HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ON BEHALF OF ALL THE MEMBERS OF THE DEFENDERS OF PHILIPPINE SOVEREIGNTY COMMUNITY, HAPPY NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO ALL THE DEFENDERS OF THE WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: the Philippine Navy, thePhilippine Marines, Western Command (WESCOM) the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Coast Guard, THE INHABITANTS OF THE Philippine Spratly territories, and every single defender of Philippine sovereignty! 

May the Lord guide and protect you all! MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! 

WELCOME TO PATAG AND LAWAK ISLANDS, Philippine Spratly territories! shown in the midst of the deep blue sea, Patag and Lawak (behind)...
It would be nice to do a tourism drive for both Patag (front)and Lawak (back) islands in the Philippine Spratly territories! Defenders of the Spratly claim must join up and do a jamboree on one of these two fine-looking beaches!

Good luck to Vice-Admiral Alano as he takes over Philippine Navy and steers the course of this country's defence of troubled waters

NEW NAVY LEADERSHIP!

Vice-Admiral Luis M. Alano, takes over from Vice-Admiral Pama as Flag Officer-in-Command of the Philippine Navy for less than 15 months

The community of Defenders of the Philippine Sovereignty congratulate and welcome the Philippine Navy's new Flag-Officer-In-Command, Vice-Admiral Luis M. Alano and wish him the very best as he steers the course of this country's defence of national sovereignty in troubled waters. 

We welcome with great pleasure Vice-Admiral Alano's statement as he boldly announces: 

“We should be a responsible partner in keeping our waters safe and secured by maintaining security stability in the (West Philippine Sea) so that freedom of navigation and international trade may continue to flourish. 

“The course has been plotted, sea details have been set and the command to cast off all lines has been given. Our personnel are our most major concern. What we need are not warm bodies but able-bodied sailors and marines who are motivated, disciplined and professionals."

We are looking forward to this leadership change and hope the Commander-in-chief will have in the new Navy chief someone he can trust well enough to listen to when the new Navy chief says to him, "Damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead!"

The new FOIC will have ONLY less than 18 months to lead the Navy -- in fact only 15 months, much like his erstwhile superior, VAdm Billy Marcelo (Ret) of PMA Class 61,  back in 1994 who was navy chief also for less than 15 months but proved to be one of the best navy chiefs PN ever had.

PROFILE of Vice Admiral Jose Luis Montaño Alano 

Born on May 1, 1958, in Quezon City, Vice Admiral Alano is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class MATAPAT of 1979. 

His specialties are Surface Warfare and Naval Air Warfare. He commanded several types of surface ships, including the Presidential Yacht. As a naval aviator, he is a Britten-Norman Islander Aircraft instructor and test pilot. His shipboard and naval air assignments ensured his appointment as the Commander of Naval Task Force 21. Ashore, he has been posted to various positions both in Command and Staff. His notable assignments were: Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Operations, N3 and Chief of Naval Staff of the Philippine Navy. He also commanded the following key units of the Philippine Navy: Naval Air Group, Service Force, Northern Luzon Naval Forces, and the Philippine Fleet. 

VADM Alano received numerous awards and decorations among which are:
Three Distinguished Service Stars; Outstanding Achievement Medal; Gawad Sa Kaunlaran; and Military Merit Medal with Spearhead Device. 

He is a graduate of Defense Strategic Studies Course at the Center of Defense and Strategic Studies in Weston Creek, Canberra, Australia and the Naval Staff Course at the Royal Australian Naval Staff College in Sydney, Australia. He took his Joint Services Command and Staff Course at Fort Bonifacio. He holds a Master-of-Arts degree in Strategic Studies from Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria, Australia.

Turnover ceremony news: New Navy chief vows safer Phl waters

China's creeping invasion of Philippine EEZ: Mischief Reef, Sabina Shoal, Scarborough Shoal, what next?

