philippines final unclass 1feb12[1]

8/3/2019 Philippines Final UNCLASS 1FEB12[1]

1/20


2/20

Republic of the PhilippinesUNCLASSIFIED

Travel Time & Distances

Okinawa to Luzon Islands- Approx. 1.5 hr flight via C-130

- Approx. 18 hr float via LHD-6

Okinawa to Manila- Approx. 2.5 hr flight via C-130

- Approx. 30 hr float via LHD-6

Indonesia

China Japan

Okinawa

Mainland

Southeast

Asia

Taiwan

Manila

Philippine Sea

South

China Sea


3/20

Orientation: Major IslandsUNCLASSIFIED

Three major groups:

LuzonVisayas

Mindanao

Hundreds of smaller islands make up

multiple archipelagos throughout

Philippines

Spratly Island Claims

Philippine Claims


4/20

Environmental IssuesUNCLASSIFIED

Air & Water PollutionMetro Manila has one of the highest levels of air pollution in the

world. Environmental laws regulate the quality of air and water,

manage waste, and establish buffer zones within forests.

Unfortunately authorities do not actively enforce these laws.

Natural DisastersEarthquakes, Tsunamis, Cyclones, Hurricanes,

volcanic eruptions

DeforestationThe Philippines has a high rate of

deforestation, 2 % annually. The governmentinitiated reforms and regulations to slow the

rate in the 1970s and 1990s, but illegal logging

still depletes the forests.

Soil ErosionThe decreasing forest cover leads to greater soil erosion particularly

during the monsoon season.


5/20

Manila

Philippine Sea

South

China

Sea

Sulu Sea

Weather & ClimateUNCLASSIFIED

Seasons

Wet & dry based upon the amount of rainfall as well asthe location of the country with the seven warmestmonths of the year are from April to October.

Coastline

Primarily mangroves and palm swamps

Territorial sea claims extend 285 nautical miles

off the coastline all around the country.

Averages

Precipitation - 2,030 millimeters (80 inches) per year

Temperature - Highs 31 C(88F) / Lows 24C (75F)

- Sea rarely falls below 27C (81F)

Climate Patterns The Philippines have a tropical climate, remaining hot

and humid throughout the year

Monsoons and rain-bearing winds strongly affect

the islands

The monsoons blow from the southwest from May to

October and from the northeast from November toFebruary

Type I Two pronounced seasons.

Dry from Nov. to April, wet duringremainder of the year.

Type II No Dry seasons with a

very pronounced rainfall from Nov. to April

and wet during rest of the year.

Type III Season are not very

pronounced; relatively dry from Nov. to

April; wet during rest of year.

Type IV Rainfall I more or lessevenly distributed through year.


6/20

TerrainUNCLASSIFIED

Luzon

&

Mindoro

Luzon

Largest island

Three parallel mountainranges running north to

south

Two major lowland Ares

Central Plain

Cagayan Valley

Mindoro

One major mountain

range running north to

south

Visayan

&

Palawan Islands

Mindanao

&

Sulu Archipelago

Mindanao

Second largest island in

the country Extremely

mountainous region

with few lowland areas

Two large marshes

Sulu Archipelago

800 islands

Tropical rainforest and

monsoon forest

Visayan

Includes more than half

the Philippine islands Only seven populated

Primarily a combination

or dense jungle forest,

hilly terrain, and some

mountainous areasPalawan Islands

Islands are made up of

large plateaus


7/20

HistoryUNCLASSIFIED

25,000 BC-People of

African and Malayan

descent form tribal

societies on islands

Islam

introduced in

14th century

1941-

MacArthurs

forces pushed

back

Philippines fall

to Japanese1542-Spanish

colonizeislands

1899-

Independence

from Spain

1945-Japaneseforces

surrender to US

forces

July 1946-

Independencefrom US

1969-Moro IslamicLiberation Front

begins armed

conflictlasts to

present day

1982-Current

constitution in

effect

1992-US withdraws military

bases

2003-

Philippines

major non-

NATO US ally

Present-Country fighting

ins./terr. groupsminimal

progress with peace talks.

Major cooperation w/ US

forces in regards to training.


