From GMA News (Sep 4): Soldier slain, 80 families displaced in Cotabato clash
A soldier was killed in a clash with members of the New People's Army in
far-flung Barangay Cabilao on Tuesday noon.
1st Lt. Nasrullah Sema, chief
civil military operations of the 57th Infantry Battalion, identified the
fatality as Sgt. Arnold Vigo of the Bravo Company, 57th IB.
Sema, in an
interview over dxND, said Vigo and his troops were on patrol operations after
the New NPA guerrillas torched the rubber processing plant of the Standard
Rubber Development Corporation (Standeco) in nearby Barangay Talun-talunan, when
the clash erupted.
He said the firefight lasted for hours, seriously
wounding Vigo who died hours later while being treated at a hospital in
Kidapawan City.
“Before the firefight, a landmine planted along the road
leading to Cabilao went off... but it did not deter security forces from their
pursuit operations,” Sema said.
Also, he said the soldiers believe the
rebels they encountered in Cabilao on Tuesday noon were the same group that
torched last Sunday night Standeco’s processing plant, office, and
warehouse.
Damage the attack caused on the plant was estimated at P30
million, he added.
An initial investigation showed the rebels belong to
the NPA Guerrilla Front 72 that operates within the tri-boundary of Cotabato,
Sultan Kudarat, and Davao del Sur provinces.
Some 700 Standeco workers,
mostly contractual, lost their jobs after the attack on the rubber processing
facility, said Makilala Mayor Rudy Caoagdan.
“I know it would take time
before the establishment could recover from its big losses. So, it’s a lot
difficult for the affected workers to also recover after losing their jobs.
These workers are on a ‘no work, no pay’ status,” the mayor
added.
Meanwhile, reports said 80 families from four sitios in Cabilao
fled their homes at the height of the armed confrontation at about 4:30 p.m.
last Tuesday.
Of the 80 families, at least 30 were temporarily housed at
the barangay hall, while others have sought refuge in the homes of relatives and
friends.
Kagawad Armando Laman of Barangay Cabilao, in a message sent to
dxND, said the evacuees come from sitios Lamudon, Eden, Medang, and Badiangon,
all hinterland sitios of Barangay Cabilao.
Laman said the fighting has
caused so much trouble among farmers and rubber tappers in the
village.
“Our farmers, who have depended so much on their farm for them
to survive, were prevented from tilling their lands because the tension between
the AFP and the NPA is still high,” said Laman.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/324932/news/regions/soldier-slain-80-families-displaced-in-cotabato-clash
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
AFP seeks help in reaching out to NPA
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 4): AFP seeks help in reaching out to NPA
Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302 nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental, yesterday urged local government officials to help the military in reaching out to members of the New People's Army and encouraging them to return to the folds of the law.
He said that, in some cases, NPA members feel safer and more secure when they surrender to local officials instead of to the military.
The military is looking for conduits or linkages that can reach out to the insurgents and encourage them to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society, Patrimonio said.
He cited the recent surrender of a member of the NPA South East Front to Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, through the help of Vice Mayor Nelson Ruiz of theSan Jose
Jerome Rio Billamac, “alias Maisa/Imper”, allegedly of Squad 2 of the Sentro de Gravidad NPA South East Front, and a resident of Sitio Katipunan, Barangay San Roque, San Jose, was accompanied by civilians when he surrendered to the governor last week, Patrimonio said.
Billamac was turned over to Col. Christopher Estella, 302 nd Brigade deputy commander, and officials of the 79 th Infantry Battalion. Patrimonio said his identity was validated by intelligence operatives and former rebels.
Once an NPA member surrenders to civilians, he or she is turned over to the military for processing, so that his or her name can be checked against the record of suspected rebels, Patrimonio said.
He said that, after proper procedures are undertaken, Billamac will receive financial assistance from the national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, under its Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
An initial P5,000 in cash will be released for his immediate needs and P50,000 as livelihood assistance, after he is trained in his choice of livelihood, that could be livestock raising or operating a small store, he added.
The livelihood program is implemented by the OPAPP, in partnership with the governor's office and line agencies.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/04/negor2.htm
Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, commander of the 302 nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Negros Oriental, yesterday urged local government officials to help the military in reaching out to members of the New People's Army and encouraging them to return to the folds of the law.
He said that, in some cases, NPA members feel safer and more secure when they surrender to local officials instead of to the military.
The military is looking for conduits or linkages that can reach out to the insurgents and encourage them to lay down their arms and return to mainstream society, Patrimonio said.
He cited the recent surrender of a member of the NPA South East Front to Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, through the help of Vice Mayor Nelson Ruiz of the
Jerome Rio Billamac, “alias Maisa/Imper”, allegedly of Squad 2 of the Sentro de Gravidad NPA South East Front, and a resident of Sitio Katipunan, Barangay San Roque, San Jose, was accompanied by civilians when he surrendered to the governor last week, Patrimonio said.
Billamac was turned over to Col. Christopher Estella, 302 nd Brigade deputy commander, and officials of the 79 th Infantry Battalion. Patrimonio said his identity was validated by intelligence operatives and former rebels.
Once an NPA member surrenders to civilians, he or she is turned over to the military for processing, so that his or her name can be checked against the record of suspected rebels, Patrimonio said.
He said that, after proper procedures are undertaken, Billamac will receive financial assistance from the national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, under its Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
An initial P5,000 in cash will be released for his immediate needs and P50,000 as livelihood assistance, after he is trained in his choice of livelihood, that could be livestock raising or operating a small store, he added.
The livelihood program is implemented by the OPAPP, in partnership with the governor's office and line agencies.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/04/negor2.htm
Guv scolds OPAPP on peace delay
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 4): Guv scolds OPAPP on peace delay
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he scolded Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process representatives for the delay in the signing of the closure agreement to the peace talks between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.
The governor said the OPAPP representatives met with him at the Capitol inBacolod City
“They keep on talking, it's a waste of saliva, it is useless to keep on holding meetings and meetings. They promised the signing of the closure agreement with the RPA last year yet, until now, nothing has happened”, the governor said.
“They kept on lecturing about the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and peace efforts in other areas. We have nothing to do with that, I told them what we want is closure to the RPM-P/RPA-ABB peace talks,” he said.
Most of the RPA-ABB troops are inNegros
Island
When he scolded (sinabon) the OPAPP representatives, he said, they gave him a lot of reasons and excuses, and told him they would inform their boss about his concerns.
The problem with the OPAPP is they do not even send their higher-ups to see us, he said.
Joan Tolibas was the OPAPP representative identified among those who were at the Capitol Monday for an inter-agency meeting on the creation of a national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration framework.
Asked if he felt the peace process was being stalled, the governor said he does not know. “Maybe, if there is closure they will have no more work,” he said.
Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, in a statement issued yesterday in answer to a DAILY STAR request for OPAPP's side, said “ The draft Closure Agreement between the government and RPM-P/RPA-ABB is under due diligence review”.
OPAPP is working closely with the Office of the President and other government agencies to ensure the agreement will be implemented as soon as signed, and without delay, she said.
“We hope to be able to fast-track the signing and the delivery of the peace dividends of the Closure Agreement to communities concerned," Sandoval added.
The peace talks between the government and the RPM-P/RPA-ABB began in December 2000 under the administration of then President Joseph Estrada.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/04/topstory2.htm
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. yesterday said he scolded Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process representatives for the delay in the signing of the closure agreement to the peace talks between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade.
The governor said the OPAPP representatives met with him at the Capitol in
“They keep on talking, it's a waste of saliva, it is useless to keep on holding meetings and meetings. They promised the signing of the closure agreement with the RPA last year yet, until now, nothing has happened”, the governor said.
“They kept on lecturing about the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and peace efforts in other areas. We have nothing to do with that, I told them what we want is closure to the RPM-P/RPA-ABB peace talks,” he said.
Most of the RPA-ABB troops are in
When he scolded (sinabon) the OPAPP representatives, he said, they gave him a lot of reasons and excuses, and told him they would inform their boss about his concerns.
The problem with the OPAPP is they do not even send their higher-ups to see us, he said.
Joan Tolibas was the OPAPP representative identified among those who were at the Capitol Monday for an inter-agency meeting on the creation of a national disarmament, demobilization and reintegration framework.
Asked if he felt the peace process was being stalled, the governor said he does not know. “Maybe, if there is closure they will have no more work,” he said.
Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, in a statement issued yesterday in answer to a DAILY STAR request for OPAPP's side, said “ The draft Closure Agreement between the government and RPM-P/RPA-ABB is under due diligence review”.
OPAPP is working closely with the Office of the President and other government agencies to ensure the agreement will be implemented as soon as signed, and without delay, she said.
“We hope to be able to fast-track the signing and the delivery of the peace dividends of the Closure Agreement to communities concerned," Sandoval added.
The peace talks between the government and the RPM-P/RPA-ABB began in December 2000 under the administration of then President Joseph Estrada.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/September/04/topstory2.htm
AFP's peace, development efforts continue despite ComVal land mine attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): AFP's peace, development efforts continue despite ComVal land mine attack
Col. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., 701st Infantry Brigade commander today said the deployment of peace and development teams will continue despite the landmine attack in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan,Compostela Valley Province
“The rebels' desperate and futile move aims to hinder and derail our peace and development activities; however, it will not stop us, and will in fact, further strengthen our resolve in pursuing lasting peace and development in this part of the country. Thus, we call on all stakeholders to unite in our endeavor and condemn every violence that causes fear and intimidation to the people," he added.
Madrigal said they will not be distracted by the efforts of the rebels and added the use of landmines shows the NPAs' desperate moves to cripple those people who safeguard the sovereignty of the place.
"As such, the rebels engrossed with false ideals, displayed an undesirable act which is a gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect For Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law on the total ban on the use of land mines," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561914
Col. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., 701st Infantry Brigade commander today said the deployment of peace and development teams will continue despite the landmine attack in Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan,
“The rebels' desperate and futile move aims to hinder and derail our peace and development activities; however, it will not stop us, and will in fact, further strengthen our resolve in pursuing lasting peace and development in this part of the country. Thus, we call on all stakeholders to unite in our endeavor and condemn every violence that causes fear and intimidation to the people," he added.
Madrigal said they will not be distracted by the efforts of the rebels and added the use of landmines shows the NPAs' desperate moves to cripple those people who safeguard the sovereignty of the place.
"As such, the rebels engrossed with false ideals, displayed an undesirable act which is a gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect For Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law on the total ban on the use of land mines," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561914
MNLF top, senior leaders pledge continued support to 1996 peace accord
From InterAksyon (Sep 4): MNLF top, senior leaders pledge continued support to 1996 peace accord
Top and senior leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have passed a resolution expressing their continued support to the 1996 peace agreement and the tripartite review process.
