From Rappler (May 13): Explosions heard in Maguindanao —report
Authorities in Maguindanao province have started investigating at least four to five explosions heard since Sunday night, the eve of the mid-term elections.
The first explosion was heard at 10 p.m. Sunday, according to a report by GMA TV reporter Jiggy Manicad, aired during early Monday's broadcast of Eleksyon 2013.
Four more explosions were heard before dawn of election day, near a checkpoint entering Shariff Aguak town in Maguindanao.
Authorities in the province had been on alert against possible activities of private armed groups.
But they are also on the lookout for possible attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander Ameril Umbra Kato.
Maguindanao gained notoriety in 2009 when at least 58 people were killed, 32 of them media workers, in the infamous Maguindanao Massacre.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/308047/news/regions/explosions-heard-in-maguindanao-report
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Bombs discovered in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao
From Rappler (May 13): Bombs discovered in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao
At least three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were planted in different areas in the town of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao before polling precincts opened for the mid-term elections on Monday, May 13.
At least three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were planted in different areas in the town of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao before polling precincts opened for the mid-term elections on Monday, May 13.
The army explosive ordinance disposal unit found and successfully diffused a powerful 81mm IED barangay Tugal shortly after midnight, and two others were located and deactivated at 6 am in barangay Poblacion.
Meanwhile, the violence in General Salipada K. Pendatun, another town in the province, continues with another fatal shooting incident on Sunday night. A school district supervisor was shot dead there on Sunday.
The slain victim was identified as Akas Mukasil and a certain Jabar was wounded based on the monitoring information received by the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting in Maguindanao, but local police have not yet provided details of this incident.
Also in Maguindanao, a supporter Usman Imam, LP mayor candidate in Manatog, was shot while he was sleeping inside his compund also on Saturday night.
Soldiers, rebels clash in Samar town
From the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism Blog site (May 12): Soldiers, rebels clash in Samar town
Philippine Army soldiers escorting the transport of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and election paraphernalia exchanged fire with about 15 armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army in the vicinity of Barangay Nawi, Paranas town, Samar last Friday.
Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commanding officer of the 87th Infantry Battalion said his men were passing by the village to transport election materials when they chanced upon a group of armed men reportedly extorting money and campaigning in favour of the NPA-backed candidates and left-leaning party-list groups.
After a brief exchange of fire, the soldiers reportedly recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, three magazines and ammunitions for M-16 rifle, a blasting cap, a flag and documents of the NPA, seven combat packs, assorted medicines and personal belongings.
The rebels fled after the brief clash. No casualty was reported from both sides.
Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, said the encounter occurred two days after the arrest of alleged NPA leader Renato Abadiano aka Tiboy by men of the 87th IB and police in Barangay Dolores, San Sebastian.
According to Gutierrez, the rebel leader was arrested while he was waiting for some candidates to pay permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees. The military reportedly seized a .45-caliber pistol, improvised explosive devices, blasting caps, and documents from Abadiano.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th ID based in Catbalogan City, in a press statement said security operations “will continue even after the elections in order to promote and achieve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to economic development in the Samar provinces, which all Samaranons aspire for.”
http://pcij.org/blog/2013/05/12/soldiers-rebels-clash-in-samar-town
Philippine Army soldiers escorting the transport of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines and election paraphernalia exchanged fire with about 15 armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army in the vicinity of Barangay Nawi, Paranas town, Samar last Friday.
Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro Jr., commanding officer of the 87th Infantry Battalion said his men were passing by the village to transport election materials when they chanced upon a group of armed men reportedly extorting money and campaigning in favour of the NPA-backed candidates and left-leaning party-list groups.
After a brief exchange of fire, the soldiers reportedly recovered a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, three magazines and ammunitions for M-16 rifle, a blasting cap, a flag and documents of the NPA, seven combat packs, assorted medicines and personal belongings.
The rebels fled after the brief clash. No casualty was reported from both sides.
Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the 8th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, said the encounter occurred two days after the arrest of alleged NPA leader Renato Abadiano aka Tiboy by men of the 87th IB and police in Barangay Dolores, San Sebastian.
According to Gutierrez, the rebel leader was arrested while he was waiting for some candidates to pay permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win fees. The military reportedly seized a .45-caliber pistol, improvised explosive devices, blasting caps, and documents from Abadiano.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Layug, commanding general of the 8th ID based in Catbalogan City, in a press statement said security operations “will continue even after the elections in order to promote and achieve a peaceful and secure environment conducive to economic development in the Samar provinces, which all Samaranons aspire for.”
http://pcij.org/blog/2013/05/12/soldiers-rebels-clash-in-samar-town
Bicol NPAs intensify attacks vs cops, soldiers on poll duties
From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): Bicol NPAs intensify attacks vs cops, soldiers on poll duties
The communist guerrillas in Bicol have intensified their assaults on government forces on election-related duties for almost a week now, wounding four policemen inSorsogon City and several Army soldiers in Masbate .
The communist guerrillas in Bicol have intensified their assaults on government forces on election-related duties for almost a week now, wounding four policemen in
New
People’s Army rebels under the Celso Minguez Command (NPA-Sorsogon) ambushed
police officers on their way to deliver precinct count optical scan (PCOS)
machines for the May 13 mid-term synchronized national and local elections at
Sitio Bato, Bacon District, Sorsogon City, at 4:45 p.m., Friday.
Senior
Supt. Renato Bataller, Bicol regional police spokesman, identified those
wounded as Senior Insp. Juancho Balte Ibis, P02 Nelson E. Dioquino and P01 Eric
A. Elquiro and another unidentified police officer, all members of the police
special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team.
Bataller
said the rebels detonated a landmine and subsequently unleashed a volley of
fire on the service vehicle carrying the policemen and the PCOS machines.
Gregorio
“Ka Greg” Bañares, NDF Bicol spokesman, admitted in a statement that the NPA
staged the ambush.
He
claimed there was no casualty among the rebels.
