Philippine Air Force FA-50PH spare parts and Philippine Army to recruit more

Philippine Air Force earmarks P15-M fund for FA-50PH jet spare parts

(File Photo) Credits to the owners of the photo

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating the sum of PHP15,289,000 for the acquisition of spares and components needed for the maintenance of its Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.

The submission and opening of bids is scheduled on March 13, 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF BAC chair Brig. Gen. Erickson Gloria said in a post at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System website.

 Article source: Philippine News Agency

 Philippine Army to recruit 6,100 troops this year

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday announced that it is opening 6,100 slots in line with efforts to strengthen its field units.

"The Army recently approved the opening of 3,600 annual regular quota and an additional 2,500 for 2018. There is now a total of 6,100 slots opened. Out of the total number of recruits, 5 percent is allocated for female recruits and another 5 percent from the indigenous peoples," PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said.

He added that additional recruits will be filling up the troop requirements for the conceptualized activation of 10 new Infantry Battalions and one Scout Ranger Battalion.

"As of today, seven out of the 10 Infantry Battalions and the Scout Ranger Battalion have already been activated. These additional Army units aim to further strengthen the Army’s capability in addressing the various threats, particularly terrorism besetting the country," Villanueva pointed out.

The recruitment is now on-going and the training will start not later than June 2018. Interested applicants may visit the Army recruitment centers located in Cagayan De Oro City, Cebu City, and Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Also, interested individuals may also browse the PA website or visit the nearest Army base in their respective localities for inquiries and other details.

Article source: Philippine News Agency

 

Philippine Soldiers receive 3000 protective eyewear for combat

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero (right) through Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana (third from left), receives the protective eyewear from Mr. Sabin Aboitiz (second from left) who donated a total of 3,000 for soldiers in combat operations in a handover ceremony Monday, 15 January 2018 at the DND Social Hall. (Photo by SN1 Donald Viluan/PAOAFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Department of National Defense (DND) received the second batch of protective eyewear meant for soldiers engaged in combat operations on the ground.

Secretary of National Defense Delfin N. Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero received the Delta Plus safety glasses from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. led by Mr. Sabin Aboitiz in a ceremonial handover ceremony held today, 15 January, 2018 at the DND Social Hall here.

Some 700 pieces were initially turned over to soldiers in Marawi City at the height of the battle against Deash - Maute terrorists to protect frontline troops from eye injury resulting from IED explosions, debris, and shrapnel.

A total of 3,000 safety eyewear were turned over to the Philippine Army for use of soldiers in combat operations.

“We in the Aboitiz Group appreciate very much the sacrifices made by our soldiers. We can never thank them enough for their service and sacrifice that they have done for the country,” Mr. Aboitiz said. "On behalf of our One Defense Team, I thank the Aboitiz Group for giving protective eyewear for our frontline troops...

It should be noted that this donation demonstrates the strong cooperation and collaboration that has always existed between the private sector and the government. Aside from being a tangible and visible indicator of our joint efforts, it demonstrates our concern and love for our valiant soldiers who continue to sacrifice their lives for our freedom and who continuously face threats at sea and on land,” Lorenzana said.

The DND notes that in modern combat operations, the risk of soldiers incurring damage to their eyes is very high, leading to either partial or total blindness or a lifetime of disability and suffering, not just for the soldiers but for the families as well. This was evident in places like Marawi and in other areas where soldiers operate.

The Aboitiz Group’s donation is not only timely but significant as well because it will augment our current efforts to boost the AFP’s capability to conduct focused, surgical, and sustained military
operations.

Source: DND Press Release 1/15/2018

Philippine military deter NPA harassments, and Marawi City 30 percent cleared from IED's

AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units

File photo by Mark Balmores/MANILA BULLETIN

Combat troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to protect and defend village communities against harassment perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists, disclosed regional Army spokesman on Saturday.

