yokohama, Japan, where he spent almost 30 years until the start of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. He was flown back to the country and remained here for the rest of the war. Ricarte joined the Japanese forces led by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita in their retreat to the north. At the age of 78, he died in Ifugao Province on July 31, 1945, from the effects of dysentery. 

Some people consider Ricarte a traitor for collaborating with the Japanese. We had people who collaborated with the Spaniards and the Americans while the fight for Philippine independence was still going on, and they are referred to as  ilustrados. For Ricarte, the verdict is already in: 

• Ricarte’s remains are buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani;
• His home in Batac City is now a historical shrine—the Ricarte National Shrine;
• The Philippine Navy honored him by naming one of its more modern ships, the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37); ironically, it is the Philippine Army, of which he is the founding father, that has failed to honor its patriarch. Not a single major installation of the Army is named after Ricarte, a man who chose exile from his beloved land rather than sign an oath of allegiance to a foreign power. When it comes to our colonial past, many of us have selective memories. 

* * * 

The present commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) is Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes. The most senior Army general with at least a year remaining in his military service is Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, current Northern Luzon Command chief. This makes him practically a shoo-in as the next CGPA. Catapang retires in July 2015. By the time Gen. Emmanuel Bautista retires as AFP chief of staff in July this year, Catapang would be the most senior service commander in the AFP and is likely to move up after barely six months in his job as CGPA.
The “revolving door” of the Army during the last two administrations has produced the following results: 

Much has been said about the need for meaningful and lasting reforms in the military organization. But for as long as we operate under a “revolving door” concept of leadership, what we shall get will be temporary, short term, and mainly cosmetic changes that come and go with every variation of command authority.

 

Article Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippine Air Force to acquire 3 modern flight simulators for P246-M

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is acquiring three modern flight simulators for P246.4 million to help pilots operate efficiently the soon-to-be-delivered T-50 fighter jets from South Korea.
 
The Department of National Defense (DND) said it is bidding out the project designed to enhance the operational capability of the PAF.

“This will allow pilots an almost full sensory experience that can aid improving flight instruction, enhancing proficiency, minimizing risks associated with emergency procedures training, reducing accidents, filling up downtimes, and saving on aircraft operational and maintenance costs,” Defense Undersecretary Efren Fernandez, chair of the Bids and Award Committee for the project, said.

“The DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines now invite bids from eligible bidders for the Full Motion Flight Simulator Acquisition Project. Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 600 calendar days from the opening of the Letter of Credit (LC),” Fernandez said.

Sources said the government is set to acquire more fighter jets from other countries.

Prior to the opening of the bid for the simulator project on Feb. 10, a pre-bid conference will be held on Jan. 27 at the DND BAC Conference Room at Camp Aguinaldo.

“The DND and the AFP reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to the contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders,” Fernandez said.

The defense department is also bidding out a P149-million contract for the construction of Air Force facilities in Tawi-Tawi and Palawan as part of the military’s upgrade of its maritime defense and rescue capabilities in the West Philippine Sea and Sulu Sea.

The DND has also signed an P888-million contract with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems Land and C41 for the acquisition of 28 armored infantry vehicles to boost the fighting capability of the 80,000-strong Philippine Army (PA).

Part of the project is retrofitting 24 of the army’s M113 armored personnel carriers with turrets from decommissioned Scorpion light reconnaissance tanks, transforming the M113s into fire support vehicles from merely “battle taxis.” Mounted on Scorpion’s turrets are 76mm cannon and 7.62mm machinegun.

The upgraded M113 fire support vehicle will also be equipped with a new fire control system and thermal imaging system.

Four of the M113s will have the capability of Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) armed with 25mm automatic cannons. Six will be equipped with additional .50 caliber heavy machineguns.

The M113s will also get upgrades on their armor protection and amphibious capability.

The Israeli firm will throw in, for free, four M113 armored recovery and repair vehicles.

The Army expects to roll out the 28 combat vehicles by January 2015, said Defense Undersecretary Patrick Velez. At present, the Army is heavily dependent on 105mm and 155mm howitzers in providing fire support for troops battling Abu Sayyaf terrorists or communist rebels. 

