By Ronron
January 5, 20007
Manila- Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo approved on Friday the purchase of military equipment worth P10 billion under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, which is expected to boost the military’s capability in defeating the different enemies of the state.
After more than three hours of closed-door meeting at Camp Aguinaldo with top officials of the AFP, led by Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., Arroyo ordered Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya to immediately release the balance of P5 billion for the P10 billion AFP modernization program as the bidding formally opens today (Saturday), said Esperon.
Earlier in the day during the New Year’s Call of AFP and Defense officials on Arroyo, the latter said in her speech that a pre-procurement conference will immediately be held after to mark the start of the purchase of the modernization equipment.
She said the government was able to collect more than enough funds as a result of its economic reforms, which may now be utilized to address basic services needs, fund infrastructure projects, and support the modernization program, which was approved by a law signed in 1995.
“With your dedication to the service of our country and people, our Administration shall continue to implement programs that would propel growth and its social payback of jobs, food, health and education,” Arroyo said.
The President, who is currently the Defense Secretary, recognized the role of the AFP in the attainment of the country’s economic gains by maintaining peace and order.
“The President has approved the 14 projects, record number of projects that were approved in one day, in fact less than a day. This is worth P10 billion,” Esperon told reporters after their meeting.
The AFP Cabability Development Chairman, Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero, who is the AFP’s Vice Chief of Staff, said P5 billion of the P10 billion was already released in April 2005, and the balance of P5 billion is expected to be released this month.
Esperon said among the equipment to be purchased include radio and other communication equipment, helicopters, watercrafts, mobility vehicles, EOD (Explosives and Ordnance Division) equipment, and firearms.
Romero said that with the purchase of said equipment, they expect that the operational capability of the AFP will increase to 70 percent from the current 50 to 60 percent.
“We are sticking to our target of defeating the CPP/NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines / New People’s Army) by 2010. All the more that we are confident that we can achieve this with these new equipment,” Esperon said.
“These are all intended to support the insurgency operations,” Romero addded.
Romero said the public bidding officially starts today (Saturday) and will last for 30 days.
Given this period, they expect the first deliveries of the equipment by April through July.
“All of these 14 (items), if there will be no obstacles, should be delivered within the year, except maybe for the aircrafts,” Romero said./DMS
Saturday, January 6, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
NPA strikes in Aurora and Agusan, the first for 2007
By Ronron
January 4, 2007 (Thursday)
The New People’s Army (NPA) struck for the first time this year against government troops and a private installation on Thursday in Aurora and Agusan del Sur, respectively.
Reports reaching Camp Crame disclosed that the first incident happened at around 3 am in Villa Aurora town, Aurora province.
According to initial police reports, an undetermined number of NPA fighters attacked the Dimani Police Community Precinct, carting away two M16 rifles and an M203 rifle.
There was no immediate information about the casualties or whether or not a firefight ensued.
But elements of the Aurora Provincial Police Office and of the Provincial Mobile Group responded to the site.
At 4:50 am, another group of rebels struck against the Globe Telecommunications relay station in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Initial reports said the guerillas surprised the guards of the facility located at Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Del Monte by opening fire and lobbing a grenade. But no casualties and damages were incurred.
Instead, the guards and six military operatives nearby fought back, ensuing a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The enemy withdrew, leaving no major damage to the Globe properties.
Pursuit operations were conducted against the perpetrators.
The Philippine military hopes to neutralize the 7,100-strong NPA before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term in 2010./DMS
January 4, 2007 (Thursday)
The New People’s Army (NPA) struck for the first time this year against government troops and a private installation on Thursday in Aurora and Agusan del Sur, respectively.
Reports reaching Camp Crame disclosed that the first incident happened at around 3 am in Villa Aurora town, Aurora province.
According to initial police reports, an undetermined number of NPA fighters attacked the Dimani Police Community Precinct, carting away two M16 rifles and an M203 rifle.
There was no immediate information about the casualties or whether or not a firefight ensued.
But elements of the Aurora Provincial Police Office and of the Provincial Mobile Group responded to the site.
At 4:50 am, another group of rebels struck against the Globe Telecommunications relay station in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Initial reports said the guerillas surprised the guards of the facility located at Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Del Monte by opening fire and lobbing a grenade. But no casualties and damages were incurred.
Instead, the guards and six military operatives nearby fought back, ensuing a heavy exchange of gunfire.
The enemy withdrew, leaving no major damage to the Globe properties.
Pursuit operations were conducted against the perpetrators.
The Philippine military hopes to neutralize the 7,100-strong NPA before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ends her term in 2010./DMS
Two Magdalo officers allegedly tortured by Army custodians
By Ronron
January 4, 2007 (Thursday)
Two officers of the Philippine Army who are implicated in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny are reportedly being tortured mentally by their custodians for them to turn against their alleged coddlers while they were on the run almost a year ago from government hands.
According to their wives, 1st Lieutenant Sonny Sarmiento and 2nd Lt. Aldrin Baldonado have been locked up in solitary confinement at the Army’s Intelligence Security Group (ISG) Compound since their re-arrest in July last year.