In a statement to The Manila Bulletin, Capt. Jerry S. Lamosao, regional Army spokesman of 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), said the NPA terrorists attempted to harass some far-flung village communities in Compostela Valley (ComVal) and Davao Oriental provinces but were prevented by the combat maneuvering battalions of the 10th ID.

Combat maneuvering troops of the 71st Infantry Battallion (71st IB) recovered 2 units (Anti-Tank) of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), weighing 30 kilos each, believed to be emplaced by members of SECOM 27 and SRC 2 of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at the vicinity of Sitio Lower Mahayag, Barangay Nuevo Iloco, Mawab, ComVal province at 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday(Dec, 27), the 10th ID spokesperson claimed.

At 1:50 p.m. on Thursday (Dec. 28), elements of 66th IB were deployed to respond and verify the information from the local residents that there were armed men believed to be NPA terrorists roaming around in their community, prompting the security patrol to proceed to the reported area. They encountered an undetermined number of NPA terrorists for 20 minutes at vicinity Sitio Mabugnao, Barangay Las Arenas, Pantukan town of the same province, the regional Army spokesman said.

As the situation progressed, at 4: 35 p.m. on the same day (Dec. 28), another section of 28th IB encountered some 10 NPA terrorists at the vicinity Sitio Bato-bato, Barangay Tubaon, Tarragona, Davao Oriental, he said.

At about 7:45 p.m. of the same day (Dec. 28), a team of 28th IB on board a Military Utility Elf, while traversing Tarragona-Barangay Tuboan road to fetch the slightly wounded soldier was land mined at vicinity Sitio Guibaan, Barangay Tubaon of that same town. The Elf Truck was slightly damaged at the rear portion, he said.

At around 7:50 p.m. on the same day, one Platoon of 67th IB encountered another 10 NPA terrorists believed to be members of Pulang Bagani Command 8 (PBC 8), SRC 1 of the CPP-NPA-SMRC while reinforcing the beleaguered troops of 28th IB onboard the Elf truck that was land mined, he said.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes. At about 10:45 p.m. on the same day, another one Platoon of 67th IB cleared the road from Maitum area of that same province to the encounter site and linked-up with the Scout Platoon at location of the land mined Elf truck, he said.

“All of the troops are still in the area to prevent or thwart any hostile plan of the enemy to go to the center of the community,” Capt. Lamosao added.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commanding general of the 10th “Agila” Division condemned anew the harassments by the NPAs.

This post has been compressed, for the original article - AFP troops deter harassment of communities by NPA units - Manila Bulletin

 30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, IEDs

Soldiers have already cleared 30 percent of the battle zones of Marawi City from booby traps and other improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by Maute gunmen.

Maj. Gen. Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, the chief engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said the clearing operation was being undertaken as part of the rehabilitation process of the affected areas of Marawi City which was devastated by five months of gun battle.

The military’s Joint Engineer Task Group (JETG) is continuing with its rehabilitation efforts in the city.

“The JETG continues its main mission of clearing explosives completing around 30 percent of the whole most affected area,” said Depakakibo.

Military data disclosed that as of December 15, a total of 2,853 assorted unexploded ordnance and 415 improvised explosive devices were recovered by the JETG.

The JETG, he said, is being assisted by Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Company and K-9 Teams from the Philippine Army and Philippines Air Force.

Depakakibo said the JETG also completed the clearing of more or less 20 kilometers primary and secondary roads, three major bridges, a school, and three places of worship immediately after the liberation of Marawi.

As a result, the official said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was able to conduct timely post-conflict needs assessment in Marawi City.

“We also continue our limited construction support to government agencies involved in supporting the maintenance of evacuation centers,” said Depakakibo.

Aside from construction support, the JETG also assisted the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) in the construction of 500 temporary shelters for the evacuees.

More than 500 military engineers are currently deployed in Marawi City as part of the JETG. The task group is supporting the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation operations being led by Task Force Bangon Marawi.