The peace agreement was signed on Sept. 2, 1996, which is exactly 17 years ago Monday.
The resolution was passed Sunday at the culmination of the two-day MNLF Senior Leaders Forum (SLF) held in Zamboanga Cty.
They tackled during the forum important issues and concerns affecting the ongoing peace process between the national government and the MNLF.
Particularly, they discussed the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) and "its tripartite review whose objective is the attainment of the FPA's full implementation."
"Now therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, that we, the senior leaders and commanders of the MNLF who represent the broad masses of our people in the ground and acting on behalf of their general welfare and common good, hereby affirm our sustained support to the 1996 FPA and its tripartite review to achieve the full implementation of the agreement," they stated in the resolution.
"Resolved further, that the MNLF Senior Leaders Forum is ready to recommend among the leaders to join or constitute the membership of the MNLF peace panel for the resumption of the GRP-MNLF-Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP) tripartite meeting as soon as possible in order to conclude the process to the satisfaction of the concerned parties.
And that we welcome the proposal to achieve a more comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the Bangsamoro problem through convergence of the two peace processes involving the MNLF and the MILF. This proposal may be addressed at the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum as created and established by the OIC in December 2011 with the full support of the MNLF and the MILF leaderships," they further stated in the resolution.
Meanwhile, the MNLF senior leaders have agreed to partner with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to jointly implement the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects in MNLF communities across Mindanao.
The PAMANA projects will be implemented by the line agencies of ARMM and the MNLF would be the one to identify what projects are needed in a particular MNLF community.
The national government has allocated a budget of P1.469 billion for the implementation of PAMANA projects this year.
PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development. It is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.
A copy of the resolution was furnished to President Benigno Aquino III, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), OIC secretary-general and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.
The correctness of the resolution were certified by MNLF SLF acting secretaries Abebakrin Lukman and Abuamri Taddik and attested by Yusop Jikiri, the MNLF SLF presiding chairman.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70011/mnlf-top-senior-leaders-pledge-continued-support-to-1996-peace-accord
Top and senior leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have passed a resolution expressing their continued support to the 1996 peace agreement and the tripartite review process.
The peace agreement was signed on Sept. 2, 1996, which is exactly 17 years ago Monday.
The resolution was passed Sunday at the culmination of the two-day MNLF Senior Leaders Forum (SLF) held in Zamboanga Cty.
They tackled during the forum important issues and concerns affecting the ongoing peace process between the national government and the MNLF.
Particularly, they discussed the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) and "its tripartite review whose objective is the attainment of the FPA's full implementation."
"Now therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, that we, the senior leaders and commanders of the MNLF who represent the broad masses of our people in the ground and acting on behalf of their general welfare and common good, hereby affirm our sustained support to the 1996 FPA and its tripartite review to achieve the full implementation of the agreement," they stated in the resolution.
"Resolved further, that the MNLF Senior Leaders Forum is ready to recommend among the leaders to join or constitute the membership of the MNLF peace panel for the resumption of the GRP-MNLF-Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP) tripartite meeting as soon as possible in order to conclude the process to the satisfaction of the concerned parties.
And that we welcome the proposal to achieve a more comprehensive and inclusive political solution to the Bangsamoro problem through convergence of the two peace processes involving the MNLF and the MILF. This proposal may be addressed at the Bangsamoro Coordinating Forum as created and established by the OIC in December 2011 with the full support of the MNLF and the MILF leaderships," they further stated in the resolution.
Meanwhile, the MNLF senior leaders have agreed to partner with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to jointly implement the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects in MNLF communities across Mindanao.
The PAMANA projects will be implemented by the line agencies of ARMM and the MNLF would be the one to identify what projects are needed in a particular MNLF community.
The national government has allocated a budget of P1.469 billion for the implementation of PAMANA projects this year.
PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development. It is implemented in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.
A copy of the resolution was furnished to President Benigno Aquino III, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), OIC secretary-general and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.
The correctness of the resolution were certified by MNLF SLF acting secretaries Abebakrin Lukman and Abuamri Taddik and attested by Yusop Jikiri, the MNLF SLF presiding chairman.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70011/mnlf-top-senior-leaders-pledge-continued-support-to-1996-peace-accord
PH accuses China of violating code of conduct with new structures; Beijing says it wants peace
From InterAksyon (Sep 4): PH accuses China of violating code of conduct with new structures; Beijing says it wants peace
The Philippines accused China on Tuesday of violating an informal code of conduct in the South China Sea by planning new structures on a disputed shoal, as China's premier told Southeast Asian leaders Beijing was serious about peace.
Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert its vast claims over the oil- and gas-rich sea more forcefully, raising fears of a military clash.
Four of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China.
China and the Philippines accuse each other of violating the Declaration of Conduct (DoC), a non-binding confidence-building agreement on maritime conduct signed by China and ASEAN in 2002.
Philippines Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told a congressional budget hearing in Manila that China had violated the DoC by getting ready to build new structures on the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
"We have ... sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal which are a prelude to construction," Gazmin said, displaying air surveillance photos of the rocks.
He said the photos were taken on Saturday, describing them as a worrying pattern of construction that would be similar to the building of a garrison on Mischief Reef in the late 1990s.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said he had "no information" about Gazmin's accusations.
Regional security scholar Ian Storey said that if Gazmin was correct, it would mark the biggest violation yet of the 2002 declaration.
"If China starts building at Scarborough, then it is an occupation and, I believe, the most egregious violation yet of the 2002 declaration," said Storey, who is based at Singapore's Institute of South East Asian Studies.
"It is a very significant development indeed and one that will certainly add to tensions."
Speaking at a China-ASEAN trade fair in the southern Chinese city of Nanning, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said his country was serious about wanting a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea disputes, though signaled it was in no rush to sign a long-mooted accord to replace the DoC.
After years of resisting efforts by ASEAN to start talks on an agreement on maritime rules governing behavior in the region, the so-called Code of Conduct, China has said it would host talks between senior officials this month.
Li said China had always advocated talks on the South China Sea on the basis of "respecting historical reality and international law".
"The Chinese government is willing and ready to assume a policy of seeking an appropriate resolution through friendly consultations," Li told the audience, which included Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
China would "proceed systematically and soundly push forward talks on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea", Li said without elaborating in comments aired live on state television.
He also repeated that talks on the dispute should only be carried out between the parties directly concerned, Beijing's standard line which rejects the involvement of outside parties such as the United States or multilateral forums.
Washington has not taken sides, but Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in Brunei in July the U.S. strategic interest in freedom of navigation through the busy sea and its desire to see a Code of Conduct signed quickly.
Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to the Code of Conduct.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70014/ph-accuses-china-of-violating-code-of-conduct-with-new-structures-beijing-says-it-wants-peace
The Philippines accused China on Tuesday of violating an informal code of conduct in the South China Sea by planning new structures on a disputed shoal, as China's premier told Southeast Asian leaders Beijing was serious about peace.
Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert its vast claims over the oil- and gas-rich sea more forcefully, raising fears of a military clash.
Four of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China.
China and the Philippines accuse each other of violating the Declaration of Conduct (DoC), a non-binding confidence-building agreement on maritime conduct signed by China and ASEAN in 2002.
Philippines Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told a congressional budget hearing in Manila that China had violated the DoC by getting ready to build new structures on the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
"We have ... sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal which are a prelude to construction," Gazmin said, displaying air surveillance photos of the rocks.
He said the photos were taken on Saturday, describing them as a worrying pattern of construction that would be similar to the building of a garrison on Mischief Reef in the late 1990s.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said he had "no information" about Gazmin's accusations.
Regional security scholar Ian Storey said that if Gazmin was correct, it would mark the biggest violation yet of the 2002 declaration.
"If China starts building at Scarborough, then it is an occupation and, I believe, the most egregious violation yet of the 2002 declaration," said Storey, who is based at Singapore's Institute of South East Asian Studies.
"It is a very significant development indeed and one that will certainly add to tensions."
Speaking at a China-ASEAN trade fair in the southern Chinese city of Nanning, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said his country was serious about wanting a peaceful resolution to the South China Sea disputes, though signaled it was in no rush to sign a long-mooted accord to replace the DoC.
After years of resisting efforts by ASEAN to start talks on an agreement on maritime rules governing behavior in the region, the so-called Code of Conduct, China has said it would host talks between senior officials this month.
Li said China had always advocated talks on the South China Sea on the basis of "respecting historical reality and international law".
"The Chinese government is willing and ready to assume a policy of seeking an appropriate resolution through friendly consultations," Li told the audience, which included Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
China would "proceed systematically and soundly push forward talks on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea", Li said without elaborating in comments aired live on state television.
He also repeated that talks on the dispute should only be carried out between the parties directly concerned, Beijing's standard line which rejects the involvement of outside parties such as the United States or multilateral forums.
Washington has not taken sides, but Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in Brunei in July the U.S. strategic interest in freedom of navigation through the busy sea and its desire to see a Code of Conduct signed quickly.
Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to the Code of Conduct.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70014/ph-accuses-china-of-violating-code-of-conduct-with-new-structures-beijing-says-it-wants-peace
Despite CA ruling of mistaken identity, Armed Forces insists Panesa is CPP leader
From InterAksyon (Sep 4): Despite CA ruling of mistaken identity, Armed Forces insists Panesa is CPP leader
Security guard Rolly Panesa. FILE PHOTO BY BERNARD TESTA
Despite the Court of Appeals ruling that security guard Rolly Panesa's arrest and detention was a case of mistaken identity, the military on Wednesday stood pat on its position that the individual it apprehended on October 2012 was a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) believes that Danilo Benjamin Mendoza is one and the same as Rolly Mira Panesa,” Capt. Alex Propanes from the Philippine Army Judge Advocate Office said.
Earlier, the appellate court ruled that Panesa, who is in 40s, is not the same as the 61-year-old Mendoza.
Security guard Panesa together with his counsel from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and supporters from the human rights group Karapatan is expected to file anytime Wednesday a criminal complaint against military and police officers before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
But the military is unfazed with Panesa’s legal action.
“The Armed Forces is ready for any possible counter-charges to be filed by Danilo Benjamin Mendoza (Panesa),” Propanes said.
On Oct. 5, 2012, military and police intelligence personnel arrested Panesa in Quezon City. Karapatan later came out with photographs of Panesa, who was evidently subjected to torture by his captors.
On Wednesday, Karapatan secretary general Christina Palabay said the crimanl complaint to be filed by Panesa is for violation under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, Republic Act 7438, and Articles 269 (unlawful arrest) and 363 (incriminatory machination) of the Revised Penal Code.
Last August, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista awarded to a hooded tipster the P5.6-million reward money for the capture of Panesa.
