Showing posts with label 6ID. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 6ID. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
MILF Armed Engagements, Second Quarter of 2011, 109 Base Command vs Buaya sa Lanao
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Developments Within the Military,Last Quarter 2010,Part II:Carlos Garcia's Woes Continue, Dolorfino Retires and Nonoy does Nam
On December 30, 2010 4ID (Infantry Division) gave the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army) an anniversary present to commemorate the CPP having turned 42 on December 26. What did the Division offer? The same hokey propaganda that makes most rational people not listen to a word the AFP says. The Armed Forces of the Philippines are its own worst enemy and the best weapon the Maoist Insurgency could hope for. New CO (Commanding Officer), Major General Victor Felix released the year end statistics for his IBs (Infantry Battalions). According to the Major General Felix, his men have killed 22 NPA guerillas this year (almost true), wounded 27 (purely an arbitrary number from supposed "bloodstains" seen in fire zones, 38 captures (absolute lie), 76 surrenderees (another absolute lie, even with the non-NPA members they convince to pose as guerillas). In addition, the esteemed General captured 78 camps (lying through their teeth, ask the CMO,the Civil-Military Officer, how many guerillas were captured or killed in those camps,then ask for their locations and see the huge discrepancies, most camps are non existent since the NPA does not engage in static encampments), and best of all, among the many dozens of weapons vouchsafed during the year the Division claims it captured 16 anti-personnel mines, 15 Claymores and 10 anti-tank mines. I have just one small acronym to lay down: IED. As long as the AFP insists on labeling IEDs, or Improvised Explosive Devices, as a "mine" of any kind noone with even a cursory knowledge of the Philippine Insurgency(ies) us going to 86 even the most basic claims made by the AFP as baseless military propaganda.
The word"Mine"in and of itself really isn't the problem.The crux of the issue is"Detonation," or to be more specific,"Command Detonation."The central thesis of the AFP is that "NPA mines" are an overt contravention of the Ottawa Treaty, ergo a violation of LOAC/IHL (Laws of Armed Conflict/International Humanitarian Law). The central problem is that the Ottawa Treaty is only binding upon those entities that have signed and than ratified the document, all of whom are sovereign nations. The NPA of course is a Non-State Actor. More to the point, the treaty addresses Anti-Personnel Mines, not Anti-Armour Mines,etc.,etc. Finally, the NPA uses Command Controlled Detonation. Its IEDs. Are wired so that a guerilla must actually flip the circuit before the device detonates. Using a detonating cable they are on site, watching and waiting and they therefore control the detonation so that it only assaults security personnel. The NPA utilises its IEDs as the initial primer of a classic 2-Step Ambush. 1 guerilla detonates the IED just as an AFP or PNP vehicle or element passes by and then barrels into a salvo with long arms, strafing survivors. The NPA doesn't bury an IED in the dirt to be tripped by pressure, etc.
Though my preceding paragraph was quite caustic I am by no means an NPA supporter (perish the thought). Indeed they are just as full of shi*. It is simply that the Filipino People do not need more fairytales. The people need truth, which is the main reason why I began this endeavour. However, when the AFP actually releases statisticss showing anti-personnel mines having been captured from the NPA, well that needs to be exposed as the boldfaced lie it is. The NPA has no external conduit for weapons. Ergo. It obtains virtually all its arms from its tactical (and rarely its defencive) operations against the AFP. IF the NPA has mines it would have had to have gotten them from the AFP, PNP or the Philippine Government..
The 4ID is headquartered at Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, CDO (Cagayan del Oro City) in Misamis Oriental Province. It is 1 of 4 IDs on Mindanao, the others being the 1st, 6th and the 10th. 4th AOR (Area of Responsibility) covers its home province, Agusan del Norte. Agusan del Sur (most), Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte (including Siargo Island which is no longer a province after a recent Supreme Court Ruling), and part of Bukidnon Province. In terms of overall area it covers the largest patch but within this AOR 2 provinces are entirely pacified (Surigao del Norte and Misamis Oriental), at least in official terms. Though the base (Evangelista) abuts the border of the MILF 102 Base Command's AOR, the Division only deals with the NPA (since the other Communist Insurgency,the RPM-M signed its Final Peace Agreement more than 3 years ago). As for the NPA, there are 2 Regional Commands within that AOR, NCMRC (North Central Mindanao Regional Command which is on shaky legs at the moment, barely fielding 2 Fronts (a "Front" is a military detachment, for the sake of all precious brevity I will leave it at that) and NEMRC (Northeast Mindanao Regional Command). NEM holds the largest number of Fronts (NPA detachments) on the island.
