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

Philippine Navy Aids Stranded Passengers in Matnog, Sorsogon

Central Command thru Philippine Navy Aids Stranded Passengers in Matnog, Sorsogon

Report received by higher headquarters revealed the congestion of stranded passengers at Matnog Port, Matnog, Sorsogon and a 7-km long queue of vehicles along the highway leading to Matnog, Sorsogon going to Allen, Samar.

Central Command immediately responded thru Naval Forces Central by sending BRP AGTA (LC 290) to Matnog, Sorsogon, with a mission to ferry the stranded passengers and vehicles to Allen, Samar in order to help decongest the port of Matnog until such time that the RORO transport operation can absorb the influx of passengers and vehicles. BRP AGTA departed Captain Veloso Pier, Naval Forces Central on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 arrived in Matnog Port the next day (December 28, 2017).

After series of coordination with the local government units, Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard, BRP AGTA ferried one hundred nine (109) passengers to Allen, Samar. They were generally referred to as “chance passengers” and they were the ones who commuted from Manila thru buses in the hope of spending the holidays with their families. Unfortunately, upon their arrival in Matnog Port, tickets were no longer available for them to be ferried to Allen, Samar.

The Navy vessel and the passengers were ably assisted by personnel of 803rd Infantry Brigade, 8ID, Philippine Army. The prevailing weather condition made the ferry mission challenging and difficult as strong winds and current affected the ship’s movement. Nevertheless, BRP AGTA safely arrived in Allen, Samar that same afternoon.

Originally posted by Naval Forces Central Facebook Page

Special Forces Assault Boat and the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation

Special Forces assault boats to beef up patrols in Davao Gulf

Special Forces assault boats will soon patrol Davao Gulf to detect and deter piracy and terrorist threats in southern waters.

Two of these boats were formally turned over by Special Forces Regiment commander Brig. Gen. Ramiro Manuel Rey to Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal in Davao City on Tuesday, the EastMinCom said in a statement.

Madrigal said the boats will be “an additional capability in securing the municipal waters in the area of responsibility, particularly Davao Gulf, to preempt terrorists, piracy and other security threats from using the sea lanes in their terrorist and criminal acts. It can also be used for water search and rescue operations.”

The boats have counter/anti-terrorist capability and will be manned by Special Forces Riverine troopers.

The boats will be initially deployed with Joint Task Force Haribon which has the jurisdiction of Mega Davao, the Eastern Mindanao Command said.

Original article posted at Inquirer.net

 

Aerospace dev’t firm may face axe in GOCC rationalization

The Philippine Aerospace Development Corp. (PADC) will be among the government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) which may be shut down next year.

Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III, an ex-officio member of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), said that the agency has not fulfilled its mandate.

“We just had a GCG meeting. One was Philippine Aerospace Development Corp.,” Mr. Dominguez told reporters earlier this month when asked what GOCCs are being considered for rationalization in 2018.

“They are supposed to design a plane. It’s been 45 years already, and they have not designed a plane yet. Their record is unblemished by accomplishment,” he added.

The agency was created in September 1973, under Presidential Decree No. 286.

The PADC is tasked with developing the Philippine aerospace industry by designing and manufacturing aircraft, while developing domestic capability in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Original article posted at Business World Online.

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 Air Force MD-520's in Need of Spare Parts

Spares needed for MD-520MG Instrument Systems

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), through its Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), is allocating PHP7.9 million for the procurement of spares needed for the maintenance of the instrument system of McDonnell Douglas MD-520MG "Defender" attack helicopters.

In a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, pre-bid conference is slated at 1 p.m. on Dec. 27 at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Submission and opening of bids is at 9 a.m. on Jan. 9. at the same venue.

"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA (Republic Act) 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations," PAF BAC chair Brig. Gen. Erickson R. Gloria said in the same bulletin.

Philippine Navy's BRP Tarlac to carry relief supplies to Tacloban - PNA

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest ship, the landing platform BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is now getting ready to transport medicines and other relief supplies for "Urduja"-battered Tacloban City.

Photo from Naval Forces Central Facebook Page

"The PN's newest landing dock and largest vessel, BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is getting ready to depart here (Pier 13, Manila South Harbor) once the loading of tons of relief items intended for our countrymen in Visayas Region particularly Tacloban City that have been devastated by 'Urduja' is complete and the sea condition has improved for the vessel's safe navigation," Navy Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna in a message Friday.

Lincuna said personnel from different PN units together with the crew of BRP Tarlac are now completing the hauling and loading of more or less 220 tons of assorted relief items such as food and non-food items like hygiene kits, medical kits, mosquito nets, plastic mats, and solar lamps consolidated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

BRP Tarlac is among the most recent acquisitions of the PN which allows the command to efficiently fulfill its duties in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

It has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

BRP Tarlac can also carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters. "It is a manifestation of the PN being always ready and committed in providing prompt assistance to our disaster-stricken countrymen in order to alleviate them from their current ordeals," Lincuna said.