“He lost a lot of weight and has turned pale. He is weak,” Venus Sarmiento said of her husband in a phone interview with Defense reporters Wednesday.
Wilma Baldonado said the same of her husband in a separate interview.
The two wives claimed that their husbands are being pressured into signing an affidavit that would point to certain personalities as their coddlers while they were hiding from authorities from January until July 2006.
Sarmiento and Baldonado were among those arrested at a townhouse in Quezon City last July 7, 2006. Sarmiento was among four Magdalo officers who escaped on January 17, 2006 from their detention cell in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, while Baldonado went on Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) in the same month.
Their wives claimed that the two are being forced to sign a statement prepared by the Philippine Army leadership that would implicate personalities from the political opposition in their escape and being fugitives last year.
They said that when Sarmiento and Baldonado manifested their intention to sign the document in November last year, the treatment on them suddenly changed – they were served more delicious viands, and they were allowed to see the sun.
But when they changed their minds, the treatment became harsh again.
“My husband did not sign it because he was thinking about our family, that those personalities he would implicate might get back on us,” said Mrs. Baldonado.
The wives said that apparently, their husbands are being groomed to follow what 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, a fellow Magdalo officer, did on July 14, 2006 when he turned against his fellow mutineers.
San Juan was with Sarmiento when the latter escaped in January last year. He was re-arrested a month later in Batangas, after allegedly meeting with communist rebels to forge a plan to overthrow the Arroyo government.
“If possible, they be removed from their present detention,” Mrs. Baldonado appealed.
Sought for comment, Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters in a phone interview that there is no “solitary confinement” at the Army headquarters, denying the wives’ claim.
“They are not in solitary confinement. They are being treated well, according to their rights,” Torres said, adding that the mutineers are being held at the Custodial Management Unit of the Army headquarters.
He said he has no knowledge about the alleged affidavit for signing, and referred the matter to the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation.
“The role of the Army is only for their custody,” Torres said.
Both Sarmiento and Baldonado are facing criminal charges at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for having in their possession last July 7, 2006 a number of firearms and explosives.
Sarmiento is also among the 29 officers and two enlisted personnel being tried at the Makati City Regional Trial Court on coup d’ etat charges stemming from the Oakwood mutiny. He is facing being tried at the General Court Martial for the same activities./DMS
January 4, 2007 (Thursday)
Two officers of the Philippine Army who are implicated in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny are reportedly being tortured mentally by their custodians for them to turn against their alleged coddlers while they were on the run almost a year ago from government hands.
According to their wives, 1st Lieutenant Sonny Sarmiento and 2nd Lt. Aldrin Baldonado have been locked up in solitary confinement at the Army’s Intelligence Security Group (ISG) Compound since their re-arrest in July last year.
“He lost a lot of weight and has turned pale. He is weak,” Venus Sarmiento said of her husband in a phone interview with Defense reporters Wednesday.
Wilma Baldonado said the same of her husband in a separate interview.
The two wives claimed that their husbands are being pressured into signing an affidavit that would point to certain personalities as their coddlers while they were hiding from authorities from January until July 2006.
Sarmiento and Baldonado were among those arrested at a townhouse in Quezon City last July 7, 2006. Sarmiento was among four Magdalo officers who escaped on January 17, 2006 from their detention cell in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, while Baldonado went on Absence Without Official Leave (AWOL) in the same month.
Their wives claimed that the two are being forced to sign a statement prepared by the Philippine Army leadership that would implicate personalities from the political opposition in their escape and being fugitives last year.
They said that when Sarmiento and Baldonado manifested their intention to sign the document in November last year, the treatment on them suddenly changed – they were served more delicious viands, and they were allowed to see the sun.
But when they changed their minds, the treatment became harsh again.
“My husband did not sign it because he was thinking about our family, that those personalities he would implicate might get back on us,” said Mrs. Baldonado.
The wives said that apparently, their husbands are being groomed to follow what 1Lt. Lawrence San Juan, a fellow Magdalo officer, did on July 14, 2006 when he turned against his fellow mutineers.
San Juan was with Sarmiento when the latter escaped in January last year. He was re-arrested a month later in Batangas, after allegedly meeting with communist rebels to forge a plan to overthrow the Arroyo government.
“If possible, they be removed from their present detention,” Mrs. Baldonado appealed.
Sought for comment, Army spokesman Maj. Ernesto Torres, Jr. told reporters in a phone interview that there is no “solitary confinement” at the Army headquarters, denying the wives’ claim.
“They are not in solitary confinement. They are being treated well, according to their rights,” Torres said, adding that the mutineers are being held at the Custodial Management Unit of the Army headquarters.
He said he has no knowledge about the alleged affidavit for signing, and referred the matter to the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation.
“The role of the Army is only for their custody,” Torres said.
Both Sarmiento and Baldonado are facing criminal charges at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for having in their possession last July 7, 2006 a number of firearms and explosives.