GOOGLED IMAGE OF 'STOLEN' MISCHIEF REEF AND SABINA SHOAL both well within the 200-nautical mile Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and located exactly 130 miles (209 km) and 70 miles (113 km) away from Palawan respectively. In 1994, when the Philippine Navy was not looking, China invaded Mischief Reef and planted structures. The Philippines decided not to press for its recovery. China then took control of Sabina Shoal which was even nearer Palawan.

In 2012, China repeated their illegal exploits in Philippine EEZ by encircling Scarborough Shoal and declaring all of South China Sea (which overlaps our own West Philippine Sea) as theirs. What will be their "Sabina Shoal" this time? Will it be the Hermana Mayor island or the Hermana Menor Island which are found northwest off the coast of Zambales?

TIME ASIA REPORT ON CHINA'S ILLEGAL OCCUPATION OF MISCHIEF REEF AND SABINA SHOAL:

TIME Asia 030899
MISCHIEF REEF

September 14, 1999

After several passes the pilots turned back toward Palawan, but on the way they descended to check out another reef, the Sabina Shoal, which is even closer to the Philippines and on which Chinese marker buoys have been foundand blown upby the navy before. The Chinese have a wellrehearsed routine when laying claim to a new reef first they put down buoys, then they build concrete markers. Temporary wooden or bamboo shelters follow, and if they are still not challenged, the permanent military forts go up. The Philippines tries to blow up the buoys or the markers before China has time to build and occupy larger structures. We cant demolish the inhabited structures because we dont want war in the Spratlys, says presidential spokesman Jerry Barrican.

We must NOT ALLOW what happened to Mischief Reef and the succeeding occupation of Sabina Shoal (because we did not react with determination) to happen again. We must guard our other islands in the Spratlys, patrol West Philippine Sea relentlessly to show bit of presence. Navy and Coast Guard do not need to patrol with guns blazing. All they need IS TO PERFORM THEIR JOB.

By not allowing our Coast Guard to patrol our territorial waters, i.e., Scarborough, Malacanang is sending a very bad signal to China, which will inevitably reflect very poorly on ALL, and we mean, ALL Pinoy citizens.

There is nothing to fear. PCG or PN patrolling our coast WILL NOT lead to war with China. In the first place, Pinas has no capability to enter into a war with China so there will be no war. If China becomes militarily violent against Pinas, they will be facing world condemnation.

Our vessels, however, do run the risk of being rammed, and worse, one of them sunk by China vessels. Should the President take risk of possibly (just possibly) sacrificing a govt ship with, perhaps, loss of lives? The answer is yes. If President Aquino is not prepared to do it, then he must formally abandon our claim and move on as in put the entire China stealing episode behind us.

By Anne de Bretagne

For the Defenders of the Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims

16 December 2012 

Potential Panetta replacement puts Philippines in its place; Philippine strategic blunder over Scarborough invites snide remarks from China

IS AMERICA FEEDING THE EGO OF CHINA? COULD THE DECLARATION OF POSSIBLE SUCCESSOR (picture shown) TO U.S. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE PANETTA have triggered Beijing's snide remark that the Philippines is being a "troublemaker" because we are pressing our claim to Scarborough Shoal? 

QUESTION: Why does this potential successor to Panetta have to open her big mouth? ANSWER: Because our government officials have committed a monumental blunder, in fact, a strategical blunder of untold proportions; and having done that, these same officials continue to hang to the belief that America will be our saviour! Grow up PH Govt officials and leaders!

LAST 29th November, the possible successor to US Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said there was a risk of Manila “mistaking U.S. support for an opportunity to be much more assertive in staking their claims. I think we have to be careful that we don’t feed that dynamic.”

Ms Michele Flournoy, former US undersecretary of defence for US policy, also said, “I do think there is a danger of some of our friends occasionally misreading, or miscalculating, in terms of the support that they have from the United States.” 