In my previous AFP entry I had very briefly mentioned the retirement of Lieutenant General Ben Dolorfino. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino is proof positive that despite the AFP being decrepid to the point of being years past euthanasia, it can still produce true military icons (or perhaps the more likely scenario is that DESPITE the AFP these men rise to the top).
On November 10, 2010 Lieutenant Dolorfino retired having reached the AFP's mandatory age of retirement on his 56th birthday. At retirement he concurrently held Command of the Marine Corps as well as being in Command at WESMINCOM, 1 of 2 Mindanao Regional Commands. He had only been at WESMINCOM for a bit more than a year but had still managed to piss the right people off (in Command, if you aren't making enemies you aren't doing your job correctly). His most controversial move came during Eid al Fit'r when Dolorfino, a convert to Islam, ordered a heavy aerial bombing over Jolo Island in Sulu Province. While the OV-10s did strike known ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) position the MNLF's Kummander Ustadz Habir Malik insists that the bombs were meant for him. Malik after all had taken Dolorfino hostage back in 2007.
Though Asked his plans upon retirement Dolorfino swore that it would not involve actual participation in the political system since he doesn't want his hands "tied by politicians." He is sure that his future lies with an NGO committed to bringing peace to Mindanao though as yet he doesn't have a particular one in mind. Asked what stands out most from his long service with the AFP and he recalls the name of a mate from his Class at PMA (Philippine Military Academy), Class of 76. The classmate, 1st Class Cadet, Jan Efre Muyargas was killed soon after their graduation during their 1st Tour together on Basilan. Dolorfino dedicated his recent book, "Peacemakers, Peacekeepers and Peacebuilders" to Muyargas. Lieutenant Arthur Tabaquero has since been named Dolorfino's successor at WESMINCOM, the OIC (Officer in Charge, aka "Acting Commander") was Major General Romeo Lustestica, CO of 1ID, a choice of utility more than anything else since 1st Division is HQd in that same municipality, Zamboanga City.
That same day, November 10, 2010 it was revealed that President Aquino's recent trip to Vietnam has paid off with a Defence Pact that involves both Expert and Educational Exchanges. Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin accompanied the President on the 2 day State Visit that took place on October 25 and 26. Gazmin concluded the afore mentioned MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) with his counterpart, Minister of Defence , General Phung Quang. The 2 men also discussed contentions over the Spratly Islands, a group of mostly uninhabited atolls and reefs that are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.
The day before the Agreement was announced, November 09, Gazmin was forced to abort a landing in 1 of the AFP's 3 functioning C130s on one of the Spratlys, Pagasa Isle due to a badly deteriorating airstrip. It was to be Gazmin's 1st trip while serving as Secretary of National Defense. With him was AFP Chief of Staff, General Ricardo David and WESCOM CO, Lieutenant General Juancho Sabban Upon landing at WESCOM headquarters on Palawan he said that he will priortise an upgrade and rehab of facilities in Pagasa so as to consolidate GRP claims on the group of islands. Back at WESCOM Gazmin mentioned that his Department is currently working on a multi-year budget to the tune of 5 Billion Pesos for modernisation of the entire AFP. He also revealed that talks are ongoing with DOE (Department of Energy) as to whether his Department will receive royalties from the MGPP (Malampaya Gas Pipeline Project) on Palawan. Secretary Gazmin hopes to use such royalties to help fund the AFP's push for modernisation.
The word"Mine"in and of itself really isn't the problem.The crux of the issue is"Detonation," or to be more specific,"Command Detonation."The central thesis of the AFP is that "NPA mines" are an overt contravention of the Ottawa Treaty, ergo a violation of LOAC/IHL (Laws of Armed Conflict/International Humanitarian Law). The central problem is that the Ottawa Treaty is only binding upon those entities that have signed and than ratified the document, all of whom are sovereign nations. The NPA of course is a Non-State Actor. More to the point, the treaty addresses Anti-Personnel Mines, not Anti-Armour Mines,etc.,etc. Finally, the NPA uses Command Controlled Detonation. Its IEDs. Are wired so that a guerilla must actually flip the circuit before the device detonates. Using a detonating cable they are on site, watching and waiting and they therefore control the detonation so that it only assaults security personnel. The NPA utilises its IEDs as the initial primer of a classic 2-Step Ambush. 1 guerilla detonates the IED just as an AFP or PNP vehicle or element passes by and then barrels into a salvo with long arms, strafing survivors. The NPA doesn't bury an IED in the dirt to be tripped by pressure, etc.