Palabay slammed the reward system as an “organized racket” of some military and police officers.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70031/despite-ca-ruling-of-mistaken-identity-armed-forces-insists-panesa-is-cpp-leader
Security guard Rolly Panesa. FILE PHOTO BY BERNARD TESTA
Despite the Court of Appeals ruling that security guard Rolly Panesa's arrest and detention was a case of mistaken identity, the military on Wednesday stood pat on its position that the individual it apprehended on October 2012 was a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) believes that Danilo Benjamin Mendoza is one and the same as Rolly Mira Panesa,” Capt. Alex Propanes from the Philippine Army Judge Advocate Office said.
Earlier, the appellate court ruled that Panesa, who is in 40s, is not the same as the 61-year-old Mendoza.
Security guard Panesa together with his counsel from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) and supporters from the human rights group Karapatan is expected to file anytime Wednesday a criminal complaint against military and police officers before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
But the military is unfazed with Panesa’s legal action.
“The Armed Forces is ready for any possible counter-charges to be filed by Danilo Benjamin Mendoza (Panesa),” Propanes said.
On Oct. 5, 2012, military and police intelligence personnel arrested Panesa in Quezon City. Karapatan later came out with photographs of Panesa, who was evidently subjected to torture by his captors.
On Wednesday, Karapatan secretary general Christina Palabay said the crimanl complaint to be filed by Panesa is for violation under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, Republic Act 7438, and Articles 269 (unlawful arrest) and 363 (incriminatory machination) of the Revised Penal Code.
Last August, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista awarded to a hooded tipster the P5.6-million reward money for the capture of Panesa.
Palabay slammed the reward system as an “organized racket” of some military and police officers.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/70031/despite-ca-ruling-of-mistaken-identity-armed-forces-insists-panesa-is-cpp-leader
Army to probe rights abuses in Vizcaya
From the Manila Times (Sep 3): Army to probe rights abuses in Vizcaya
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya: In response to reported human rights abuses committed by its troops in far flung mountain mining villages in the province, the Philippine Army (PA) is sending an investigating team stating these acts cannot be “condoned.”
”Those who will be found guilty of human rights violations against villagers who reportedly opposed to an exploration activities will be dealt with accordingly,” said the Army’s Seventh Infantry Division (7ID) in a statement.
Anti-mining villagers have been blocking roads in the villages of Pacquet in Kasibu and Binuangan in Dupax del Norte town in an effort to cut off a supply route and cripple Royalco’s exploration activities.
Royalco Philippines Inc., an Australian mining firm, is presently conducting a national government-sanctioned copper and gold exploration activities in the villages of Pao and Kakidugen in the mineral-rich town of Kasibu.
Col. Rodney Intal, chief of Tarlac-based 7ID civil-military operations battalion, said their investigating team is now ready to find out these reports of human rights violations allegedly committed by their troops in the area.
”We do not condone such acts,” he said. Intal said the investigation on their troops will be “impartial” and that “we will impose an immediate and appropriate sanctions against those found guilty of committing such acts.”
“The conduct of our investigation will be impartial as we are committed to follow the rule of law and rules of engagement . . . We are committed to respect and uphold the rights of any individual,” said the Army in a statement.
House of Representative Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla has aired alleged reports of harassments committed by the Army in the indigenous peoples-dominated mountain villages.
In a privilege speech on August 27, Padilla cited complaints from Catholic Church-backed anti-mining groups of “militarization” of mining areas, many villagers of which were reportedly harassed by rebel-posing military men for resisting the exploration activities of Royalco.
Villagers manning barricades claim they were interrogated by a group of 40 heavily armed military men in the village of Yabbi, Kasibu.
They said these military men also looted houses of some residents in the area of their meager belongings like chicken, rice and fish from a fishpond.
Presenting to the media reports from anti-mining groups, Padilla said two truckloads of soldiers also entered the village of Pacquet on August 24 sending residents in fear.
Padilla said hat should there be a finding of illegal deployment of soldiers in the area, those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
http://www.manilatimes.net/army-to-probe-rights-abuses-in-vizcaya/36279/
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya: In response to reported human rights abuses committed by its troops in far flung mountain mining villages in the province, the Philippine Army (PA) is sending an investigating team stating these acts cannot be “condoned.”
”Those who will be found guilty of human rights violations against villagers who reportedly opposed to an exploration activities will be dealt with accordingly,” said the Army’s Seventh Infantry Division (7ID) in a statement.
Anti-mining villagers have been blocking roads in the villages of Pacquet in Kasibu and Binuangan in Dupax del Norte town in an effort to cut off a supply route and cripple Royalco’s exploration activities.
Royalco Philippines Inc., an Australian mining firm, is presently conducting a national government-sanctioned copper and gold exploration activities in the villages of Pao and Kakidugen in the mineral-rich town of Kasibu.
Col. Rodney Intal, chief of Tarlac-based 7ID civil-military operations battalion, said their investigating team is now ready to find out these reports of human rights violations allegedly committed by their troops in the area.
”We do not condone such acts,” he said. Intal said the investigation on their troops will be “impartial” and that “we will impose an immediate and appropriate sanctions against those found guilty of committing such acts.”
“The conduct of our investigation will be impartial as we are committed to follow the rule of law and rules of engagement . . . We are committed to respect and uphold the rights of any individual,” said the Army in a statement.
House of Representative Deputy Speaker Carlos Padilla has aired alleged reports of harassments committed by the Army in the indigenous peoples-dominated mountain villages.
In a privilege speech on August 27, Padilla cited complaints from Catholic Church-backed anti-mining groups of “militarization” of mining areas, many villagers of which were reportedly harassed by rebel-posing military men for resisting the exploration activities of Royalco.
Villagers manning barricades claim they were interrogated by a group of 40 heavily armed military men in the village of Yabbi, Kasibu.
They said these military men also looted houses of some residents in the area of their meager belongings like chicken, rice and fish from a fishpond.
Presenting to the media reports from anti-mining groups, Padilla said two truckloads of soldiers also entered the village of Pacquet on August 24 sending residents in fear.
Padilla said hat should there be a finding of illegal deployment of soldiers in the area, those responsible will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
http://www.manilatimes.net/army-to-probe-rights-abuses-in-vizcaya/36279/
No civilian casualties in Sagada air strikes – PNP
From the Manila Times (Sep 3): No civilian casualties in Sagada air strikes – PNP
MILITARY helicopters in support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have launched aerial attacks against elements of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Sagada, Mount Province that resulted in the capture of the rebels’ camp.
However, an indigenous group reported on Tuesday that the attacks allegedly destroyed livelihood farms and ancestral hunting grounds even as Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala clarified that no civilians were hurt or injured from the two bombing sorties initiated by military helicopters on request of the local police.
“They were guided air strikes coordinated with police troops on the ground. There were no civilian casualties,” Zagala said.
The encounter, he added, started on August 29 where two policemen were killed; the firefight ended the following day.
“It was a purely police operation,” Zagala pointed out, adding that the military only came into the picture on the second day after the police requested for aerial support.
He said the air strike caused undetermined number of casualties on the rebel side that led to the capture of their camp.
According to Zagala, the Maoist rebels should not have been in Mt. Province as it was declared a “national peace zone.”
Collateral damage
Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) chair Piya Macliing Malayao said the aerial bombings caused collateral damage to the local residents, contrary to the earlier announcements of the regional police.
“They caused damages to the people’s land, livelihood and environment,” Malayao said. “They also caused immeasurable damage to the psychological and emotional stress on the people. How could police dare say that there are no collateral damages?” she added.
Malayao said that the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) reported that the bombings lasted seven hours. She claimed the group reported massive damage to the area’s communal hunting grounds, forest area, coffee and swidden farms, and watershed areas.
She said that the bombings affected many municipalities in the Cordillera region namely, Sagada, Besao and Bontoc. She said that the residents were from the Fidelisan, Dallic and Bontoc tribes whose livelihood were mainly farming and hunting.
Reports last week said that the aerial attacks in Benguet were launched by two police helicopters against a suspected rebel hideout on Friday morning. A television report also said the attack was also an operation in clearing landmines in the area. Two soldiers were reportedly killed over the weekend while three more were wounded as the fight with communist rebels continued. The Sagada local government suspended all tours to the Bomod-ok Falls because of the firefight. Residents were also warned to stay away from their farms to avoid the ongoing military operations.
KAMP said that air strikes should not be used in military operations to ensure that human rights and international humanitarian laws were upheld.
“It is disastrous to the welfare of the people,” Malayao said. “The local government must heed the human rights of its constituents as a primary concern and condemn these air strikes.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/no-civilian-casualties-in-sagada-air-strikes-pnp/36283/
MILITARY helicopters in support of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have launched aerial attacks against elements of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Sagada, Mount Province that resulted in the capture of the rebels’ camp.
However, an indigenous group reported on Tuesday that the attacks allegedly destroyed livelihood farms and ancestral hunting grounds even as Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala clarified that no civilians were hurt or injured from the two bombing sorties initiated by military helicopters on request of the local police.
“They were guided air strikes coordinated with police troops on the ground. There were no civilian casualties,” Zagala said.
The encounter, he added, started on August 29 where two policemen were killed; the firefight ended the following day.
“It was a purely police operation,” Zagala pointed out, adding that the military only came into the picture on the second day after the police requested for aerial support.
He said the air strike caused undetermined number of casualties on the rebel side that led to the capture of their camp.
According to Zagala, the Maoist rebels should not have been in Mt. Province as it was declared a “national peace zone.”
Collateral damage
Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas (KAMP) chair Piya Macliing Malayao said the aerial bombings caused collateral damage to the local residents, contrary to the earlier announcements of the regional police.
“They caused damages to the people’s land, livelihood and environment,” Malayao said. “They also caused immeasurable damage to the psychological and emotional stress on the people. How could police dare say that there are no collateral damages?” she added.
Malayao said that the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance (CHRA) reported that the bombings lasted seven hours. She claimed the group reported massive damage to the area’s communal hunting grounds, forest area, coffee and swidden farms, and watershed areas.
She said that the bombings affected many municipalities in the Cordillera region namely, Sagada, Besao and Bontoc. She said that the residents were from the Fidelisan, Dallic and Bontoc tribes whose livelihood were mainly farming and hunting.
Reports last week said that the aerial attacks in Benguet were launched by two police helicopters against a suspected rebel hideout on Friday morning. A television report also said the attack was also an operation in clearing landmines in the area. Two soldiers were reportedly killed over the weekend while three more were wounded as the fight with communist rebels continued. The Sagada local government suspended all tours to the Bomod-ok Falls because of the firefight. Residents were also warned to stay away from their farms to avoid the ongoing military operations.
