Thursday, December 13, 2012

CPP: Video for December 7 Edition of Ang Bayan

Posted to You Tube: Video for December 7 Edition  of Ang Bayan

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and standpoint on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon, and English.  This video is also posted to the CPP Website: http://www.philippinerevolution.net/]



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYat3PFwD6o

Photos: Marine Corps continues disaster efforts in Philippines

From the U.S. Marine Corps Website (Dec 12):  Photos: Marine Corps continues disaster efforts in Philippines

Marines load a KC-130J Hercules aircraft at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma bound for the Republic of the Philippines Dec. 8 to assist in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts in the wake of Typhoon Bopha. The aircraft provides the lift capacity and capability to transport personnel and relief supplies to areas where they are needed. Personnel with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, already located in the Philippines and serving as the III Marine Expeditionary Force Forward Command Element, will help provide assistance as requested to areas affected by the typhoon in support of ongoing relief efforts by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. Agency for International Development. The aircraft and Marines are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Matthew Manning/Released)

Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft carrying relief goods from Manila arrives in Davao City. U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Command has sent personnel and supplies to transport loads of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies via C-130 aircraft. Two C-130's arrived in Manila from Okinawa on Saturday. U.S. and Philippine military personnel worked side by side to load the first C-130 flight that carried relief supplies to Davao yesterday. The Marines and aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft carrying relief goods from Manila arrives in Davao City. U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Command has sent personnel and supplies to transport loads of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies via C-130 aircraft. Two C-130's arrived in Manila from Okinawa on Saturday. U.S. and Philippine military personnel worked side by side to load the first C-130 flight that carried relief supplies to Davao yesterday. The Marines and aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft carrying relief goods from Manila arrives in Davao City. U.S. Marine Forces Pacific Command has sent personnel and supplies to transport loads of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies via C-130 aircraft. Two C-130's arrived in Manila from Okinawa on Saturday. U.S. and Philippine military personnel worked side by side to load the first C-130 flight that carried relief supplies to Davao yesterday. The Marines and aircraft are with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. (Photo by Courtesy U.S. Embassy Manila)

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/135577/marine-corps-continues-disaster-efforts-in-philippines.aspx

Marines Aid Philippine Typhoon Relief Efforts

From the U.S Marines Website (Dec 13): Marines Aid Philippine Typhoon Relief Efforts

U.S. and Philippine service members load food packs destined for disaster-impacted areas in the southern Philippines, Dec. 9, 2012.

U.S. and Philippine service members load food packs destined for disaster-impacted areas in the southern Philippines, Dec. 9, 2012. (Photo by Courtesy photo by U.S. Embassy Manila)

Personnel and aircraft with III Marine Expeditionary Force are providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief support at the request of the Philippine government in the wake of Typhoon Pablo which struck Dec. 4. Marines with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, who were in Manila conducting planning for future bilateral training exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, stood up the III MEF forward command element Dec. 8 to support Philippine relief efforts.

“The III MEF forward command element has established the bilateral coordination center, which is providing command and control for U.S. Marine relief efforts and coordinating requests for support with the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, U.S. Embassy and Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, part of the U.S. Agency for International Development,” said Marine Corps Col. Mark J. Menotti, the officer in charge of the III MEF FCE. “We have personnel with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Pacific Air Forces, OFDA, Joint-U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines and Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines in the bilateral coordination center in order to prioritize and synchronize humanitarian assistance and relief efforts, which ultimately makes that coordination more efficient,” Menotti added.

Two KC-130J Hercules aircraft with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 arrived in Manila from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, Dec. 8 to transport relief supplies to affected areas, according to Marine Corps Lt. Col. Jason W. Julian, the commanding officer of VMGR-152, part of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF.

“As of Dec. 12, VMGR-152 has flown a total of 11 flights and transported approximately 330,000 lbs. of relief supplies, including 14,500 family ration packs, 500 relief aid boxes and 40 generators,” Julian said. “We also transported four water purification specialists and three personnel from USAID and the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development were transported to Davao. It’s critical we work with everyone involved in the relief efforts to expediently get these supplies to those affected by the typhoon and in need.”

The squadron also has transported 49,000 pounds of rice, 147 bundles of mosquito nets, one water purification unit, approximately 29,000 pounds of blankets, 833 sleeping mats and a United Nation’s World Food Program relief module and three of their tents. Marines transported relief supplies from Villamor Air Base located in Manila to Davao International Airport in Mindanao, the region most affected by the typhoon. From Davao, the supplies were principally distributed by government and nongovernmental organizations to displaced families affected by the typhoon as directed by the Philippine government..

“We’re seeing a collective response from the international community to support the Philippines,” Menotti said. “We are happy to help our close allies, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in order to provide necessary aid. The U.S. government -- including U.S. Marine forces -- is providing robust logistical and aviation support to quickly deliver life-saving supplies in support of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.”

The U.S. military has partnered and trained with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for many years in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, Menotti said. “We frequently prepare for situations like this with our Philippine allies, so we are ready to work together to support the Philippine government and its citizens during this difficult time,” he said. “Our goal is to help our ally recover from this natural disaster in whatever way we can.”

http://www.marines.mil/News/NewsDisplay/tabid/3258/Article/135616/marines-aid-philippine-typhoon-relief-efforts.aspx

New Coast Guard chief named

From Rappler (Dec 13): New Coast Guard chief named

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday evening, December 13, announced the appointment of Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena as the new Coast Guard commandant. He is replacing Vice Admiral Edmund Tan. The turn over of command ceremony will take place on Friday, December 14.
Isorena was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral under the Philippine Coast Guard in May.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/17930-new-coast-guard-chief-named

8 soldiers face raps for botanist’s killing

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 14): 8 soldiers face raps for botanist’s killing

The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against eight soldiers for their alleged involvement in the killing of renowned botanist Leonard Co and his two assistants Julio Borromeo and Sofronio Cortez on Nov. 15, 2010. At a news conference, Chairwoman Loretta Ann Rosales said the commission determined that members of Charlie Company of the 19th Infantry Battalion committed human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law. “There was a failure to distinguish civilians from alleged combatants. There was a failure to provide prompt medical attention to the wounded victim Julio Borromeo who died as a result,” the commission’s resolution read.

“It also recommended that the battalion commander of the 19th IB be criminally charged for obstruction of justice for failing to submit all the firearms used during their 15 November 2010 military operation. It further recommended that perjury charges be filed against two of the soldiers for falsely testifying before the Commission,” the resolution added. She said there were lapses in securing the safety of Co and his assistants and in coordinating with the 19th IB, informing superiors about a military operation, and securing the crime scene as well as in its investigation.
Co and two of his assistants were killed in Sitio Mahiao, Barangay Lim-Ao, Kananga, Leyte on Nov. 15, 2010. The troops of Charlie Company of the 19th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Armed Forces of the Philippines who were involved in the incident claimed that the troops had an encounter with a group of New People’s Army terrorists and that in the course thereof, the three civilians were killed.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/12/14/8-soldiers-face-raps-for-botanists-killing/

MILF seeking united front with MNLF

From the Business World (Dec 13): MILF seeking united front with MNLF

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is reaching out to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) amid calls from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to unite for a common cause."The time has now come for every Bangsamoro to entertain no rancor in his or her heart," the MILF said in a statement. The MILF urged the MNLF leaders, particularly its leader Nur Misuari, to consider the advantages of a united Moro front. "Hatred, envy, animosity and rivalry have no place in a struggle dedicated to build an edifice for the entire Moro nation," it said.