Though my preceding paragraph was quite caustic I am by no means an NPA supporter (perish the thought). Indeed they are just as full of shi*. It is simply that the Filipino People do not need more fairytales. The people need truth, which is the main reason why I began this endeavour. However, when the AFP actually releases statisticss showing anti-personnel mines having been captured from the NPA, well that needs to be exposed as the boldfaced lie it is. The NPA has no external conduit for weapons. Ergo. It obtains virtually all its arms from its tactical (and rarely its defencive) operations against the AFP. IF the NPA has mines it would have had to have gotten them from the AFP, PNP or the Philippine Government..
The 4ID is headquartered at Camp Evangelista in Barangay Patag, CDO (Cagayan del Oro City) in Misamis Oriental Province. It is 1 of 4 IDs on Mindanao, the others being the 1st, 6th and the 10th. 4th AOR (Area of Responsibility) covers its home province, Agusan del Norte. Agusan del Sur (most), Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte (including Siargo Island which is no longer a province after a recent Supreme Court Ruling), and part of Bukidnon Province. In terms of overall area it covers the largest patch but within this AOR 2 provinces are entirely pacified (Surigao del Norte and Misamis Oriental), at least in official terms. Though the base (Evangelista) abuts the border of the MILF 102 Base Command's AOR, the Division only deals with the NPA (since the other Communist Insurgency,the RPM-M signed its Final Peace Agreement more than 3 years ago). As for the NPA, there are 2 Regional Commands within that AOR, NCMRC (North Central Mindanao Regional Command which is on shaky legs at the moment, barely fielding 2 Fronts (a "Front" is a military detachment, for the sake of all precious brevity I will leave it at that) and NEMRC (Northeast Mindanao Regional Command). NEM holds the largest number of Fronts (NPA detachments) on the island.
In my previous AFP entry I had very briefly mentioned the retirement of Lieutenant General Ben Dolorfino. Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino is proof positive that despite the AFP being decrepid to the point of being years past euthanasia, it can still produce true military icons (or perhaps the more likely scenario is that DESPITE the AFP these men rise to the top).
On November 10, 2010 Lieutenant Dolorfino retired having reached the AFP's mandatory age of retirement on his 56th birthday. At retirement he concurrently held Command of the Marine Corps as well as being in Command at WESMINCOM, 1 of 2 Mindanao Regional Commands. He had only been at WESMINCOM for a bit more than a year but had still managed to piss the right people off (in Command, if you aren't making enemies you aren't doing your job correctly). His most controversial move came during Eid al Fit'r when Dolorfino, a convert to Islam, ordered a heavy aerial bombing over Jolo Island in Sulu Province. While the OV-10s did strike known ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) position the MNLF's Kummander Ustadz Habir Malik insists that the bombs were meant for him. Malik after all had taken Dolorfino hostage back in 2007.
Though Asked his plans upon retirement Dolorfino swore that it would not involve actual participation in the political system since he doesn't want his hands "tied by politicians." He is sure that his future lies with an NGO committed to bringing peace to Mindanao though as yet he doesn't have a particular one in mind. Asked what stands out most from his long service with the AFP and he recalls the name of a mate from his Class at PMA (Philippine Military Academy), Class of 76. The classmate, 1st Class Cadet, Jan Efre Muyargas was killed soon after their graduation during their 1st Tour together on Basilan. Dolorfino dedicated his recent book, "Peacemakers, Peacekeepers and Peacebuilders" to Muyargas. Lieutenant Arthur Tabaquero has since been named Dolorfino's successor at WESMINCOM, the OIC (Officer in Charge, aka "Acting Commander") was Major General Romeo Lustestica, CO of 1ID, a choice of utility more than anything else since 1st Division is HQd in that same municipality, Zamboanga City.
That same day, November 10, 2010 it was revealed that President Aquino's recent trip to Vietnam has paid off with a Defence Pact that involves both Expert and Educational Exchanges. Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin accompanied the President on the 2 day State Visit that took place on October 25 and 26. Gazmin concluded the afore mentioned MoA (Memorandum of Agreement) with his counterpart, Minister of Defence , General Phung Quang. The 2 men also discussed contentions over the Spratly Islands, a group of mostly uninhabited atolls and reefs that are claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, China and Vietnam.
