#Philippines deports #Australian #terrorist

Robert Cerantonio, Australian and devout jihadist Muslim (based off of his YouTube videos and other social media sites promoting jihad), was encouraging Muslims to join the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham) and other militant groups.

He was in the Philippines for a year, living illegal and had his passport cancelled by the Australian authorities. Immigration finally arrested him for his visa violation, but no criminal chargers were filed.

No conspiracy to commit murder, promoting terrorism, or even illegal immigration. The Philippines only escorted this individual back to Australia where even they said he would continue to monitor his activities.

I’m all about freedom of speech; spreading your ideas, making your opinions heard–as long as they don’t violate someone’s rights or spread hate… Especially if it is promoting murder or tries to get people to violate other people’s rights.

Philippines and Australia are supposedly in the US-led war on terror campaign… But yet both countries have allowed a terrorist to continue preaching and gathering troops for his jihad…?

What are your thoughts?

More @ http://abcn.ws/1ree58X
And http://bit.ly/1rehG6Z

(picture from Sydney Morning Herald article)

#China attacks #Philippine military aircraft with electronic jammers

On 3 May, China stepped up their aggressiveness by using electronic warfare on the open seas. They jammed two Philippine military airplanes, causing a loss of communication and navigation equipment forcing them to “fly blind”. The aircraft were flying over contested waters in the South China Sea. The Philippines has encouraged China to work out a solution diplomatically, but China has continuously refused.

The Philippines and Japan have become closer over the past few months as both have faced the brunt of Chinese aggression with respect to territorial disputes between the two countries. Japan has praised the Philippines on its arbitration case and both countries commented on the Japan’s generosity for increasing the Philippine Coast Guard in this time of need.

If China maintains this pace, they’re not going to have any friends left, except North Korea… do you agree?

View original article/picture here; “Phl, Japan tackle China’s aggression in disputed seas” (The Philippine Star)

US and Philippines head towards new military treaty

After 1991, the American Presence in the Philippines had diminished; the main culprit was the Philippine Senate rejecting a new treaty to allow US troops to remain. It’s probable that the Philippine government just didn’t see a need to keep their once imperial masters around—as there was no conflict in the foreseeable future.

But that’s now changed—the Philippines is now greatly concerned with China’s actions. As I’ve been writing, Beijing’s become more brazen in its control of the South China Seas; refusing Manila’s freedom of navigation to resupply its military, to attacking (with water cannons) Philippine fishing vessels, officially announcing its Nine-Dash-Line ownership boundary, and even saying the land is an integral part of Chinese sovereignty. (You can read my and my associate’s joint thoughts on our recently published op-ed “Dismounting China from the South China Sea”)

On Monday, 28 April 2014, the US Ambassador to the Philippines, the Honorable Philip Goldberg, and Philippines’ Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which will integrate US and Philippine Militaries for the next ten years. Some local protesters say this agreement is illegal, as the Philippine constitution (written in 1987) doesn’t allow for US troops to be based in the Philippines.

This is their complaint: Article XVIII (Transitory Provisions), Section 25, states: “After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of America concerning military bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate and, when the Congress so requires, ratified by a majority of the votes cast by the people in a national referendum held for that purpose, and recognized as a treaty by the other contracting State.”

And as you can see, the Defense Secretary Gazmin’s signature doesn’t equate to a treaty approved by the Senate. Secretary Gazmin would probable argue that this is not a treaty, and therefore American troops/equipment won’t be “based” in the Philippines, just there “temporarily” on a rotational basis. He would probably further claim that the EDCA is the first step in a new Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty (which would require Senate approval).

Aside from “counter[ing] Chinese aggression in the region” (i.e. Maritime Security), EDCA was enacted to provide Humanitarian Assistance/Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts and strengthen the Philippines Military. Some other articles had said that were the US Navy posted in the Philippines, their reaction time to provide HADR support would have been quicker. While the immediate response may be quicker, the supplies would still take time to deliver; with regards to Haiyan (which hit the Philippines on 8 November), the US’ response (CVN George Washington and escort ships) arrived on 14 November (6 days later). While six days seems “short”, when lives are at stake every hour really counts. Once the US Fleet arrived, they were able to provide water and food to those in need.

What is your opinion about this latest venture between US and the Philippines?  Do you think its illegal?  Do you think its the right thing to do…?  Will China back down, or grow more aggressive?

 

Read about EDCA here

Philippines Constitution here

Other miscellaneous information here

US Navy’s Haiyan Relief Information here

Dismounting China from the South China Sea

Michael Daniels, my former colleague and still very good friend, and I came together to write a piece explaining the truth behind China’s claims over the South China Sea.

China undoubtedly has a vicious bark, but when you look behind the curtain… Michael and I saw only what amounted to a tape recorder and a hand puppet. Needless to say, the ‘evidence’ Beijing has produced doesn’t amount to much in our eyes.