Sanamagan! Although we must say that she is right to be straightforward (at least we know where Pinas stands!!!) The Philippines should NEVER HAVE ACCEPTED to withdraw our ships even under US pressure. NEVER!!!!! If it is truethat PH was indeed under pressure from the United States back in mid-2012 to agree with China for the withdrawal of ships, the Philippines should have asked for a quid pro quo, i.e., for an official American commitment that the US would help Pinas to eject the intruders should the agreement not work. Otherwise, should have been no go!

HERE'S THE REPORT: 

Former U.S. Official: Don’t Mistake Support on South China Sea
December 14, 2012, 6:41 PM
Agence France-Presse/Getty Images 

A former senior U.S. defense official viewed as a possible successor to Leon Panetta as defense secretary said the Philippines has recently mistaken U.S. renewed engagement in the region as an opportunity to more assertively pursue territorial claims against China. 

Michele Flournoy, who served as undersecretary for defense policy until February 2012, said last month while the U.S. needed to send clear signals of support for its allies in the region, it also needed to ensure that support didn’t lead allies to act provocatively. 

Naming the Philippines specifically, she said there was a risk of Manila “mistaking U.S. support for an opportunity to be much more assertive in staking their claims. I think we have to be careful that we don’t feed that dynamic.” 

The comments by Ms. Flournoy came during a question-and-answer session at Australian National University on Nov. 29. Video of the remarks was posted on YouTube this week. 

“I do think there is a danger of some of our friends occasionally misreading, or miscalculating, in terms of the support that they have from the United States,” Ms. Flournoy added.

Let's get things right. The United States will always have its interest in mind first and foremost. Miss Fournoy is right to be straightforward. We cannot blame the United States for not siding with us because at the end of the day, it was the Philippines that committed the blunder and stuck to the belief that the US would come to Philippine aid. So sorry Messieurs Philippine officials! The Spratlys and Scarborough are NOT PART OF THE US-PH Mutual Defence Treaty. Philippine officials must have known that. They have been completely do-lally!

Today, we must face the fact that China now has de facto control (and sovereignty) of Scarborough. They can declare that Scarborough is land mass which, if they do, can change the EEZ dynamics. 

AND YOU KNOW WHAT THE REAL PROBLEM IS OR POTENTIAL ENORMOUS PROBLEM WILL BE? If they do that, they will be able to declare that waters from Scarborough land mass stretching 200nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal (from Panatag itself + 12 nautical miles from the shoal itself) belong to them which will ultimately deprive the Philippines of everything down to the Philippines own 12 nautical mile territorial waters (from our baseline). In other words, if China declares that the 200 nautical miles of waters from Scarborough-Panatag Shoal itself are part of China Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the act could effectively rope Zambales and all the islands inward, i.e., inside Luzon itself, as in navally blockaded by China. Our officials or leaders who AGREED TO order the withdrawal of our ships back in July did not think of potential consequences. Complete dumbos!

The Philippines should NEVER HAVE ACCEPTED to withdraw our ships even under US pressure. NEVER. If it is true that PH was indeed under pressure from the United States back in mid-2012 to agree with China for the withdrawal of ships, the Philippines should have asked for a quid pro quo, i.e., for the US commitment that the US would help Pinas to eject the intruders should the agreement not work.

To accept to withdraw our ships -- whatever the pressure, was a tactical, nay, a strategic blunder of untold proportions.

President Aquino is responsible for this fiasco. At the end of the day, he has the ultimate command responsibility. President Aquino is lucky that Philippine media is do-lally and that Pinoys have not fully absorved the enormity of the atrocious tactical blunder committed by his government.

By Anne de Bretagne
Defenders of the Philippine Sabah and Spratly Claims
15 December 2012

What can the Philippines do to reverse its tactical blunders in Scarborough?

HOW CAN THE PHILIPPINES REVERSE THE SITUATION IN SCARBOROUGH TODAY after it committed serious tactical blunders in April and June this year? China is now in full control of Scarborough right in our Exclusive Economic Zone in the West Philippine Sea, amidst China's growing boldness and bellicosity. 