The day before the Agreement was announced, November 09, Gazmin was forced to abort a landing in 1 of the AFP's 3 functioning C130s on one of the Spratlys, Pagasa Isle due to a badly deteriorating airstrip. It was to be Gazmin's 1st trip while serving as Secretary of National Defense. With him was AFP Chief of Staff, General Ricardo David and WESCOM CO, Lieutenant General Juancho Sabban Upon landing at WESCOM headquarters on Palawan he said that he will priortise an upgrade and rehab of facilities in Pagasa so as to consolidate GRP claims on the group of islands. Back at WESCOM Gazmin mentioned that his Department is currently working on a multi-year budget to the tune of 5 Billion Pesos for modernisation of the entire AFP. He also revealed that talks are ongoing with DOE (Department of Energy) as to whether his Department will receive royalties from the MGPP (Malampaya Gas Pipeline Project) on Palawan. Secretary Gazmin hopes to use such royalties to help fund the AFP's push for modernisation.
Developments Within the Military,Last Quarter 2010,Part IV:Combat Pay is Doubled,Feliciano Angue Commits Career Suicide, the New Face of TF Basilan and Pacquiao joins Peace Panel
On Tuesday, December 21, 2010 the AFP got some additional holiday cheer as President Aquino unveiled his new anti-coup measure (sarcasm).The life-long bachelor's brainstorm was revealed during the 75th Anniversary of the AFP festivities at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City,Metro Manila.During the President's speech he revealed that just the day before he had signed an Amendment to Executive Order #658 which will raise the Combat Bonus from 240 Pesos a month ($6) to 500 Pesos A MONTH ($11), which ends up coming to 2.65 US Dollars A WEEK to dodge bullets, RPGs, IEDs and abductions, oh goody.The bonus,which is doled out on the 15th of the month,hadn't been raised since March 22, 1985.Yep, that is correct, under Marcos (via EO #1017).
The good news (though it is seriously a tragedy if you think about it,is that almost 70% of the AFP will get the raise. OK, you still can't figure out the tragedy? More that 110,000 soldiers,sailors,marines and airmen are in combat situations.In any event,it will be effective as of January 01,2011 and will be funded via outlay from Personnel Service savings for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.Alhough President Aquino is being credited it actually arose out of the Senate's Committees on Defense and Finance"Joint Resolution #8."
Last Summer (July,2010) Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue was given a technically lateral transfer from Command of NCRCOM (National Capitol Region Command, aka Manila) to WESCOM (Western Command, HQd in Puerto Princessa,Palawan,not to be confused with WESMINCOM,aka Western Mindanao Command HQd in Zamboanga City on Mindanao).Angue is a Rear Admiral,a 2 Star Rank.NCR is a 3 Star Command.WES is a 2 Star Command.Angue,who never received his 3rd Star saw that he was being transferred to a 2 Star Command,meaning that getting a 3rd Star would have to wait at least 1 more rotation.
Technically, as I have noted, Angue was getting a lateral transfer,neither up nor down,simply a 2 Star Officer going to a 2 Star Command.Angue however felt it was about time that the AFP recognised what he's made of and so he did the unthinkable (for a career officer),he ran to the media and blamed his Superiors for politicking (meaning they were playing "personality" over "potential").Then he quickly went one further and inferred that Superiors had connived with former President Arroyo in her manipulation (let us be honest, STEALING ) of the 2004 Election when he was deployed on Tawi Tawi. He also accused Superiors of doing the same in the 2010 synchronised Local/National Elections (May 10, 2010).
The consequences were predictable.The Navy deployed a 4 man panel to conduct a preliminary investigation to help determine whether-or-not Angue should face a General Court Martial.The panel was Chaired by former Vice Commander of the Navy(Retired) Rear Admiral Roberto Estioko who over saw the 3 members:
I) Naval JAG (Judge Advocate General, equivalent to a Chief Prosecutor in the non-military justice system),Col.Al Pererras
II) Naval Deputy JAG,LTC.Jose Feliciano Loy
III) Naval Provost Marshal (CO of MPs,aka Military Police) , Col.Antonieto Ga
The panel made its determination in early November and recommended that Angue...BIG SUPRISE (not by a long shot) face a General Court Martial (though technically they can only recommend that a Second investigation take place,in reality that Second Investigation will absolutely come back recommending that General Court Martial).
Specifically they found grounds for 3 charges:
I) Article of War #65 (Insubordination)
II) Article of War #97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)
III) Military Code of Ethics, exact determination not made (for running his insolent pouty mouth to the demon known as the media)
Not long before the panel submitted its findings,WESCOM the Command Angue whined about,ended up being handed to Major General Juancho Sabban (formerly the Marines CO,who was replaced in that Command by Brig.Gen.Rustico Guerrero after Brig.Gen.Alvio was passed over for being physically unfit).Angue's former Command,NCR,was given to Major General Arthur Tabaquero.Tabaquero only held it for a short while though,before getting WESMINCOM which itself had been vacated upon Lieutenant General Ben Dolorfino's retirement from service (which I discussed in another current"AFP,Last Quarter 2010"entry).
