Monday, November 4, 2013

'Agaw armas' suspected motive in murder of barangay councilor, companion

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4): 'Agaw armas' suspected motive in murder of barangay councilor, companion

The newly-elected barangay councilor and a volunteer village watchman killed in Friday’s ambush at Barangay Malinan here lost two assault rifles and two handguns to their attackers, police said.

Supt. Leo Ajero, chief of the Kidapawan City police, said investigators are now certain it was the victims’ M1 caliber 30 Garand, an M-14 rifle, a .38 revolver, and a Colt .45 pistol that the suspects were interested in.

The victims, Barangay Malinan councilman Ronaldo Macrohon and his companion, Edward Quinio, were on their way to the barangay proper riding a motorcycle together when unidentified gunmen flagged them down and opened fire.

Macrohon was killed on the spot while the badly wounded Quinio, who was rushed to a hospital by responding barangay officials, died while undergoing medication.

“The ambushers collected their firearms before they escaped and left the victims sprawled on the road,” Ajero said.

Macrohon was a long-time member of Barangay Malinan’s volunteer community defense group. He was elected barangay councilor during the October 28 polls.

 “It seems the ambush has nothing to do with his having been elected as barangay councilor,” Ajero said.
 
Ajero said they now have a clue on the identities of the ambushers, but declined to reveal names pending completion of investigation.

“We’re pretty sure now that this ambush incident was an `agaw armas’ case because all of their firearms were carted away by the suspects,” Ajero said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/04/1252937/agaw-armas-suspected-motive-murder-barangay-councilor-companion

PNoy awards 18 soldiers in Zambo siege

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4): PNoy awards 18 soldiers in Zambo siege

President  and Armed Forces of the Philippines Commander-in-Chief Benigno Aquino III awarded with medals 18 of the 2,473 soldiers Monday at the AFP General Headquarters for successfully defending this southern port city from the siege of the  Nur Misuari faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public information officer,  said among those who were awarded were 12 officers and six enlisted personnel.

Zagala said the president personally pinned two distinguished conduct stars, three distinguished service stars, and nine gold cross medals to soldiers for their gallantry in action and acts of heroism during the MNLF siege last September that lasted for three weeks.

“This awarding ceremony is among the many set for the heroes of Zamboanga,” according Zagala, who was among those awarded with distinguished conduct star medal.

“The 2,473 soldiers who participated in the Zamboanga City Crisis either in administrative or combat capacity are all set to receive an award commensurate to their bravery in combat and valuable service rendered in the operations,” he added.

At least 24 government forces were killed and close to 200 soldiers and police were wounded while 12 civilians were killed and 72 others wounded at the height of the three-week weeks bloody standoff when more than 400 MNLF rebels took siege of this city after they failed to march to the city hall to raise their flag and declare the independence of the "Bangsamoro Republik".

The siege also displaced more than 100,000 civilians and devastated and almost wiped from the map of this city four barangays barely few hundred meters away from the city hall.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/04/1252950/pnoy-awards-18-soldiers-zambo-siege

Over 200 MNLF members charged for Zamboanga siege

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4): Over 200 MNLF members charged for Zamboanga siege

More than 200 members of the Moro National Liberation Front have been charged with rebellion charges for the deadly standoff between the rebel group and government security forces in Zamboanga City, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Monday.

In filing the seventh amended information before the court, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano said the DOJ has already indicted a total of 280 respondents, including MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari and his right-hand man Habier Malk, with rebellion charges and violation of Republic Act 9851 or crimes against humanity.

The justice department initially indicted 63 persons for the Zamboanga City standoff.

Of the total respondents, a dozen remains at large, including Misuari and Malik, whom senior government security officials believed to have been killed during the skirmishes in Zamboanga City.

Arellano said he is confident that the filing of the amended information will not delay the transfer of the case from Zamboanga City to Taguig City.

The Supreme Court earlier approved the transfer of the case from the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court to the Taguig City Regional Trial Court due to security reasons.Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court to the Taguig City RTC due to security reasons. 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/04/1252958/over-200-mnlf-members-charged-zamboanga-siege

Ranking NPA member nabbed in CARAGA region

From the Manila Times (Nov 4): Ranking NPA member nabbed in CARAGA region

Operatives have arrested over the weekend a ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) blamed from some deadly attacks against government forces in Eastern Mindanao region, police reports said on Monday.