Article Source: ABSCBN News

Philippine report spies more 'assertive, aggressive' China in West Philippine Sea

A more assertive and aggressive Chinese military presence has been monitored near the Philippine garrison on Ayungin Shoal, located in the disputed Spratly Islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). 

A confidential government report, obtained by TV5, indicates the "assertive and aggressive" stance of China could be part a renewed and possibly a more determined effort to remove Philippine military presence on Ayungin Shoal and from the whole Spratly Islands group. A dilapidated Philippine Navy Ship, the BRP Sierra Madre, was grounded on the shoal in 1999 and now serves as the barracks and command facility of Philippine Marines deployed there.

China had accused the Philippines of intentionally grounding the BRP Sierra Madre as part of what it claimed was an occupation strategy. Since then, China has made repeated demands that the ship and soldiers be removed. In 2013, Beijing offered to remove the BRP Sierra Madre at no cost to the Philippines.



Consistent demand 

Ayungin Shoal, internationally known as Second Thomas Shoal, is located 108 nautical miles from Palawan and is only 13 nautical miles southeast of Mischief Reef, where China has built a formidable garrison.

The confidential report states that China has been consistent with its demand that Manila remove the BRP Sierra Madre. It points out that in 2013, Beijing began stepping up the pressure.

On April 19, 2013, China sent a strongly worded communication demanding that the Philippine government remove the BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal “but this time, they are also insinuating the removal and/or dismantling of all Philippine structures in the entire West Philippine Sea – citing the area as Chinese territory.”



“It must be noted that China has heightened its presence in the area as evidenced by the continuous sightings of Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) and People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN) vessels immediately after it conveyed its intentions to the Philippine government,” the report stated.

The increased presence of Chinese patrols in the disputed territory is particularly worrisome for Manila as the report points out the vessels may block supply routes to starve out the Philippine garrison.

"Although it is expected that the presence of CMS and PLA Navy ships will be regularly sighted in the area, the positioning or encircling of the Philippine Navy vessel by the Chinese could be an indication that China might block Philippine troops of their much needed supply and thus force the deployed soldiers to eventually withdraw in the area,” the report noted.

Aerial Surveillance photos taken in August 2013 show a Chinese Coast Guard ship, with bow number 3164, anchored off Ayungin Shoal and in full view of the BRP Sierra Madre.

Other photos show the presence of Chinese naval warships, including a frigate, and Chinese Coast Guard ships anchored off Mischief Reef.

Last May 2013, the Philippine government report said a Chinese missile armed frigate, Janghu–V class with bow number 563, was stationed close to Ayungin Shoal.

China has also maintained two to three ships near the shoal for the whole of 2013 and sent aircraft to fly over the Philippine garrison on Ayungin Shoal.




No plan to withdraw 

According to the report, the Philippine Navy has made it clear it “has no plan of withdrawing/removing the ship from the shoal.”

The Chinese garrison on Mischief Reef is capable of sustaining and supporting naval patrols in the Spratlys for extended periods and PLA Navy ships are “rotationally deployed” there.

The Spratly Island Group is a cluster of small islands, reefs and shoal covering 150,000 square miles in the South China Sea. The Philippines, China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei are claiming either in whole or in part as their territory.

China has built heavily fortified garrisons, complete with radar, helipads and piers, in several areas well inside the Philippine claimed territory.

Chinese media recently reported that the People’s Liberation Army had prepared an combat plan to “re – take” Pag–asa Island in the Kalayaan Island Group, which is part of Palawan.

Pag–asa Island is where the main Filipino community in the Kalayaan Island Group is located.

Chinese media reports added that the Chinese plan limits military activity to the Spratlys and that Beijing would not invade Philippine territories.

The Philippine government acknowledges the presence of the BRP Sierra Madre, although dilapidated, serves as deterrent to China. “The presence of the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal prevents China from controlling and ultimately taking back ownership,” the report said.

It went on to say that China is also sensitive to world opinion and if it forcibly asserts its sovereignty in the disputed areas, “it may negatively project them as invaders or predators...in the international community as it will violate the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.”