Please take a moment to read and as always, look forward to your comments.

Published Article found here.

Article was published on Rappler.com; the Philippines’ #1 online news source.

#TodayInHistory: Remembering a #tragedy; cowardly #terrorists lob grenades into #Church, kill 11 & wound 155.

Today, on April 19, 1981 (Philippines):

If you’ve ever wondered how cowardly terrorists can get, this is one of the best (worst) examples.

Imagine yourself going with friends and family to celebrate a religious holiday–in this case “Easter”.

You walk into church (in this case the San Pedro Cathedral, Davao City in Mindanao), your dip your hands into the water to perform your cleansing ritual and listen attentively for the sermon to start.

Shortly after that, (possibly two?) individuals burst in and lob three grenades into the hall packed with worshipers.

The detonations kill about 11 people and wound about 155 (numbers are different depending on which source you look at); with several in serious condition.  President Marcos took extreme steps to find the culprits and bring them to justice.

Investigations revealed that the Communist New People’s Army executed the attack, but were supplied by the Moro National Liberation Front.

As the celebration of the goddess Ēostre (or Ostara) draws near again, take time to remember that this is about the fertility of the earth and the rebirth from the winter into the spring.

And from this rebirth, learn to forgive the heinous acts of the few and try to help each other towards a more peaceful cohabitation.

Philippines Newspaper Article: http://bit.ly/1nvfMxr
New York Times: http://nyti.ms/1jhm54J

Photo from: enterdavao.com

#TodayInHistory: #Philippines and #China sign a treaty of everlasting friendship

Today, on April 18, 1947 (Philippines):

The Republic of China and the Philippines sign a Treaty of Amity, or peaceful relations. As a reminder, in 1949 the Chinese Communist revolution came to a close with MAO Zedong usurping power within China and CHIANG Kaishek (with his forces) retreating to Taiwan (Formosa).
The Republic of China (Taiwan) still honors the treaty they signed with the Philippines, while the People’s Republic of China (China) does not honor it, as it was signed under the previous (illegitimate) regime.

Now, here’s another interesting fact for you. On 9 May, 2013 (fast approaching the one year ‘anniversary’ of a tragedy), the Philippines violated the treaty when a Coast Guard vessel open fired on a Taiwanese fishing boat killing a fisherman-specifically, Article I, which says there should be peace; Article II, which says International Court of Justice will be used over force; and Article VIII, which says each country will protect the other’s citizens. The Philippine government did make an official apology after a long investigation; however, friendly nations shouldn’t be killing each others citizens.

One last interesting fact is that within this treaty between two countries-three countries are actually named. What is this third country, and why is it mentioned? 😉

Link to scanned copy of the treaty: http://www.gov.ph/downloads/1955/02feb/19550203-PROC-0109-RM.pdf

Photo from: investphilippines.org

The tale of two islands; Japan pledges support to Philippines

As tensions have continued to grow with China attempting to assert is growing might in both the East and South China Seas, Tokyo stood up and gave Manila a pat on the back of support in their landmark case against Beijing.

Being well-timed, Japan also sent the JS Shirane (DDH 143) and JS Asayuki  (DD-132) two “escort ships” (Japanese word is 護衛艦; however, the rest of the world navies call the same vessels “destroyers “) to dock in Manila for a four-day “goodwill visit” which will culminate in a joint exercise.  The Japanese are also using this to emphasize the strategic nature of the partnership with the Philippines in Southeast Asia.

Two things come to mind after reading these articles…

First, makes me wonder if the joint exercise will be a resupply mission to the Marines in the contested area… and secondly, I’m curious if the United States’ coordinated its recent visit with Japan to show a unity of effort of alliance partners—will South Korea or Australia next come out and support the Philippines in kind?

Jumping back to the first article – Japan has insisted their support is based off of the peaceful resolution of this dispute, specifically pointing to UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) as the reason for this action… which of course is contrary to China’s claim that they are the ones abiding by UNCLOS.  …Hence the reason for this international tribunal to take place 😉

Hopefully with this action taking place, more countries will follow suit (in filing actions against China for their aggressive behavior) and regional peace and stability will return.  Or it may cause China to become upset with the system and challenge the status quo.  What are your thoughts?

Japan support article found here: http://bit.ly/1ktwuLM

Japan’s Escorts Dock article here: http://bit.ly/1orUzIP

(Photo from: http://investphilippines.org)

Philippines launches suit against China–but do they have international support?

The day finally arrived.  Manila has challenged Beijing in the Permanent Court of Arbitration over the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.  Their legal argument comprises 4,000 pages focusing on freedom of navigation, China’s 9-dash line claims and China’s unlawful activities within the region.

China of course objects to these proceedings… but is Beijing the only one against the court ruling?