Earlier,
the Jose Rapsing Command of the communist rebels operating in the
island-province of Masbate attacked soldiers
under the 80th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Miala in Uson town on May 9.
The
soldiers belonged to the augmentation troops of the Philippine Army sent to Masbate to secure the elections and go against the rebels
employed by the politicians as private armed men.
Bañares
claimed that several soldiers were killed during the attack but the military
denied the rebel leader’s statement.
Following
these attacks against government security forces, the military’s regional
command sent another battalion of soldiers to beef up security forces in Masbate .
Army
Maj. Angelo Guzman, military regional spokesman, said the Army’s 80th Infantry
Battalion based in Manila was dispatched to Masbate as augmentation force for election duties until
May 16.
The
Army’s 80IB was transported by Philippine Air Force's C-130 cargo plane from
Villamor Air Base to Masbate airport.
“The
300 soldiers will fill in the gaps in Masbate
for election security operation requirements,” Guzman said.
As
this developed, the Philippine Army seized a cache of illegal firearms in Masbate . Guzman said the illegal firearms and ammunition
were confiscated at the residence of barangay captain Paulino Gepiga in Mabini,
Uson town, on Friday.
The
confiscation was done by the Joint Task Force Masbate led by Senior Supt.
Arnold Albis, 9th Infantry Division’s Election Task Force “Rodeo,” and the
Bicol Regional Intelligence Unit led by Insp. Gilberto Alcovindas.
Recovered
guns were .45-caliber pistol, .25-cal. pistol, one 9mm Ingram machine pistol,
one .22-cal. revolver, three homemade shotguns and various ammunition.
The
composite team confiscated the illegal firearms from the village chieftain on
the strength of a search warrant issued by Judge Maximo R. Ables of the
Regional Trial Court Branch 47.
Gepiga
was brought to Masbate Provincial Police Office for investigation and filing of
appropriate charges.
Army
Col. Samule F. Felipe, of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade Election Task Force
Rodeo commander, said they will continue to conduct similar operations just to
ensure that the elections will be safe, peaceful and orderly.
Blast hits TransCo tower in Iloilo town
From the Philippine Star (May 12): Blast hits TransCo tower in Iloilo town
Was it a tactic to disrupt today’s balloting or a trap by communist rebels to attack government troops?
Police investigators are considering these angles behind an explosion near the tower of the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) in Barangay Indag-an, Miag-ao, Iloilo shortly before midnight last Friday.
The blast caused slight damage on a cement post of the tower. No one was reported injured.
Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Region 6 police director, said they are not discounting the possibility that it was a tactic to disrupt the midterm polls today.
“But we are also considering that it was just a decoy of the New People’s Army (NPA) to attack government troops who would respond to the area,” he said.
“We don’t want a repeat of the ambush in Negros Occidental,” he said.
Five soldiers were killed and two others were wounded when suspected NPA guerrillas attacked the exploration site of Philex Mining’s Bulawan project in Sitio Umas, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City last May 3.
The soldiers were responding to the NPA attack when they were waylaid.
The rebels burned two bunkhouses of Philex employees, a tractor with drilling machine, and a generator set, among others.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/13/941338/blast-hits-transco-tower-iloilo-town
Was it a tactic to disrupt today’s balloting or a trap by communist rebels to attack government troops?
Police investigators are considering these angles behind an explosion near the tower of the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) in Barangay Indag-an, Miag-ao, Iloilo shortly before midnight last Friday.
The blast caused slight damage on a cement post of the tower. No one was reported injured.
Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Region 6 police director, said they are not discounting the possibility that it was a tactic to disrupt the midterm polls today.
“But we are also considering that it was just a decoy of the New People’s Army (NPA) to attack government troops who would respond to the area,” he said.
“We don’t want a repeat of the ambush in Negros Occidental,” he said.
Five soldiers were killed and two others were wounded when suspected NPA guerrillas attacked the exploration site of Philex Mining’s Bulawan project in Sitio Umas, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City last May 3.
The soldiers were responding to the NPA attack when they were waylaid.
The rebels burned two bunkhouses of Philex employees, a tractor with drilling machine, and a generator set, among others.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/13/941338/blast-hits-transco-tower-iloilo-town
Blast hits power plant in Iloilo
From the Philippine Star (May 12): Blast hits power plant in Iloilo
An explosion rocked a power plant inIloilo
An explosion rocked a power plant in
Belated reports received
by the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame , Quezon City
said the blast at the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines
power line steel tower located in Barangay Indag-an, Miag-ao, Iloilo
As of the moment, the PNP
said the steel tower is still non-operational.
Authorities discovered
that an improvised explosive device was used by the culprits to blow up the
structure.
Barangay Indag-an is 3.5
kilometers away from the town proper of Miag-ao and Miag-ao is 40 kilometers
away south of Iloilo
City
6 armed men nabbed in Bulacan
From the Philippine Star (May 12): 6 armed men nabbed in Bulacan
Government troops intercepted a convoy of military-type vehicles and arrested six suspected rebels at a checkpoint in Norzagaray, Bulacan last Friday.
The suspects were identified as Jason Masulac, 33, a former soldier; Roel dela Cruz, 32; Randy Constantino, 36; Audie Lado, 53; Ramil Herrera, 34, and Allan Capellan, 42.
Senior Superintendent Joel Orduna, Bulacan acting police director, said the gunmen could be members of a private armed group out to create trouble during elections tomorrow.
He said the convoy, which included two military-type trucks, a hummer vehicle, and a Mitsubishi Montero van, was flagged down in Barangay Bitungol at 5:30 p.m.
The official said the gunmen were in one of the two trucks which also carried 50 Dumagat tribesmen on board.
Seized from the armed men were two M-16, a caliber .9mm pistol, a caliber .45, several bullets, a bulletproof vest, and three vehicles including the Montero van.
Orduna said the Montero was registered under the name of Rafael Flores, of Antipolo City.
Orduna said they released the tribesmen noting that they had nothing to do with the armed men.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/12/940988/6-armed-men-nabbed-bulacan
Government troops intercepted a convoy of military-type vehicles and arrested six suspected rebels at a checkpoint in Norzagaray, Bulacan last Friday.