Ironically Angue had only held Command of NCR since March,2010.Not only did he hold NCR for a mere 96 days before receiving this transfer,he knew that with former President Arroyo maxing out on her term limit that a change in Administration just wasn't probable,it was guaranteed.Unlike militaries in more stable nations,the AFP undergoes a thorough re-shuffling when Administrations change to try and stave off mutinies and coup attempts.How much more so when NCRCOM plays the top dog in guarding against military related threats to the Presidency?Total stupidity on Angue's part although I really do see his point on politicking,the 2004 Election and most of all his complaints (that I haven't touched upon) with regard to current Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin.Gazmin has been shuffling his former cronies (from his time in the AFP) to the top of the deck.In the AFP personality and connections (patronage) are everything.That is why the AFP,for the most part,is the most inept military in SE Asia.
On November 11, 2010 the 4th Special Forces Riverine Battalion,currently headquartered in Zamboanga City,took receipt of 13 Light Support Craft.The Riverine Force is comprised of soldiers specially trained for operating in estuaries,marshes and mangroves.The craft were locally made by Bajao and Sama (Samal) Tribesmen as part of the AFP's Oplan Condor (the AFP just can't get enough of those silly labels).Although the label is silly the plan itself is actually very intelligent. Utilising the skills of the nation's best boat builders who also happen to be among the country's most marginal of ethnicities the military comes off with a win:win situation.Empowering the poorest of the poor while engaging them in pro-government activities they do a whole lot more than the Basilan Circumfrential Road (a CMO Hearts and Minds Project that utilised 0% local labour and services thus far). Although Bajao aren't a demographic associated on the shooting end of insurgencies they ARE the epitome of a"Mass Base of Support."Sama on the other hand are sometimes found in the MILF and a whole of them were MNLF (some still are).
At the same time the AFP has saved a tonne of cash.Those 13 boats cost the army 10.56 Million Pesos ($220,000),roughly 10% of what the PA (Philippine Army) could expect to pay for commercially manufactured craft.Indeed,
the entire tab would have covered a single commercial Support Craft with a 25 man payload.The 22 artisans contracted received the order in early September so that time was also a huge advantage in the order.24 months would not be unusual commercially.12 of the boats are just short of 6 meters long and powered by 115hp inboard engines with a maximum speed of 39 knots.The 13th craft is nearly 18 meters long with a 250hp inboard engine with a maximum speed of 24 knots.Carrying a 5 man crew and up to half a Company (50 soldiers) it will serve as a Support Craft for the other dozen.Each of those 12 boats will carry a 2 man crew and 6 soldiers and function as Scout Craft.
A Riverine Force would seem to be a natural element for a nation spread out over 7,107 tropical islands but then a lot of obvious things seem to slip right by the powers that be in the AFP.It wasn't until early 2007 that this no brainer took shape.Utilising the 11th Anniversary of SOCOM (Special Operations Command) on June 01, 2007 to officially announce the formation of the first Riverine COY,analysts were suddenly optimistic that the AFP was finally going to try and re-shape itself into something more than just a police force.It is amazing how just a single sensible idea could make so many people buy into a false sense of expectation.Still,positivity should be acknowledged and re-inforced.In fact the PA did already have 2 Riverine COYs-at least in name:
1) COY 11
2) COY 18
also attached to SOCOM but de-activated during the SOCOM re-organisation that took place in 2004.Those 2 de-activated COYs only operated in Central Luzon which is about as asinine as it gets considering that the minimal insurgency taking place there (3 communist forces, only 1 of which,the NPA ranks above typical Peace and Order Operations,and THEY were NOT doing it in mangroves).With the 2007 formation a COY (designated 12th) would finally operate down south where it was actually crucially needed.
Speaking of SOCOM,Deputy CO (Commanding Officer),Col.Nicanor Dolojan was given the concurrent Command of TF Basilan (Task Force Basilan).The TF has recently been thoroughly re-organised as the Basilan Theater has been stripped of its Fleet-Marine Doctrine.Though Fleet-Marine HAS certainly shown improvements over the previous hydra of a pseudo-doctrine that held sway on that island province,it still wasn't able to do anything more than offer a more visible presence. The SOCOM TF,the new TF Basilan was specially created to pick up the slack once the Marines 1st Brigade rotated out.Making up the new and improved TF is the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (Airborne, as if PA soldiers will ever need to parachute somewhere),4th Scout Rangers Battalion (a newly raised battalion), and a single IB (Infantry Battalion), the 32nd.The re-deployment out of and into Basilan was supposed to have been completed within the 2nd week of November (after the earlier deadline of September 31st came and went without anyone blinking).Of course things being what they are in the Philippines it still hasn't been completed and New Year is upon us.Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz,newly installed CO at SOCOM was schedualed to preside at the Turn Over of Command Ceremony but instead merely oversaw the Activation of the afore mentioned 4th Scout Rangers Battalion.I also need to credit Lieutenant General Ortiz as the primary mover and shaker behind Oplan Condor.IF this is what the man is made of maybe SOCOM can have a reason to swagger.
