P15M worth of smuggled cigarettes seized in Palawan

By Redempto Ada

Inquirer.net, Friday, April 15, 2011

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Philippines—An alleged smuggling syndicate operating in the southwestern tip of Palawan was busted and P15 million worth of assorted cigarettes from Malaysia were confiscated by intelligence operatives of the Western Command and Naval Forces West on Thursday.

Wescom spokesman Major Neil Estrella said Friday the bust was conducted following weeks of surveillance on the group believed actively involved in smuggling and using Mangsee Island in Balabac, an area nearest to the border of Malaysia, as a transit point of the contraband entering the country.

"This shipment route is very active. Almost every other week there are ... contraband that are able to get into mainland Palawan and into the rest of the country," Estrella said.

Based on intelligence reports from surveillance activities, Estrella said they applied for a search warrant and was granted by Regional Trial Court Judge Jocelyn Dilig to investigate a network of warehouses in Balabac used by several Muslim traders based there.

"So far, we have searched seven warehouses and were able to retrieve at least P15 million worth of smuggled cigarettes. We're also looking into the possibility of drugs and firearms," Estrella said.

He said the operation was assisted by fast crafts of the US-assisted Small Boat Unit (SBU) of the PNP Maritime which was primarily intended for terrorist interdiction duties around Palawan's southern backdoor.

Smuggling charges were being prepared against several Muslim traders based in Balabac, according to Estrella.

Inquirer.net

Navy monitoring JI movement in Mindanao

By Roel Pareño

The Philippine Star, Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – The Philippine Navy intensified its monitoring activities, through its coast watch, to track down the movement of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) from slipping in and out of the country using the southern backdoor, an official said. 

Newly installed Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Commodore Armando Guzman said they have focused their security operation in the border of the Philippines and Malaysia following the capture of most wanted JI bomber Umar Patek in Pakistan. 

Patek, who was last monitored to have been in the refuge of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu in the previous years, was reportedly captured last February. But his arrest was only made known by an intelligence official. 

Philippine security officials in Sulu believed that Patek, who was last monitored in 2009 in Sulu, may have been passing the southern backdoor. 

Patek and Dulmatin, another JI leader, who are both wanted in the deadly 2002 Bali bombing in Indonesia that killed 202 tourists, mostly Australians and Europeans, arrived in Central Mindanao sometime in 2003 but subsequently slipped toward Sulu with the Abu Sayyaf group. 

Dulmatin, who escaped Sulu ahead of Patek, was neutralized in a shootout with Indonesian police forces in the outskirts of Jakarta sometime on March 2010. 

Philippine military officials have confirmed that JI’s were using the southern backdoor after a team of the Abu Sayyaf, who were dispatched to survey an escape path toward Malaysia, were intercepted by the Marines in 2007 in an island off Tawi-Tawi. 

Guzman said the border in the southern backdoor is “so porous” and the coast watch have been intensified in monitoring the movement of the terrorists.

Philstar.com

Most of AFP members honest: Navy officer

By Elias O. Baquero

Sunstar Cebu, Wednesday, April 6, 2011

THE Philippine Navy yesterday said majority of the men and women in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are still honest in their mandate to protect the people.

Vice Admiral Alexander Pama, the Philippine Navy flag officer in command, said the public should understand that just because there are four or five military officers who illegally amassed wealth at the expense of the military budget does not mean the entire AFP is corrupt.

The officer made the remark amid a Senate investigation of alleged corruption in the service.Pama, who presided the change of command of the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) from Commodore Armando Guzman to Commodore Zyril Carlos, said reports of anomalies in the AFP hurt them because they have unblemished records in public service.Guzman will assume as commander of the Zamboanga City-based Western Command that covers part of Mindanao, from Lanao to Tawi-Tawi.

Hurt

“We are hurt by these bad reports. We pity those who give up their lives just to defend this country because of the public perception that the entire Armed Forces are corrupt. Let me clarify, that if four or five people have committed corruption, majority of the officers and men in the military are still honest,” Pama said.

Pama is hoping that the Senate investigation will result to the filing of charges against those who committed crimes, so servicemen and officers who are sincere in their mandate to protect the people will be cleared.

Pama is concerned about the latest public opinion wherein the AFP is perceived to be the most corrupt government agency.