The Philippines has no doubt a strong case before the court; however, some other countries may feel that by traveling this path alone, Manila is not “following the ASEAN way”… and could therefore be shunning possible friends and supporters.

Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan all have some sort of issue with China; yet with the Philippines taking this issue to court–the Philippines isn’t just gambling with their political capital, but possibly the political capital of its neighbors as well.

If the Philippines wins (which I believe they will), it could be seen as beneficial to the other four… but if Manila loses… then that loss could affect those four countries’ chances at solving their territorial disputes with China as well.  And I am unsure if the other four agree with Philippines arbitration case…

This article even states “the ultimate purpose of the [Philippine’s submitting its 10-volume] is our national interest.”  Not Brunei’s, Not Malaysia’s, Not Vietnam’s and Not Taiwan’s.

Do you think Manila was right to weigh in alone?  Or do you think she should have had more international support from its neighbors prior to challenging China, when just more than its own national interests are at stake?

Read more @ http://bit.ly/1dJ3QHS

(Photo from Rappler.com)

 

#TodayInHistory: Remembering a Revolutionary: Mariano Ponce born on this day

Today, on March 23, 1863 (Philippines):

March must have a correlation with a desire to join revolutions and fight for democracy.  On this day in 1863, Mariano Ponce; physician, writer and member of the Philippine Revolution was born in Baliwag, Bulacan.  He completed his medical studies at the Complutense University of Madrid (one of the oldest universities in the world).

In Spain, he joined with Marcelo del Pilar, Graciano Lopez Jaena and Jose Rizal among other famous members of the anti-Spanish movement; Ponce worked as secretary of the Propaganda Movement while also heading up the Literary Section of the Hispanic-Filipino Association.

In 1896 when the revolution first started, he was arrested in Spain and once released quickly fled to Hong Kong and worked to create the international front of the revolution.  Two years later, Emilio Aguinaldo selected him as an ambassador for the First Philippine Republic to Japan; where he sought aid and weapons—and made connections with Sun Yat-Sen.

His other achievements were directing the “The Renaissance”, creating “The Perfect” organization within the “Nacionalista Partido”, as well as being elected as an assemblyman for Bulacan.  He died on May 23, 1918 (55) and is interred at the Cementerio del Norte in Manila.

Read more @ http://bit.ly/1oNi2RD

(photo from www.facebook.com/rizal150to150/photos_stream )

One step closer to a checkmate in the South China Sea… but who’s?

As ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) meets to discuss the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DoC), the United States sends its flagship to the Philippines.  In response to the ongoing egregiousness acts by the Chinese in recent weeks, the United States deployed the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), based in Yokosuka, Japan, to the Philippines.  Within the same timeframe, the Philippines has also renegotiated a deal with the United States allowing them to deploy military assets to certain areas within the Philippines—for both relief from disasters and assisting with annoying neighbors.

As I blogged earlier, with China’s glaring violation of the DoC by blocking the resupply vessels—an action that is not “peaceful” and is definitely “threat or use of force”—the Philippines have determined China is a “clear and urgent threat” and needs to be dealt with.  Having run out of options, with China taking pawn after pawn, the Philippines is now forced to react more strongly to China’s actions since diplomacy has obviously failed.  In this case, the Queen (United States Navy) has moved into play—if only for a short while, as a show of force—to hopefully reinforce the DoC and return the region to the status quo.  It is unlikely the meeting in ASEAN will produce anything other than another satisfying round of talks, in which all countries gather together and agree that something needs to be done—completely my opinion and I apologize in advance if anyone is offended.  While I think it is a great achievement that ASEAN is able to get multiple countries together to talk about issues; however, more than just talk, I wish they could follow-through and implement these decisions.

The next big questions are – what will happen next and who is winning?  With the crisis going on in the Ukraine with Crimea and Russia; China is most definitely watching the United States’ reaction.  If China were to make a grab for land (islands/shoal), similar to the Russians… would the United States only reply with sanctions?  Yes, the US has a defense treaty with both the Philippines and Japan—both of which have territorial disputes with China, and both are seeing a stronger show of force by China… but how will the United States respond if something were to occur?  What are your thoughts and why?

Read more @ http://bit.ly/1l2Ereo

And

Here @ http://bit.ly/1l2EqHs

And

Here @ http://reut.rs/1l2JRGq

(photo from http://www-scf.usc.edu/ )

#TodayInHistory: President Manuel A. Roxas signs Military Bases Agreement with the United States

Today, on March 13, 1947 (Philippines):

A unanimous vote signed the deal for American Forces to have a continuing military presence in the Philippines on this day in 1947.  Eighteen Senators voted in favor, while none voted against; however, three Senators has abstained from attending while the last three were barred from the senate floor on the day of voting.  Later it was discovered that the Roxas administration had fabricated this charge to ensure those three senators will not allowed to vote.