Sarmiento is also among the 29 officers and two enlisted personnel being tried at the Makati City Regional Trial Court on coup d’ etat charges stemming from the Oakwood mutiny. He is facing being tried at the General Court Martial for the same activities./DMS
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
RP-US Balikatan 07 will push through - US
By Ronron
Jan. 2, 2007 (Tuesday)
Manila - Four days after it got custody of convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, the United States (US) government announced on Tuesday the resumption of the Balikatan exercises with Philippine troops this year.
“Now that the custody issue has been addressed, hopefully, we’ll be able to go forward with Balikatan,” US Embassy in Manila spokesman Matthew Lussenhop said in a television interview.
Lussenhop could not immediately say, however, the exact date for the annual military training exercises, although it has been held traditionally in late February or in March of every year.
The US government announced last December 22 the cancellation of the holding of the war games, which go with some humanitarian assistance projects for local depressed communities, due to the alleged non-compliance of the Philippine government with the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), particularly on the detention of Smith at the Makati City Jail.
Smith, 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Makati City judge Benjamin Pozon last December 4, 2006 after he was found guilty of raping a native of Zamboanga City, identified in public as “Nicole.” The crime happened on the night of November 1, 2005 in Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales as Smith and his fellow war games participants were about to leave the country.
On Friday evening, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) authorized the transfer of Smith to the US Embassy in Manila, citing the agreement made by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney that Smith may be held under US custody while his conviction is under appeal at the Court of Appeals.
Asked if the cancellation of the Balikatan was a way by the US to pressure Philippines to give in to their custody request, Lussenhop replied: “I wouldn’t characterize it as a pressure… When Balitakan was cancelled a couple of weeks ago, it was because there was a custody issue and the issue of the Philippine government’s … compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement. That’s the agreement that provides the legal framework for all visiting forces. And as Balikatan was the next big exercise coming up, in the planning and preparing for that exercises, they needed to make that decision (to cancel).”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is looking forward to the resumption of the Balikatan exercises, which it describes as a “symbiotic” activity for both American and Filipino troops.
“We are looking forward that the exercises will resume after all issues are cleared. Of course, if this pushes through, it will be beneficial to the Armed Forces of the Philippines because of the exchange of training,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said yesterday.
Bacarro said even the American troops learn a lot from the training, especially on guerilla warfare tactics of Filipino forces.
“It is a loss on our part. And at the same time, it will be a loss on their part in terms of training and interoperability. Now, with the resumption, of course, it will benefit us again,” Bacarro said.
The Balikatan usually gathers thousands of American and Filipino troops that hold military training, exercises and humanitarian activities in selected parts of the country for a month or less./DMS
Jan. 2, 2007 (Tuesday)
Manila - Four days after it got custody of convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, the United States (US) government announced on Tuesday the resumption of the Balikatan exercises with Philippine troops this year.
“Now that the custody issue has been addressed, hopefully, we’ll be able to go forward with Balikatan,” US Embassy in Manila spokesman Matthew Lussenhop said in a television interview.
Lussenhop could not immediately say, however, the exact date for the annual military training exercises, although it has been held traditionally in late February or in March of every year.
The US government announced last December 22 the cancellation of the holding of the war games, which go with some humanitarian assistance projects for local depressed communities, due to the alleged non-compliance of the Philippine government with the RP-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), particularly on the detention of Smith at the Makati City Jail.
Smith, 21, was sentenced to life imprisonment by Makati City judge Benjamin Pozon last December 4, 2006 after he was found guilty of raping a native of Zamboanga City, identified in public as “Nicole.” The crime happened on the night of November 1, 2005 in Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales as Smith and his fellow war games participants were about to leave the country.
On Friday evening, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) authorized the transfer of Smith to the US Embassy in Manila, citing the agreement made by Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo and US Ambassador to Manila Kristie Kenney that Smith may be held under US custody while his conviction is under appeal at the Court of Appeals.
Asked if the cancellation of the Balikatan was a way by the US to pressure Philippines to give in to their custody request, Lussenhop replied: “I wouldn’t characterize it as a pressure… When Balitakan was cancelled a couple of weeks ago, it was because there was a custody issue and the issue of the Philippine government’s … compliance with the Visiting Forces Agreement. That’s the agreement that provides the legal framework for all visiting forces. And as Balikatan was the next big exercise coming up, in the planning and preparing for that exercises, they needed to make that decision (to cancel).”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it is looking forward to the resumption of the Balikatan exercises, which it describes as a “symbiotic” activity for both American and Filipino troops.
“We are looking forward that the exercises will resume after all issues are cleared. Of course, if this pushes through, it will be beneficial to the Armed Forces of the Philippines because of the exchange of training,” AFP Public Information Officer Lt. Col. Bartolome Bacarro said yesterday.
Bacarro said even the American troops learn a lot from the training, especially on guerilla warfare tactics of Filipino forces.
“It is a loss on our part. And at the same time, it will be a loss on their part in terms of training and interoperability. Now, with the resumption, of course, it will benefit us again,” Bacarro said.
The Balikatan usually gathers thousands of American and Filipino troops that hold military training, exercises and humanitarian activities in selected parts of the country for a month or less./DMS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)