This post has been compressed, for the original article - 30 percent of Marawi City cleared of booby traps, EID's - Manila Bulletin

AFP Modernization 2017: Highlights and Review

The modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines was on a roll this year, as we've seen a few big ticket items having completely delivered this year. Game changers as they say, these new assets have proven their capabilities both in combat and humanitarian missions.

Here's a brief on everything what we know about the AFP modernization this 2017.

Philippine Air Force 

FA-50PH

The final batch of the FA-50PH Lead-In Fighter Trainers have been successfully delivered by the Korean Aerospace Industries last May. The last batch of 2 arrived on May 31st at Clark Air Base. The contract consist of 12 FA-50's at the price of Php 18.9 billion. AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla mentioned on a March 23 article in Inquirer that there are plans to purchase 6 more additional FA-50's if the funding allows it and if the performance is good.

FA-50PH Weapons - AIM-9 Air-to-air Missiles

Aside from the aircraft itself the Department of National Defense also ordered AIM-9 "Sidewinder" missiles from German manufacturer Diehl Raytheon with a contract price of Php 1,016,734,088. The notice to proceed was issued on August 31st. Department of National Defense Public Affairs Office Chief Arsenio Andolong said that these missiles are going to be "factory fresh".

FA-50PH Flight Simulators

The Department of National Defense also ordered flight simulators for the FA-50PH from its manufacturer, Korean Aerospace Industries. The package will consist of a cockpit system, navigation system, video system, manuals, repair parts and support equipment. The delivery is expected in 2019 and contract price is Php 376 million.

6 Super Tucano's for Close Air Support

Last November the DND awarded Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer Defense and Security for the contract to supply 6 light attach aircraft  with a contract price of Php 4.968 billion. Expected delivery will be on 2019. Aside from close air support missions the aircraft's will also be used in surveillance and counter-insurgency missions.

Philippine Navy

 

Delivery of second Strategic Sealift Vessel

The Philippine Navy's second amphibious landing dock vessel BRP Davao Del Sur LD-602 arrived in May. Based on the Makassar class ships, the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur was built by PT PAL Indonesia. Contract price for the 2 ships is Php 4 billion. The Tarlac-class of ships can carry up to 500 troops, 2 landing crafts, 3 helicopters, and 2 rigid-hull inflatable boats. Both 601 and 602 have been used in both humanitarian missions and in support of combat operations.

5 TC-90 Beechcraft surveillance aircraft

Five refurbished TC-90's was donated to the Philippine Navy after bilateral talks with the Japanese Government during the sidelines of the ASEAN summit last November. 2 of the TC-90's are already being operated by the Philippine Navy since March and the remaining 3 will be delivered in the first quarter of 2018.

Additional 3 MPAC Mk 3 

Last May the Philippine Navy activated 3 Mk 3 Multi-Purpose Attack Craft into its inventory. The Php 270 million project was undertaken by Propmech Corporation and Taiwan-based Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation.

Spike ER Missile System for the MPAC

Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd will install Spike Missile systems on an undetermined number of the Navy's MPAC. Scheduled to arrive this December but was postponed and rescheduled for delivery this coming January 2018. The delivery was postponed due to the unavailability of transport assets from the Philippine Air Force as it was focused on humanitarian missions ferrying relief supplies to typhoon affected areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

[UPDATE: added on December 31, 2017] 

The MPAC (Lot 2) Weapons System and Missiles Acquisition Project worth P594,319,550.

According to Defense Update, the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will make each Remote Weapon System (RWS) operate 12.7 heavy machine guns also and mount Spike-ER launchers. This will extend the boat’s firepower to more than 8 kilometers. These acquisitions are significant because, for the Spike ER, it will be the very first missile system ever to officially enter service with our PN ships.

The new MPAC 3 armed with 4 canister Spike missile launcher and Mini typhoon RCWS.