The MILF said it has responsibility to "seek unity with fellow Muslims… to strengthen the capability of the Bangsamoro people to propel their struggle to new heights." "The MILF will not lose anything; on the contrary, it will still strengthen itself even if Brother Nur Misuari continues to ignore the call, because the MILF has the momentum now to surge ahead, as a consequence of the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the overwhelming support it drew from all sectors of the Philippine society," the MILF added. MNLF leaders were not immediately available for comment.

During a forum of the Framework Agreement in Sulu last week that was attended by Mr. Misuari, the MNLF leader did not object to the resolution adopted by the five governors of the Muslim Mindanao region in asking the MILF and the MNLF to unite in advancing the interest of Moros in Mindanao. The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao groups the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The area will form part of the planned Bangsamoro region under a peace plan inked by the government and MILF last October.

MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Mr. Misuari met during the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers OIC in Djibouti last month. During discussions, the OIC suggested the creation of the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum to unite the two groups, to which Mr. Murad immediately agreed but was rejected by Mr. Misuari. However, the OIC managed to convince Mr. Misuari to join and participate in the January meeting to formalize the mechanism of the forum.

The MILF said peace negotiations with the government are inclusive for all Moros groups in the region. "The MILF is not doing all these striving for itself nor for its leaders. The MILF is only at the driver’s seat during the transition period and when the regular government will be in place, it will be for everybody," the group said. "If the MILF is interested to take rein of government, then it or its political party will contest in election, and if it wins, then it holds the government. There will be no fear in the hearts of those who want to participate in running the affairs of the Bangsamoro government," it said. "No one will be barred from it. The only difference is that the rule of engagement in election will be leveled off, not of the current model which only those having three Gs [gold or money, guns, and goons] can win," it added.

The two fronts have been at odds since the MILF broke away with the MNLF due to differences in ideology.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MILF-seeking-united-front-with-MNLF&id=62935

MILF: BLMI taps 2 ex-gov’t negotiators as resource speakers

From the MILF Website (Dec 13): BLMI taps 2 ex-gov’t negotiators as resource speakers

A non-government organization (NGO) based in Davao City had worked with the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in sponsoring a workshop on “Strategic and Conceptual Thinking” at the BLMI Training Center in Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last December 1. Madame Irene Santiago, chairwoman of the Mindanao Peace Table, and former government peace negotiator, and Atty. Camilo “Bong” Montesa, teamed up to conduct the one-day seminar.

The forum was attended by about 30 participants, mostly leaders of the MILF representing its political and military organs. Mohagher Iqbal, a member of the MILF central leadership and head of its peace panel, also attended the forum. Also in attendance was Atty. Raissa Jajurie, a member of the MILF peace panel Board of Consultant. Also in attendance members of the academe, youths, and workers of the BLMI headed by Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad.

Iqbal, who is also the head of the oversight committee of the BLMI, introduced the resource lecturers, who are both familiar to him. Montesa enjoys high regards from the MILF peace panel, while Santiago is personally known to MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad, because it was during his stint as chair of the MILF peace panel that she served in the panel of the government. Montesa lectured on Strategic thinking method and analysis approach and used the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as the model of his presentation.

The forum ended by around 3:30pm. In his closing statement, Iqbal exhorted the participants to strive and learn more so that when the hour comes that they are called to serve their people they will do it with sincerity and efficiency. He also thanked the two distinguished resource speakers for their generosity in accepting the request to be the resource speakers.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2989:blmi-taps-2-ex-govt-negotiators-as-resource-speakers&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

US spy plane deployed to find missing tuna fishermen

From MindaNews (Dec 13): US spy plane deployed to find missing tuna fishermen

The United States (US) government has dispatched one its maritime surveillance aircrafts to augment the ongoing search and rescue operations for hundreds of fishermen from this city and nearby Sarangani province who went missing at the height of the Typhoon Pablo last week. City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, chair of the Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue-SarGen (Sarangani/General Santos City), said Thursday the US embassy in Manila has commissioned a P-3C Orion aircraft of the US Navy to help search for possible survivors along the high seas off the Pacific Ocean and Indonesia’s territorial waters. She said the deployment of the P-3C Orion aircraft was facilitated by officials of the US Agency for International Development, which has been assisting the relief operations for typhoon victims in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. “This will be a big help to us since the aircraft will enable the rescue teams to cover a wider portion of the search area at the soonest possible time,” the mayor said in a press briefing.....

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2012/12/13/us-spy-plane-deployed-to-find-missing-tuna-fishermen/

NPA rebels ambush troops aiding typhoon victims in Philippines

From  the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 13): NPA rebels ambush troops aiding typhoon victims in Philippines

Communist rebels on Thursday attacked government troops sent to deliver relief goods to typhoon victims in Davao del Norte province in the southern Philippines, officials said. Officials said New People’s Army opened fire on members of the 60th Infantry Battalion in the village of Santo Nino in Talaingod town. “Members of 60th Infantry Battalion were fired upon at the outreach station in the village,” said Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division. Paniza did not say if there were casualties in the ambush, but claimed the attack occurred a day during a self-imposed cease-fire by the NPA. He said the rebels declared a holiday truce from December 5 to January 3, but he branded the NPA cease-fire as propaganda. “We all know that their promise of truce is nothing but a sugar coated lie to make them look like Good Samaritans. It is a mere façade to cloak their real identity as criminals. The rebel group is exploiting the distraught situation of the victims as propaganda and nothing else.” “This incident only manifests their insincerity in helping the people especially those badly affected residents. If we are on relief mission mode, then they are on business as usual mode without considering that the assault hampered our relief efforts,” Paniza said. He said just recently, rebels also abducted two children in San Isidro town after failing to kill their father who is a government soldier. There was no immediate statement from the rebels who are fighting for decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121213025704

Soldier abandons own kids to escape NPA capture in Davao province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 13): Soldier abandons own kids to escape NPA capture in Davao province

The New People’s Army on Thursday said a government soldier abandoned his 2 children and a woman to escape capture in the southern Philippine province of Davao del Norte. It also denied reports by Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, a spokesman for the 10th Infantry Division,that rebels abducted the trio after failing to kill the soldier in Sam Isidro town. Ka Boyet Makatindog, speaking for the NPA in Southern Mindanao, said rebels rescued the children and a woman who were abandoned by the soldier while fleeing from possible capture on a village where insurgents were helping victims of typhoon Bopha repair their houses. He said the children were handed safely over to village officials.