8/20

Culture & BeliefsUNCLASSIFIED

Family

Family plays an important role in society and the social structureand often rely heavily on their family as a source of strength and stability

A typical household may include the immediate and extended family

Relatives live near each other and children typically do not leave the home until marriage

Customs & Courtesies

Dos

- Greet with handshake and smile; eldest first- Visitors are expected to bring a gift to their host

and the receiver does not open the gift until after the giver has left

- Tipping is expected in restaurants

Don'ts

- Pointing at someone, beckoning with the index finger, and making

direct eye contact are considered rude- Shorts and swimwear are not appropriate in public outside

of swimming pools

Society

Most Filipinos trust the United States and welcome its military

presence in the Philippines

A few Filipinos resent their countrys dependence on U.S. economicand military aid, and some conduct anti-American protests


9/20

EconomyUNCLASSIFIED

The Philippine economy has not grown as rapidly as its neighbors

economies have and since the 1970s the Philippines havebeen surpassed in development by Singapore, South Korea, and

Taiwan. The Philippines is one of the poorest countries in the region,

despite its significant natural resources.

The Philippine economy is based primarily on the service industry,

industrial production, and agriculture. Personal consumption is the

main economic driver.

The Philippines receives USD $1.1 billion in foreign economic aid from

Japan United States

Australia Germany

China Asian Development Bank

TheWorld Bank United Nations

Imports

Electronics, mineral fuels, machinery

and transport equipment, iron

and steel, textile fabrics, grains,

chemicals, plastic

Exports

Semiconductors and electronics,

transport equipment, garments,

copper products, petroleum

products, coconut oil, fruits

1 USD = 42.8683 PHP


10/20

United States Philippines Difference

1BR Apartment $901.91/mo $215.52/mo -76.10%

Milk (regular), 1 liter $1.14 $1.61 +41.48 %

Loaf of Fresh White Bread(500g)

$2.31 $1.09 -52.65 %

Eggs (12) $2.08 $1.49 -28.28 %

Fresh Cheese (1kg) $9.25 $5.94 -35.80 %

Chicken Breasts(Boneless, Skinless), (1kg)

$7.31 $3.35 -54.23 %

Cost of Living

All dollar amounts in USD

UNCLASSIFIED


11/20

Government

The Philippines became a self-governing commonwealth protected by

the United States in 1935 and then a fully independent nation in1946.

Current Constitution: February 2, 1987

Democratic government

It is a constitutional republic with a presidential system and is

governed as a unitary state The president functions as both head-of-state and head of

government and is the commander in chief of the armed forces

The president is elected by popular vote for a single six-year term,

during which he or she appoints and presides over the cabinet

*Common/Islamic law likely used in underdeveloped areas with less

government representation/outreach

Universal Suffrage: 18 years old

Future Elections:

Legislative: May 2013

Executive: May 2016

UNCLASSIFIED

US Embassador Harry K. Thomas Jr.

Preseident Benigno Aquino III


12/20

Key DatesUNCLASSIFIED

Islamic Holy Dates (2013)

Milad un Nabi: 24 January

- Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Sunni)

Milad un Nabi (Shia): 29 January

- Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Shia)

Ramadan (start): 9 July- Muslim month of fasting

Eid al Fitr (end of Ramadan): 8 August

- The end of Ramadan

Eid al Adha : 15 October

- Festival ofSacrifice marking the day after Arafat

Al Hijira: 4 November

- Islamic New Year

Ashura: 13 November

- Islamic Holy Day

National Holidays:

Day of Valor/Bataan & Corregidor Dray: 9 April

Labor Day: 1 May

Independence Day (from Spain): 12 June

Independence Day (from US): 4 July

National Heros Day: 27 August

Bonifacio Day: 30 November

Rizal Day: 30 December

Future Dates:

Legislative elections: May 2013

Executive elections: May 2016


13/20

Transportation & InfrastructureUNCLASSIFIED

Road Network: Thousands of miles of multilane

express highways have been constructed in andaround the largest cities, and older two-lane roads

have been widened to accommodate multiple lanes

of traffic. In addition, a large proportion of Chinas

road network is either unpaved or badly in need of

reconstruction.

Traffic: Right hand side of road as in United Statesroads handle most passenger and freight traffic

Most expressways charge tolls.

Rail: Rail

Comprised of 91,000+ km of track ; Primary source of

transport.

High-speed Rail Daily ridership of approx. 800,000

China's high speed rail network consists of

upgraded conventional railways, newly built high-

speed passenger designated lines (PDLs), and

the world's first high-speed commercial magnetic

levitation (MAGLIV) line.Pan-Philippine Highway

Manila

Thousands of miles of multilane exhave been constructed in and arou

cities, and older two-lane roads ha

to accommodate multiple lanes of t

addition, a large proportion ofChin

is either unpaved or badly in need

reconstruction.


14/20

Transportation & InfrastructureUNCLASSIFIED

Ports

2,000 ports ; 130 open to foreign ships and 16 majorports and terminals including Shanghai, the worlds

busiest port in terms of cargo turnover.

