The Fourth Perspective

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...

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 advanta...