Makatindog said the soldier, who was traveling on a motorcycle, fled upon seeing the rebels, but not after exploding two fragmentation grenades that seriously wounded an NPA member. “The driver suddenly stopped, alighted, and left the two children and the woman as he ran away. Finding his behavior suspicious, the Red fighters tried to stop him and gave chase for about two to three kilometers. When the man threw them a grenade - which failed to explode - it was then that the Red fighters realized that he was an active AFP soldier. In defense, the Red fighters fired three shots. The man threw them a grenade the second time, hitting and seriously injuring one Red fighter,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner. AFP refers to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The AFP has again maximized the incident to turn the tables to the NPA and cry children’s rights violations. The NPA fully abides with the regulations and policies concerning the rights and welfare of children,” Makatindog said. Paniza also said that rebels ambushed government troops transporting relief goods for typhoon victims in Davao del Norte’s Talaingod town, an accusations strongly denied by the NPA. “As the typhoon (Bopha) struck Kapalong, San Isidro, Laak, Loreto and Veruela, the Red fighters conducted immediate relief assistance, medical missions and repair of precious houses. It is outrageous to insinuate that, in the midst of Pablo tragedy, the NPA was callously on the prowl and still on active operations against the AFP,” Makatindog said.

“Along with the poor peasant and Lumad masses, the NPA faced the onslaught of the typhoon on December 4 and in the aftermath, the NPA fighters readily shifted its various military and comprehensive works and immediately attended to the needs of the suffering masses. To say that the NPA kidnapped children who were also victims of Pablo, is indeed, a claim that only the fascist and devious AFP can readily concoct and spin,” he added. The NPA has been fighting for the establishment of a communist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121213090624

Aquino names Alano as new Navy chief

From GMA News (Dec 13): Aquino names Alano as new Navy chief

 
Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy

Malacañang on Thursday announced the appointment of Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano as the chief of the Philippine Navy, to replace the retiring Admiral Alexander Pama. "We are pleased to announce that President Aquino has approved the designation of Vice Admiral Jose Luis M. Alano as flag officer in command of the Philippine Navy," deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a text message. Valte said Alano's appointment will take effect on December 21, when Pama reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Alano was the leader of several important units in the Navy including the Philippine Fleet, Office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Service Force Command and Naval Air Group. Valte said Aquino signed Alano's appointment papers last December 12. Pama said Aquino made the right choice, describing Alano as "highly professional snd competent officer." "The president made the right choice," Pama said. "He (Alano) is higly qualified, and competent and professional, well prepared for the job." Aquino, in a chance interview with reporters in Pasay early Thursday, had hinted that he had chosen Pama’s replacement when he was asked about the impending retirement of Armed Forces chief General Jessie D. Dellosa.

Alano became commander of the Cebu City-based Central Command last September. Before that, he was the commander of the Philippine Fleet, one of the two major units of the Philippine Navy. Born on May 1, 1958 in Quezon City, Alano also previously served as the Navy’s No. 3 man as Chief Naval Staff. He also previously commanded the Naval Forces Northern Luzon and the Service Force – a unit under the Philippine Fleet. He is a recipient of various military medals and decorations, including Outstanding Achievement Medal, Naval Special Operations Badge, Distinguished Star, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal, and Category 1 at Sea Plaque.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/286288/news/nation/aquino-names-alano-as-new-navy-chief?ref=topstories

Four killed in Army-NPA clash in Negros Occidental

From GMA News (Dec 13): Four killed in Army-NPA clash in Negros Occidental

Two Army soldiers and two suspected communist rebels were killed following a clash in Negros Occidental Thursday morning, a regional military spokesman said.  Capt. Anacito Naz, spokesman for the Army's 302nd Brigade, said about 8 a.m., operating elements of the 11th Infantry Battalion were fired upon by an undetermined number of New People's Army rebels at Sitio Mapaho-paho in San Agustin village in Isabela town. At the time, the troops were responding to information from civilians about the presence of armed men in the area, which turned out to be a rebel camp. Four other soldiers were wounded in the clash, which lasted for about three hours, Naz said. “They [government troops] overran the camp, it was where we recovered two of their (rebels) [fatalities],” he said. The government casualties were airlifted by two UH-1H helicopters. The operating troops also recovered a cal. 45 pistol with two magazines, five tents, eight backpacks with personal belongings, and rebel documents, said Lt. Col. Christopher Tampus, Armed Forces Central Command spokesman.
 

Communist rebel leaves group, vows never to return

From the Philippine Star (Dec 13): Communist rebel leaves group, vows never to return



With a new lease of life from his supposed enemies, this year’s yuletide season could be the best for communist rebel Renante Dalon, who is being treated for serious combat injuries at an Army hospital in Maguindanao. He was rescued by soldiers after having been abandoned by fleeing comrades during an encounter in North Cotabato’s Magpet town two weeks ago. “I just stared at the soldiers that milled around me as a lay down, bleeding profusely, waiting for them to finish me off. They did not. They carried me to a safe place, gave me first aid and evacuated me to the Camp Siongco Hospital using a helicopter,” Delon tearfully told The Star as he narrated in the Visayan dialect his near brush with death during a fierce encounter in Magpet last month.
 
Delon was finance officer of their group, comprised of more than 200 guerillas that belong to the New People's Army’s notorious Front 74, which is feared for its brutality on communities perceived to be sympathetic to the military, or reluctant to shell out “protection money” on a regular basis.
 
Dalon wept when officials of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, led by 6th ID chief Major Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo and the commanding general of the Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, offered to him, as “peace gesture” groceries and other provisions packed in red shiny cellophane with a ribbon last Tuesday right at his sickbed. Dalon is still recuperating from serious bullet wounds in his both legs he sustained when their enclave was overran by combined combatants of the elite Scout Rangers and Special Forces, the Army’s 57th, 40th and 57th IB, that launched anti-NPA operations in Magpet in the middle of November due to mounting complaints of extortion and harassments of farmers that refuse to pay taxes to the group. Dalon, armed with an AK-47 Kalashnikov, was abandoned by his comrades when they saw him and another companion named Ka Nikoy fell as they fought soldiers advancing toward their hilltop position. “They did not even bother to carry me and Nikoy as they fled. Nikoy died even before soldiers could reach our position,” Dalon said.
 
Dalon said life in the NPA was difficult. “We don’t have food and medicines even for common ailments such as dysentery and pain relievers for headaches and stomach discomfort,” he said. Dalon said most of his comrades are hardliners, apparently deeply indoctrinated to become resilient and emboldened - on alleged “abuses” by government against poor Filipinos in the countryside. “I hope they will change for good,” he said.
 