Air403 airports with paved runway 46 intl airports

Utilities

65% of electricity coal & oil poweredthree major

private electric companies

Geographic barriers prevent supplying everyone with

utilities

Half of consumed water is groundwater from rain and

river seepage

1/3 of illnesses from water

90% of waste untreated

China Railways CRH2C

Port of Shanghai


15/20

Military & Police Forces

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ~120,000

Army

Navy (includes Marine Corps and Coast Guard)

-7,000 Marines

Air Force

~120,000 service members in AFP

Exercises

Operation BalakataanUS/RP multifaceted exercise with

multiple service components from both countriesairrescue, amphibious ops, weapons/fire support training

Current Operations

Air Force modernization programfocusing on fixed wing

Domestic stability in southern half of countryLimited anti-piracy and counter narcotics missions

Fort Bonifacio,

Taguig City,

Philippines

UNCLASSIFIED


16/20

Philippine Marine Corps

Major General

Rustico Guerrero25th Commandant

UNCLASSIFIED

Philippine Marine Corps

Conventional-special warfare, internal-externaldefense, direct actions, naval combat & Support

Garrison/HQ: Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Philippines

Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps:

Major General Rustico Rusty Guerrero

Current Issues with Philippine Marine Corps

Reduction to 10 from 12 battalions will occur over

the next year, one battalion remain domestic

Battalion Table of Equipment (Fire Support)

x4 M67 90mm recoilless rifles-organicx4 M29A1 81mm mortars-organic

x6 M19 60mm mortars (2 per company)-organic

Philippine Marine Corps Table of Equipment

43 light armored vehicles (V150 & V300)

10 gun trucks

5 LVTs operational20 Kennedy jeeps

Unknown number of HMMWVs

V150 V300


17/20

New Peoples Army

Militant wing of the Communist Peoples Partyruralbased with active urban sparrow cells

Leadership: Unknown

Manpower: 10,000-15,000

Goal: Overthrow Philippine government

Past Attacks/TTPs: Terrorist and guerilla style attacks

targeting armed forces, government officials, politicians,

judges and former NPA members. Consider US personnellegitimate targetsprotested US bases, killed several

personnel: USArmy Col. James Rowe in April 1989

minimal activity since

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 1969- Present

Most active in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao,

Sulu Archipelago, Palawan, Basilan and otherneighboring islands

Leadership: Murad Ibrahim

Manpower: approx. 2,900

Goal: to establish a Muslim-dominated independent

state

Past Attacks/TTPs: bombings, kidnappings , and

assassinations

UNCLASSIFIED

Insurgencies

New Peoples ArmyMILF


18/20

Trans-National Terrorist GroupsJemaah Islamiyah 1993 Present (Indonesia based)

Leadership: ParaWijayanto and Hadi Surya (poss.

candidates)

Manpower: approx. 500-1000

Goal: establish a pan-Islamic state across the Philippines

Past Attacks/TTPs: Bali nightclub bombings (2002

Singapore), JWMarriott (2003 Jakarta), Australian

Embassy (2004)

Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) 1991- Present

Militant organization based in the southern Philippines

and Malaysia formed with funds from al-Qaeda

Leadership: Unknown

Manpower: approx. 200-500

Goal: seeks a separate Islamic state for the country'sMuslim minority inWestern Mindanao and the Sulu

Past Attacks/TTPs: bombings, assassinations,

kidnappings, and extortion. Use boats that can outrun

and outmaneuver AFP vessels.

UNCLASSIFIED

Jemaah IslamiyaAbu Sayyaf Group


19/20

Current Events & Common Issues

Natural Disasters-Flooding from heavy rains and typhoons in low lying areas have washed away villages that are built on

sandbars in dry riverbedsrecent flooding on Mindanao Island have left almost half a million residents

displaced, 54,000 in shelters and over 1,200 dead

Rebel Opposition

-MILF expects minimal results from talks with government

-In December 2011, 50 fighters of the New Peoples Army attack Philippine Army base on Jolo Island. Onthe same day their parent organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines, demanded the release

of rebel leaders

South China Sea Territorial Dispute

-The Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam all claim territory

- Spratly Islands a point of contention since Chinese build up on islandson 11 & 12 December threeChinese vessels spotted by Philippine patrol ship and plane near Sabin Atoll, approximately 225km

west of Palawan Island, Philippines

Domestic

Regional

Drug Trade

- Marijuana and high-grade methamphetamine most abused drugs in the Philippines

-Western African based drug syndicates largely contribute to drug trade in the region

- Use Filipinos as drug mules- Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur urging closer cooperation with SEAsian law enforcement agencies

UNCLASSIFIED


20/20

Republic of the PhilippinesUNCLASSIFIED

Questions

philippines final unclass 1feb12[1]

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