KAMP said that air strikes should not be used in military operations to ensure that human rights and international humanitarian laws were upheld.
“It is disastrous to the welfare of the people,” Malayao said. “The local government must heed the human rights of its constituents as a primary concern and condemn these air strikes.”
http://www.manilatimes.net/no-civilian-casualties-in-sagada-air-strikes-pnp/36283/
DFA coordinating with DND over China’s ‘new violations’ on West Philippine Sea
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 3): DFA coordinating with DND over China’s ‘new violations’ on West Philippine Sea
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with the Department of National Defense (DND) in addressing the “new violations” by China in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) but did not confirm the claim Tuesday by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin about the fresh incursions.
“Jointly with DND, we are committed to look at ways to appropriately address this issue,” DFA Spokesman assistant secretary Raul Hernandez said in a text message.
Hernandez said they were working to confirm the violations.
Gazmin made the disclosure earlier on Tuesday.
China claims almost the entire resource-rich sea, including the Spratlys group of islands near Palawan province, Bajo de Masinloc (Panagatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal), and Ayungin shoal, all of which are within the Philippines 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
In April 2012, a standoff occurred between Chinese and Philippine ships at Scarborough Shoal after several Chinese fishing boats were found illegally poaching endemic Philippine marine species in the shoal.
The Philippines has filed several diplomatic protests against China and has sought arbitration proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
Gazmin, however, did not reveal additional information about the recent violations saying, “We do not want to preempt the information…it has to go through channels.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/84781/dfa-coordinating-with-dnd-over-chinas-new-violations-on-west-philippine-sea-spokesman
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is coordinating with the Department of National Defense (DND) in addressing the “new violations” by China in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) but did not confirm the claim Tuesday by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin about the fresh incursions.
“Jointly with DND, we are committed to look at ways to appropriately address this issue,” DFA Spokesman assistant secretary Raul Hernandez said in a text message.
Hernandez said they were working to confirm the violations.
Gazmin made the disclosure earlier on Tuesday.
China claims almost the entire resource-rich sea, including the Spratlys group of islands near Palawan province, Bajo de Masinloc (Panagatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal), and Ayungin shoal, all of which are within the Philippines 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone.
In April 2012, a standoff occurred between Chinese and Philippine ships at Scarborough Shoal after several Chinese fishing boats were found illegally poaching endemic Philippine marine species in the shoal.
The Philippines has filed several diplomatic protests against China and has sought arbitration proceedings under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS).
Gazmin, however, did not reveal additional information about the recent violations saying, “We do not want to preempt the information…it has to go through channels.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/84781/dfa-coordinating-with-dnd-over-chinas-new-violations-on-west-philippine-sea-spokesman
Defense chief Gazmin: US troops not aimed at China
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 3): Defense chief Gazmin: US troops not aimed at China
As talks on the increased rotational presence of the US troops in the Philippines went in full swing, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said China should not be worried by the impending boost of American presence here.
“They shouldn’t be agitated because we have a treaty with the Americans, and that includes helping us to be capable of protecting our territories and addressing disaster operations,” Gazmin told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
He also emphasized that the presence of the Americans is not directed towards China or any other country.
“This is for a country that aims to be strong and be able to defend its own territory,” he said.
Several hundred US troops are on short-term assignments in Mindanao, where they will train and advise local troops fighting terrorists.
Early this year, China had criticized the growing presence of US troops in Asia as it rebalances its forces towards the region.
“There are some countries which are strengthening their Asia Pacific military alliances, expanding their military presence in the region and frequently make the situation there tenser,” part of the defense ministry report was quoted as saying.
The Philippines and US recently finished its second round of talks in Washington, which they discussed further the boost of American presence here, which includes the understanding that US military’s use of and access to Philippine facilities will be at the invitation of the Philippine government.
Both panels also agreed that the increased rotation presence “will be temporary and comply with the country’s Constitution.”
During a visit to the Philippines last week, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that Americans would not establish military bases in the Philippines.
Gazmin said that Subic is eyed by the Americans, but said that it is only one of the proposed sites.
“That is not the definite but we will offer the use of Philippine military bases, facilities so they will be able to get access,” he said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/84839/defense-chief-gazmin-us-troops-not-aimed-at-china
As talks on the increased rotational presence of the US troops in the Philippines went in full swing, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said China should not be worried by the impending boost of American presence here.
“They shouldn’t be agitated because we have a treaty with the Americans, and that includes helping us to be capable of protecting our territories and addressing disaster operations,” Gazmin told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.
He also emphasized that the presence of the Americans is not directed towards China or any other country.
“This is for a country that aims to be strong and be able to defend its own territory,” he said.
Several hundred US troops are on short-term assignments in Mindanao, where they will train and advise local troops fighting terrorists.
Early this year, China had criticized the growing presence of US troops in Asia as it rebalances its forces towards the region.
“There are some countries which are strengthening their Asia Pacific military alliances, expanding their military presence in the region and frequently make the situation there tenser,” part of the defense ministry report was quoted as saying.
The Philippines and US recently finished its second round of talks in Washington, which they discussed further the boost of American presence here, which includes the understanding that US military’s use of and access to Philippine facilities will be at the invitation of the Philippine government.
Both panels also agreed that the increased rotation presence “will be temporary and comply with the country’s Constitution.”
During a visit to the Philippines last week, US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said that Americans would not establish military bases in the Philippines.
Gazmin said that Subic is eyed by the Americans, but said that it is only one of the proposed sites.
“That is not the definite but we will offer the use of Philippine military bases, facilities so they will be able to get access,” he said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/84839/defense-chief-gazmin-us-troops-not-aimed-at-china
China says it wants South China Sea solution but Manila sees worrying signs
From GMA News (Sep 3): China says it wants South China Sea solution but Manila sees worrying signs
BEIJING - China is serious about wanting a peaceful resolution to the bitter dispute over the South China Sea, Premier Li Keqiang told Southeast Asian leaders on Tuesday, but he signaled it was in no rush to sign a long-mooted accord.
After years of resisting efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start talks on an agreement on maritime rules governing behavior in the region, the so-called Code of Conduct, China has said it would host talks between senior officials this month.
Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert its vast claims over the oil- and gas-rich sea more forcefully, raising fears of a military clash.
Four ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China. Taiwan also claims parts of the sea and its numerous islets.
China and the Philippines accuse each other of violating the Declaration of Conduct (DoC), a non-binding confidence-building agreement on maritime conduct signed by China and ASEAN in 2002.
Separately to Li's comments, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin accused China of violating the informal DoC by building new structures in the Scarborough Shoal, part of the area disputed by Beijing and Manila.
"We have ... sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal which are a prelude to construction," Gazmin told a congressional budget hearing in Manila, displaying air surveillance photos of the group of rocks in the South China Sea.
He said the photos were taken on Saturday, describing them as a worrying pattern of construction that would be similar to the building of a garrison on Mischief Reef in the late 1990s.
Li, speaking at the opening of a China-ASEAN trade fair in the southern Chinese city of Nanning, said China had always advocated talks on the dispute on the basis of "respecting historical reality and international law."
"The Chinese government is willing and ready to assume a policy of seeking an appropriate resolution through friendly consultations," Li told the audience, which included Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
China would "proceed systematically and soundly push forward talks on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea," Li said without elaborating in comments aired live on state television.
He also repeated that talks on the dispute should only be carried out between the parties directly concerned, Beijing's standard line which rejects the involvement of outside parties such as the United States or multilateral forums.
Washington has not taken sides, but Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in Brunei in July the US strategic interest in freedom of navigation through the busy sea and its desire to see a Code of Conduct signed quickly.
Differences such as those between China and the Philippines could be another obstacle to agreeing on a more comprehensive pact because China has stressed that countries must first show good faith by abiding by the DoC.
Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to a code of conduct.
Divisions among ASEAN over the maritime dispute burst into the open a year ago when a summit chaired by Chinese ally Cambodia failed to issue a closing communique for the first time in the group's 45-year history.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/324800/news/nation/china-says-it-wants-south-china-sea-solution-but-manila-sees-worrying-signs
BEIJING - China is serious about wanting a peaceful resolution to the bitter dispute over the South China Sea, Premier Li Keqiang told Southeast Asian leaders on Tuesday, but he signaled it was in no rush to sign a long-mooted accord.
After years of resisting efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start talks on an agreement on maritime rules governing behavior in the region, the so-called Code of Conduct, China has said it would host talks between senior officials this month.
Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to assert its vast claims over the oil- and gas-rich sea more forcefully, raising fears of a military clash.
Four ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China. Taiwan also claims parts of the sea and its numerous islets.
China and the Philippines accuse each other of violating the Declaration of Conduct (DoC), a non-binding confidence-building agreement on maritime conduct signed by China and ASEAN in 2002.
Separately to Li's comments, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin accused China of violating the informal DoC by building new structures in the Scarborough Shoal, part of the area disputed by Beijing and Manila.
"We have ... sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal which are a prelude to construction," Gazmin told a congressional budget hearing in Manila, displaying air surveillance photos of the group of rocks in the South China Sea.
He said the photos were taken on Saturday, describing them as a worrying pattern of construction that would be similar to the building of a garrison on Mischief Reef in the late 1990s.
Li, speaking at the opening of a China-ASEAN trade fair in the southern Chinese city of Nanning, said China had always advocated talks on the dispute on the basis of "respecting historical reality and international law."
"The Chinese government is willing and ready to assume a policy of seeking an appropriate resolution through friendly consultations," Li told the audience, which included Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
China would "proceed systematically and soundly push forward talks on the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea," Li said without elaborating in comments aired live on state television.
He also repeated that talks on the dispute should only be carried out between the parties directly concerned, Beijing's standard line which rejects the involvement of outside parties such as the United States or multilateral forums.
Washington has not taken sides, but Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in Brunei in July the US strategic interest in freedom of navigation through the busy sea and its desire to see a Code of Conduct signed quickly.
Differences such as those between China and the Philippines could be another obstacle to agreeing on a more comprehensive pact because China has stressed that countries must first show good faith by abiding by the DoC.
Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to a code of conduct.
Divisions among ASEAN over the maritime dispute burst into the open a year ago when a summit chaired by Chinese ally Cambodia failed to issue a closing communique for the first time in the group's 45-year history.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/324800/news/nation/china-says-it-wants-south-china-sea-solution-but-manila-sees-worrying-signs
Filipino, American Marines to hold Phiblex 2013 joint military exercises
From the Business Mirror (Sep 2): Filipino, American Marines to hold Phiblex 2013 joint military exercises
AT least 2, 300 Filipino and American Marines will take part in military exercises that will last for three weeks and will start in the middle part of this month.