Dalon, who is of Bilaan descent, hails from Magsaysay town in Davao del Sur. He said he was recruited into the NPA in 1993 while working at the Fortuna Paper Mills in Valenzuela City in Metro Manila.  “Then I went home to Davao del Sur and joined a group of the NPAs operating at the North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary,” he said. Dalon is worried of his safety once discharged from the Camp Siongco Hospital. He said he is certain his having sought refuge in a military hospital will spark the ire of his comrades. “I will never return to my group. My comrades will surely execute me,” he said, adding that he is just as apprehensive of the security of relatives visiting him at Camp Siongco Hospital.
 
Dalon was airlifted from Magpet to the Camp Siongco Hospital on recommendation of Col. Ademar Tomaro, commander of the 602nd Brigade, which has jurisdiction over Army units trying to flush NPAs out of Magpet and surrounding towns. “It was a providential chance for us to show to the NPAs that we have an Armed Forces that value the lives of Filipinos regardless of whether they are enemies of the state or not. We are all Filipinos. We may have different ideologies, but are all Filipinos,” said
 
Tomaro, an Ilonggo who graduated from the Philippine Military Academy in 1982. Tomaro even asked the NPAs in Magpet to coordinate with the town’s local officials if they wish to evacuate to hospitals other companions wounded in encounters that led to the military’s liberation from rebel occupation of more than a dozen guerilla enclaves in the area in the past three weeks.
 
Dalon said he may either go into hiding after recuperation, or start life anew and help in the religious activities of her two sisters, Gertrudes Dalon-Layan, and Girlie Dalon, both preachers of a local Christian sect in Davao del Sur.
 

US Pacific Command renews commitment to freedom of navigation

From the Philippine Star (Dec 13): US Pacific Command renews commitment to freedom of navigation

The United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) on Thursday reiterated its commitment to protect freedom of navigation and stressed that the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea should be addressed peacefully. “We would ensure that there is access, (there is) freedom of navigation,” USPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Locklear said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Locklear said the US has been pursuing such freedom globally amid territorial claims by some countries. “Around the globe there are nations who, according to what we believe are the international norms and what’s laid out in the UN (United Nations) law of the sea convention, (that have excessive maritime claims,” Locklear said.  “The first way you do that is to do it legally and to make sure that the legal community understands that those claims are excessive. Then we continue to make sure that the US military operates in a way that ensures our freedom of navigation where we chose to go.” .......

..... In the same press conference, Dellosa said the territorial row in the West Philippine Sea was not the focus of the Mutual Defense Board meeting. “We focused more our discussion with regard to the activities that will be conducted next year,” he said, referring to the bilateral exercises between the US and Philippine troops. Locklear, nevertheless, stressed that the territorial dispute in the region should be resolved through peaceful means. “US is concerned about anything that creates potential disruption to this peaceful security environment. As you know, the US position on these territorial disputes is we don’t take sides but we do have a position that it must be dealt with peacefully, without coercion,” he said. “There ought to be international forums that are used to be able to resolve this in a peaceful way, that’s the only way ahead, that’s the only way.”

When asked how far the US will extend help to the Philippines when attacked, Locklear said: “I’m not going to speculate on that." Locklear, nevertheless, said the Mutual Defense Treaty states that the two countries would have to come together and talk about the support they will give to each other if one of them is attacked. “I will say that we stand by the defense treaty as it is,” he said. The Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951 provides that the US and the Philippines, separately or jointly, will maintain and develop their individual and collective capacities to resist armed attacks.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/13/885610/us-pacific-command-renews-commitment-freedom-navigation

4 dead in clash between rebels, soldiers in Negros

From the Philippine Star (Dec 13): 4 dead in clash between rebels, soldiers in Negros

Four people were killed and at least four were wounded in today's clash between government troops and leftist rebels in Negros Occidental. According to Captain Anacito Naz, spokesman for the 302nd Brigade, the firefight started around 8 a.m., local time, in Isabela town after soldiers from the 11th Infantry Battalion learned from residents that there were New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the area. Naz said the rebels opened fire at the operating troops. The gunfight lasted for more than three hours killing two soldiers, two NPA rebels. Four soldiers were injured. Naz said there were also several NPA rebels who were wounded from the encounter. Naz said the soldiers were able to capture a rebel camp in San Agustin village. The troops also recovered at the encounter site a cal. 45 pistol with two magazines, five tents, eight backpacks with personal belongings, and rebel documents.

http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2012/12/13/885788/4-dead-clash-between-rebels-soldiers-negros

NPAs in Palawan admit attacking cops because they were 'harassing' small-scale miners

From InterAksyon (Dec 13): NPAs in Palawan admit attacking cops because they were 'harassing' small-scale miners



The Bienvenido Valleber Command of the New People's Army (NPA) in Palawan admitted attacking the Roxas municipal police station on Wednesday and accused police of harassing small-scale miners in the area. In a statement, Samuel Caballero, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Palawan, accused local police of harassing small-scale gold miners in the village of Iraan, such as confiscating their mining equipment and extorting from the miners. "Ang ginagawang pagkuha sa mga makina na siyang pinagkabuhayan ng maliliit na maggiginto ay katumbas ng pag-alis ng kanilang kabuhayan at pagpatay na mismo ng kanilang pamilya, na wala namang alternatiboang lokal na pamahalaan para sa naghihikahos na mamamayan," Caballero said in the statement. [The confiscation of the small-scale miners' machine is tantamount to stripping them of their livelihood and killing their families amid the lack of alternative source of income for the poor people from the local government.]  Caballero also accused the local police of entering the miners' area purportedly to conduct an arrest then demanding money for their release.

Sought for comment, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said they are investigating thea ccusations made by the NPA against authorities in Roxas and also reports that the chief of police was not in the station at the time of the raid. The PNP is also reviewing its camp defense plan to prevent another attack on its police stations. A policeman was killed and another was injured when the rebels, posing as Marines, attacked the Roxas police station Wednesday morning.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50361/npas-in-palawan-admit-attacking-cops-because-they-were-harassing-small-scale-miners

PHL, US affirm military partnership, sign 5 TORs on cooperation

From InterAksyon (Dec 13): PHL, US affirm military partnership, sign 5 TORs on cooperation

The Philippines and the United States affirmed their military partnership Thursday, with the US reiterating its desire to see a peaceful resolution to the West Philippine Sea dispute with China. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa and US Pacific Command commander Admiral Samuel James Locklear signed the five terms of reference in the Philippine-US Mutual Defense Board/Security Engagement Board (MDB/SEB) meetings which sought to further strengthen the ongoing partnership between the countries'
military.


Locklear said a key US concern in the Asia Pacific region was to ensure that freedom of navigation was always upheld in the area and to prevent the rise of extremist groups and criminals. He said the USPACOM was fully aware of the Philippines' dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea and that the US was also concerned over the dispute."US is concerned about anything that creates potential disruption to the security. We don’t take sides. It must be dealt with peacefully through the international forum to address...that's the only way," Locklear told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.Locklear described the Philippines as a "cornerstone" of the alliances the US has with other countries. "The Philippines is in the middle of the area (Pacific). It's a dynamic part of the world. The US only has seven treaty allies and the Philippines is one of the cornerstones of these alliances so as we move forward we talk about how do we strengthen it and to preserve the national interest of both parties," he added.