“The result of the recent (Social Weather Station) survey showing that the AFP as most corrupt is definitely untrue and unfair for the officers and soldiers who have sacrificed for this country,” Pama said.

Challenging

Meanwhile, Carlos told Sun.Star Cebu that his new assignment as Nav-forcen commander is challenging because the Visayas is an eco-tourism area, which contributes much to the country’s economy.

“We will ensure the security of tourists and at the same time support the role of the (Philippine) Army against dissidents,” Carlos said.

Carlos said they will enhance the capability of Navforcen in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, especially since it is considered a strategic area in the country, wherein it can immediately respond to emergencies in the Visayas, Luzon and Mindanao.

“If you look at the geography, Navforcen is located at the center of the Philippines.

It can respond quickly if something happens in Eastern Visayas or in Sulu,” Carlos said.

Sunstar.com

PH-designed amphibious vehicle set to be launched

By Jason Ang

Philippine Daily Inquirer, Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The Philippines, as one of the world’s largest archipelagos, also has one of the longest combined coastlines on the planet. Patrolling them requires a well-trained military force and, just as importantly, an appropriate fleet of vehicles.

Enter the Coastal-Riverine-Overland Craft (CROC). The CROC is a locally developed, Filipino-designed amphibious vehicle that combines the abilities of an all-terrain vehicle and a high-speed jet boat. CROC reportedly incorporates lightweight but rugged materials and breakthrough hull design. It is designed to be equally adept at running on land and cruising in the water.

The CROC starts out as a 4x4 land vehicle and by retracting its wheels, transforms into a high-speed powerboat capable of navigating in deep and shallow water.

On land, the CROC is projected to be capable of speeds up to 120 km/h, and with a 200-liter dual fuel tank, could attain a range of 1000 km. Its specs include independent double-wishbone suspension at the front, and a rear torsion bar with coil-over-Eibach springs. It is even equipped with four-wheel steering, providing maneuverability in tight spaces such as the infamous U-turns along C5. It’s equipped with four-wheel disc brakes.

A centralized tire-pressure control system, like the Humvee’s, can be included as an option. A front winch and a portable winch will help in its varied missions, as will a steel-reinforced back rest, that, used as a bridge, will enable the truck to traverse a one-meter canal or trench.

Its optimum land speed could exceed 120 kph and with a 200-ltr dual tank, the range could be more than 1000 kms on paved roadways.

In the water, CROC’s tri-hull design and 23-foot length provide stability, and also lessen the shock transmitted to the interior. In the water, it is powered by a marine jet drive, allowing it to perform spins, slides and full stops in high-speed runs. Virtually unsinkable, the CROC stays afloat even if its compartments are filled with water. The four tires help provide buoyancy. Its design includes self-righting capability in the event that it flips over.

The model that will be on display at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), from April 7 to 10 at the World Trade Center, is dubbed the CROC-X, as it is an experimental model. Powering the CROC-X is a 5.2-liter Magnum V8 water-cooled engine, sourced from Chrysler. Power is coursed through a four-wheel drive automatic-transmission, with a five-speed manual transfer case for the marine jet.

The basic CROC tips the scales at 2.5 metric tons, and can carry a payload of two metric tons, with suspension modification. CROC-X is a collaboration between civilian and military innovators, and was prototyped in a just six months.

The designers envision production models to be powered by any of a variety of engines, including diesels or hybrids. For sea-going CROCS, such as those to be used for coastal patrols, a marine engine would be preferable.

The CROC is also reportedly ideal for rescue operations, particularly during floods and other natural calamities. The designers also foresee applications in the tourism industry, as it can be used as in a combined 4x4 vehicle and jet boat adventure ride, taking off from popular beach resorts.

The CROC can carry 10 passengers, including driver and navigator, and can be equipped with mounting for various types of weapons, radio sets, external fuel tanks and other equipment.

Ballistic protection will be incorporated in future iterations. The prototype model already includes an anti-landmine feature—detachable chimneys above the front wheels to direct blasts upwards.

To provide quick egress, not to mention a touch of drama, the doors open gullwing style.

The vehicle is designed by OPCENTEC, a local company specializing in designing and prototyping unique technology solutions for defense, security and disaster response.