The training exercises come as the Philippines and the US are negotiating for a Framework Agreement that will cover the increased rotational presence of US soldiers in the country.
Dubbed the “Philippine Bilateral Exercise 2013 [Phiblex],” it will be the 30th training engagement between the members of the Philippine Marine Corps and their American counterparts.
The training involves “bilateral air-ground and amphibious training as well as a staff planning exercise,” said 1Lt. Vince Edward Salmingo, Phiblex 2014 public affairs officer.
Salmingo said Filipino Marines will be paired with members of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit and 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade from the US Marine Corps during the training.
The military exercises, which will begin on September 18, will be held in selected camps and training areas of the Armed Forces.
These include the Naval Education and Training Command enclave in San Antonio, Zambales; the Crow Valley target range in Capas, Tarlac; the Marine Base Gregorio Lim in Ternate, Cavite; the Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown in Metro Manila and at Basa Air Base and Clark Field in Pampanga.
Salmingo said Phiblex 14 should improve the interoperability between Filipino Marines and their American counterparts and increase their readiness and ability to respond to natural disasters and even other regional contingencies.
“The bilateral Philippine-US Marine Corps training, consisting of a staff planning exercise, field training exercises and humanitarian and civic assistance projects, sustains and reinforces the foundation and framework for a bilateral force to respond rapidly and effectively to regional humanitarian crises,” he said.
The staff planning exercise is expected to increase the capability of both forces to conduct bilateral maritime security and territorial defense operations.
On the other hand, the field training exercise should provide the Philippine and US Marine units an opportunity to maintain their unit skill, while sharing best practices and enhancing an already high level of interoperability. “Additionally, Philippine and US forces will carry out a series of humanitarian and civic assistance projects that will include engineering civic action projects to improve local infrastructure and cooperative health engagements, among others,” said Salmingo.
The humanitarian and civic assistance projects will be conducted in several barangays in Legazpi City, Albay.
“The bilateral activity aims to strengthen the commitment of the RP and the US to mutual security interests and sustain our long time partnership,” added Salmingo.
Nur Misuari seriously ill, says Gazmin
From ABS-CBN (Sep 3): Nur Misuari seriously ill, says Gazmin
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari is seriously ill, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Tuesday.
Gazmin made the revelation at the budget hearing of his agency at the House Appropriations Committee.
He did not provide details.
The defense secretary also clarified reports that Misuari declared independence for Mindanao.
He said Misuari made the declaration in private and to his supporters only.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/03/13/nur-misuari-seriously-ill-says-gazmin
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari is seriously ill, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Tuesday.
Gazmin made the revelation at the budget hearing of his agency at the House Appropriations Committee.
He did not provide details.
The defense secretary also clarified reports that Misuari declared independence for Mindanao.
He said Misuari made the declaration in private and to his supporters only.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/03/13/nur-misuari-seriously-ill-says-gazmin
Abu Sayyafs kill 2 microfinance firm personnel
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Sep 3): Abu Sayyafs kill 2 microfinance firm personnel
SUSPECTED Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in an ambush two personnel of a microfinance institution in Lamitan City, Basilan province, a police official reported Tuesday.
Killed were Jenifer Timtim and Saud Macalangcom, the field credit officer and driver, respectively, of the KFI Center for Community Development Foundation Inc., said Lamitan City police chief Almer Ismael.
Ismael said the incident took place shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Baroy, Barangay Ubit, Lamitan City.
Investigation showed the victims were aboard a motorcycle and collecting loan payments from their clientele when they were ambushed by suspected Urban Terrorist Group members of the Abu Sayyaf group.
The gunmen took away Timtim's bag and fled toward the hinterlands, said Ismael.
Intelligence operations have been launched in a bid to track down the whereabouts of the suspects.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/09/03/abu-sayyafs-kill-2-microfinance-firm-personnel-301271
SUSPECTED Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in an ambush two personnel of a microfinance institution in Lamitan City, Basilan province, a police official reported Tuesday.
Killed were Jenifer Timtim and Saud Macalangcom, the field credit officer and driver, respectively, of the KFI Center for Community Development Foundation Inc., said Lamitan City police chief Almer Ismael.
Ismael said the incident took place shortly after 11 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Baroy, Barangay Ubit, Lamitan City.
Investigation showed the victims were aboard a motorcycle and collecting loan payments from their clientele when they were ambushed by suspected Urban Terrorist Group members of the Abu Sayyaf group.
The gunmen took away Timtim's bag and fled toward the hinterlands, said Ismael.
Intelligence operations have been launched in a bid to track down the whereabouts of the suspects.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/09/03/abu-sayyafs-kill-2-microfinance-firm-personnel-301271
DND assures public that ban on nuclear weapons continues
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): DND assures public that ban on nuclear weapons continues
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday assured members of the House Appropriations committee that they are regularly inspecting all foreign military vessels before they are given permission to dock in the country's ports.
This was the assurance made by Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin as he presented the agency's budget for 2014 to the House of Representatives Tuesday.
“We are vigilant in prohibiting any war ships equipped with nuclear weapons," Gazmin said.
He said that they follow protocol not to allow any war ship equipped with nuclear weapons.
“We will follow what the law says and the Constitution,” the DND chief assured the public after he was asked by Akbayan party list Rep. Walden Bello if there is a possibility that some American war ships equipped with nuclear weapons managed to make port calls.--
Bello claimed that the Philippines
“This agreement was hatched in 1994 among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and took effect in 1997,”Bello
Gazmin added that they will not break the protocol and will continue to strictly implement what the Constitution mandates.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561665
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday assured members of the House Appropriations committee that they are regularly inspecting all foreign military vessels before they are given permission to dock in the country's ports.
This was the assurance made by Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin as he presented the agency's budget for 2014 to the House of Representatives Tuesday.
“We are vigilant in prohibiting any war ships equipped with nuclear weapons," Gazmin said.
He said that they follow protocol not to allow any war ship equipped with nuclear weapons.
“We will follow what the law says and the Constitution,” the DND chief assured the public after he was asked by Akbayan party list Rep. Walden Bello if there is a possibility that some American war ships equipped with nuclear weapons managed to make port calls.--
“This agreement was hatched in 1994 among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and took effect in 1997,”
Gazmin added that they will not break the protocol and will continue to strictly implement what the Constitution mandates.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561665
F/A-50 procurement process still ongoing despite air crash
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): F/A-50 procurement process still ongoing despite air crash
Despite the crash of F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft off Gwanju City, South Korea last week, Defense Dept. spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said the procurement process for the plane is still ongoing.
The accident is the second one involving KAI's F/A-50 aircraft those basic version is called the T-50.
The first crash took place last November 2012 which the jet crashing into a mountain in South Korea during a routine training flight.
Galvez added they will coordinate with the Korea Aerospace Industries to get a copy of the accident report, once completed, to determine whether the cause of the crash is human or technical error.
He declined to state on what stage the F/A-50 program is now on but stressed that it is nearing its "tail-end".
Two F/A-50 are expected to be in Philippine Air Force (PAF) service by the end of 2014.
This was earlier disclosed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz.
"Our target date is it should have at least two initially by the end of fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be the following six months thereafter," he added.
The Philippines has earlier expressed its commitment to acquire 12 F/A-50 jet aircraft from South Korea defense manufacturer KAI.
"We’ve programmed 12 and this is already approved in principle and we’re at this point in time we’re now going into the detailed training of our team with the Korean team," Dela Cruz said.
Once the initial two F/A-50 jet aircraft is delivered by the end of 2014, remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered in staggered basis.
This aircraft order is worth P18.9 billion.
Delivery is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating.
The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561619
Despite the crash of F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft off Gwanju City, South Korea last week, Defense Dept. spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said the procurement process for the plane is still ongoing.
The accident is the second one involving KAI's F/A-50 aircraft those basic version is called the T-50.
The first crash took place last November 2012 which the jet crashing into a mountain in South Korea during a routine training flight.
Galvez added they will coordinate with the Korea Aerospace Industries to get a copy of the accident report, once completed, to determine whether the cause of the crash is human or technical error.
He declined to state on what stage the F/A-50 program is now on but stressed that it is nearing its "tail-end".
Two F/A-50 are expected to be in Philippine Air Force (PAF) service by the end of 2014.
This was earlier disclosed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz.
"Our target date is it should have at least two initially by the end of fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be the following six months thereafter," he added.
The Philippines has earlier expressed its commitment to acquire 12 F/A-50 jet aircraft from South Korea defense manufacturer KAI.
"We’ve programmed 12 and this is already approved in principle and we’re at this point in time we’re now going into the detailed training of our team with the Korean team," Dela Cruz said.
Once the initial two F/A-50 jet aircraft is delivered by the end of 2014, remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered in staggered basis.
This aircraft order is worth P18.9 billion.
Delivery is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating.
The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561619
General Palparan’s arrest is still one of the top priorities of DND
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): General Palparan’s arrest is still one of the top priorities of DND
The Department of National Defense on Tuesday assured the public that they are still hunting Major General Jovito Palparan who was tagged asPhilippines
Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin told members of the House committee on Appropriations that his men are gathering information on the whereabouts of the fugitive general who had been accused of being the architect in the abduction of University of the Philippines students, Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan and the killing of several militant civilians suspected of being members of the New People’s Army.
“There is no let up. General Palparan’s arrest is still one of our top priorities,” Gazmin said as he claims that the bounty is P2 million.
He admitted that they are having a hard time in identifying the whereabouts of Palparan as he admits that there have been no significant leads to his arrest up to now.
Anakpawis party list Rep. Fernando Hicap asked if they have plans to raise the bounty for Palparan's capture, Gazmin said, "We will study that."
In August last year, President Benigno Aquino 3rd offered P2 million reward money for Palparan's capture.
The general was dubbed “The Butcher” by human rights organizations that hold him responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in areas where he was assigned as military commander.
Hicap said he believes that if the bounty can be raise up to P10 million like Janet Lim Napoles, bounty hunters will be challenge to look for the fugitive general.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561674
The Department of National Defense on Tuesday assured the public that they are still hunting Major General Jovito Palparan who was tagged as
Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin told members of the House committee on Appropriations that his men are gathering information on the whereabouts of the fugitive general who had been accused of being the architect in the abduction of University of the Philippines students, Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan and the killing of several militant civilians suspected of being members of the New People’s Army.
“There is no let up. General Palparan’s arrest is still one of our top priorities,” Gazmin said as he claims that the bounty is P2 million.
He admitted that they are having a hard time in identifying the whereabouts of Palparan as he admits that there have been no significant leads to his arrest up to now.
Anakpawis party list Rep. Fernando Hicap asked if they have plans to raise the bounty for Palparan's capture, Gazmin said, "We will study that."