The report said three Mini Typhoon remotely controlled stabilized gun mounts to arm the MPAC MKIII of the PN. Each will contain 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm ammunition, and 10 surface-to-surface missile canisters. (source - AsianMilDef)

Aerostat Radar from the US

The United States donated a Tethered Aerostat Radar System (TARS) to the Philippine Navy last August with the purpose of enhancing the Navy's maritime surveillance.

Philippine Army and Philippine Marines

12 Elbit Soltam M-71 155mm Howitzers

The Philippine Army and Philippine Marines have each received 6 brand new M-71 155mm howitzers from Elbit Systems of Israel. Estimated contract price is Php 410 million.

KM450 and KM250 military trucks

KM250

The Department of National Defense signed a government-to-government contract with Korea for military trucks to be used by the Army and Marines. The signing was held last October with an estimated value of about Php 1.4 billion for the Army contract and Php 313 million for the Marines contract.

1 1/4 ton KM450

The Army contract consist of 227 units 1/2 ton KM250 trucks, 10 units 2 1/2 ton KM250 wreckers, while for the Marines it will consist of 108 1 1/4 ton KM450 trucks.



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Original article posted at Inquirer.net

Philippine Armored Vehicles with ad-hoc wood slat armor

While searching for Philippine armored vehicles for the updates being done for both the blog and the Facebook page I chanced upon images of Philippine Army and Marine armor assets covered with thick wood planks as slat armor for protection from rocket propelled grenades. This caught the eyes of Popular Mechanics who published an article last June 8th just for this subject.

From the Popular Mechanics Article

According to the article,

Wood armor on armored vehicles won't save them from ISIS rockets.

Not sure, I'll leave that to the actual reports from the Philippine Military in using wood as an ad hoc protection for rpg's, but yes this is only during emergencies. The Philippine Army and Philippine Marines should employ or use the real add-on armors currently in the market for armored vehicle protection. Or they could just simply buy new thicker-armored vehicles to be used for front-line operations and have the old vehicles to be used in secondary missions or as support vehicles.

From the Popular Mechanics Article

Nonetheless the fast-thinking of our military personnel to address situations like these have saved lives and would commend them for their ingenuity. I hope the upper ranks, the defense officials, and our politicians would be kind enough to give away a huge chunk of their "development funds" for the modernization of our armed forces.

Photo by Photo by Bbobby Lagsa/Rappler, but this comes from the SouthFront.org article

The photo above is a Philippine Marine V300 (for verification) employing ad-hoc armor in a different way. Not sure what they were using but those are surely for additional armor.

Embed from Getty Images

This image from Getty Images caught my attention the most because it has the "Free Wifi" spray painted on the wood armor. I would definitely need that free wifi specially if it is LTE.

A Rappler article titled "Marawi tanks with graffiti are talk of the town" gave me more information regarding not just about the wood armor but also for the graffiti on it. According to the article, aside from being a comic relief in the war-torn city, soldiers have said that it is effective.

Photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rapper

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, spokesman of the Joint Task Force Marawi, "they have proven effective in the battlefield."

It's not foolproof but the wooden planks have been able to trigger the explosion of some RPGs, keeping troops inside the tanks safe, according to Herrera.

The article also noted that it became viral online and was dubbed as Filipino soldiers' 'do-it-yourself' armor.

Another photo taken of the Philippine Army Simba "Pangasinan" from the Japan Times article.

 Asia Times also got hold of an image of a Philippine Marine V150 with wood armor.

Photo: Reuters/Romeo Ranoco

Another photo found in the Defence Forum India has the "Mad Max" painted on the front, thanks to Brahmos.

Kudos to the uploader of this photo.

A more recent article about the Philippine Army's Mechanized Infantry Division by Northbound Philippines News Online also has an image of a Simba armored personnel carrier with wood armor.

Reddit user boxtactics also shared this photo.

Now that the peace in Marawi has been restored, I hope that the Philippine military will upgrade all armored assets with add-on armors that is available on the market. The recently delivered M113's should be a good starting point as these have available add-on armors on the market. Hoping that both the army and the marines will include that in their respective Christmas and New Year wish list.