The suspects were identified as Jason Masulac, 33, a former soldier; Roel dela Cruz, 32; Randy Constantino, 36; Audie Lado, 53; Ramil Herrera, 34, and Allan Capellan, 42.
Senior Superintendent Joel Orduna, Bulacan acting police director, said the gunmen could be members of a private armed group out to create trouble during elections tomorrow.
He said the convoy, which included two military-type trucks, a hummer vehicle, and a Mitsubishi Montero van, was flagged down in Barangay Bitungol at 5:30 p.m.
The official said the gunmen were in one of the two trucks which also carried 50 Dumagat tribesmen on board.
Seized from the armed men were two M-16, a caliber .9mm pistol, a caliber .45, several bullets, a bulletproof vest, and three vehicles including the Montero van.
Orduna said the Montero was registered under the name of Rafael Flores, of Antipolo City.
Orduna said they released the tribesmen noting that they had nothing to do with the armed men.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/12/940988/6-armed-men-nabbed-bulacan
Military detonates bomb in Maguindanao town
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 13): Military detonates bomb in Maguindanao town
The military on Monday detonated a powerful improvised explosive device fashioned from a 16-millimeter mortar found along the national highway in the town of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao is one of the provinces identified as an area of concern by the Commission on Elections.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bomb was successfully disrupted at around 2:00 a.m.
“The military and police is on top of the security situation. A total of five brigades supported by police are posted across the province.”
“Intimidation is reported, but we hope that we can finish the election peacefully, that no major, untoward incident will arise.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/407607/military-detonates-bomb-in-maguindanao-town
The military on Monday detonated a powerful improvised explosive device fashioned from a 16-millimeter mortar found along the national highway in the town of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao is one of the provinces identified as an area of concern by the Commission on Elections.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bomb was successfully disrupted at around 2:00 a.m.
“The military and police is on top of the security situation. A total of five brigades supported by police are posted across the province.”
“Intimidation is reported, but we hope that we can finish the election peacefully, that no major, untoward incident will arise.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/407607/military-detonates-bomb-in-maguindanao-town
NPA holding 7 cops for alleged vote buying in Southern Mindanao village
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 13): NPA holding 7 cops for alleged vote buying in Southern Mindanao village
The New People’s Army (NPA) are allegedly holding seven policemen escorting four barangay (village) captains who they claimed were out to buy votes for a congressional candidate in the village of Paquibato, a spokesman for the rebels said Monday.
Simon Santiago, of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command in Southern Mindanao, said Senior Police 0fficer 3 Edgardo J. Butad, was held for an hour at 4 p.m. Saturday in the village of Paquibato for allegedly violating the NPA’s policies against vote buying within its territories.
The statement said the seven traffic cops escorted four barangay captains
allegedly carrying cash
to buy votes for reelectionist First District Representative Mylene Garcia.
Aside from Butad, the other captives are Erald James M.Cajeras Sr., Vincent M.Dela Torre, Abdul Azis A. Ali Jr., Ariel C.Arbule, Edmon O.Trenidad, Rusalito C.Caranguit.
The NPA renewed its warning against politicians entering their territory.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/407619/npa-holding-7-cops-for-alleged-vote-buying-in-southern-mindanao-village
The New People’s Army (NPA) are allegedly holding seven policemen escorting four barangay (village) captains who they claimed were out to buy votes for a congressional candidate in the village of Paquibato, a spokesman for the rebels said Monday.
Simon Santiago, of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command in Southern Mindanao, said Senior Police 0fficer 3 Edgardo J. Butad, was held for an hour at 4 p.m. Saturday in the village of Paquibato for allegedly violating the NPA’s policies against vote buying within its territories.
The statement said the seven traffic cops escorted four barangay captains
allegedly carrying cash
to buy votes for reelectionist First District Representative Mylene Garcia. Aside from Butad, the other captives are Erald James M.Cajeras Sr., Vincent M.Dela Torre, Abdul Azis A. Ali Jr., Ariel C.Arbule, Edmon O.Trenidad, Rusalito C.Caranguit.
The NPA renewed its warning against politicians entering their territory.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/407619/npa-holding-7-cops-for-alleged-vote-buying-in-southern-mindanao-village
Army sends more troops to SouthCot’s upland villages
From MindaNews (May 12): Army sends more troops to SouthCot’s upland villages
Government troops have intensified their security operations in several upland villages of Tampakan town in South Cotabato following the reported movements of armed groups in the area in the past several days.
Evangeline Basan, acting Tampakan election officer, said on Sunday the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion has sent additional troops to the area to secure local communities and the conduct of the elections on Monday.
She said they earlier withdrew the scheduled final sealing and testing for the precinct count optical scan or PCOS machines that were assigned for four remote villages in the area due to the volatile security situation.
They instead decided to deliver the eight PCOS machines for the affected barangays – Palo, Tablu, Danlag and Buto – early on Monday, she said. “We will begin the deployment of the PCOS machines and the releasing of the election materials at 2 a.m. (Monday), starting off with the remote areas,” Basan said.
The official said the vehicles that will deliver the PCOS machines and election materials, as well as their assigned security escorts, are already on standby.
She said security will also be provided for the board of election inspectors and poll clerks that are assigned in areas with security threats or concerns.
The Commission on Elections and the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office earlier identified Tampakan town as among the province’s areas of concern for Monday’s polls.
Tampakan was previously considered as a hotspot area due to the recorded election-related murders in the locality during the 2001 and 2004 elections.
But the area’s security classification has been downgraded by the Philippine National Police and Comelec due to its “clean record” in terms of election-related violence since the 2007 polls.
The municipality had been plagued by security problems in the last several years, among them the attacks staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) and local armed groups opposing the planned large-scale copper and gold mining venture of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. in the area.
A series of clashes had occurred in several upland villages in the last several months as government troops stepped up their operations against an armed group led by Daguel Capion, a disgruntled B’laan tribal leader who has taken up arms against the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI).