The Marines aren't saying a thing but the Fleet Doctrine didn't pan out too well.Neither are they saying why they quickly rotated the Marine 1st Bde into 6ID (Infantry Division) AOR.Beginning with the Summer 2010 kidnapping of 2 Tsinoy (Filipino-Chinese) in Cotabato City,LGU (Local Government Unit,aka"municipal") executives there began screaming for another Marine deployment on to Central Mindanao (6ID AOR).Officially the shuffle was to take place on Sunday,September 31st, but as I mentioned above it is evidently taking longer than anticipated.MILF Spokesman (now "ex" since Eid Kabalu has been brought back) Von al Haq says that the MILF CCCH (a Ceasefire entity I have discussed in my MILF entries) will file an official complaint since according to the CCCH MoA (Memorandum of Agreement),any troop movements or rotations in or out of MILF AOR must abide by the terms spelled out in that bilateral agreement.According to al Haq the AFP hasn't said a word (via the GRP CCCH Panel (GRP being"Govt.of the Philippines") whose task it is to do so).Of course the MILF is always looking for problems where there aren't any.The MoA is supposed to address re-deployments over land so that there isn't an accidental Ground War when AFP and MILF elements physically trip over each other.This is besides the fact that the rotation was 4 months in the making,get a grip.
Most Filipinos are unaware but boxing champ and Mindanowan Congressman (Sarangani Province) Manny Pacquiao is ALSO an AFP Army Reservist.Holding the rank of a Master Sergeant,Manny brings great pride to the military,so much so that on November 14,2010. (Wait... I am trying to do a serious Blog...OK, thanks, back to our show) Col.Antonio Parlade Jr.,AFP Reserves Spokesperson revealed that just as soon as Pugilist cum Congressman slash Master Seargent of the Reserves Pacquiao returns from his sojourn to Mexico,the AFP will lobby for Mindanao's own Renaissance Man to gain a slot on the GRP Peace Panel. Of course Col.Einstein,I mean Parlade Jr,didn't deign to reveal WHICH Peace Panel Manny should sit on.Look, I am not a Filipino and even I beam with pride when Manny waxes some Mexican's as* but "Peace Panel?"
Of course the comment (or revelation) came almost immediately after the Congressman from Sarangani won his 8th World Title against Antonio Margarito so let's just do the good Colonel a favour and chalk it up to patriotism and booze,never a good combination but hey,better than the alternative (which would be complete and utter mental illness).
The good news (though it is seriously a tragedy if you think about it,is that almost 70% of the AFP will get the raise. OK, you still can't figure out the tragedy? More that 110,000 soldiers,sailors,marines and airmen are in combat situations.In any event,it will be effective as of January 01,2011 and will be funded via outlay from Personnel Service savings for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.Alhough President Aquino is being credited it actually arose out of the Senate's Committees on Defense and Finance"Joint Resolution #8."
Last Summer (July,2010) Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue was given a technically lateral transfer from Command of NCRCOM (National Capitol Region Command, aka Manila) to WESCOM (Western Command, HQd in Puerto Princessa,Palawan,not to be confused with WESMINCOM,aka Western Mindanao Command HQd in Zamboanga City on Mindanao).Angue is a Rear Admiral,a 2 Star Rank.NCR is a 3 Star Command.WES is a 2 Star Command.Angue,who never received his 3rd Star saw that he was being transferred to a 2 Star Command,meaning that getting a 3rd Star would have to wait at least 1 more rotation.
Technically, as I have noted, Angue was getting a lateral transfer,neither up nor down,simply a 2 Star Officer going to a 2 Star Command.Angue however felt it was about time that the AFP recognised what he's made of and so he did the unthinkable (for a career officer),he ran to the media and blamed his Superiors for politicking (meaning they were playing "personality" over "potential").Then he quickly went one further and inferred that Superiors had connived with former President Arroyo in her manipulation (let us be honest, STEALING ) of the 2004 Election when he was deployed on Tawi Tawi. He also accused Superiors of doing the same in the 2010 synchronised Local/National Elections (May 10, 2010).