LESSON no. 1: DO NOT TRUST CHINA

The Philippines committed grave tactical and strategical blunders when first, it ordered Philippine Navy BRP Gregorio del Pilar to withdraw from Scarborough during the stand off with China surveillance ships back in April and then a second time when it ordered Philippine Coast Guard vessel in June leaving China vessels in our EEZ apparently following an agreement with China that both countries would withdraw their vessels. China has since roped in Scarborough Shoal and stationed three of their government vessels stationed three of their government vessels right in our EEZ or 134 nautical miles from Zambales. How can the Philippines reverse the situation today amidst China's continuing beligerence and threats in the region? 

AGAIN, LESSON no. 1: DO NOT TRUST CHINA

IN PHOTO: China Marine Surveillance Ships On Patrol In The South China Sea

DO NOT BUY 'MADE IN CHINA' PRODUCTS

Cory Aquino and Nur Misuari

AT THE END OF THE DAY, NUR MISUARI CAN BE A 'SOFTIE'... NO! NO! That's not meant to malign the MNLF founder and legendary Tausug warrior but merely to say that he is human and appreciates, like many of us, respect and a minimum of courtesy. 

That was actually my reaction after reading a news report in today's Freeman that said, "The stance of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari against the framework agreement may soon soften as a result of the Aquino administration's "talks" with the leader of the former rebel group."

It reminded me of a story that no less than current DND Secretary Voltz Gazmin likes to tell, that of the 1986 historic meeting between the late President Cory Aquino and the legenderary warrior -- or an incident just before the meeting, when she broke protocol and flew to Sulu to sue for peace with the MNLF. Voltz Gazmin, who was then CG, Presidential Security Group, tells the story often enough to highlight the courageous streak in the late president but which also gave us an insight into Misuari's innate Tausug character.

Voltz Gazmin recounted that the event was due to take place right in MNLF lair and as commanding general of the presidential security command, he was naturally apprehensive for the security of the chief executive. The life of the president was in his hands. He remarked that the president felt almost no fear and trusted that she would be able to achieve what she had set out to do. But he did not trust the MNLF, Misuari or not Misuari, to get anywhere near the president especially in Sulu where he would be severely outnumbered if things went wrong. But one thing he did say was that from the onset of the meeting between Cory and Misuari, the Tausug rebel exuded a very courteous demeanour towards the president, almost humble, perhaps, honoured and impressed that the president, a woman to boot, would have the courage to show up in "enemy country."

After a brief courteous exchanges, and just as the serious part of the discussions was about to begin, Mrs Aquino did the most unexpected thing -- which had not been planned at all; she ordered everyone out of the conference room except for a note taker. She decided that she was going to speak to Nur Misuari one-on-one. Voltz was naturally caught off guard. He was adamant that he did not want to leave the president alone with the rebel Tausug Misuari and insisted to be present with the president. But the president refused Gazmin's remonstrances. She was determined that they should be left alone to discuss the proecess of peace. She tried to reassure the PSG chief that everything would be alright and ordered him to leave.

With his heart trepidating, he left and waited outside the conference room. After nearly an hour, the president called for staff and the commander of the PSG. Alongside a meek-looking Nur Misuari, the president announced that they had come to an agreement to go forward to settle matters towards peace. According to Gazmin, he was left speechless. He saw Nur Misuari almost appearing like a lamb, acting with great deference to the president, in other words, respectful.

Cory Aquino left an indelible image of courage and fortitude in General Voltz Gazmin. But unknown to him, he left me personally with the appreciation that Nur Misuari, despite the rhetorics, is a reasonable man, a fierce but also gentle Tausug warrior. And that was what the MNLF commander was like when I finally met him for the first time back in the 90s. 

At the end of the day, negotiating for the much abused 'just and lasting peace' with the 'Moros' may just be possible through Nur Misuari. All it would take is to give him the respect he and his people deserves. 

By Anne de Bretagne
For The Philippine Sabah Claim Forum
24 October 2012