Philippines Defence Forum

[Cossack25A1]

Looking good. How many are deployed in the Philippine Army ?

None yet as it is a likely a prototype and it is likely that the Marine Corps would use this vehicle, not the Army

 

[Bienvenido]

Philippine Navy ships to get arms upgrades
August 25,2014

MANILA, Philippines–It looks like Christmas just came early for two of the Philippine Navy’s two lead frigates.

BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz are set to be fitted with two Mark 38 Model 225 millimeter “Bushmaster” automatic cannons, with the former the first to get the upgrades.

Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief, said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar would have the upgrades installed at the end of the year as support weapons for its main one, the 76 mm Oto Melara automatic cannon.

“Both vessels are programmed for upgrades in terms of sensors and firepower to revive their original capabilities,” Domingo said Monday.

She added that it has been the intention of the Navy to upgrade their ships to protect the country.

“We want to make them stronger, and of course to protect itself and the Philippines against whoever the adversary is,” Domingo said.

He added it’s always better to have more firepower added to the ship.

“We can still add more to make it better equipped in the seas,” Domingo said. “It’s always to maximize, especially if we have the opportunity.”


Philippine Navy ships to get arms upgrades | Inquirer News

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President Benigno S. Aquino III with the newly sworn-in generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by AFP Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace, August 11, 2014. Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

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Russia looking to supply PH with radar and missile systems

In an exclusive interview of Manila Bulletin with visiting Russian Federal Service Deputy Director Konstantin Biryulin for Military-Technical Cooperation, it was made known that Russia is currently negotiating with Philippine government to provide the country’s armed forces with “radar stations and means of intercepting and destruction of violators.”

Russia may be offering the Department of National Defense with radar and surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems, something that could shot down an aircraft flying in an altitude of 10,000 meters or more sophisticated hardware.

“We fully understand the problems Philippines has to face with its huge maritime border,” Konstantin Biryulin told Manila Bulletin on Friday.

“We have similar problems in Russia and we know how to tackle them. That’s why we have a proposal regarding equipments which could help in controlling those areas.”

About a day ago, a Russian-made SAM was reported to have allegedly downed a Malaysian Airlines plane killing 298 persons on board.

Would China or US allow a Russia-PH military hardware deal, will Philippines enter in this kind of deal.


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Immigration: No crackdown, arrested Chinese are simply illegally working
August 22,2014

Tuesday, August 19, Chinese Embassy in Manila voiced concern regarding Chinese nationals being held by Philippine government suspected for working illegally in the country.

Chinese Embassy demanded that these Chinese individuals’ cases must be handled swiftly and fairly and they must be treated properly.

Fifty-five Chinese are currently in custody of BI as result of raids. Some are working in a construction site and some in retail stores in Manila.

Today, August 22, Philippine Bureau of Immigration clarified that there is no crackdown against Chinese nationals. BI added that arrests are not connected to maritime spat between Philippines and China.

BI spokesperson Atty. Elaine Tan said arrests are part of the government’s campaign to solve the problem in growing number of foreigners working in the Philippines without proper documents and working permit.

She added that this is a part of the bureau’s regular day to day tasks. “We are in touch with the consul as to the documents of their nationals. If a foreign national fails to present any document to support his employment, he will be issued the necessary charge sheet and will eventually be deported.”

Immigration: No crackdown, arrested Chinese are simply illegally working

Battle simulation participated by 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division PA and US Army units at Fort Magsaysay

 

[Bienvenido]

'Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno' tops Philippine box office
(philstar.com) | August 25, 2014

MANILA, Philippines - "Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno" topped the Philippine box-office with P42.61 million in five days, from its first day of screening last August 20 to 24.

The movie captured the "All-Time Biggest Opening Weekend" for a Japanese film and its opening figure has surpassed the lifetime gross of the first "Rurouni Kenshin" movie, which earned P40.4 illion in its overall run in 2012.

“This is a phenomenal bow for `Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno,' one that surely exceeded even our aggressive estimates,” says Francis Soliven, general manager of Warner Bros. (F.E.), Inc. which locally distributed the film.