Thank you to the respective owners of the images:
Getty Images
Rappler.com
Reuters 
Asia Times 
Northbound Philippines News Online

Philippine Navy, Army in ASEAN drills

The Philippine Navy and Philippine Army will participate in a security and counter-terrorism drill during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting on May 1-12 in Brunei and Singapore.

The Navy’s frigate, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, will join the 11-day multilateral exercise among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, according to Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo.

The spokesperson said the Navy will represent the country in the maritime security drill, while the Philippine Army will participate in counter-terrorism, land-storming and ground operations.

“It will represent another significant moment of participation and commitment by all 18 countries for practical cooperation,” Domingo said.

Joining the 10 ASEAN members are Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the United States.

The BRP Gregorio del Pilar will also take part in another drill, the maritime training activity “Seagull” to be held on May 10-17.

---
Inquirer.net

Philippine Army has Php 247M for Howitzer ammo

The Philippine Army has earmarked P247 million toward the  purchase of 105mm artillery shells for combat and infantry operations.

In a bid invitation with the Philippine International Trading Corp., the Army said it had allocated P247,835,166.28   for the contract to supply 8,588 rounds of 105mm Howitzer cannon shells.

“That is a regular requirement of our troops in the field. We are advancing our procurement based on projected requirements,” Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

Each  round  should cost  P28,858.31 based on the approved contract budget.

Local and foreign manufacturers who would place their bids though foreign manufacturers must be represented by a Philippine-based company.

Bidders may purchase bid documents at  P50,000 at the PITC, NDC Building, 116 Tordesillas St., Salcedo Village, Makati.

Deadline for submission of bids is May 12 at 10 a.m.

---
Inquirer.net

Philippine Army, Navy to bid out P50-M projects

The Army and the Navy will hold biddings for close to P50-million worth of military projects.

The Army will spend P13.49 million to buy spare parts of a KM250 truck while the Navy will acquire 3,780 high explosive rounds worth P36.34 million. 

The truck spare parts and explosive rounds will be acquired through the Philippine International Trading Corp., a state-run firm created to secure cost-effective procurement deals. 

The bid notices for the two projects were published in The STAR yesterday. The procurement will be undertaken through open competitive bidding as provided by the implementing rules of the procurement law. 

The Navy project, meanwhile, involves the supply and delivery of 3,780 rounds brand new cartridge 25mm high explosive incendiary- tracer linked. The high explosives will be used for the Navy troops’ security operations.

Prospective bidders may obtain more information about the projects from the Bids and Awards Committee 1 Secretariat at the National Development Corp. building during weekdays.

By Alexis Romero (The Philippine Star) 

Breastfeeding mother of 2 mans big guns in all-out offensive vs BIFF

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—She was forced to stop breastfeeding her second baby because her job obviously would not allow her to bring her infant along.

But Capt. Joan Pacudan, who as a battery commander in the 6th Field Artillery Battalion (FAB) helps direct the field artillery that provides the fire support in a combined military operation, said she had no regrets about leaving her two daughters to carry out a mission: to restore peace in conflict zones.

“It’s sad to be away from my children but I am happy knowing that the internally displaced civilians were able to return to their homes,” said Pacudan, whose unit is involved in the current military offensive against the Moro insurgent group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Pikit, North Cotabato, last month and in Maguindanao now.

In the Pikit operation, more than a dozen BIFF gunmen were killed “mostly from artillery fire” and majority of the 20,000 displaced residents have since returned home, the military said.

Pacudan, who delivered her second baby late last year, had just ended her maternity leave when Armed Forces Chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. declared an all-out offensive against the BIFF in late February.

She had to leave her daughters in the care of a nanny and took up her assignment in the campaign to subdue the BIFF.

Very important job

Lt. Col. Ray Claudio Abaya, the battalion commander of the 6th FAB, said Pacudan’s job as artillery commander was very important for operating troops because the targets were open field, near marshy areas, or surrounded by running trenches and barricades.