For his part, Dellosa said the meeting with Locklear was more about planning future Balikatan exercises rather than discussing the West Philippine Sea dispute. However, Dellosa assured that there will only be a "minor change" in the Balikatan exercises next year and that there will be no increase in the number of US forces joining the military exercises here.

The five terms of reference signed by the US and Philippines militaries are: agreement to transfer the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the MDB to the SEB; designate the SEB to deal with non-traditional threats like piracy, cyber security, and disasters;  create a technology and experimentation subcommittee on civil-military operations; create a humanitarian and disaster response working group; and activate a counter-terrorism working group.

Thursday's PH-US MDB/SEB meeting is the final meeting of the boards for the 2012 cycle after the Standing Committee Meetings and the Executive Committee Meeting. It covers a strategic dialogue between Dellosa and Locklear as co-chairs of the board on defense and security matters, and on the strengthening of their military ties. The meetings are part of the regular consultations between the Philippines and the US under their treaty obligations pursuant to the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/50366/phl-us-affirm-military-partnership-sign-5-tors-on-cooperation

Aquino appoints Alano Navy commander

From Rappler (Dec 13): Aquino appoints Alano Navy commander

Armed Forces Central Command chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano has been designated by President Benigno Aquino III as the Philippine Navy’s flag officer in command. He replaces Vice Admiral Alexander Pama who retires this December at the age of 56. Alano was formerly the leader of several important units in the Navy, including the Philippine Fleet, Office of the Chief of Naval Staff, Naval Forces Northern Luzon, Service Force Command and Naval Air Group, the Palace said.

Born on May 1, 1958 in Quezon province, Alano started his military career when he entered the Philippine Military Academy in 1975. He joined the Navy in 1979 after graduation. Alano studied here and abroad and also had undertaken graduate courses in Australia and in the US. Alano has been the recipient of the Distinguished Service Star, Command at Sea Plaque, Military Medal Award, the Philippine Navy Surface Warfare Operation Badge, and the People Power II Ribbon, among others.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/17911-aquino-appoints-alano-navy-commander

3rd Ph-US bilateral strategic dialogue charts course for stronger and closer cooperation

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): 3rd Ph-US bilateral strategic dialogue charts course for stronger and closer cooperation

The Philippines and the United States (US) today arrived at a set of work plans that chart the course for stronger and closer cooperation between the two countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs said. "Today's understandings reflect the depth of our relationship and the great potential for even greater cooperation," Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Erlinda F. Basilio said after the dialogue. Undersecretary Basilio was the Philippine co-chair of the meeting together with Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo F. Batino.

The Philippines and the US held their third Bilateral Strategic Dialogue (BSD) on December 11 to 12 in Manila. The Dialogue continues the two countries’ close consultation and exchange of views on a broad range of bilateral, regional, and global issues that reflect common values, mutual respect, and converging interests. "We hold this dialogue at a very critical time for the Philippines, as a country firmly on the road to economic growth, with a vastly improving internal peace and order situation, and a country that has struck important blows against corruption," Undersecretary Basilio said.

Among the issues discussed were cooperative efforts at building the capacity of the Philippine armed forces through training, exercises and other activities. "This dialogue also comes at a time when the Philippines is facing great challenges in the West Philippine Sea. We are exerting every effort to resolve these issues through diplomacy and the rule of law. But it is important that we give our armed forces every available tool to defend and preserve our sovereignty and territorial integrity," Undersecretary Basilio said. During the meeting, the two sides demonstrated a continued resolve to move relations forward by finalizing concrete action plans for continued engagements for 2013. Among the cooperative activities identified were in the areas of maritime security, disaster response, cybersecurity, law enforcement, non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and inclusive economic growth.

The dialogue reviewed the ongoing deepening of defense and security relations between the Philippines and the US in the context of US rebalance in the Asia Pacific, and noted the increased assistance the US is allotting to civilian law enforcement agencies in the Philippines to build their capability in counter-terrorism to support the armed forces´ shift to territorial defense. The US delegation recognized the tremendous economic gains that the Philippines has experienced this year, as well as its progress in effectively addressing the scourge of human rights violations and trafficking in persons. Undersecretaries Basilio and Batino hailed the meeting as “a reaffirmation of the two countries’ commitment to work closely on current and emerging issues that are mutually important and mutually actionable,” and stressed that “both sides are working to ensure that the fruits of these discussions are translated into tangible and lasting results”.

After a discussion of regional and global issues, the Philippines and US co-chairs included in their joint statement a paragraph strongly condemning today's missile launch by North Korea. The United States’ co-chairs were Assistant Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell and Assistant Secretary of Defense Mark W. Lippert, supported by officials from the US Embassy in Manila, Washington, D.C. and the US Pacific Command in Hawaii.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1781355381932

24 rebel returnees in Agusan Sur received livelihood assistance

From the Philippine  Information Agency (Dec 13): 24 rebel returnees in Agusan Sur received livelihood assistance

Twenty four rebel returnees (RR) early this month received P50,000 each as livelihood assistance from the national government’s Social Integration Program (SIP) under the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) here at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall at the Provincial Capitol. The cash assistance were personally handed out by Vice-Governor Santiago Cane Jr. representing Governor Adolph Edward Plaza and witnessed by Brig. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo, 4th Infantry Division Chief, Col. Romeo Ramon, 401st Brigade Deputy Commander, Lt. Col. Jose Leonard Gille, 26th Battalion Commander, Sen. Supt. Glenn dela Torre, PNP Provincial Director, DILG Provincial Director Arleen Ann Sanchez and Provincial Correctional Services Management Officer Josefina Bajade.

Bajade, in an interview said the cash assistance are for dissidents who yielded their arms and returned to the folds of the law in 2010 and 2011. The former rebels also received P20,000 each as emergency assistance at the time when they surrendered. Giving utmost priority in the attainment of sustainable peace in the province, the provincial government, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office then headed by Bajade, provided RR and their families with assistance in the form of food, shelter, education and livelihood skills trainings. “Amo usab sila gitagaan ug tukmang seguridad tungod naa man sila’y gipang-surrender nga armas nga gikasuko sa ilang mga daang kauban sa bukid”. (We also provided them with corresponding security because they have surrendered their firearms that made their comrades mad at them),” Bajade added.

With the distribution of the cash assistance and the help that the provincial government has extended to the RR, Vice Gov. Cane is hopeful that the rebel returnees will effectively use the aid in their quest for a new and peaceful life as productive citizens in the community. The vice-governor urged them to engage in planting high value crops like fruits, vegetables and trees which the provincial government is advocating and supporting like the Upland Sustainable Agro-forestry Development program or USAD. “Every Filipino has the obligation in order that we obtain genuine peace in our country and we should not wait what the government can do for us, but we also have duties and responsibilities on what we can do in order that we can obtain the peace and prosperity that we long for,” Vice Gov. Cane said.