In October last year, Capion’s wife and two young children were killed in a military operation near SMI’s mines development site.
Last month, Capion declared that he has joined the NPA to further pursue his cause.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/12/army-sends-more-troops-to-southcots-upland-villages/
Government troops have intensified their security operations in several upland villages of Tampakan town in South Cotabato following the reported movements of armed groups in the area in the past several days.
Evangeline Basan, acting Tampakan election officer, said on Sunday the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion has sent additional troops to the area to secure local communities and the conduct of the elections on Monday.
She said they earlier withdrew the scheduled final sealing and testing for the precinct count optical scan or PCOS machines that were assigned for four remote villages in the area due to the volatile security situation.
They instead decided to deliver the eight PCOS machines for the affected barangays – Palo, Tablu, Danlag and Buto – early on Monday, she said. “We will begin the deployment of the PCOS machines and the releasing of the election materials at 2 a.m. (Monday), starting off with the remote areas,” Basan said.
The official said the vehicles that will deliver the PCOS machines and election materials, as well as their assigned security escorts, are already on standby.
The Commission on Elections and the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office earlier identified Tampakan town as among the province’s areas of concern for Monday’s polls.
Tampakan was previously considered as a hotspot area due to the recorded election-related murders in the locality during the 2001 and 2004 elections.
But the area’s security classification has been downgraded by the Philippine National Police and Comelec due to its “clean record” in terms of election-related violence since the 2007 polls.
The municipality had been plagued by security problems in the last several years, among them the attacks staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) and local armed groups opposing the planned large-scale copper and gold mining venture of foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines, Inc. in the area.
A series of clashes had occurred in several upland villages in the last several months as government troops stepped up their operations against an armed group led by Daguel Capion, a disgruntled B’laan tribal leader who has taken up arms against the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI).
In October last year, Capion’s wife and two young children were killed in a military operation near SMI’s mines development site.
Last month, Capion declared that he has joined the NPA to further pursue his cause.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/12/army-sends-more-troops-to-southcots-upland-villages/
Army intensifies operations in Agusan Norte on eve of elections
From MindaNews (May 12): Army intensifies operations in Agusan Norte on eve of elections
The Philippine Army operating in Agusan del Norte has intensified operations and stepped up alert status on the eve of election day after a series of encounters with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Since the first week of May, our soldiers have been harassed several times by the NPA. We have expected these activities from the NPA to intensify in their hope to disrupt the electoral process as what we have seen in other parts of the country,” said Lt. Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Infantry Battalion.
Martinez said the latest such incident was 1 a.m. Saturday wherein 20 NPA rebels traded fire with the Army’s patrol base in Mount Mayapay, Sitio Tapnigue, Barangay Sangay in Buenavista town for seven minutes.
Another encounter occurred the day before, in an area close to a polling center in Barangay San Isidro in the municipality of Kitcharao, wherein a trooper from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was injured in theirght knee, he said.
Lt. Col. Ricardo Leonardo Jr., commanding officer of the 3SFB, pointed out the need to step up their efforts.
“Our troops in Kitcharao received reports from residents that there had been sighting of armed men in the area. So we immediately sent our soldiers to check and afterward they encountered the NPA. We are stepping up our efforts to avert any untoward incidents on the day our citizens will cast their votes,” he said.
Earlier, on May 3, the NPA conducted a daring three-hour attack at the Army patrol base in Barangay San Antonio in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez or RTR around 4:30 a.m. There were no reports of casualty nor injury on both sides.
Leonardo said that most of the soldiers under the 3SFB have been assigned to different polling centers all over the province to safeguard the election.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/12/army-intensifies-operations-in-agusan-norte-on-eve-of-elections/
The Philippine Army operating in Agusan del Norte has intensified operations and stepped up alert status on the eve of election day after a series of encounters with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
“Since the first week of May, our soldiers have been harassed several times by the NPA. We have expected these activities from the NPA to intensify in their hope to disrupt the electoral process as what we have seen in other parts of the country,” said Lt. Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 402nd Infantry Battalion.
Martinez said the latest such incident was 1 a.m. Saturday wherein 20 NPA rebels traded fire with the Army’s patrol base in Mount Mayapay, Sitio Tapnigue, Barangay Sangay in Buenavista town for seven minutes.
Another encounter occurred the day before, in an area close to a polling center in Barangay San Isidro in the municipality of Kitcharao, wherein a trooper from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was injured in theirght knee, he said.
Lt. Col. Ricardo Leonardo Jr., commanding officer of the 3SFB, pointed out the need to step up their efforts.
Earlier, on May 3, the NPA conducted a daring three-hour attack at the Army patrol base in Barangay San Antonio in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez or RTR around 4:30 a.m. There were no reports of casualty nor injury on both sides.
Leonardo said that most of the soldiers under the 3SFB have been assigned to different polling centers all over the province to safeguard the election.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/05/12/army-intensifies-operations-in-agusan-norte-on-eve-of-elections/
No boycott, MNLF commander says
From the Manila Bulletin (May 13): No boycott, MNLF commander says
A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato has assured the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and authorities that they would adhere to what has been agreed upon during the consultation and dialogue held in Matalam town on Saturday.
Commander Datu Dima Ambil of the MNLF Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (SKSRC) issued the clarification after it was reported that he declared a boycott of elections in North Cotabato after their last week’s bloody encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Marbel, Matalam town.
Sr. Inspector Elias Dandan, chief of Matalam PNP Police, said both warring groups agreed to cast votes on Monday. Ambil said at least 700 MNLF members in Matalam town will cast their votes.
The Army in North Cotabato will help the Comelec transport some 200 evacuees from the evacuation centers to their polling precincts in Barangay Marbel. Last week, about 200 families from at least six areas in Barangay Marbel evacuated to nearby places after armed members of the MNLF and MILF exchanged fires. The fighting resulted in the death of an MILF member and displacement of villagers.