The consequences were predictable.The Navy deployed a 4 man panel to conduct a preliminary investigation to help determine whether-or-not Angue should face a General Court Martial.The panel was Chaired by former Vice Commander of the Navy(Retired) Rear Admiral Roberto Estioko who over saw the 3 members:
I) Naval JAG (Judge Advocate General, equivalent to a Chief Prosecutor in the non-military justice system),Col.Al Pererras
II) Naval Deputy JAG,LTC.Jose Feliciano Loy
III) Naval Provost Marshal (CO of MPs,aka Military Police) , Col.Antonieto Ga
The panel made its determination in early November and recommended that Angue...BIG SUPRISE (not by a long shot) face a General Court Martial (though technically they can only recommend that a Second investigation take place,in reality that Second Investigation will absolutely come back recommending that General Court Martial).
Specifically they found grounds for 3 charges:
I) Article of War #65 (Insubordination)
II) Article of War #97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)
III) Military Code of Ethics, exact determination not made (for running his insolent pouty mouth to the demon known as the media)
Not long before the panel submitted its findings,WESCOM the Command Angue whined about,ended up being handed to Major General Juancho Sabban (formerly the Marines CO,who was replaced in that Command by Brig.Gen.Rustico Guerrero after Brig.Gen.Alvio was passed over for being physically unfit).Angue's former Command,NCR,was given to Major General Arthur Tabaquero.Tabaquero only held it for a short while though,before getting WESMINCOM which itself had been vacated upon Lieutenant General Ben Dolorfino's retirement from service (which I discussed in another current"AFP,Last Quarter 2010"entry).
Ironically Angue had only held Command of NCR since March,2010.Not only did he hold NCR for a mere 96 days before receiving this transfer,he knew that with former President Arroyo maxing out on her term limit that a change in Administration just wasn't probable,it was guaranteed.Unlike militaries in more stable nations,the AFP undergoes a thorough re-shuffling when Administrations change to try and stave off mutinies and coup attempts.How much more so when NCRCOM plays the top dog in guarding against military related threats to the Presidency?Total stupidity on Angue's part although I really do see his point on politicking,the 2004 Election and most of all his complaints (that I haven't touched upon) with regard to current Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin.Gazmin has been shuffling his former cronies (from his time in the AFP) to the top of the deck.In the AFP personality and connections (patronage) are everything.That is why the AFP,for the most part,is the most inept military in SE Asia.
On November 11, 2010 the 4th Special Forces Riverine Battalion,currently headquartered in Zamboanga City,took receipt of 13 Light Support Craft.The Riverine Force is comprised of soldiers specially trained for operating in estuaries,marshes and mangroves.The craft were locally made by Bajao and Sama (Samal) Tribesmen as part of the AFP's Oplan Condor (the AFP just can't get enough of those silly labels).Although the label is silly the plan itself is actually very intelligent. Utilising the skills of the nation's best boat builders who also happen to be among the country's most marginal of ethnicities the military comes off with a win:win situation.Empowering the poorest of the poor while engaging them in pro-government activities they do a whole lot more than the Basilan Circumfrential Road (a CMO Hearts and Minds Project that utilised 0% local labour and services thus far). Although Bajao aren't a demographic associated on the shooting end of insurgencies they ARE the epitome of a"Mass Base of Support."Sama on the other hand are sometimes found in the MILF and a whole of them were MNLF (some still are).
At the same time the AFP has saved a tonne of cash.Those 13 boats cost the army 10.56 Million Pesos ($220,000),roughly 10% of what the PA (Philippine Army) could expect to pay for commercially manufactured craft.Indeed,
the entire tab would have covered a single commercial Support Craft with a 25 man payload.The 22 artisans contracted received the order in early September so that time was also a huge advantage in the order.24 months would not be unusual commercially.12 of the boats are just short of 6 meters long and powered by 115hp inboard engines with a maximum speed of 39 knots.The 13th craft is nearly 18 meters long with a 250hp inboard engine with a maximum speed of 24 knots.Carrying a 5 man crew and up to half a Company (50 soldiers) it will serve as a Support Craft for the other dozen.Each of those 12 boats will carry a 2 man crew and 6 soldiers and function as Scout Craft.