“We'd like to thank the loyal fans of the franchise for their unwavering support and offer our congratulations to director Keishi Otomo and the cast led by Takeru Satoh, Emi Takei and Munetaka Aoki. The aforementioned talents graciously helped promote the film when they visited here for the Asian Premiere three weeks ago. We have no doubt that their visit enabled us to launch the film in the best way possible,” he added.

Posting the biggest receipts was SM Megamall with P2.39 million over five days, while Trinoma was second with P2.16 million, and SM Cebu at third with P1.62 million.

In the Top Ten Theaters are SM Mall of Asia (P1.57 million), Glorietta 4 (P1.41 million), SM North EDSA (P1.38 million), Ayala Cebu (P1.30 million), Greenbelt 3 (P1.23 million), Eastwood (P866,850) and Gateway (P864,056).

Completing the Top Twenty are Alabang Town Center (P841,091), Greenhills (P774,768), Shangri-la (P743,634), Power Plant (P717,510), SM Aura (P655,044), Centrio Cagayan de Oro (P643,260), Robinsons Ermita (P617,200), Robinsons Magnolia (P608,664), Bonifacio High Street (P597,550) and Market! Market! (P579,084).

Based on the Kyoto arc of the popular manga series written and illustrated by Nobuhiro Watsuki, the “Rurouni Kenshin” sequels follow the story of Kenshin Himura (Takeru Satoh), a legendary swordsman in the wars accompanying the turbulent fall of Japan's Shogunate in the 19th century. Once feared as "Battosai the Killer," he has adopted a peaceful life since the arrival of the "new age."

But Makoto Shishio (Tatsuya Fujiwara), the "Shadow Killer" and successor to Kenshin's position as the deadly assassin, has since then been scheming in the Kyoto underworld, raising an army of disaffected former samurais with the aim of overthrowing the new regime.

Agreeing to a request by the new government to defeat Shishio, Kenshin leaves his beloved ones in Tokyo and sets out for Kyoto.

The last installment of the Samurai X movies "Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends" opens in Philippine theaters on Sept. 24, 2014.

'Rurouni Kenshin: Kyoto Inferno' tops Philippine box office | Movies, Special Reports, Home | philstar.com


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India reinforces naval ties with PH
August 25th, 2014


Indian Naval ship Sahyadri. Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Navy on Monday hailed the Indian navy following the latter’s visit to the country last week.

Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief, said the visit of Indian Naval ship Sahyadri, under the command of Commodore Jyotin Raina, was about reinforcing the relations between the two nations and their navies.

“This affair aims to enhance and strengthen mutual relationship between the two nations and forces as it offers great liberty and an opportunity for the Indian Navy to show friendly aspect to the Philippines,” Domingo said.

“The goodwill visits are also opportune time for a visiting ship to unwind and relax, and see the beauty of our countrymen and at the same time build camaraderie with their counterparts,” Domingo added.

Arriving last Wednesday, Sahyadri left for India last Saturday after its crew played basketball and football with the troops of the Philippine Navy.


Commodore Jyotin Raina (left) and Philippine Navy Rear Admiral Jesus Millan (right). Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

BRP Abraham Campo met Sahyadri near Corregidor Island and escorted it to the anchorage site at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila.

Raina and his party visited the headquarters of the Philippine Navy in a courtesy call that Rear Admiral Jesus Millan, Philippine Navy Chief, initiated.

During the visit, the Philippine and Indian Navies conducted Subject Matter Expertise Exchanges, Community Relations and Community Service.

India reinforces naval ties with PH | Inquirer Global Nation

 

[Cossack25A1]

First impeachment rap vs Aquino found sufficient in form | Inquirer News

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First impeachment rap vs Aquino found sufficient in form
Marc Jayson Cayabyab |INQUIRER.net 11:38 am | Tuesday, August 26th, 2014

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives justice committee has found sufficient in form the first impeachment complaint against President Benigno Aquino III.

During Tuesday’s committee hearing, chairman Iloilo Rep. Niel Tupas Jr. noted that 53 members found sufficient in form the first impeachment rap. Meanwhile, one objected while another abstained.

Upon finding it sufficient in form, the committee concurred that the complaint was verified by the endorsing lawmakers.

The first two complaints were about Aquino’s outlawed Disbursement Acceleration Program, parts of the stimulus program declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The third is over the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which seeks a greater US military presence in the country despite a constitutional ban on foreign bases.
The impeachment raps were endorsed by militant lawmakers Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep Fernando Hicap, Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon, Act Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio aand Gabriela Rep. Emmi De Jesus.