Also in North Cotabato, the Arakan town has no electricity since Monday dawn. Engineer Godofredo Homez, general manager of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco), said they are looking at problems in their power lines going to Arakan. He assured the public that they should be able to restore power supply soon.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=11632&sid=1&subid=5#.UZA44o7D9jo
A top official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato has assured the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and authorities that they would adhere to what has been agreed upon during the consultation and dialogue held in Matalam town on Saturday.
Commander Datu Dima Ambil of the MNLF Sebangan Kutawato State Revolutionary Committee (SKSRC) issued the clarification after it was reported that he declared a boycott of elections in North Cotabato after their last week’s bloody encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Barangay Marbel, Matalam town.
Sr. Inspector Elias Dandan, chief of Matalam PNP Police, said both warring groups agreed to cast votes on Monday. Ambil said at least 700 MNLF members in Matalam town will cast their votes.
The Army in North Cotabato will help the Comelec transport some 200 evacuees from the evacuation centers to their polling precincts in Barangay Marbel. Last week, about 200 families from at least six areas in Barangay Marbel evacuated to nearby places after armed members of the MNLF and MILF exchanged fires. The fighting resulted in the death of an MILF member and displacement of villagers.
Also in North Cotabato, the Arakan town has no electricity since Monday dawn. Engineer Godofredo Homez, general manager of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco), said they are looking at problems in their power lines going to Arakan. He assured the public that they should be able to restore power supply soon.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=11632&sid=1&subid=5#.UZA44o7D9jo
NPA justifies recent attacks, vows more offensives under Noy gov’t
From the Daily Tribune (May 13): NPA justifies recent attacks, vows more offensives under Noy gov’t
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) had justified that the newly transferred 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army was ambushed by a unit of New People’s Army (NPA) in Kalinga last May 8.
Initial field reports received by the Lejo Cawilan Command indicated that the incident took place at the roadside of Sitio Patiking, Bagumbayan, Tabuk, when Red fighters fired upon a lone army vehicle. Two soldiers were killed, six were wounded, and the NPA unit carted away one M16 rifle, along with other logistics.
The Philippine Army unit included an intelligence officer of the 5th Infantry Division, who were among those killed.
Philippine Army units in Kalinga were dispatched in areas believed to be strongholds of the NPA, as part of the Aquino government’s campaign to malign and defeat legal and progressive party-lists, in clear violation of Comelec guidelines.
The NDFP claimed that these units have been destroying campaign paraphernalia of these party-lists, and are posting materials against the same.
The communist group also called 5ID spokesman Col. Magundayao a big liar, as he claimed that the ambush took place on the morning of May 9, and that the army unit was part of a convoy of Philippine National Police and Comelec delegation, dispatched to deliver (election counting) PCOS machines in Lubuagan.
“The AFP is covering-up a tactical error, and is using the 13 May elections to villify the NPA, depicting the real people’s army as ‘enemies of democracy,’” the said.
“Malacañang was quick to believe its running dogs in the AFP, and condemned the NPA declaring, as always, that they ‘will pursue and punish the perpetrators.’ The 17th IB is also spreading lies in Kalinga that the ambush was planned by progressive party-lists, and a vice-gubernatorial candidate.
Philippine Army units have long been conducting special operations team-type (SOT) internal security operations (ISO), now called ‘Peace and Development Team’ (PDT) operations, under Oplan Bayanihan,” it added.
The NDFP also belied AFP’s claims that troops involved in these operations are non-combatants and that they only implement projects. “But in fact these PDTs are deodorized SOT units, implementing triad operations that include combat, intelligence and civil-military components, and as such, are regular targets of all NPA units,” the insurgents group stressed.
The NDFP added that these PDTs have long been violating International Humanitarian Laws (IHL), the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws (CAHRIHL), and certain provisions of the Indigenous People’s Rights Law.
“PDTs are based in barangay halls, day care centers, or in houses at the center of the barrio (village).
They use civilian vehicles and force civilians to procure and/or deliver supplies, logistics and communications,” it said.
“The NPA will continue to launch tactical offensives against the AFP and PNP, the primary instruments of the Aquino regime in mocking so-called democratic processes such as elections, the main culprits in perpetrating human rights violations, and the security forces of big business interests in the province such as corporate mining, and geothermal and hydro-electric projects,” the rebel group said.
“We will intensify attacks because of the Aquino regime’s junking of the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the GRP,” the NDFP added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/14059-npa-justifies-recent-attacks-vows-more-offensives-under-noy-gov’t
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) had justified that the newly transferred 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army was ambushed by a unit of New People’s Army (NPA) in Kalinga last May 8.
Initial field reports received by the Lejo Cawilan Command indicated that the incident took place at the roadside of Sitio Patiking, Bagumbayan, Tabuk, when Red fighters fired upon a lone army vehicle. Two soldiers were killed, six were wounded, and the NPA unit carted away one M16 rifle, along with other logistics.
The Philippine Army unit included an intelligence officer of the 5th Infantry Division, who were among those killed.
Philippine Army units in Kalinga were dispatched in areas believed to be strongholds of the NPA, as part of the Aquino government’s campaign to malign and defeat legal and progressive party-lists, in clear violation of Comelec guidelines.
The NDFP claimed that these units have been destroying campaign paraphernalia of these party-lists, and are posting materials against the same.
The communist group also called 5ID spokesman Col. Magundayao a big liar, as he claimed that the ambush took place on the morning of May 9, and that the army unit was part of a convoy of Philippine National Police and Comelec delegation, dispatched to deliver (election counting) PCOS machines in Lubuagan.
“The AFP is covering-up a tactical error, and is using the 13 May elections to villify the NPA, depicting the real people’s army as ‘enemies of democracy,’” the said.
“Malacañang was quick to believe its running dogs in the AFP, and condemned the NPA declaring, as always, that they ‘will pursue and punish the perpetrators.’ The 17th IB is also spreading lies in Kalinga that the ambush was planned by progressive party-lists, and a vice-gubernatorial candidate.