The recipients are Jacquilyn Fernando of Sta. Teresa, Loreto; Marjun Campos of Tandang Sora, Esperanza; Roel Librero of Afga, Sibagat; Danilo Gomez of Coalicion, San Luis; Arin Matebulig of San Pedro, San Luis; Gomez Cogit, Lito Cogit, Ansogal Guinumbay, Domingo Domelin, Richard Handayan, Juanito Malumogdong Jr., Edwin Leganio, Mampahina Lucdayan, Mayadi Madanay, Sammy Mansal-agan, Kaking Sadangga and Birmo Tambagan, all of Binicalan, San Luis; Danilo Balamban and Rodel Gonzales of Kasapa 2, La Paz; and Lagno Mandanay of Angeles, La Paz, all from Agusan del Sur while Jerome Salonga, Richard Gonzales, Jimmy Butron and Joseph Butron are from Angeles, Butuan City. In return, the 24 rebel returnees expressed their gratitude to the government agencies which helped them return to their normal lives since laying down their arms after realizing the futility of their armed struggle.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1731355294235

Army’s Commanding General visits 4ID

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): Army’s Commanding General visits 4ID

LtGen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, visited 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, to personally deliver his Christmas message and gifts for all the personnel of 4ID here today. Upon his arrival, he prioritized visiting Camp Evangelista Station Hospital to give due credit and recognition to wounded personnel and greet their dependents holiday cheers.

He then talked to all organic personnel of 4ID and in his speech, he said the Army’s accomplishments on the IPSP “Bayanihan” specially with the political settlement and the signing of the for a lasting peace and security in Mindanao. He also highlighted that 2013 must be a winning time for the Army “To be a world-class army and a source of national pride.” “These accomplishments are due to the unity of effort exemplified by individual soldiers in all army units,” Lt.Gen. Bautista said.

To acknowledge each one’s work is a Christmas gift from him--a small multi-tool kit, which can be used by all personnel in their day to day living. “Along our way for success are our wounded and dead comrades, let their memories and sacrifices guide us all and serve as our inspirations in achieving a just and lasting peace for the Philippines,” he added. He encouraged all personnel to enjoy the Christmas season while praying for the victims of typhoon “Pablo.”  He recalled that last year, Cagayan de Oro was in the same situation as that with Davao Oriental today, it is now CDO’s time to help. (4CMO/4ID/PA/PIA10)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461355298195

WESCOM, Ten Moves inaugurate interactive classroom in Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): WESCOM, Ten Moves inaugurate interactive classroom in Palawan

Western Command and Ten Moves Foundation dedicated and turned-over a pre-fabricated interactive classroom to Bato National High School, Taytay, Palawan last Dec. 4. The Public Affairs Office of WESCOM in a statement said that guest of honor WESCOM Commander LtGen Juancho M Sabban attributed the realization of the school project to the successful collaboration among all education stakeholders. “Together, we have constructed a new foundation to build upon our youth’s promising future,” LtGen. Sabban said.

As the pre-fabricated interactive classroom was dedicated, the Commander highly commended the remarkable contributions of ‘Ten Moves’ that turned the vision of Bayanihang Pampaaralan program, which is aimed to address classroom shortage, a reality.  “While government is primarily tasked to provide free and quality education to every Filipino child, Ten Moves reminds us that we are all education stakeholders. And the youth, who ought to be the primary target of initiatives to comprise them as assets in the society, is everybody’s concern,” he added.

Likewise, LtGen Sabban thanked the Parents-Teachers Association for taking an active part in the project.  “Each of you as valued stakeholder has helped the nation-building program grow in stature. Through this joint undertaking, we have taught our young people and demonstrated to them the true values of team spirit, concern, compassion, and charity,” he said. In passing on to the students the enduring interest for knowledge and the inspiration and motivation to seek improvement and success, he urged everyone to dedicate oneself to the cause of advancing education – a task that is far from complete......

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421355366501

Phil. Army supports “Paskuhan 2012”

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): Phil. Army supports “Paskuhan 2012”

The First Infantry (Tabak) Division of the Philippine Army has participated in the successful opening of the Yuletide celebration “Paskuhan 2012” on December 8 at Plaza Luz. Tabak Division Commander MajGen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, in his message read by Col. Michael Lowell Chiong, the commanding officer of the Headquarters and Headquarters Service Battalion (HHSB), said “I am in high spirit as we participate and witness the lighting of giant Christmas tree and colorful dancing fountain signaling the month long celebration of the Yuletide season,”

The ‘Paskuhan’, is an annual undertaking of city government celebrating the Christmas season. Paskuhan provides entertainment to the public thru the fabulous dancing fountain show, fireworks display, lighting of the giant Christmas tree, , lighted Christmas lanterns and décors, nightly carol bonanza and variety shows, etc. at the Christmas village of Plaza Luz.

“Truly, Christmas is in everybody’s hearts and minds. The enjoyment that we have now is in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ who was sent to us on earth by the Heavenly Father to be our savior and our exemplar,” Cruz added. The Tabak commander said that in the celebration of Christmas, the 1st Infantry division continues to perform their duties and tasks in protecting the country’s sovereignty in the pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity.....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1371355273511

Group launches Yes for Peace campaign in Tarlac

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): Group launches Yes for Peace campaign in Tarlac

Private sector-led Yes for Peace campaign was launched on Wednesday in Tarlac with over 200 students of Tarlac National High School-Main in attendance. “This undertaking is a revolution of ink and paper by the Filipino people against guns and bullets used in the name of the Filipino people,” Yes for Peace National Advocacy Council Chairman Ricardo Pecson said. The goal is to tap at least ten million Filipinos aged ten years old and older to fill up a questionnaire and answer an astounding “Yes” to the four goals and six paths to peace.

Organizers seek to reach the target by February next year in time for the 27th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. “We are not only advocating for peace. We also call on the national government to have open and participatory peace talks,” Pecson underscored. “We selected Tarlac as the first stop of our caravan in Central Luzon as this is the home province of President Benigno Aquino III who is known for advocating transparency in peace processes specifically in Bangsamoro” Pecson added.

Apart from the answering of questionnaires, student attendees likewise recited the Pledge for Peace and took part in the formation of “Rocks for Peace” and poster making contest. A similar activity will be held in Nueva Ecija National High School in Cabanatuan City on December 14, and Mariano Ponce National High School in Baliwag City on December 17. The campaign is being fully supported by Department of Education, PhilPost, Philippine Information Agency, and National Printing Office.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561355382550

Army soldiers conduct medical, dental mission at Echague interior village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13): Army soldiers conduct medical, dental mission at Echague interior village

The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based at Gamu town is conducting a medical and dental mission including anti-rabies vaccination at barangay Mabbayad, Echague, Isabela today. The activity is part of the army division’s civil military operations battalion continuing provision of health services in remote areas in its jurisdiction. Colonel Loreto Magundayao, civil military operation battalion commander and concurrent spokesman of Camp Melchor dela Cruz, said the activity will render health services to the residents in the area and in its nearby barangays of Narra and San Miguel.