A Riverine Force would seem to be a natural element for a nation spread out over 7,107 tropical islands but then a lot of obvious things seem to slip right by the powers that be in the AFP.It wasn't until early 2007 that this no brainer took shape.Utilising the 11th Anniversary of SOCOM (Special Operations Command) on June 01, 2007 to officially announce the formation of the first Riverine COY,analysts were suddenly optimistic that the AFP was finally going to try and re-shape itself into something more than just a police force.It is amazing how just a single sensible idea could make so many people buy into a false sense of expectation.Still,positivity should be acknowledged and re-inforced.In fact the PA did already have 2 Riverine COYs-at least in name:
1) COY 11
2) COY 18
also attached to SOCOM but de-activated during the SOCOM re-organisation that took place in 2004.Those 2 de-activated COYs only operated in Central Luzon which is about as asinine as it gets considering that the minimal insurgency taking place there (3 communist forces, only 1 of which,the NPA ranks above typical Peace and Order Operations,and THEY were NOT doing it in mangroves).With the 2007 formation a COY (designated 12th) would finally operate down south where it was actually crucially needed.
Speaking of SOCOM,Deputy CO (Commanding Officer),Col.Nicanor Dolojan was given the concurrent Command of TF Basilan (Task Force Basilan).The TF has recently been thoroughly re-organised as the Basilan Theater has been stripped of its Fleet-Marine Doctrine.Though Fleet-Marine HAS certainly shown improvements over the previous hydra of a pseudo-doctrine that held sway on that island province,it still wasn't able to do anything more than offer a more visible presence. The SOCOM TF,the new TF Basilan was specially created to pick up the slack once the Marines 1st Brigade rotated out.Making up the new and improved TF is the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (Airborne, as if PA soldiers will ever need to parachute somewhere),4th Scout Rangers Battalion (a newly raised battalion), and a single IB (Infantry Battalion), the 32nd.The re-deployment out of and into Basilan was supposed to have been completed within the 2nd week of November (after the earlier deadline of September 31st came and went without anyone blinking).Of course things being what they are in the Philippines it still hasn't been completed and New Year is upon us.Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz,newly installed CO at SOCOM was schedualed to preside at the Turn Over of Command Ceremony but instead merely oversaw the Activation of the afore mentioned 4th Scout Rangers Battalion.I also need to credit Lieutenant General Ortiz as the primary mover and shaker behind Oplan Condor.IF this is what the man is made of maybe SOCOM can have a reason to swagger.
The Marines aren't saying a thing but the Fleet Doctrine didn't pan out too well.Neither are they saying why they quickly rotated the Marine 1st Bde into 6ID (Infantry Division) AOR.Beginning with the Summer 2010 kidnapping of 2 Tsinoy (Filipino-Chinese) in Cotabato City,LGU (Local Government Unit,aka"municipal") executives there began screaming for another Marine deployment on to Central Mindanao (6ID AOR).Officially the shuffle was to take place on Sunday,September 31st, but as I mentioned above it is evidently taking longer than anticipated.MILF Spokesman (now "ex" since Eid Kabalu has been brought back) Von al Haq says that the MILF CCCH (a Ceasefire entity I have discussed in my MILF entries) will file an official complaint since according to the CCCH MoA (Memorandum of Agreement),any troop movements or rotations in or out of MILF AOR must abide by the terms spelled out in that bilateral agreement.According to al Haq the AFP hasn't said a word (via the GRP CCCH Panel (GRP being"Govt.of the Philippines") whose task it is to do so).Of course the MILF is always looking for problems where there aren't any.The MoA is supposed to address re-deployments over land so that there isn't an accidental Ground War when AFP and MILF elements physically trip over each other.This is besides the fact that the rotation was 4 months in the making,get a grip.
Most Filipinos are unaware but boxing champ and Mindanowan Congressman (Sarangani Province) Manny Pacquiao is ALSO an AFP Army Reservist.Holding the rank of a Master Sergeant,Manny brings great pride to the military,so much so that on November 14,2010. (Wait... I am trying to do a serious Blog...OK, thanks, back to our show) Col.Antonio Parlade Jr.,AFP Reserves Spokesperson revealed that just as soon as Pugilist cum Congressman slash Master Seargent of the Reserves Pacquiao returns from his sojourn to Mexico,the AFP will lobby for Mindanao's own Renaissance Man to gain a slot on the GRP Peace Panel. Of course Col.Einstein,I mean Parlade Jr,didn't deign to reveal WHICH Peace Panel Manny should sit on.Look, I am not a Filipino and even I beam with pride when Manny waxes some Mexican's as* but "Peace Panel?"
Of course the comment (or revelation) came almost immediately after the Congressman from Sarangani won his 8th World Title against Antonio Margarito so let's just do the good Colonel a favour and chalk it up to patriotism and booze,never a good combination but hey,better than the alternative (which would be complete and utter mental illness).
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