Philippine Army units have long been conducting special operations team-type (SOT) internal security operations (ISO), now called ‘Peace and Development Team’ (PDT) operations, under Oplan Bayanihan,” it added.
The NDFP also belied AFP’s claims that troops involved in these operations are non-combatants and that they only implement projects. “But in fact these PDTs are deodorized SOT units, implementing triad operations that include combat, intelligence and civil-military components, and as such, are regular targets of all NPA units,” the insurgents group stressed.
The NDFP added that these PDTs have long been violating International Humanitarian Laws (IHL), the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Laws (CAHRIHL), and certain provisions of the Indigenous People’s Rights Law.
“PDTs are based in barangay halls, day care centers, or in houses at the center of the barrio (village).
They use civilian vehicles and force civilians to procure and/or deliver supplies, logistics and communications,” it said.
“The NPA will continue to launch tactical offensives against the AFP and PNP, the primary instruments of the Aquino regime in mocking so-called democratic processes such as elections, the main culprits in perpetrating human rights violations, and the security forces of big business interests in the province such as corporate mining, and geothermal and hydro-electric projects,” the rebel group said.
“We will intensify attacks because of the Aquino regime’s junking of the peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the GRP,” the NDFP added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/14059-npa-justifies-recent-attacks-vows-more-offensives-under-noy-gov’t
CPP: Strike at AFP units carrying out suppression ops under guise of "election duty"--CPP
From the CPP Website (May 12): Strike at AFP units carrying out suppression ops under guise of "election duty"--CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today blasted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for using the scheduled national elections tomorrow as a camouflage to intensify the militarization of rural communities in line with its Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression. The CPP called on the NPA to seize the initiative and strike at AFP units engaging in intimidation against the people.
The CPP lauded the New People’s Army in the Kalinga province for successfully launching an ambush last May 8 against the 17th IB under the 5th ID in Sitio Patiking, Bagumbayan, Tabuk. Two soldiers were killed while six others were wounded. The NPA unit seized an M-16 rifle and other logistics.
Last May 10, the NPA command in Sorsogon province also successfully carried out an ambush against a SWAT unit of the Philippine National Police in Barangay Bato, Bacon District. At least five armed policemen were wounded in the ambush.
“The reactionary state armed and police forces are using their so-called election duties to transgress into areas where they suspect the masses to be actively supporting and waging democratic mass struggles to intimidate the people, campaign for their favored candidates and against the progressive parties and candidates they claim to be sympathetic to the revolutionary cause,” said the CPP.
“They serve as armed escorts of the political rascals who engage in intimidation and vote-buying in their desperate effort to gain seats in the reactionary bureaucracy,” pointed out the CPP.
“The claim made by Malacañang that the AFP unit was escorting election counting machines is a complete lie,” said the CPP. “The 17th ID was scouring areas which they suspect to be a strongholds of the revolutionary movement. They were tearing down posters and election paraphernalia of progressive candidates and party-list groups in a vain effort to intimidate people against voting for these organizations which they accuse without proof of being supporters of the armed revolutionary movement.”
“They take advantage of the opportunity to enter into the revolutionary areas in order to recruit anti-social elements and organize their intelligence networks,” added the CPP. “Under the pretext of guarding the elections, AFP combat units are being deployed in areas where the people are active in democratic struggles and revolutionary mass resistance,” said the CPP.
“It is the duty of all NPA units to stay on high alert and strike at every opportunity to prevent the AFP units from intimidating the masses to vote for their favored politician, typically those who line up the pockets of their commanders.”
“As always, the NPA will carry out these armed tactical offensives giving priority to the protection of unarmed civilians,” pointed out the CPP.
“These NPA tactical offensives do not aim to disrupt the reactionary elections, as there is no point for doing so,” added the CPP. “The Monday elections have been sufficienty exposed as a farce by the dynastic reactionary politicians from the national to the local levels who have made a complete mockery of the so-called democratic political exercise.”
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130512_strike-at-afp-units-carrying-out-suppression-ops-under-guise-of-election-duty-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today blasted the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for using the scheduled national elections tomorrow as a camouflage to intensify the militarization of rural communities in line with its Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression. The CPP called on the NPA to seize the initiative and strike at AFP units engaging in intimidation against the people.
The CPP lauded the New People’s Army in the Kalinga province for successfully launching an ambush last May 8 against the 17th IB under the 5th ID in Sitio Patiking, Bagumbayan, Tabuk. Two soldiers were killed while six others were wounded. The NPA unit seized an M-16 rifle and other logistics.
Last May 10, the NPA command in Sorsogon province also successfully carried out an ambush against a SWAT unit of the Philippine National Police in Barangay Bato, Bacon District. At least five armed policemen were wounded in the ambush.
“The reactionary state armed and police forces are using their so-called election duties to transgress into areas where they suspect the masses to be actively supporting and waging democratic mass struggles to intimidate the people, campaign for their favored candidates and against the progressive parties and candidates they claim to be sympathetic to the revolutionary cause,” said the CPP.
“They serve as armed escorts of the political rascals who engage in intimidation and vote-buying in their desperate effort to gain seats in the reactionary bureaucracy,” pointed out the CPP.
“The claim made by Malacañang that the AFP unit was escorting election counting machines is a complete lie,” said the CPP. “The 17th ID was scouring areas which they suspect to be a strongholds of the revolutionary movement. They were tearing down posters and election paraphernalia of progressive candidates and party-list groups in a vain effort to intimidate people against voting for these organizations which they accuse without proof of being supporters of the armed revolutionary movement.”
“They take advantage of the opportunity to enter into the revolutionary areas in order to recruit anti-social elements and organize their intelligence networks,” added the CPP. “Under the pretext of guarding the elections, AFP combat units are being deployed in areas where the people are active in democratic struggles and revolutionary mass resistance,” said the CPP.
“It is the duty of all NPA units to stay on high alert and strike at every opportunity to prevent the AFP units from intimidating the masses to vote for their favored politician, typically those who line up the pockets of their commanders.”