In August last year, President Benigno Aquino 3rd offered P2 million reward money for Palparan's capture.
The general was dubbed “The Butcher” by human rights organizations that hold him responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in areas where he was assigned as military commander.
Hicap said he believes that if the bounty can be raise up to P10 million like Janet Lim Napoles, bounty hunters will be challenge to look for the fugitive general.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561674
Soldiers wounded in NPA landmine attack identified
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Soldiers wounded in NPA landmine attack identified
The 10th Infantry Division on Tuesday identified the seven troops wounded following a New People's Army landmine attack in Sitio Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan town,Compostela
Valley Province
Capt. Raul Villegas, unit spokesperson, said that these men are all assigned to 28th Infantry Battalion.
The wounded were identified as 1st Lt. Marvin Liel L. Gammad, Sgt. Johnny Nacion and Pfcs. Ryan D. Dumagat, Sosito Palmera, Rechie C. Cabag, John Russel E. Veran and Reynold L. Yula.
The incident took place around 4:13 a.m.
The wounded troops were immediately airlifted toCamp Panacan
Station Hospital
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, Eastern Mindanao Command chief, earlier said that he has already directed ground troops to inspect the trails and road nets that are regularly used by the communities to prevent a repeat of the incident.
He also called the rebels use of landmines is a desperatemove of the NPAs to delay the combat patrols aimed at pushing them away from the communities who are already complaining of fear and extortion.
The use of landmine is a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561816
The 10th Infantry Division on Tuesday identified the seven troops wounded following a New People's Army landmine attack in Sitio Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan town,
Capt. Raul Villegas, unit spokesperson, said that these men are all assigned to 28th Infantry Battalion.
The wounded were identified as 1st Lt. Marvin Liel L. Gammad, Sgt. Johnny Nacion and Pfcs. Ryan D. Dumagat, Sosito Palmera, Rechie C. Cabag, John Russel E. Veran and Reynold L. Yula.
The incident took place around 4:13 a.m.
The wounded troops were immediately airlifted to
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III, Eastern Mindanao Command chief, earlier said that he has already directed ground troops to inspect the trails and road nets that are regularly used by the communities to prevent a repeat of the incident.
He also called the rebels use of landmines is a desperatemove of the NPAs to delay the combat patrols aimed at pushing them away from the communities who are already complaining of fear and extortion.
The use of landmine is a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561816
US DOJ pledges more support for PNP
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): US DOJ pledges more support for PNP
Ambassador William Brownfield, assistant secretary for International Narcotics Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of Justice, pledged more support to the Philippine National Police in its efforts to secure the southwesternPhilippines
Brownfield made this statement shortly after meeting with PNP Director General Alan L. Purisima inCamp Crame , Quezon
City
Tackled during their meeting were prospects for better cooperation and technical assistance by the US DOJ to the PNP thru the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program.
“We have an excellent degree of cooperation that has existed between the law enforcement agencies of theUS
and Philippines
“This cooperation, that we have developed over the past ten years will continue,” he added.
The INL is a line bureau of the US DOJ that funds ICITAP courses and infrastructure granted to the PNP and to other Federal Bureau ofInvestigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance Training projects.
Since the establishment of the ICITAP-Philippines Field Office in 2006, various police training and development projects had been created with emphasis on building the PNP’s law enforcement capability.
ICITAP focuses its initiatives and accompanying resources in three key projects, namely; the Model Police Station, the Maritime Police–Special Boat Unit, and the Southern Philippines Law Enforcement Development.
The ICITAP-funded SBU has been fully operational since 2010, currently, with a fleet of six 10-meter patrol boats currently deployed inPalawan
and Tawi-Tawi.
The SBU is supported by a fully-functional marine police facility including offices, billets, boat dock, ramp, fuel point, vessel and equipment storage and boat maintenance capability.
The SBU has confiscated assets, and contraband worth USD1.23-million over the past three years of operation that resulted in the arrest of341maritime law offenders and seizure of 18 vessels engaged in human trafficking, illegal fishing, poaching and harvesting of exoticwildlife, shellfish and turtles; smuggling of cigarettes and petroleum; and trafficking in illegal drugs and weapons.
The US ICITAP also funded the development of forensic investigation capability of the PNP Crime Laboratory nWestern Mindanao
with adonation of a new building and equipment to six satellite provincial
crime laboratories.
From an initial 11 model police stations in 2007, ICITAP provided training and equipment packages to 15 more MPS until the end of 2009.
ICITAP has been a partner with the PNP Training Service in implementing the instructor development course to fully maximize the capability of the training service in facilitating course for PNP personnel.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561817
Ambassador William Brownfield, assistant secretary for International Narcotics Law Enforcement Affairs of the US Department of Justice, pledged more support to the Philippine National Police in its efforts to secure the southwestern
Brownfield made this statement shortly after meeting with PNP Director General Alan L. Purisima in
Tackled during their meeting were prospects for better cooperation and technical assistance by the US DOJ to the PNP thru the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program.
“We have an excellent degree of cooperation that has existed between the law enforcement agencies of the
“This cooperation, that we have developed over the past ten years will continue,” he added.
The INL is a line bureau of the US DOJ that funds ICITAP courses and infrastructure granted to the PNP and to other Federal Bureau ofInvestigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, and Overseas Prosecutorial Development Assistance Training projects.
Since the establishment of the ICITAP-Philippines Field Office in 2006, various police training and development projects had been created with emphasis on building the PNP’s law enforcement capability.
ICITAP focuses its initiatives and accompanying resources in three key projects, namely; the Model Police Station, the Maritime Police–Special Boat Unit, and the Southern Philippines Law Enforcement Development.
The ICITAP-funded SBU has been fully operational since 2010, currently, with a fleet of six 10-meter patrol boats currently deployed in
The SBU is supported by a fully-functional marine police facility including offices, billets, boat dock, ramp, fuel point, vessel and equipment storage and boat maintenance capability.
The SBU has confiscated assets, and contraband worth USD1.23-million over the past three years of operation that resulted in the arrest of341maritime law offenders and seizure of 18 vessels engaged in human trafficking, illegal fishing, poaching and harvesting of exoticwildlife, shellfish and turtles; smuggling of cigarettes and petroleum; and trafficking in illegal drugs and weapons.
The US ICITAP also funded the development of forensic investigation capability of the PNP Crime Laboratory n
From an initial 11 model police stations in 2007, ICITAP provided training and equipment packages to 15 more MPS until the end of 2009.
ICITAP has been a partner with the PNP Training Service in implementing the instructor development course to fully maximize the capability of the training service in facilitating course for PNP personnel.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=561817
Maguindanao Army, PNP on alert vs BIFF retaliatory attacks
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Maguindanao Army, PNP on alert vs BIFF retaliatory attacks
Police and military authorities in remote villages in Midsayap and Pikit,North Cotabato have been placed on heightened alert
Tuesday as they brace for retaliations by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) following two encounters early this week that live five bandits killed.
The first encounter was triggered by the bandits' attack on an Army and militia base in Barangay Paidu Pulangi, Pikit,North
Cotabato Sunday evening.
About 20 BIFF rebels crossed the 10-meter wide Paidu Pulangin river and started firing at the detachment of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) triggering an exchange of bullets from both sides, according to Capt. Antonio Bulao.
Bulao, speaking for the military's 602nd Infantry Brigade based here, said the BIFF suffered three casualties whom they carried as they fled back to Barangay Dasyawan, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. No casualty on government side.
In separate encounter, two other BIFF were killed when their attempt to attack a detachment in Purok Mirasol, Barangay Palumugin, Midsayap, also in North Cotabato, was repulsed by alert militiamen and soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion.
Supt. Renante DelosSantos
"They hauled our valuables, goats and carabaos that we left when we hurriedly evacuated," said Solomon Sanep, a villager of Polomoguin.
Delos Santos and Bulao both appealed to farmers and village officials to help the local authorities in ensuring the safety of civilians by alerting the police about presence of unidentified persons in their villages.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=561565
Police and military authorities in remote villages in Midsayap and Pikit,
The first encounter was triggered by the bandits' attack on an Army and militia base in Barangay Paidu Pulangi, Pikit,
About 20 BIFF rebels crossed the 10-meter wide Paidu Pulangin river and started firing at the detachment of Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) triggering an exchange of bullets from both sides, according to Capt. Antonio Bulao.
Bulao, speaking for the military's 602nd Infantry Brigade based here, said the BIFF suffered three casualties whom they carried as they fled back to Barangay Dasyawan, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao. No casualty on government side.
In separate encounter, two other BIFF were killed when their attempt to attack a detachment in Purok Mirasol, Barangay Palumugin, Midsayap, also in North Cotabato, was repulsed by alert militiamen and soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion.
Supt. Renante Delos
"They hauled our valuables, goats and carabaos that we left when we hurriedly evacuated," said Solomon Sanep, a villager of Polomoguin.
Delos Santos and Bulao both appealed to farmers and village officials to help the local authorities in ensuring the safety of civilians by alerting the police about presence of unidentified persons in their villages.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=561565
Neg Occ gov urges OPAPP to speed up gov’t closure agreement with RPA-ABB
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 3): Neg Occ gov urges OPAPP to speed up gov’t closure agreement with RPA-ABB
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. is urging the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to speed up the signing of the closure agreement between the national government and the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade and its political wing, the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas (RPM-P).
Marañon said the OPAPP has promised to hold the signing of the closure agreement last year yet but it has not happened until now.
Representatives from the OPAPP met with the governor at the Capitol Tuesday, but Marañon said the meeting is a waste of time because the OPAPP sent only its representatives.
"They talked about the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) so I told them that we are only interested in the closure agreement with the RPA- ABB," he said.
Last April, the RPA-ABB changed its name to Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (Brotherhood for Social Progress) as part of their compliance with the provisions of the peace agreement they signed with the government in year 2000.
Gilbert Arsenal, elected president of the Kapatiran, said their group is now a legitimate organization comprised of former revolutionary armed group members.
Moreover, Marañon told the OPAPP representatives to inform their head of the province's concern over the delayed signing of the closure agreement.
The governor said the OPAPP representatives conveyed several reasons why the signing cannot proceed yet.
The OPAPP has already conducted a socio-economic profiling of members of the RPA-ABB-RPM-P to determine appropriate livelihood and other development interventions for their communities.
A series of profiling activities were already held in Negros and Panay Islands for the former combatants belonging to the Tabara-Paduano Group of the RPA-ABB-RPM-P.
Records of OPAPP show that 495 TPG members were profiled on Oct. 20-30, 2012.
Negros Occidental accounted for 358 members, while Negros Oriental and Panay Island have 50 and 87 members profiled, respectively.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=561767
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. is urging the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to speed up the signing of the closure agreement between the national government and the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Bongcayao Brigade and its political wing, the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas (RPM-P).