Reports at the Philippine National Police operations center in Camp Crame on Monday identified the arrested ranking rebel as Archie Salvan alias Jack/Brix and Kumander Kuyos, a staff member of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

The reports said that Salvan was nabbed by combine police operatives based on a warrant of arrest issued by the courts late Saturday afternoon at his residence on Purok-4B, Barangay Bucac, Bayugan City, Agusan de Sur.

http://manilatimes.net/ranking-npa-member-nabbed-in-caraga-region/50404/

IP Tribe Declares Peace Community; Pledges Non-violence

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Nov 4): IP Tribe Declares Peace Community; Pledges Non-violence



Melecio Puelo surrenders his shotgun to authorities led by Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. of the Provincial Government as part of the mainstreaming of the Balik Sibilyans.

Advance Command Post, 303rd Infantry Brigade, Bacolod City – "Ang atong Gobernador, ang Amay sang Negros Occidental ari subong sa pagdala sang mga programa nga igahatag kag ipaabot sa aton nga mga IP".

A total of 101 members of the Indigenous People (IP), Tribu Bukidnon declared themselves as a Peace Community and pledge to the conduct of non-violence on October 31, Thursday in Brgy. San Agustin Isabela, Negros Occidental.

Gov. Alfredo G. Maranon Jr., of Negros Occidental graced the activity that culminated the celebration of the 16th Indigenous People’s Month with the theme "Nurturing Ancestral Domain Culture". The highlights of the activity were Humanitarian Caravan of the Pro-PIDU with assorted services; Awarding of Guns for Peace to four (4) beneficiaries and Giving of Cash Reward for Surrendered Firearms with the Bayanihan song played as its background music.

Other services rendered include Massage-11, Haircut-25, Circumcision-52, Dental-79, Check up and Consultation-84, 350 Gift packs, 950 Seedlings, 215 Pairs of Slippers, 15 Candy packs, 250 Heads Chicks, 20 Heads of Grower caber and 7 Heads of Peking Ducks.

Richard Doremon of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) acknowledged the effort and facilitation of the government with the celebration of IPs.

He also acknowledged their tribe’s vulnerability from outside forces for their self interests and at the expense of the IPs. The government has called for unity of all IPs in order to achieve the genuine peace and development. Doremon said "They have come to bring various programs and projects for us. Let us do our part to help one another as part of the tribe".

Gov. Maranon welcomed the light atmosphere ever since December 2012 after an encounter between the government forces and the rebel group. He also mentioned before the IPs that the government has many programs and opportunities for them. Maranon pledged to rebuild the classrooms for Grades 1 and 2 and the repair of the public road. All family heads will be registered to PhilHealth. He encouraged the IPs to enrol in Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Insurance Program (NOCHIP) and TESDA as he emphasized education as a means to overcome poverty. For the farmers (especially those who plant rice crops), he urged them to avail the Crop Insurance Program (CIP).

Brig. Gen. Francisco M. Patrimonio of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in his speech said that they were only used by the NPA for their interest. Patrimonio urged the IPs to air their problems and issues to the right person or agency. He said "Kon ano ang inyong mga problema ginasakyan ng NPA. Pero nakita naton sin-o ba ang naghatag tabang sa inyo? Ang NPA o Gobyerno?" to which the crowd cry out it is the government.

Col. Jon N. Aying of the 303rd Infantry Brigade on the other hand advocated and explained the Province’s Provincial Integration and Development Unit (Pro-PIDU) Program and its five (5) components; the Socio-economic, Political/Governance, Environment, Psycho-social and Security and Justice of which every Negrosanons have the duty to fulfil to address the issues on the 5 areas of concerns. He also shared that the Pro-PIDU Program is multi-sectoral in nature.

The IP Community was led by their Chieftain Jacinto Dadlis. Stakeholders present were the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Training, Livelihood and Development Center (TLDC), Provincial Cooperative Office (PCO), Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), Alter Trade Foundation Inc. (ATFI), Arts Association of Bacolod City (AAB), National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO), 302nd Infantry Brigade and the 303rd Infantry Brigade.

With the presence of the Governor, resolutions were passed in favor of the IP Tribu Bukidnon as follows: public road for Sitio Mahupaho, 3 Hanging Bridges across the three (3) rivers and a water pipe needed for 4 sitios linking from one house to another.