A fourth impeachment rap accused Aquino of sustaining the outlawed Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) in the 2014 budget. The SC declared as unconstitutional the congressional pork at the height of a corruption scandal under the alleged scheme of Janet Lim-Napoles.

But the complaint failed to reach the floor in time for the committee referral of the first three complaints.

-----

And now ABNoy now wants a Constitutional Reform to lessen the power of the Judiciary and Legislative body said before that they are willing to give more power to the Executive Branch. Doesn't this sound similar to a dictatorship rather than republic-democracy?

 

[Nike]

Sea Platforms
Philippine Navy mulling best way to upgrade Del Pilar frigates
Dzirhan Mahadzir, Kuala Lumpur and James Hardy, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
25 August 2014

The PN is debating the best way to upgrade weapons and sensors on its two Del Pilar-class frigates. Source: PA Photos
The Philippine Navy (PN) is having internal talks on how best to upgrade the weapon and electronic systems of its Del Pilar-class frigates.

The PN has two Del Pilar-class frigates, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF15) and BRPRamon Alcaraz (PF16), which are ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton- and Hero-class cutters acquired in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The two vessels each originally mounted a Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS), which was removed when transferred to the Philippines. A sister ship, the USCGC Mellon , mounted a Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher in the 1990s.

"Our initial target is for the Del Pilar frigates to have the same capabilities as the Hamilton-class did when they were in US service, such as having the Phalanx CIWS and Harpoon anti-ship missiles," Marine Colonel Eric Nicanor, commander of the PN's Naval Communications, Electronic and Information Center and chairman of the technical working group for the Del Pilar-class frigate upgrade, told IHS Jane's at the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur on 20-21 August.

"We are also discussing whether the combat systems and sensors should be the same as [those of] the frigates that will be acquired in the future," he added.

As well as new weapons and sensors, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) is buying two new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Del Pilar frigates, with an acquisition set to be announced before the year's end.

Col Nicanor said that having a similar combat system and sensors to the yet-to-be-determined new frigates that Manila is looking to buy would simplify logistics and maintenance support for the navy. Shared combat systems and sensors would also allow the Del Pilar-class frigates to act as training ships for crews of the future frigates, he said.

However, another school of thought is that it would be better for different systems to be installed on the Del Pilar frigates to allow the PN to access different capabilities, while also making the navy less vulnerable to electronic countermeasures.

"We are still discussing and conducting the studies as to which of the two approaches we should consider regarding the Del Pilar upgrade and we also want surface-to-air missile capability for them, so we are studying the options for that also," Col Nicanor said.

Philippine Navy mulling best way to upgrade Del Pilar frigates - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Cossack25A1]

Remington GPC (R4) Carbine

The Remington GPC (or Remington R4) introduced in 2010 was a AR-15 derivative with an extruded upper receiver acting as a barrel cooling jacket mounted with STANAG rails. A derivative product called the Modular Gas Piston Carbine was being offered to the US Army for its Aborted Improved M4A1 Program . It features a Ferritic Nitrocarburized (FNC) coating, 10.5 inch or 14.5 inch barrel offerings with a six groove 1:7 right hand twist. The hand guard is an eight-sided ventilated free floating unit with monolithic Mil-Std-1913 rail on the upper portion and user configurable rail sections that can be added on the other seven sides. The Remington R4 would become in 2012 the prototype for a line of AR-15 based carbines produced under the Remington brand for Defense and Civilian applications. This series consists of the R4; a Direct impingement operated M4/M4A1/M16A4 clones, and R5 or Remington Gas Piston; the most direct production version of the GPC. both series use off the Shelf Furniture including M4 style teliscopic stocks, pistol grips and in the case of the R4, traditional M16A2 or M4 style round hand guards. Variants of the R4 and the stock R5 are offered with updated versions of the

Initially thought to be the M4 made by Colt, the Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps actually procured Remington's R4 carbine which will replace the M16A1 rifles as the standard service rifle.