Marañon said the OPAPP has promised to hold the signing of the closure agreement last year yet but it has not happened until now.
Representatives from the OPAPP met with the governor at the Capitol Tuesday, but Marañon said the meeting is a waste of time because the OPAPP sent only its representatives.
"They talked about the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) so I told them that we are only interested in the closure agreement with the RPA- ABB," he said.
Last April, the RPA-ABB changed its name to Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (Brotherhood for Social Progress) as part of their compliance with the provisions of the peace agreement they signed with the government in year 2000.
Gilbert Arsenal, elected president of the Kapatiran, said their group is now a legitimate organization comprised of former revolutionary armed group members.
Moreover, Marañon told the OPAPP representatives to inform their head of the province's concern over the delayed signing of the closure agreement.
The governor said the OPAPP representatives conveyed several reasons why the signing cannot proceed yet.
The OPAPP has already conducted a socio-economic profiling of members of the RPA-ABB-RPM-P to determine appropriate livelihood and other development interventions for their communities.
A series of profiling activities were already held in Negros and Panay Islands for the former combatants belonging to the Tabara-Paduano Group of the RPA-ABB-RPM-P.
Records of OPAPP show that 495 TPG members were profiled on Oct. 20-30, 2012.
Negros Occidental accounted for 358 members, while Negros Oriental and Panay Island have 50 and 87 members profiled, respectively.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=561767
China starts construction in Panatag
From Rappler (Sep 3): China starts construction in Panatag
CONCRETE BLOCKS: Philippine Navy spots concrete blocks that are prelude to construction
China has started construction activities in
the waters off Zambales, within the Philippines
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told congressmen on Tuesday, September 3, thatChina
has "concrete blocks" in Panatag (Scarborough ),
an obvious "prelude to construction."
"We have noticed the presence of 3 coast guard ships in Bajo de Masinloc. And we have also sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is a prelude to construction," Gazmin said during the budget hearing for the Department of National Defense.
Bajo de Masinloc has been renamed Panatag. It is located 124 nautical miles from Zambales, within the country's 200-NM exclusive economic zone.China
claims practically all of South China Sea .
Panatag is a rocky sandbar, but its location holds huge political and economic significance. Located in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ), it is a
strategic staging area for military operations. Scientists are also optimistic
about the area’s potential oil resources.
The Philippine Navy maritime patrol aircraft monitors the area every 3 days.
Gazmin showed pictures taken by the Philippine Navy as of August 31. He said it's the first time the navy monitored concrete blocks. He said they have more photos from Monday, September 2.
"Importante maglagay tayo ng tao diyan para ma-prevent nila. Wala tayo capability to do that as of the moment," Gazmin told reporters during the break of the budget hearing.
(It's important that we have people stationed there so we can prevent the construction. We don't have that capability at the moment.)
Gazmin said thePhilippines Philippines
ThePhilippines
has lodged before the ITLOS a protest against China 's
aggression in the West Philippine Sea .
Gazmin said the report was submitted to the Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Akbayan Rep Walden Bello noted the same thing happened in the Mischief Reef, now occupied byChina
"If we follow history, that is the direction, your honor," Gazmin said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/38004-china-construction-panatag
CONCRETE BLOCKS: Philippine Navy spots concrete blocks that are prelude to construction
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told congressmen on Tuesday, September 3, that
"We have noticed the presence of 3 coast guard ships in Bajo de Masinloc. And we have also sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is a prelude to construction," Gazmin said during the budget hearing for the Department of National Defense.
Bajo de Masinloc has been renamed Panatag. It is located 124 nautical miles from Zambales, within the country's 200-NM exclusive economic zone.
Panatag is a rocky sandbar, but its location holds huge political and economic significance. Located in the West Philippine Sea (
The Philippine Navy maritime patrol aircraft monitors the area every 3 days.
Gazmin showed pictures taken by the Philippine Navy as of August 31. He said it's the first time the navy monitored concrete blocks. He said they have more photos from Monday, September 2.
"Importante maglagay tayo ng tao diyan para ma-prevent nila. Wala tayo capability to do that as of the moment," Gazmin told reporters during the break of the budget hearing.
(It's important that we have people stationed there so we can prevent the construction. We don't have that capability at the moment.)
Gazmin said the
The
Gazmin said the report was submitted to the Office of the President and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Akbayan Rep Walden Bello noted the same thing happened in the Mischief Reef, now occupied by
"If we follow history, that is the direction, your honor," Gazmin said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/38004-china-construction-panatag
Tortured security guard set to file criminal complaint vs military, police
From InterAksyon (Sep 3): Tortured security guard set to file criminal complaint vs military, police
Rolly Panesa
Rolly Mitra Panesa together with his legal counsel from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) is set to file charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the military and police over his arbitrary arrest and detention and torture on allegation that he is a ranking officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“Security guard Rolly Panesa, who was released from prison last Friday, will file a criminal complaint versus military and police officials,” Christina Palabay, secretary general of the human rights group Kapataan, said.
Palabay said the charges are for violations under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, Republic Act 7438, Articles 269 (unlawful arrest) and 363 (incriminatory machination) of the Revised Penal Code.
“Filing will be on September 4. He (Panesa) will be joined by Karapatan and his NUPL counsels,” Palabay said.
Just recently, the Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to release Panesa from detention at the Bicutan jail in Taguig City after it found out that his was a case of mistaken identity.
But the military insisted that the Panesa, who is in 40s, is the same as the “61-year-old Benjamin Mendoza,” an alleged ranking officer of the CPP.
It said the Solicitor General has filed a motion against the CA decision on Panesa’s case.
On August 12, 2013, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista handed the amount of P5.6-million reward money to a hooded tipster who gave information leading to the arrest of Panesa on October 5, 2012 in Quezon City.
Palabay, however, slammed the reward system as an “organized racket” of some military and police officers.
Still, the military is mum on the reward money issue.
“We will give our response later,” said Maj. Angelo Guzman, deputy public affairs of the military.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69944/tortured-security-guard-set-to-file-criminal-complaint-vs-military-police
Rolly Panesa
Rolly Mitra Panesa together with his legal counsel from the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) is set to file charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the military and police over his arbitrary arrest and detention and torture on allegation that he is a ranking officer of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
“Security guard Rolly Panesa, who was released from prison last Friday, will file a criminal complaint versus military and police officials,” Christina Palabay, secretary general of the human rights group Kapataan, said.
Palabay said the charges are for violations under the Anti-Torture Act of 2009, Republic Act 7438, Articles 269 (unlawful arrest) and 363 (incriminatory machination) of the Revised Penal Code.
“Filing will be on September 4. He (Panesa) will be joined by Karapatan and his NUPL counsels,” Palabay said.
Just recently, the Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to release Panesa from detention at the Bicutan jail in Taguig City after it found out that his was a case of mistaken identity.
But the military insisted that the Panesa, who is in 40s, is the same as the “61-year-old Benjamin Mendoza,” an alleged ranking officer of the CPP.
It said the Solicitor General has filed a motion against the CA decision on Panesa’s case.
On August 12, 2013, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista handed the amount of P5.6-million reward money to a hooded tipster who gave information leading to the arrest of Panesa on October 5, 2012 in Quezon City.
Palabay, however, slammed the reward system as an “organized racket” of some military and police officers.
Still, the military is mum on the reward money issue.
“We will give our response later,” said Maj. Angelo Guzman, deputy public affairs of the military.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69944/tortured-security-guard-set-to-file-criminal-complaint-vs-military-police
7 soldiers hurt in landmine explosion in Compostela Valley
From InterAksyon (Sep 3): 7 soldiers hurt in landmine explosion in Compostela Valley
Seven soldiers suffered shrapnel injuries after they were hit by a landmine explosion in village in Compostela Valley on Tuesday morning.
Military authorities believed that members of the communist New People's Army were behind the explosion in Sitio Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.
Capt. Alberto Caber, public affairs chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said the wounded soldiers were members of the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC). The victims were airlifted by two combat helicopters have been brought to a military hospital inside Camp Panacan Station, he said.
“(The explosives) were laid by the NPAs in a trail…Tuesday early morning,” he said.
A police report said the troops led by 1Lt. Marvin Liel Gammad were in combat operation when one of them tripped the wire of an “improvised explosive device” resulted in the explosion at around 1:30 a.m.
Aside from Gammad, those wounded were Sgt. Nacion and Private First Class Dumagat, Palmera, Cabag, Viron and Yula, according to the report. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Eastmincom commander, has ordered an investigation. “The use of landmine is a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian law,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69953/7-soldiers-hurt-in-landmine-explosion-in-compostela-valley
Seven soldiers suffered shrapnel injuries after they were hit by a landmine explosion in village in Compostela Valley on Tuesday morning.
Military authorities believed that members of the communist New People's Army were behind the explosion in Sitio Lantaan, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley.
Capt. Alberto Caber, public affairs chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said the wounded soldiers were members of the 104th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC). The victims were airlifted by two combat helicopters have been brought to a military hospital inside Camp Panacan Station, he said.
“(The explosives) were laid by the NPAs in a trail…Tuesday early morning,” he said.
A police report said the troops led by 1Lt. Marvin Liel Gammad were in combat operation when one of them tripped the wire of an “improvised explosive device” resulted in the explosion at around 1:30 a.m.
Aside from Gammad, those wounded were Sgt. Nacion and Private First Class Dumagat, Palmera, Cabag, Viron and Yula, according to the report. Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Eastmincom commander, has ordered an investigation. “The use of landmine is a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian law,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69953/7-soldiers-hurt-in-landmine-explosion-in-compostela-valley
China preparing to construct in Scarborough Shoal - Gazmin
From InterAksyon (Sep 3): China preparing to construct in Scarborough Shoal - Gazmin
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin shows a map of the Scarborough Shoal that indicates where concrete blocks have been sighted.
China appears to be preparing to construct something at the Scarborough Shoal, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told congressmen Tuesday, noting that Philippine naval and air force saw “concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is prelude to construction.”
"As of August 31, we have noticed the presence of three coast guard ships in Bajo de Masinloc and we have also sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is prelude to construction," Gazmin said at the hearing of his department's budget at the House of Representatives.
The defense chief showed photographs taken at the site, which he said were submitted, together with a report, to the Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President.
Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello, who asked for an update on the disputed area, said this development was "very alarming."
Asked anew by Bello if the development could lead to something that happened at Panganiban Reef, a rich fishing area located within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Gazmin said, "If we follow history, then that is the direction."
China has also set up structures inside the Panganiban Reef first in 1994 when the Philippine Navy left the area due to strong rains during the monsoon season. China has since constructed bigger facilities in and around the reef, effectively taking control of it. Control is the primary basis for any territorial claim.