Original article posted here by Philippine News Agency

Brazil’s Embraer beats out Beechcraft for Philippine aircraft order - DefenseNews.com

Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has announced a firm order of six A-29 Super Tucano light-attack and advanced training aircraft for the Philippine Air Force.

The Southeast Asian nation, which is battling several insurgencies including against Islamic State-linked militants on several islands in the south of the country, had named Embraer as the sole compliant bidder for its close-air support aircraft requirement under the first stage of its Horizon modernization program in early June.

The order makes the Philippines the second Southeast Asian user of the Super Tucano after Indonesia. According to Thursday’s news release from Embraer, deliveries of the aircraft will be concluded in 2019. The value of the contract was not announced.

“We are honored to be selected by the Philippine Air Force, our second operator in the Asia-Pacific region, and with the confidence expressed by our customer,” said Jackson Schneider, president and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.

Embraer says the A-29 can be used for tactical and advanced training as well as light-attack missions and advertises the aircraft as being certified for more than 150 weapons configurations and equipped with advanced electronic, electro-optic, infrared and laser system technologies.
The A-29 had beaten out competition from Beechcraft’s AT-6B Texan II Wolverine, which sources in the Philippines said was disqualified due to technical issues with the bid. The A-29s will replace the country’s Rockwell OV-10 Bronco and the SIAI-Marchetti SF-260TP light-attack aircraft currently in service.

Original article published here by DefenseNews.com

More drills with Australia, continuation of offensives against terrorist, and medical equipments for the Philippine Military

 RP, Aussie troops eye another anti-terror drill
The Daily Tribune
Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Philippine and Australian security forces have committed to continuously train together and enhance counter-terrorism capabilities to keep up with the challenges pose by both local and international terrorist groups.

Immediately after the closing of the Military Operation in Urbanized Terrain (MOUT) between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and Australian Defense Force, top officials from both countries vowed to continue similar trainings in the future.

Marine commandant Maj. Gen. Alvin Parreno cited the benefits of the recently-concluded MOUT held at the Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite from Dec. 4 to 18.

Parreno said that the need to improve on urban warfare was highlighted by the Marawi City siege laid by the Islamic State-inspired terrorists from May 23 to October 23 this year.

“Military operation in urbanized terrain is very important to us…with the recent experience we had in Marawi, we really need to train some more,” Parreno said.

For more about the news RP, Aussie troops eye another anti-terror drill


Military offensives to continue during Christmas
Philippine Star
Wednesday, December 20, 2017



Military officials said offensive operations would continue during the Christmas season against communist rebels and other terrorists groups.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the intensified operation is in compliance with the directive of President Duterte to neutralize the New People’s Army (NPA) that has been branded a terror group as well as the Islamic State (IS) threat in Mindanao.

“We will continue to intensify our campaign to deny these communist terrorists freedom of movement to commit hostilities and terrorize innocent civilians,” Galvez said.

Read more about the article.

PCSO buys equipment for military hospitals
Manila Times
Tuesday, December 19, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that will enable military hospitals to purchase “state-of-the-art” equipment with the help of the PCSO.

Lt. Gen. Salvador Melchor Mison Jr., the AFP vice chief of staff, and PCSO general manager Alexander Balutan signed the agreement at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Mison signed in behalf of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who was in Biliran province.

According to Mison, who read the statement of Guerrero, the P102 million financial assistance provided by PCSO will be used to acquire equipment for medical and laboratory services for military hospitals across the country.

Read more about the article.

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

Duterte visits Pakistan navy ship docked in Manila - CNN Philippines

 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte toured a Pakistani naval ship Thursday and extended an open invitation to its crew to visit the country any time.

The Navy Ship SAIF, one of the four F-22P or Zulfiguar-class frigates of Pakistan, is on a three-day goodwill visit. It will stay in the country until December 17.

For more about the CNN Philippines article.

According to the Naval Technology website:

The F-22P or Zulfiquar (English: Sword) class frigate is a 2,500t multi-mission, conventionally powered frigate built for the Pakistan Navy. Design and construction of the F-22P started after a $750m deal was signed in 2005 between Pakistan’s Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) and China Shipbuilding Trading Co (CSTC).

It is equipped with a 76.2mm main gun, an 8 round FM-90 Surface-to-Air Missile, C-802/CSS N-8 Surface-to-Surface Missile in 2 containers each containing 4 missiles, 2 Type-730B 30mm Close-in Weapon System, and 2 Triple ET-52C Torpedo Tubes.

F-22P's 76.2mm main gun.

The F-22P has a range of 4,000 nautical miles and has a speed of 20kt.

C-802/CSS N-8 Surface-to-Surface Missile in 2 containers each containing 4 missiles

8 round FM-90 Surface-to-Air Missile

For more about the F-22P or Zulfiquar.

*Images owned by their respective owners.