The Code of Conduct, signed by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China in 2002, binds claimant countries to avoid any action that may worsen tensions over territorial disputes.



 Article Source: InterAksyon

Signing of armored contract deal with Israeli defense manufacturer to boost PA's firepower capability --DND

With the impending delivery of 28 brand-new armored fighting vehicles, 14 of which are armed with automatic 76mm cannons, the Philippine Army's capability to provide support to its infantry units will be greatly enhanced.

Contract for these armored units, which is worth P888 million, was awarded to one of Israel's leading defense manufacturer, Elbit Systems Land and C4I, last week.

Aside from "fire support units," six of the Israeli-built armored vehicles are classified as the "armored personnel carrier" models, four as "infantry fighting vehicles and the remaining four as "recovery and repair" units.

Full delivery of these vehicles is expected within a year or around January 2015.

DND Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez earlier noted that these armored vehicles are very capable.
Once in service, 14 armored vehicles armed with 76mm cannon will act as the mobile artillery units of the PA which at the moment is armed with 273 units of heavy guns.

Around 24 of these weapons are the heavy 155mm howitzers with the remaining guns consisting of various models of the 105mm howitzer, an artillery piece capable of being towed or tracked into combat.


These weapons are constantly being maintained and modernized to provide Army units with a relatively heavy punch.

Article Source: PNA

Naval Air Group response time greatly improved with speedier AW-109's

With the faster AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters now in its inventory, the response and deployment time of the Naval Air Group (NAG) for emergencies and calamities have become much quicker.

This was revealed by Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic last Friday.

"It is even faster than our Britten Norman Islander (turboprop) aircraft in level flight. It can respond to emergencies much quicker than any of our existing assets," he said.

The twin-engined Islander aircraft has a top speed of around 170 miles per hour.

On the other hand, the AW-109, which is a rotary-wing aircraft, has a top speed of 177 miles per hour or seven miles faster than the twin-engine plane.

This makes it ideal for patrol, surveillance, resupply and medical evacuation missions, Fabic said.
The PN operates two models of the Britten Norman Islander plane for patrol, surveillance, transport and resupply missions.

Prior to the arrival of the AW-109s, the NAG operates only one Robinson R-22 helicopter, one Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm B0-105 helicopter, two Islander aircraft and four Cessna light utility planes.

All of these air assets have an average top speed of only 150 miles per hours.


Two more AW-109s, the attack version of the helicopter, are expected to join the NAG by the third quarter of this year. 

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Navy confirms 2 more frigates to be acquired

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.

"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.

No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.

Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.

This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.

A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.

Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.

Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.

"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.

Article Source: PTV News

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it is planning to acquire two more frigates, aside from the two units which the Department of National Defense (DND) is now bidding out.
"(Other than the two frigates that are undergoing bidding, there are two more acquisitions that are being planned," Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said.
No other details are available yet on this projects as it is still on the planning stage.
Fabic said that once this program comes into fruit, the PN will boost a force of seven frigates.
This includes the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates (formerly the US' Hamilton class cutters) and the BRP Rajah Humabon (PF-11), the last active duty World War II era destroyer escort in PN service.
A PN study revealed that it would need around P497 billion to fully upgrade its fleet.
Once it has this money, the Navy can now acquired the abovementioned items along with four sealift vessels, 18 landing craft utility vessels, three logistics ships, 12 coastal interdiction patrol boats, 30 patrol gunboats, and 42 multi-purpose assault crafts that can be equipped with torpedoes and missiles.
Also included in the envisioned force mix are eight amphibious maritime patrol aicraft, 18 naval helicopters, and eight multi-purpose helicopters.
"Looking at the PN's inventory of mission essential equipment, it is very discernible that majority of our assets and vessels were acquired not necessarily because they fit into our strategy or operational requirement but because they are available as grant from the US or from our allies," the PN study concluded.
- See more at: http://ptvnews.ph/bottom-news-life2/11-11-nation-submenu/27572-pn-confirms-2-more-frigates-to-be-acquired#sthash.WhXd347c.dpuf