Magundayao said it was in barangay Mabbayad in Echague where army troopers and New People’s Army had an encounter. Seven soldiers were killed and eight were wounded in that incident. The civil military operations battalion is a unit of the army which conducts civic works like medical and dental missions, relief, rescue and retrieval operations and other socio-civic actions to benefit the civilian population.  Nearby village residents of Narra and San Miguel are invited to converge at Mabbayad to avail of the free medical, dental and anti-rabies vaccination brought by the army personnel in the area.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=481355366176

MILF to members: Don’t carry firearms and wear military uniforms in public places

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): MILF to members: Don’t carry firearms and wear military uniforms in public places

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has issued an order dissuading its field members to carry firearms and use military fatigue uniforms in public places. Sammy Almanzur, MILF chief of staff, said the directive came in the heels of reports that MILF members were often seen roaming around Shariff Aguak, the capital town of Maguindanao province, and nearby Mamasapano town with firearms and full military uniform with conforming MILF patches and insignia. “Let the MILF members not misinterpret that the recent signing of the Bangsamoro framework agreement between the government and MILF also allows them to carry firearms in public,” Alamanzur said.

The MILF leader said wearing of uniforms by MILF members are only allowed inside the perimeters of their main enclave Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao; and during special events arranged by their organization and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP). “Seeing MILF members in full uniform with firearms in public is not a healthy sign for the ongoing peace process,” he stressed.

Last Oct. 15, government and MILF peace brokers inked in Malacañang the Framework of Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which will pave the way for the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, the Bangsamoro, to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The agreement signing was witnessed by President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III, Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, MILF chieftain Al Haj Murad and other dignitaries. The Malaysian government has been helping broker peace meetings between GPH and MILF representatives in its capital city of Kuala Lumpur for over a decade now.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479576

NPA claims attack on PNP town station in northern Palawan is due to illegal gold panning

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): NPA claims attack on PNP town station in northern Palawan is due to illegal gold panning

Joint police and military authorities here are investigating the claim by the New People’s Army (NPA) that its recent attack on the Municipal Police Station in Roxas, Palawan was because policemen raided their protected illegal gold panning operations in another part of the town last month. In leaflets and circulars they distributed in the town shortly after they raided and killed a policeman in the local police station, the rebel group said the move of its armed members was a “reprisal” because police authorities swooped down and confiscated the tools and other equipment being used by small-time gold panning operators in Barangay Magara, Roxas. The rebels claimed that "what the police did was equal to removing the life out of the poor" whose means of livelihood are the small income they can get out of panning gold. The NPA also accused the municipal policemen of extorting money from the gold panning operators to allow them to continue their illegal small mining activities.

Chief Supt. Reynaldo Jagmis, Palawan Provincial Police director, who was in Roxas as of this writing, told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview that they have included the claims in the other angles they are investigating for the attack. “Yes, we are investigating those claims too. We are investigating all angles right now as our men and troops from the Marines (MBLT 4) continue their hot pursuit operation to bring those who are responsible for this to justice,” Jagmis said.

The other angle they are looking into is the possibility that the attack was perpetrated as a practicum of new recruits of the NPA, who might have been training in the province. However, he said they need to verify this as they have not received any report that there is an ongoing rebel training in Palawan.

Meanwhile, in a video footage that was captured by a local television station, it showed the suspected rebels were in full military uniforms and carrying short and long firearms. They sport crew cut hairstyles that resemble those of the Marines, and they appear to be men between 18-20 years old. They are reportedly part of the Bienvenido Valleder Group of the NPA operating in northern Palawan.

A policeman, identified as Senior Police Officer 2 Monsito Rabang, died when he refused to give his long firearm to the rebels. Unconfirmed reports claimed a total of eight assorted firearms were taken by the rebels from the police station. It can be recalled that during the weekend, six members of the NPA torched a backhoe owned by Citi Nickel Mining and Development Corporation in Sofronio Española. They did not, however, hurt anyone.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479623

Army save(s) life of wounded NPA rebel in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): Army save(s) life of wounded NPA rebel in North Cotabato

For decades, communist rebel Renante Dalon has been celebrating Christmas in the mountains of North Cotabato and dreaming of having "noche buena" with his family, friends and parents. Now, Dalon, 46, who was injured during military operations against the New People's Army (NPA) in Magpet, North Cotabato two weeks ago, may celebrate Christmas with his loved ones. He is now undergoing medical treatment at a military hospital here and enjoying a new lease in life.

Dalon was rescued by soldiers after he was abandoned by fleeing comrades following a bloody encounter two weeks ago at the foot of the country's highest peak, Mt. Apo, where the Army intensified its offensive against guerrillas. "I was bloodied, wounded, hurt and I just stared at soldiers surrounding me as if waiting for them to finish me off," Dalon told reporters from his hospital bed at Camp Siongco Station Hospital inside the 6th Infantry Division headquarters. "Instead they carried me to a safe place, gave me first aid and evacuated me to the Camp Siongco Hospital using a helicopter...they treated me humanely. I never expected this,” Delon tearfully said in the vernacular.

Delon served as finance officer of about 200 rebels belonging to the NPA's Front 74. The group has been known as the most undisciplined guerrillas having victimized hapless civilians in the borders of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur. They collect money, forcibly, from communities, especially during harvest seasons, according to Colonel Prudencio Asto, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division.

Dalon could not control his tears when 6th ID chief Maj. Gen. Ronnie Ordoyo and Philippine Army commanding general Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista visited him. The ranking officials offered Dalon a bagful of grocery items, clothing and other items that touched him so much. Ordoyo told Gen. Bautista that Dalon sustained bullet wounds in his legs when elements of the Army Scout Rangers, 40th, 57th and Army Special Forces clashed with about 200 NPA guerillas in the mountains of Magpet.

Dalon admitted that rebels have been suffering from depleted financial resources and they resorted to forced taxation on civilians. He was armed with an AK-4 Kalashnikov that ran out of ammunition when the soldiers found him. He was abandoned by his comrades when they saw him fell following a close combat battle. He recalled that a comrade who fell with him, Commander Nikoy, died before the soldiers arrived. Dalon said life in the mountains have been so difficult that they don't have food and medicines during emergencies. "We do not have medicine even for ordinary diseases like dysentery and body pain or stomach problem," he said.