“It was difficult for the ground troops to assault the BIFF positions since they enjoyed a vantage position,” he said.

“It was a challenge for Joan to make sure the artillery rounds would fall exactly on their (BIFF) positions,” Abaya said.

Because of the artillery support given by Pacudan, the BIFF was “caught by surprise and were forced to leave their vantage position after suffering heavy casualties,” Abaya said.

“The government troops maintained their offensive posture due to the responsive and accurate artillery fire support that covered their advance,” he said.

With all the difficulties attendant to a mother in her position, Pacudan never complained, he said.

Pacudan said she has not been sleeping well for more than a week now as government troops continue to pursue the BIFF in Maguindanao, particularly in the so-called Reina Regente complex.

“We’ve been moving from one fire base to another and I’m just sleeping on a hammock slung between the trees, together with my troops,” she said.

Late last year, Pacudan was awarded the Bronze Cross Medal by the Regiment Commander of Army Artillery Brig. Gen. Leandro Loyao III for acts of heroism involving risks of life.

Women troops

Loyao, now based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, said in a statement that the artillery regiment “always considers the importance of the equal and full participation in decision-making, peace-building and peacekeeping; maintenance and promotion of peace and security” of women soldiers.

“We have four female officers designated as battery commanders, one is in Luzon, one in the Visayas and two in Mindanao. There are also other junior and field-grade female officers performing battalion and regiment staff duties, with enlisted women providing backup in clerical and administrative tasks,” Loyao said.

When not engaged in war duties, the women in the artillery units are kept busy with various civil-military and humanitarian activities, he said.

From teacher to soldier

Pacudan, 34, is a Mindanao-born former teacher, according to Maj. Rosa Ma. Cristina Manuel, the public information officer of the artillery regiment based in Nueva Ecija.

She left teaching and joined the Armed Forces in 2004 through the Officers Candidate School, completing the Officer’s Preparatory Course Class 49.

Pacudan married a classmate of Class 49, who is also a military officer, Manuel said.

After graduation, Pacudan was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division in the Bicol Region as chief of the pension, gratuity and assistance office until 2006. She became deputy assistant of the chief of staff for personnel in the region, eventually becoming a battery commander in the 6th FAB.

Abaya said that despite being a woman, Pacudan is every bit the commander.

“Wait until you hear this lady command the cannons during fire missions. She would do this with authority and she would growl on top of her voice sending shivers to her troops. She always hits the target earning praises and accolades from the unit commander,” he said.

Source: Allan Nawal - Inquirer.net

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 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

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

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

Philippine Army to get 400 brand-new light rocket launchers

In line with its modernization program, the Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced that it will be getting 400 units of LRRs (light rocket launcher anti-tank weapons) before the end of 2014.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said that these weapons are meant to replace the 186 units of 90-mm and 26 pieces of 57-mm recoilless rifles currently in service.

He added the decision to acquire the 400 units of LRRs was done as the recoil-less rifles were too heavy to be carried by a single soldier alone.

"One of the downside aspect for these old weapons is that they are too heavy to be carried by an individual soldier, that most instances, it impedes the movement of maneuvering troops," Bacus stressed.

Aside from these LRRs, the PA also has 12 units of 76-mm guns and 300 25-mm cannons for its anti-armor role.

Anti-armor capability refers to the ability to destroy or disable enemy armor in the battlefield.


PA anti-armor weapons are issued to elite and special operations units and the newly-created mechanized infantry companies which consist of 14 armored vehicles each.

Article Source: PNA

Philippine Army has anti-armor capability

Not many people are aware of it but the Philippine Army, despite its small size, has an anti-armor capability.

This capability refers to a military unit's ability to destroy or incapacitate enemy armor units in the battlefield.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said such anti-armor is provided by the 90mm and 57mm recoilless rifles, of which there are sufficient numbers in the armory.

"These weapons are being operated by elite infantry and special operations units," he added.