"This happened before. First rocks, then a pile-driver, then a foundation. When you get back again, if you don't survey, there will be a garrison," Gazmin told reporters after the hearing.
To stop China from doing the same thing in Scarborough Shoal, “the important thing is we put men there, so this can be prevented. We don't have the capability to do that at the moment,” he said.
At the same time, Gazmin said the Philippines can add this case to the arbitration case it has already filed before the Arbitral Tribunal. He said this again is a violation of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which instructs all parties to inhibit from doing anything that would escalate the tension in the area.
Rising tension
President Benigno Aquino III cancelled his trip to the 10th ASEAN-China Expo to be held in Nanning due to conditions set by the Chinese government, the DFA said. The DFA refused to detail the conditions as requested by China.
DFA sources said that Manila received information that the Chinese government will only receive the President if the Philippines withdraws the case it filed against China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal and pulls out its vessel and military presence in Ayungin Shoal near Palawan.
The tension between the two countries started April 2012 when Chinese fishermen were caught inside the Scarborough Shoal, but the Philippine authorities were kept from arresting them by Chinese civilian government ships. The situation resulted in a standoff that was supposed to have been resolved with both parties agreeing to leave the shoal. Only the Philippines left. Chinese ships have stationed themselves in the lagoon inside the shoal.
This situation prompted the Philippines to file a case before the international court questioning China’s nine-dash line claim over large swaths of the South China Sea, including those that are part of Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone.
The case is now being heard at The Hague.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69957/china-preparing-to-construct-in-scarborough-shoal---gazmin
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin shows a map of the Scarborough Shoal that indicates where concrete blocks have been sighted.
China appears to be preparing to construct something at the Scarborough Shoal, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told congressmen Tuesday, noting that Philippine naval and air force saw “concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is prelude to construction.”
"As of August 31, we have noticed the presence of three coast guard ships in Bajo de Masinloc and we have also sighted concrete blocks inside the shoal, which is prelude to construction," Gazmin said at the hearing of his department's budget at the House of Representatives.
The defense chief showed photographs taken at the site, which he said were submitted, together with a report, to the Department of National Defense, Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Office of the President.
Akbayan partylist Representative Walden Bello, who asked for an update on the disputed area, said this development was "very alarming."
Asked anew by Bello if the development could lead to something that happened at Panganiban Reef, a rich fishing area located within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Gazmin said, "If we follow history, then that is the direction."
China has also set up structures inside the Panganiban Reef first in 1994 when the Philippine Navy left the area due to strong rains during the monsoon season. China has since constructed bigger facilities in and around the reef, effectively taking control of it. Control is the primary basis for any territorial claim.
"This happened before. First rocks, then a pile-driver, then a foundation. When you get back again, if you don't survey, there will be a garrison," Gazmin told reporters after the hearing.
To stop China from doing the same thing in Scarborough Shoal, “the important thing is we put men there, so this can be prevented. We don't have the capability to do that at the moment,” he said.
At the same time, Gazmin said the Philippines can add this case to the arbitration case it has already filed before the Arbitral Tribunal. He said this again is a violation of the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which instructs all parties to inhibit from doing anything that would escalate the tension in the area.
Rising tension
President Benigno Aquino III cancelled his trip to the 10th ASEAN-China Expo to be held in Nanning due to conditions set by the Chinese government, the DFA said. The DFA refused to detail the conditions as requested by China.
DFA sources said that Manila received information that the Chinese government will only receive the President if the Philippines withdraws the case it filed against China before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal and pulls out its vessel and military presence in Ayungin Shoal near Palawan.
The tension between the two countries started April 2012 when Chinese fishermen were caught inside the Scarborough Shoal, but the Philippine authorities were kept from arresting them by Chinese civilian government ships. The situation resulted in a standoff that was supposed to have been resolved with both parties agreeing to leave the shoal. Only the Philippines left. Chinese ships have stationed themselves in the lagoon inside the shoal.
This situation prompted the Philippines to file a case before the international court questioning China’s nine-dash line claim over large swaths of the South China Sea, including those that are part of Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone.
The case is now being heard at The Hague.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69957/china-preparing-to-construct-in-scarborough-shoal---gazmin
Philippines' case against China moves forward as tribunal adopts rules of procedures
From InterAksyon (Sep 3): Philippines' case against China moves forward as tribunal adopts rules of procedures
The Philippines’ complaint against China’s massive claim over the resource-rich South China Sea is moving forward after an international tribunal finalized the rules of procedures on the case and ordered Manila to formally present its petition on March 30, 2014.
China claims "indisputable sovereignty" over the entire waters, where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas. China's claims overlaps with the offshore territories claimed by Asian neighbors surrounding the South China Sea.
Manila sought international arbitration in January and asked a tribunal formed under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and based in The Hague, to declare China's massive territorial claim as illegal and invalid.
The progress in the Philippines’s legal challenge against China comes amid increasing animosity between the two Asian nations due to their long-standing territorial conflict.
“In the first Procedural Order, the Arbitral Tribunal formally adopts the Rules of Procedure and fixes 30 March 2014 as the date on which the Philippines should submit its Memorial,” the Permanent Court of Abritration said in a statement on Aug. 27.
“The Arbitral Tribunal directs the Philippines to fully address all issues, including matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal, the admissibility of the Philippines’ claim, as well as the merits of the dispute,” it added.
After seeking the views of the parties, the PCA said the Arbitral Tribunal “will determine the further course of the proceedings, including the need for and scheduling of any other written submissions and hearings, at an appropriate later stage.”
The Rules of Procedure covers communications, language, publicity, organization of hearings, consideration of objections to the Arbitral Tribunal’s jurisdiction, requests for provisional measures, and the appointment of experts to assist the Arbitral Tribunal.
It also determines the course of action to be taken by the court in the event that one of the Parties does not appear in the proceedings.
China refused to join the arbitration, saying the basis of Manila’s complaints are groundless.
On August 1, 2013, China addressed a Note Verbale or diplomatic note to the PCA, reiterating its position that “it does not accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines” and stated that it was not participating in the proceedings.
The Philippine government has adopted the name West Philippine Sea for parts of the South China Sea.
Vietnam has also squared off with China in the contested region due to recent maritime confrontations.
Many countries are threatened that the conflicts could suddenly turn violent, even by accident, and result in a major armed conflict in Asia.
Although not a party to the territorial row, the United States has declared that it is in its national interest to ensure unfettered access to the sea and that conflicts are resolved peacefully.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69992/philippines-case-against-china-moves-forward-as-tribunal-adopts-rules-of-procedures
The Philippines’ complaint against China’s massive claim over the resource-rich South China Sea is moving forward after an international tribunal finalized the rules of procedures on the case and ordered Manila to formally present its petition on March 30, 2014.
China claims "indisputable sovereignty" over the entire waters, where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas. China's claims overlaps with the offshore territories claimed by Asian neighbors surrounding the South China Sea.
Manila sought international arbitration in January and asked a tribunal formed under United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and based in The Hague, to declare China's massive territorial claim as illegal and invalid.
The progress in the Philippines’s legal challenge against China comes amid increasing animosity between the two Asian nations due to their long-standing territorial conflict.
“In the first Procedural Order, the Arbitral Tribunal formally adopts the Rules of Procedure and fixes 30 March 2014 as the date on which the Philippines should submit its Memorial,” the Permanent Court of Abritration said in a statement on Aug. 27.
“The Arbitral Tribunal directs the Philippines to fully address all issues, including matters relating to the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal, the admissibility of the Philippines’ claim, as well as the merits of the dispute,” it added.
After seeking the views of the parties, the PCA said the Arbitral Tribunal “will determine the further course of the proceedings, including the need for and scheduling of any other written submissions and hearings, at an appropriate later stage.”
The Rules of Procedure covers communications, language, publicity, organization of hearings, consideration of objections to the Arbitral Tribunal’s jurisdiction, requests for provisional measures, and the appointment of experts to assist the Arbitral Tribunal.
It also determines the course of action to be taken by the court in the event that one of the Parties does not appear in the proceedings.
China refused to join the arbitration, saying the basis of Manila’s complaints are groundless.
On August 1, 2013, China addressed a Note Verbale or diplomatic note to the PCA, reiterating its position that “it does not accept the arbitration initiated by the Philippines” and stated that it was not participating in the proceedings.
The Philippine government has adopted the name West Philippine Sea for parts of the South China Sea.
Vietnam has also squared off with China in the contested region due to recent maritime confrontations.
Many countries are threatened that the conflicts could suddenly turn violent, even by accident, and result in a major armed conflict in Asia.
Although not a party to the territorial row, the United States has declared that it is in its national interest to ensure unfettered access to the sea and that conflicts are resolved peacefully.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69992/philippines-case-against-china-moves-forward-as-tribunal-adopts-rules-of-procedures
2 killed in Basilan ambush
From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 3): 2 killed in Basilan ambush
Unidentified gunmen ambushed Tuesday two employees of a financing company in the restive province of Basilan in the southern Philippines, police said.
It said the attack killed Jennifer Timtim and Saud Macalangcom – who both worked for KFI Center for Community Development Foundation. The ambush occurred in the village of Ubit in Lamitan City.
Police said the attackers carted the collections of the employees before escaping.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the killings, but gun attacks are a common occurrence in Lamitan City where hired killers and bandits are actively operating.
Just recently, two teachers - Rodolfo Saavedra and his wife Gloria - were killed and their companion Ellen Cubico, was wounded in an ambush also in Lamitan City. The three were travelling on a motorcycle in the village of Maloong Canal when an unidentified gunman attacked them.
The assailant took the victims’ motorcycle and escaped towards Isabela City. The killings of the teachers drew widespread condemnation in Basilan province.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/2-killed-in-basilan-ambush.html
Unidentified gunmen ambushed Tuesday two employees of a financing company in the restive province of Basilan in the southern Philippines, police said.
It said the attack killed Jennifer Timtim and Saud Macalangcom – who both worked for KFI Center for Community Development Foundation. The ambush occurred in the village of Ubit in Lamitan City.
Police said the attackers carted the collections of the employees before escaping.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the killings, but gun attacks are a common occurrence in Lamitan City where hired killers and bandits are actively operating.
Just recently, two teachers - Rodolfo Saavedra and his wife Gloria - were killed and their companion Ellen Cubico, was wounded in an ambush also in Lamitan City. The three were travelling on a motorcycle in the village of Maloong Canal when an unidentified gunman attacked them.
The assailant took the victims’ motorcycle and escaped towards Isabela City. The killings of the teachers drew widespread condemnation in Basilan province.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/2-killed-in-basilan-ambush.html