 

[Cossack25A1]

Sea Platforms
Philippine Navy mulling best way to upgrade Del Pilar frigates
Dzirhan Mahadzir, Kuala Lumpur and James Hardy, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly
25 August 2014

The PN is debating the best way to upgrade weapons and sensors on its two Del Pilar-class frigates. Source: PA Photos
The Philippine Navy (PN) is having internal talks on how best to upgrade the weapon and electronic systems of its Del Pilar-class frigates.

The PN has two Del Pilar-class frigates, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF15) and BRPRamon Alcaraz (PF16), which are ex-US Coast Guard Hamilton- and Hero-class cutters acquired in 2012 and 2013 respectively. The two vessels each originally mounted a Phalanx close-in weapon system (CIWS), which was removed when transferred to the Philippines. A sister ship, the USCGC Mellon , mounted a Harpoon anti-ship missile launcher in the 1990s.

"Our initial target is for the Del Pilar frigates to have the same capabilities as the Hamilton-class did when they were in US service, such as having the Phalanx CIWS and Harpoon anti-ship missiles," Marine Colonel Eric Nicanor, commander of the PN's Naval Communications, Electronic and Information Center and chairman of the technical working group for the Del Pilar-class frigate upgrade, told IHS Jane's at the Integrated Air and Missile Defence Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur on 20-21 August.

"We are also discussing whether the combat systems and sensors should be the same as [those of] the frigates that will be acquired in the future," he added.

As well as new weapons and sensors, the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) is buying two new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters for the Del Pilar frigates, with an acquisition set to be announced before the year's end.

Col Nicanor said that having a similar combat system and sensors to the yet-to-be-determined new frigates that Manila is looking to buy would simplify logistics and maintenance support for the navy. Shared combat systems and sensors would also allow the Del Pilar-class frigates to act as training ships for crews of the future frigates, he said.

However, another school of thought is that it would be better for different systems to be installed on the Del Pilar frigates to allow the PN to access different capabilities, while also making the navy less vulnerable to electronic countermeasures.

"We are still discussing and conducting the studies as to which of the two approaches we should consider regarding the Del Pilar upgrade and we also want surface-to-air missile capability for them, so we are studying the options for that also," Col Nicanor said.

Philippine Navy mulling best way to upgrade Del Pilar frigates - IHS Jane's 360

Me thinks the upgrades of the Del Pilar-class frigate should concentrate more on having anti-ship capabilities such as installing Harpoon missiles while for air-defense, we should have a different ship for it, possibly a new ship and not a refurbished one.

 

[Dante]

Me thinks the upgrades of the Del Pilar-class frigate should concentrate more on having anti-ship capabilities such as installing Harpoon missiles while for air-defense, we should have a different ship for it, possibly a new ship and not a refurbished one.

currently, adding AShM on both del Pilar & Alcaraz are not feasible financially, they currently try to find cheaper way for installing Typhoon/Mark38 gun

lets hope the govt allocate more money for military modernization on the next CUP phase

 

[Cossack25A1]

currently, adding AShM on both del Pilar & Alcaraz are not feasible financially, they currently try to find cheaper way for installing Typhoon/Mark38 gun

lets hope the govt allocate more money for military modernization on the next CUP phase

One solution is to simply by a new frigate and by that, I mean a literal new ship ordered and made from a shipyard and not "new" in the sense that it is a refurbished ship.

Not sure on who to look for in buying new ship, America will only give us a refurbished but obsolete ships.

 

[Dante]

One solution is to simply by a new frigate and by that, I mean a literal new ship ordered and made from a shipyard and not "new" in the sense that it is a refurbished ship.

Not sure on who to look for in buying new ship, America will only give us a refurbished but obsolete ships.

DND now currently are still assessing all tender for the frigate project, even with budget close to 20 billion PhP, they realize that their budget are kinda short.