“As always, the NPA will carry out these armed tactical offensives giving priority to the protection of unarmed civilians,” pointed out the CPP.
“These NPA tactical offensives do not aim to disrupt the reactionary elections, as there is no point for doing so,” added the CPP. “The Monday elections have been sufficienty exposed as a farce by the dynastic reactionary politicians from the national to the local levels who have made a complete mockery of the so-called democratic political exercise.”
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130512_strike-at-afp-units-carrying-out-suppression-ops-under-guise-of-election-duty-cpp
5 killed in separate ambushes in Mindanao
From GMA News (May 12): 5 killed in separate ambushes in Mindanao
Five people were killed in separate ambushes in the southern Philippines, police and the military said Sunday on the eve of the mid-term elections in which more than 18,000 posts are up for grabs, from mayors and governors to members of parliament.
Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the southern Philippines ambushed Saturday the convoy of town mayor Joelito Jacosalem Talaid, wounding the politician and killing four of his bodyguards.
Talaid, who is seeking re-election as mayor of Kadingilan, Bukidnon, was carrying a large sum of money when his convoy was targeted, provincial police chief Superintendent Orlando Binas said.
The NPA, which has been waging a rebellion for more than 40 years, has been known to attack local politicians who refuse to pay extortion money in exchange for campaigning in its areas.
Talaid's ambush came on the same day as heavily armed men also attacked the convoy of Omar Baba, a candidate for mayor in South Upi town, Maguindanao.
Baba and an aide were wounded, while his cousin was killed, regional military chief Colonel Dickson Hermoso said.
Hermoso said no one had claimed responsibility for Baba's ambush, but noted that South Upi had earlier been placed among potential "hot spots" where violence was likely to erupt.
Six other candidates are contesting the post of mayor, he said.
Revenge killings among politicians are common in local politics across the Philippines, where a proliferation of unlicensed firearms has long aggravated the political situation.
More than 60 people have already been killed during campaigning, which began in February, and the government has sent extra military and police to violence hotspots to prevent more bloodshed during Monday's vote.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/307980/news/regions/5-killed-in-separate-ambushes-in-mindanao
Five people were killed in separate ambushes in the southern Philippines, police and the military said Sunday on the eve of the mid-term elections in which more than 18,000 posts are up for grabs, from mayors and governors to members of parliament.
Communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the southern Philippines ambushed Saturday the convoy of town mayor Joelito Jacosalem Talaid, wounding the politician and killing four of his bodyguards.
Talaid, who is seeking re-election as mayor of Kadingilan, Bukidnon, was carrying a large sum of money when his convoy was targeted, provincial police chief Superintendent Orlando Binas said.
The NPA, which has been waging a rebellion for more than 40 years, has been known to attack local politicians who refuse to pay extortion money in exchange for campaigning in its areas.
Talaid's ambush came on the same day as heavily armed men also attacked the convoy of Omar Baba, a candidate for mayor in South Upi town, Maguindanao.
Baba and an aide were wounded, while his cousin was killed, regional military chief Colonel Dickson Hermoso said.
Hermoso said no one had claimed responsibility for Baba's ambush, but noted that South Upi had earlier been placed among potential "hot spots" where violence was likely to erupt.
Six other candidates are contesting the post of mayor, he said.
Revenge killings among politicians are common in local politics across the Philippines, where a proliferation of unlicensed firearms has long aggravated the political situation.
More than 60 people have already been killed during campaigning, which began in February, and the government has sent extra military and police to violence hotspots to prevent more bloodshed during Monday's vote.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/307980/news/regions/5-killed-in-separate-ambushes-in-mindanao
PH envoy to Taiwan apologizes to fisherman's family
From Rappler (May 12): PH envoy to Taiwan apologizes to fisherman's family
Antonio Basilio, the managing director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, visited the family of slain Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng on Saturday, May 11, to apologize and offer his condolences for Hung's death.
Focus Taiwan News Channel reports that Basilio, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister David Lin, went to Hung Shih-cheng's home in Siaoliouchiou Island off Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.
An interpreter translated Basilio's apology, where he told the family that what happened was the result of a misunderstanding. He also offered his condolences over the family's loss.
Basilio added that Philippine authorities were investigating the incident and would work with Taiwan to figure out the location of the incident and the reasons behind the shooting. He also mentioned that the culpable parties would be punished in accordance with the law.
Lin also mentioned to Hung's family that a task force was being set up to probe into what happened and what caused the incident. The task force would be comprised of members of the Ministry of Justice, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and additional relevant government agencies.
While this apology appears to have occurred before Taiwan announced a 72-hour ultimatum on a response from the Philippines regarding Hung's death, it is unclear at present whether the Taiwanese government knew of the apology prior to discussing their options and announcing their ultimatum or whether the Taiwanese government had knowledge of the apology and is seeking a statement from a higher-ranking member of the Philippine government.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/28869-philippines-meco-apology-taiwanese-fisherman
Antonio Basilio, the managing director of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) in Taipei, visited the family of slain Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng on Saturday, May 11, to apologize and offer his condolences for Hung's death.
Focus Taiwan News Channel reports that Basilio, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Minister David Lin, went to Hung Shih-cheng's home in Siaoliouchiou Island off Pingtung County in southern Taiwan.
An interpreter translated Basilio's apology, where he told the family that what happened was the result of a misunderstanding. He also offered his condolences over the family's loss.
Basilio added that Philippine authorities were investigating the incident and would work with Taiwan to figure out the location of the incident and the reasons behind the shooting. He also mentioned that the culpable parties would be punished in accordance with the law.
Lin also mentioned to Hung's family that a task force was being set up to probe into what happened and what caused the incident. The task force would be comprised of members of the Ministry of Justice, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) and additional relevant government agencies.