Aside from these weapons, the PA also operates 76mm and 25mm anti-tank guns which are mounted on its Scorpion CVRTs (combat vehicles reconnaissance tracks).

These vehicles are organized into mechanized infantry units of 14 CVRTs or armored fighting vehicles (AFVs).

The PA is known to operate 65 units of the Scorpion CVRTs.


The PA has 343 AFVs in its inventory, of which 150 are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba." The remaining AFVs consist of United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113 "Bradley," Turkish-made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs. 

Article Source: PNA

Philippine military to triple size of anti-terrorist unit

The Philippine government is to triple the size of a special forces military unit that operates against Islamist militants responsible for deadly bombings and kidnappings of Westerners, officials said Tuesday.

The Light Reaction Battalion is to be built up to regiment size, Philippine Army chief Lieutenant-General Noel Coballes said, an increase from about 500 soldiers to as many as 1,500.

"We have seen how effective they are, so we are strengthening the unit in terms of anti-terrorism. From a battalion we'll increase it to a regiment," he said.

The unit is fighting the Abu Sayyaf, a group of several hundred Islamist militants who are behind the country's deadliest attacks as well as kidnappings of Western targets.

Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the battalion had taken substantial casualties during a three-week battle against gunmen in the southern port of Zamboanga in September last year.

The gunmen are followers of former rebel leader Nur Misuari, who went into hiding as hundreds of his men infiltrated Zamboanga to oppose a proposed peace treaty between the Philippine government and a rival Muslim guerrilla faction.

The fighting left more than 240 people dead and displaced about 116,000 people as entire districts of the city of nearly a million people went up in flames.

"As you have seen, we lost a number of our men in the Zamboanga incident, which led to a shortage that needed to be addressed," Gazmin said.

Neither official gave a timetable, but Armed Forces spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Ramon Zagala said the unit would be bulked up within the year.

"Based on what happened in Zamboanga, our military leadership saw a need to increase the strength of the Light Reaction Battalion to be able to address contingencies anywhere in the country," Zagala told AFP.

The United States has trained and equipped the battalion since 2002, to help its Asian ally fight the Islamist militants in the south of the mainly Catholic nation.

Article Source: InterAksyon

Philippine Army to boost fire support with 14 APCs

 The Philippine Army will acquire 14 M113 armored personnel carriers in 2015 to boost its fire support capabilities.

Army spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said the M113 vehicles will be installed with 76-mm turrets among others from decommissioned Scorpion combat vehicle reconnaissance (tracked) units.

"It will be fitted with modern fire control and thermal imaging equipment. Once it is completed, the 76mm cannon armed M113s will be quite lethal," Bacus added.

The Army is currently operating over 100 M113 units, and the would-be acquisitions are manufactured by BAE Systems Land and Armaments.

In the United States Army, the M113 series have been replaced as front-line combat vehicles by the M2 and M3 Bradley.

The Department of National Defense had said that more than P85 billion is needed for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 2014 to 2018.

Last year, the Army commissioned excessM1114 Armored Humvees as well as M939 and M35 truck series from the US. The new fighting vehicles provided fire support during the Zamboanga siege last September.

Article Source: The Philippine Star

Philippine Army has 273 artillery pieces

Not many people are aware of it but the Philippine Army (PA), which fields 10 infantry divisions, has an estimated 273 artillery pieces in its inventory.

This number does not include artillery pieces owned by the Philippine Marine Corps, Army spokesperson Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

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.

Bacus said that six of these guns are grouped to make one battery.

He added that these guns serves as fire support and bombardment weapons of the PA.

The Army spokesperson also stressed that batteries of these guns are assigned to all of the PA’s infantry divisions.

However, he declined to comment on how many batteries each division possessed for reasons of security.

Earlier, the Department of National Defense announced that it is acquiring 12 units of towed 155mm howitzers for P438,620,000.

This includes 240 rounds of 155mm HE (high explosive) and integrated logistic support.

Article Source