So yeah, either the govt put more money or prioritizing their modernization project

Well the US gave del Pillar & Alcaraz because those ships are the ships that the Philippine can afford and manage, at about 15mill USD each, both ship are actually very cheap.
With proper mid life upgrade & refurbishment plus rearming, del Pilar & Alcaraz can be transformed into more capable warship, but again there is no money for doing it

so the ball for defense modernization is actually in the hand of filipinos

 

[Ayan81]

the BAE Mk. 38 Mod. 2 arrive last year and its still not on the ship, they say that they are waiting for the USCG personel to install them on the ship cuz its much more cheaper than installing them on the shipyard (hai naku talaga kaung taga PN buti pa PAF umaarangkada na)

Other upgrades they are aiming for is the Phalanx CIWS and the RGM-84 Harpoon because they were previously armed with this one each. Some say they are waiting for the outcome of the bidding for the two new frigates and the ASW heli cuz weapons system are separate from the bidding

 

[Nike]

One solution is to simply by a new frigate and by that, I mean a literal new ship ordered and made from a shipyard and not "new" in the sense that it is a refurbished ship.

Not sure on who to look for in buying new ship, America will only give us a refurbished but obsolete ships.

seriously, i am not a fans of Second hand warships, but looking at Phil armed forces financial conditions made me suggest an otherwise. A refurbished and fully armed Maestrale or Bremen class frigate will give Phil. Navy an adequate platform to increase their Surface combatant presence. I will recommend Chile solutions to their Navy, they never bought a new warships aside for their Submarine forces, but they seriously maintained and updating their surface combatant fleet technology and armament with the latest one and if one of their warships got obsolete, they starting to hunting second hand warship again. But seriously, no one in South America want to messing up against Chilean Navy as they are regarded as one the best equipped and trained Naval forces there.

 

[Cossack25A1]

seriously, i am not a fans of Second hand warships, but looking at Phil armed forces financial conditions made me suggest an otherwise. A refurbished and fully armed Maestrale or Bremen class frigate will give Phil. Navy an adequate platform to increase their Surface combatant presence. I will recommend Chile solutions to their Navy, they never bought a new warships aside for their Submarine forces, but they seriously maintained and updating their surface combatant fleet technology and armament with the latest one and if one of their warships got obsolete, they starting to hunting second hand warship again. But seriously, no one in South America want to messing up against Chilean Navy as they are regarded as one the best equipped and trained Naval forces there.

You could be right there about the financial situation and in fact we did try to buy a second-hand Maestrale class frigate from Italy back in 2012 but the DND opted to buy new frigates rather than procuring a second-hand frigate. As for submarines, there were plans but the Navy is at present concentrated on acquiring surface combat vessels. I doubt that we can rely on Americans on submarines, thus we are likely to look at Europe for subs.

Anyways, I always though it is Brazil or Argentina has the most powerful navy in South America.

the BAE Mk. 38 Mod. 2 arrive last year and its still not on the ship, they say that they are waiting for the USCG personel to install them on the ship cuz its much more cheaper than installing them on the shipyard (hai naku talaga kaung taga PN buti pa PAF umaarangkada na)

Other upgrades they are aiming for is the Phalanx CIWS and the RGM-84 Harpoon because they were previously armed with this one each. Some say they are waiting for the outcome of the bidding for the two new frigates and the ASW heli cuz weapons system are separate from the bidding

The old Hamiltons only have 76mm gun, 25mm chainguns and the Phalanx CIWS. The PH Navy should have at least put two 40mm automatic grenade launchers along with four M2s instead of six M2 machine guns.

 

[Ayan81]

You could be right there about the financial situation and in fact we did try to buy a second-hand Maestrale class frigate from Italy back in 2012 but the DND opted to buy new frigates rather than procuring a second-hand frigate. As for submarines, there were plans but the Navy is at present concentrated on acquiring surface combat vessels. I doubt that we can rely on Americans on submarines, thus we are likely to look at Europe for subs.

Anyways, I always though it is Brazil or Argentina has the most powerful navy in South America.



The old Hamiltons only have 76mm gun, 25mm chainguns and the Phalanx CIWS. The PH Navy should have at least put two 40mm automatic grenade launchers along with four M2s instead of six M2 machine guns.

The USCG Mellon was once equipped with harpoons

 

[Cossack25A1]

The USCG Mellon was once equipped with harpoons

but it was later removed due to "fiscal constraints"... well they are the Coast Guard and unless they are going to war, a cutter with an anti-ship missile would be pointless and the purpose of the mounting is likely for compatability.

If Harpoons are going to be mounted on the two Hamilton ships the PH Navy has, it needs two launchers where each launcher will be placed on the port and starboard side of the ship. We should also consider putting SeaRAM on this ship aside from Phalanx.