With this vote, President Manual A. Roxas and Paul V. McNutt (U.S. High Commissioner in the Philippines) agreed to a list of many bases through the Philippines that the United States could utilize for the defense of both the Philippine and United States’ interests.

Originally this agreement was set to a 99-year term; however was modified to 25 years in 1966…and would finally expire in 1991 after the Philippine Senate rejected the re-negotiated treaty with the United States… effectively ending a strong military presence in the country.

Read more @ http://bit.ly/1fD7DFE

US blasted by China for violating Neutrality in its territorial dispute w/ the Philippines

China recently responded to the criticism by the United States for China’s disruption of the status quo in the South China Sea (SCS).  Specifically, the US accused China of creating a tense situation in the SCS after it blocked a normally scheduled resupply vessel from brining supplies and men to the Second Thomas Shoal.  China countered that the U.S. stated its position was that of Neutrality–which it had now clearly violated–and was ignoring “(probably China’s historical) facts”.

Furthermore China claims that the Philippines was not just resupply troops, but attempting to build something on the island–as the two ships it drove away were also carrying construction materials.  Furthermore, China claims that the Philippines had violated China’s rights and interests in the area for trying to disrupt the status quo.

So… now what we have are three countries in the region becoming angered by the actions of the other—the United States attempting to stand of for the Philippines, but still only with words.  And China stating that only they are playing by the rules, while Manila and Washington are the ones that are creating tension by consistently testing Beijing’s patience.

Based off of what you have read on what’s happening over the past few weeks… who do you think is in the right?  China with their outrageous claim in the SCS claiming mostly all of it and trying to force the smaller countries out?  Or the ASEAN countries (supported by the United States), who are just looking for their fair share of their respective Exclusive Economic Zones to ensure they have fair access to the resources found within their borders?

Read more @ http://bit.ly/NckeUA

China performs blockade of Philippines territory; resupply mission failed

China continued to create tensions in the region when it prevented two Filipino civilian vessels from conducting their resupply of marines stationed aboard the ship run-aground on the Second Thomas Shoal.

Chinese did not block the resupply last June, when the Chinese vessels were first deployed–the Philippines also filed a formal complaint at that time as well.

Manila claims that these actions “constitute a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the Philippines”, as Beijing blocked a resupply mission that has been undergone for 15 years.

As expected, China rejected this protest of the blockade from the Philippines as well, claiming that the area is Chinese territory.

Read more @ http://wapo.st/1cwfSnf

(picture from http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/)

The Dueling Banjos: Philippines strums against China

In the latest “tit for tat” exchange, the Philippines responded in kind after China had stated it would defend it’s territory without compromise–and this was including those areas currently contested in or out of court between China and other nations.

What did Manila say exactly?  That “the Philippines was basing its position on the principles of international law” and also “[had] the right to defend every inch of its territory.”

So, now we have two countries that will defend their country (without compromise) … while increasing military units in the area.  China has recently sprayed fisherman with water cannons and has warned off other vessels carrying construction materials in the disputed territory.  As the Philippines have purchased more frigates and are now moving their western defense naval assets closer to the area… how soon until something tragic occurs?  And who will cause it?  Thoughts?

Read more @ http://bit.ly/1h8BDXq

(picture from globalbalita.com)

#TodayInHistory: Philippines attempt at a “Great Leap Forward”; economic advancement

Today, on March 10, 1785 (Philippines):

José Basco y Vargas, a Spanish Naval Officer and 53rd Governor of the Philippines, continued to economically advance the Philippines and distance itself from New Spain (what is now called Mexico).  This time he ushered in a new royal decree (I describe his first one, here), the “Real Compañía de Filipinas” (Royal Company of the Philippines) which was designed with the purpose of creating an interrelationship between Spain and its colonies, while also making Manila a hub for all oriental (Far East) trade.

In 1789, the importing and exporting of goods was established permanently and from here we see the beginnings of Free Trade as duties and restrictions were dropped.  In addition, Filipinos were allowed to travel to other Asian ports and the Chinese who came to Manila suffered no trade restrictions.  Incentives were also provided to different types of produce, silk, sugar, cotton, and spices.

This decree also promoted re-investment of profits into the Philippines—which up until now had not been done.  Usually the profits were absorbed by the Spanish lords and when they were “rich enough” took the money and returned to Spain.  So even though the Royal Company was largely economically unsuccessful, the agriculture infrastructure was greatly developed between 1790 and 1820.  In its last 10 years, there wasn’t any real economic advancement (mostly due to corruption and mismanagement) and in 1830 this charter was repealed; however, Manila was kept open as a trading port for foreigners.

Read more @ http://bit.ly/NPlfCN 

Philippine History Module-based Learning I’ 2002 Ed by Ongsotto, Et Al (page 83 ~ 84, 86 – 88)