Dalon, a native of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur, joined the communist movement in 1993 after working in a paper company in Valenzuela. He returned to Mindanao and joined the movement. Afraid his comrades will execute him if he returns to the mountains, Dalon said he will migrate to other places along with his two sisters who are both preachers of a religious group in Davao del Sur "to start a new life."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479691

US sends surveillance plane to help search for missing GenSan, Sarangani fishermen

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): US sends surveillance plane to help search for missing GenSan, Sarangani fishermen

The United States government has dispatched one its maritime surveillance aircraft to help in search and rescue operations for hundreds of fishermen from this city and nearby Sarangani who remain missing after after typhoon Pablo last week. City Mayor Darlene Antonino-Custodio, chair of the Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue-SarGen (Sarangani/General Santos City), said Thursday the US embassy in Manila has commissioned a P-3C Orion aircraft of the US Navy. The aircraft is to help search for possible survivors along high seas off the Pacific Ocean and Indonesia’s territorial waters.

She said the deployment of the P-3C Orion aircraft was facilitated by officials of the US Agency for International Development, which has been assisting the relief operations for the victims of Pablo Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. “This will be a big help to us since the aircraft will enable the rescue teams to cover a wider portion of the search area at the soonest possible time,” the mayor said in a press briefing.....

..... Navy Cdr. Lued Lincuna, task force spokesperson, said the P-3C Orion is very ideal for maritime search and rescue operations as it has longer endurance or loiter time when compared to other aircraft. He said they did not consider utilizing rescue choppers for the operation since their normal loiter time could only last around three hours. “Its (P-3C Orion) flight time could last 16 hours and it could fly closer to the search area being a fixed wing aircraft,” he told PNA. Lincuna said Philippine Navy and Air Force personnel are quite familiar with the P-3C Orion since they were used by the US Navy during the past Pagsasama and joint Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training or CARAT exercises in the country.

Lincuna said the aircraft, which was dispatched from a US Navy base in Japan, arrived at the Philippine Air Force’s Villamor air base in Pasay City Thursday morning and will fly to Davao City later in the day. He said the P-3C Orion will be temporarily based at the Davao City airport to facilitate easier refueling for the aircraft and the billeting of its pilots.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479686

Army soldiers install temporary water purification station in Davao Oriental town

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): Army soldiers install temporary water purification station in Davao Oriental town

Elements of the 67th Infantry Battalion and the 525th Engineer Battalion installed a temporary water purification station at Sitio Embarcadero, Barangay Centro, Baganga in Davao Oriental to provide additional potable water to typhoon victims. Lt. Chester Ordonio of the 525th Engineer Battalion, said the purification system will cater to the water needs of about 200 residents by distributing 900 gallons in one day. “The water purification system hopes to provide clean water in evacuation areas so we can prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases,” he said.

Ordonio said a team of medical personnel arrived at the Incident Command Post in Baganga to beef-up medical teams from the local municipal and provincial health offices. He said the team will be sent to the most devastated barangays of Ban-ao and Kinablangan. Joint teams of the 67th Infantry Battalion and the Municipal Police Station escorted relief teams of Baganga to distribute food, medicines and water in Barangays Binondo, Batiano, Mikit, Campawan, Batawan and Mahan-ub. Smart Philippines and Telecom Sans Frontieres based in Bangkok, Thailand installed a local internet capability system to ensure connectivity. In addition, residents availed of free calls courtesy of the said companies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479727

Strife-torn municipalities in Caraga to benefit from peace project

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): Strife-torn municipalities in Caraga to benefit from peace project

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Caraga continued to implement the peace and development projects to the six strife-torn municipalities and 76 barangays in the region, a senior regional social welfare official said. This was according to Ester V. Villamor, Regional Community Development Specialist of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS). The project was funded by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects.

Villamor said DSWD would implement the “Pillar 2” of the PAMANA program, the “micro-level interventions to promote the convergent delivery of services and goods on households and communities by both national and local agencies,” she said. According to her the term of the project started on 2011 and may extend until 2015.

The peace and development project will cover the 6 municipalities of San Miguel and its 4 barangays; Tagbina and its 8 barangays and Gigaquit and its 3 barangays, all in the province of Surigao del Sur as well as the municipalities of Esperanza and its 28 barangays; Veruela and its 18 barangays and Lapaz and its 3 barangays, all in the province of Agusan del Sur. OPAPP identified the municipalities as conflict-affected areas (CAAs) and their respective barangays as Conflict-affected barangays (CABs) because of the sightings, influence or presence of the Maoist guerillas. Each area will receive a grant of P300,000 from PAMANA for their various peace and development projects, Villamor said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479708

AFP, PA join hands to address security concerns for May 2013 polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): AFP, PA join hands to address security concerns for May 2013 polls

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga - The Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Army (PA) in Central Luzon have joined forces to address security concerns for the 2013 national and local elections. A joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) meeting was conducted on Thursday at the Police Regional Office multi-purpose hall here, where significant topics were discussed that include the presentation of best practices of the PNP-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) cooperation and the filing of cases against threat groups in Central Luzon.

The meeting was spearheaded by the JPSCC (national level) chaired by Brig. Gen. Andre Tayag, AFP and Chief Supt Ricardo Marquez, PNP and some senior officers from both the military and police. Marquez said the AFP and PNP will remain strong partners in anti-criminality and internal peace and security operations. The AFP will be the lead agency in the conduct of internal security operations while the PNP will be the primary agency in all anti-criminality operations, he said.

The JPSCC shall craft and implement plans for intensified security operations against lawless elements, private armies and other threat groups in support of the local government units (LGUs), assume functions during elections, monitor and assess peace and security situations, coordinate the implementation of necessary measures to ensure peace and security in their area of responsibility; conduct intensified law-enforcement; initiate and coordinate trainings and exercises, conduct information dissemination of timely and relevant information and enhance awareness program, Marquez added.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479729

3rd ID golf for a cause to help Panay IPs and inmates

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 13): 3rd ID golf for a cause to help Panay IPs and inmates

The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division (3ID) based at Camp Macario Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz will generate funds to support the indigenous peoples (IP) of Panay and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) inmates at the camp through a golf tournament slated Dec 14-15 at the Iloilo Golf amd Country Club in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. Maj. Enrico Gil Ileto, 3ID spokesperson, are inviting golf enthusiasts to participate in the event at the nation’s most historic and oldest golf course in Santa Barbara town. In his email dispatch, Ileto said the tournament is seeking corporate sponsorship that will be prominently displayed during the tournament.

Last August 6, Camp Peralta was made home to 50 minimum security inmates of BuCOr.
The inmates are undergoing the necessary transition, reformation and rehabilitation as they are about to fulfill the required years of stay and has since helped in the maintenance of the immediate cantonment area of the camp. Likewise, the 3ID is continually coordinating with the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) to protect and promote the interest and well-being of the IPs with due regard to their beliefs, customs, traditions and institutions and hopes to empower IP communities and give employment opportunities.

Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., 3ID commander, said they intend to generate funds for the IPs and the BuCor inmates while at the same time foster the camaraderie among fellow golfers here. "The BuCor inmates have become part of the Spearhead family. The IPs as well has been at the forefront of our every effort to bringing peace,” Mabanta said. Proceeds of the event shall be utilized to purchase farm implements for the IPs and buy household appliances to further improve the living conditions of the inmates.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=479713