While this apology appears to have occurred before Taiwan announced a 72-hour ultimatum on a response from the Philippines regarding Hung's death, it is unclear at present whether the Taiwanese government knew of the apology prior to discussing their options and announcing their ultimatum or whether the Taiwanese government had knowledge of the apology and is seeking a statement from a higher-ranking member of the Philippine government.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/28869-philippines-meco-apology-taiwanese-fisherman
Taiwan beefs up patrols in waters near PH
From Rappler (May 12): Taiwan beefs up patrols in waters near PH
Taiwan on Sunday, May 12, dispatched four coastguard and naval vessels to beef up patrols in waters near the Philippines following public outrage over the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coastguards.
"The government is determined to protect our fishermen," cabinet spokeswoman Cheng Li-wen said in a statement as a Lafayette-class naval frigate and coastguard vessels set sail for the area where the 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman was killed on Thursday, May 9.
The move came shortly after authorities issued a strong-worded statement late Saturday night, May 11, demanding from Manila an apology to Taiwan and compensate the family of the dead man.
In its statement, Taiwan also asked the Philippine authorities to bring to justice the coastguards responsible and start negotiating with Taipei on a proposed fishery agreement.
"If the Filipino government fails to respond in a positive manner within 72 hours, the hiring of Philippine workers will be frozen," presidential spokeswoman Lee Chia-fei warned.
Hung Shih-cheng, the skipper of the 15-ton "Kuang Ta Hsin No 28", was killed during the incident, which also left the boat riddled with more than 50 bullet holes.
"This is nothing but a slaughter," prosecutor Liu Chia-kai told reporters after examining the ship.
In Manila, Abigail Valte, spokeswoman for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, told a government radio station on Saturday that authorities had launched a "transparent and impartial investigation" into the incident.
Valte, in an official statement, also said the incident "occurred during one of the anti-illegal fishing patrols conducted by a Philippine fishery law enforcement vessel (MCS 3001) within maritime jurisdiction".
She expressed hopes that economic ties with Taipei would not be affected and added that the coastguard crew involved in the incident had been temporarily suspended to ensure a fair probe.
Taiwan's government has come under pressure from the opposition and the media to take action, with the Philippines refusing to apologize and saying the coastguard was tackling illegal fishing.
Philippine coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said on Friday, May 10, the incident took place in Philippine waters and the crew had been carrying out their duties to stop illegal fishing.
"If somebody died, they deserve our sympathy but not an apology," Balilo told reporters.
The victim's son, who was with his father and two other sailors on the boat when the shooting took place, has insisted they did not cross into Philippine waters.
http://www.rappler.com/world/28895-taiwan-beefs-up-patrols-in-waters-near-ph
Taiwan on Sunday, May 12, dispatched four coastguard and naval vessels to beef up patrols in waters near the Philippines following public outrage over the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coastguards.
"The government is determined to protect our fishermen," cabinet spokeswoman Cheng Li-wen said in a statement as a Lafayette-class naval frigate and coastguard vessels set sail for the area where the 65-year-old Taiwanese fisherman was killed on Thursday, May 9.
The move came shortly after authorities issued a strong-worded statement late Saturday night, May 11, demanding from Manila an apology to Taiwan and compensate the family of the dead man.
In its statement, Taiwan also asked the Philippine authorities to bring to justice the coastguards responsible and start negotiating with Taipei on a proposed fishery agreement.
"If the Filipino government fails to respond in a positive manner within 72 hours, the hiring of Philippine workers will be frozen," presidential spokeswoman Lee Chia-fei warned.
Hung Shih-cheng, the skipper of the 15-ton "Kuang Ta Hsin No 28", was killed during the incident, which also left the boat riddled with more than 50 bullet holes.
"This is nothing but a slaughter," prosecutor Liu Chia-kai told reporters after examining the ship.
In Manila, Abigail Valte, spokeswoman for Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, told a government radio station on Saturday that authorities had launched a "transparent and impartial investigation" into the incident.
Valte, in an official statement, also said the incident "occurred during one of the anti-illegal fishing patrols conducted by a Philippine fishery law enforcement vessel (MCS 3001) within maritime jurisdiction".
She expressed hopes that economic ties with Taipei would not be affected and added that the coastguard crew involved in the incident had been temporarily suspended to ensure a fair probe.
Taiwan's government has come under pressure from the opposition and the media to take action, with the Philippines refusing to apologize and saying the coastguard was tackling illegal fishing.
Philippine coastguard spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said on Friday, May 10, the incident took place in Philippine waters and the crew had been carrying out their duties to stop illegal fishing.
"If somebody died, they deserve our sympathy but not an apology," Balilo told reporters.
The victim's son, who was with his father and two other sailors on the boat when the shooting took place, has insisted they did not cross into Philippine waters.
http://www.rappler.com/world/28895-taiwan-beefs-up-patrols-in-waters-near-ph
3 NPA rebels killed, 5 soldiers injured in Gingoog clash
From Rappler (May 12): 3 NPA rebels killed, 5 soldiers injured in Gingoog clash
Three suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed and 5 members of the government security forces wounded in a clash on Sunday, May 12 in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, a military official said.
A total of 3 companies have so far been deployed to strengthen security in the city and its surroundings, after two people died and Mayor Ruthie Guingona was hurt in an NPA ambush on April 20.
The rebels apologized for the incident but claimed that their combatants fired in self-defense after Guingona’s convoy allegedly rammed the checkpoint manned by the NPA.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/28911-3-npa-rebels-killed,-5-soldiers-injured-in-gingoog-clash
Three suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed and 5 members of the government security forces wounded in a clash on Sunday, May 12 in Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, a military official said.
Maj Leo Bongosia, spokesman for the AFP's 4th division, said Philippine Marines troops were patrolling the area ahead of Monday's mid-term elections when they encountered the guerrillas.
“We have five Marines wounded and a pursuit operation is ongoing,” he added.
This brings to 9 the total number of government troops injured since Friday in Gingoog, where the NPA is conducting a campaign against policemen and soldiers delivering precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines for the vote.
The rebels apologized for the incident but claimed that their combatants fired in self-defense after Guingona’s convoy allegedly rammed the checkpoint manned by the NPA.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/28911-3-npa-rebels-killed,-5-soldiers-injured-in-gingoog-clash