The Fourth Perspective

The military budget that was intended for shore based missile and rocket system was realigned towards deferment per approval of President Aquino based on the recommendation of his military top brass. Accordingly, the said budget that amounts to PHP 6.5 billion will be use instead to procure body armors and helmets. The military had justified the need for those equipments to protect its personnel from the increasing use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by the insurgents in Mindanao and elsewhere where the New Peoples Army is currently operating. That decision had caused a stir in the social media that in summary had mirrored frustration and anger particularly among the followers of the AFP modernization. Beyond the action and reaction however, the meaning of the announcement was more telling. The AFP and the current administration, maybe unwittingly,  is telling the Filipino people, China, its allies and the interested world that its political will won't go beyond diplom

The United States and its allies have been watching with contempt the Chinese activities at the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea. The wanton reclamation and destruction of marine eco-systems are simultaneous, progressive and unabated. Sooner than soon, those artificial islets will become unsinkable carriers, floating ports and formidable satellite military bases of the people’s navy and air force. The Chinese is not that far in succeeding with their plan to dominate those waters, and eventually they will gain control of everything around, above and beneath them. Theirs was the product of "the vampire bat approach", whereupon the prey is desensitized before siphoning their blood. The strategy has proven itself to be more effective than the Nazi Blitzkrieg. In fact, it was a deliberate, and is a subtle invasion that was effortlessly and gradually executed, yet unopposed and unchallenged. What must follow suit are flight restrictions and naval blockade, and ther

The peace agreement is flawed ever since it was conducted and completed around but not within the limitations and boundaries provided by law and the Philippine constitution. It was erroneously inspired by the belief that the President’s power is unlimited. The chief of the MILF negotiating panel was perturbed, upon learning the misrepresentation by the executive branch that the latter has total, unbounded and absolute authority to negotiate and consummate the provisions of the agreement and the proposed BBL. A flaw in the part is a flaw in the whole. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a rebel group whose aim is to secede from the Philippine Republic. It has not acquired belligerent status that otherwise would entitle it to certain rights and recognition likened to that of separate state. Not  even, and before the time that this archaic notion had faded from the international law scenery, Belligerency is an obsolete concept and for quite a  time it had ceased to be par

The recent carnage involving 66 or so members of the Special Action Force (SAF) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and some civilians had demonstrated two very critical revelations; it challenge the sincerity of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and it illuminates ineptitude in the Philippine government. The incident at Mamasapano, Maguindanao and the surrounding circumstances that leads to its occurrence pointed to the undeniable reality that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is an Alter-ego of the MILF. One relevant aspect of the MILF/ GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) agreement is the required notification or coordination with the peace panel before conducting military or police operation.  The glaring drawback in this arrangement is the loss of the element of surprise, which is a crucial and an imperative factor towards success. It is a common knowledge in the military and police circle that most of the MILF and BIFF members are rela

As fast as the time progress is the Chinese advances through reclamations at the West Philippine Sea . Soon basing infrastructure will be completed in the form of naval berthing facility; air station and runways for Chinese fighter jets and surveillance drones;  for radars that would enhanced coverage and weapons guidance; launching pads for surface to air or surface to surface missiles;  logistical support facility, such as pier, warehouse and bunkers; convenient staging area for Chinese military and civilian vessels and aircraft, that would enable a sustain operation ever than before, hence, affording the luxury of perpetual presence. It was reported that the reclamations are situated at a distance of 160-180 kilometers from the nearest Philippine coast, which is roughly equivalent to the distance of Pangasinan to Manila .  These developments clearly erodes the Philippine’s geographical and military advantage. The Chines