This is connection with the recent activity in the south wherein 47 Balik Sibilyans were declared part of the IP Peace Community.

http://www.ndb-online.com/110413/local-news/local-news-ip-tribe-declares-peace-community-pledges-non-violence

Indigenous People Turn Back at NPA; IP Chieftain Surrenders NPA Flag

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Nov 4): Indigenous People Turn Back at NPA; IP Chieftain Surrenders NPA Flag

One hundred one household members from the Indigenous People (IP) Tribu Bukidnon located in Brgy. San Agustin Isabela, Negros Occidental prefer to abandon the armed struggle and declare their place a Peace Community, during rites last October 31, 2013.

In the ceremonial pledge to the conduct of non-violence during the Indigenous People’s Month, IP Tribal Chieftain Jacinto Dadlis turned over the red flag of the New People’s Army (NPA) to Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr.

Asked why Dadlis turned over the NPA flag to the good Governor, the former said "We do not seek violence anymore, we just want to go back with our lives practicing and enriching our culture and tradition even more. We trust and lift our hope to the government that’s why I decided to turn over the flag instead of burning it.".

In an interview with one of the IPs, he acknowledged the significant role of the Bayanihan Teams in the area as an eye-opener. He said that through the soldiers’ constant dialogue, visibility, deeds in listening and resolving their issues, and delivery of basic services, he said to himself everything that was going on was contrary to the ideology inculcated by the New People’s Army (NPA). "There is indeed a government; we were used and blinded," said one of the IPs who refused to divulge his identity for security reasons.

Maranon expressed appreciation for the Tribu Bukidnon for deciding to return to the mainstream.

According to him as part of the aid the Provincial Government will offer are the construction Grades 1 and 2 classroom, construction of public road for Sitio Mahupaho, Hanging Bridges crossing the three rivers and water pipe needed for four sitios linking one house to another.

Col. Jon N. Aying of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Army on the other hand said. "in celebrating and commemorating the Indigenous People’s Month, we remember the richness of our ancestors’ culture and tradition. It is like going back to our roots; and that is our moral values. "We, in the military are optimistic that in some areas of the Province the state of normalcy is possible to achieve."

Isabela Mayor Enrique Montilla, for his part acknowledged the presence of the governor as according to him wherever the governor is, development follows.
For the IPs, "they intend to strengthen their kinship even more with one another. They claimed that their vulnerability was taken advantaged and vowed to never again be deceived by the NPA who gave them loud but empty promises or any other outside forces who will try to endanger their way of living as IPs."

Gov. Maranon further encouraged them to continue their way of living nurturing their ancestral domain culture. He added that the Provincial Government have a lot of opportunities and programs prepared for them and the stakeholders both from the government agencies and non-government agencies as well. "Ang atong Gobernador, ang Amay sang Negros Occidental ari subong sa pagdala sang mga programa nga igahatag kag ipaabot sa aton nga mga IP". The message was clear; it says it all.

http://www.ndb-online.com/110413/local-news/local-news-indigenous-people-turn-back-npa-ip-chieftain-surrenders-npa-flag

Local peace talks call ‘psy war’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 4): Local peace talks call ‘psy war’

The Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SouthWest Negros chapter, a revolutionary farmer’s group, dismissed the local peace talks being pushed by Gov. Alfredo Marañon and called it part of the framework under the Oplan Bayanihan, and its “psy war tactics”.

PKM spokesperson Ka Andres Bayani, in a statement sent to the Visayan DAILY STAR, said the call of Marañon, being trumpeted by Col Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, citing the number of alleged rebels who surrendered to the military, is part of the “divide and rule” tactics, also used during the time of Lapu Lapu, Ka Andres Bonifacio and Papa Isio.

Military records show that 89 rebels surrendered to the 303rd Infantry Brigade alone since 2011, aside from the 12 rebels who surrendered to the 11th Infantry Battalion, and turned over 23 firearms.

Bayani said they were elated by what he claims to be successful NPA attacks in Negros , and added that the revolutionary farmers are ready to support them with manpower requirements.

He also accused the Revolutionary Proletarian Army under the command of a certain Tibo, behind the timber poaching of being in cahoots with the police and also slammed Mayor Ernesto Estrao for allegedly accommodating RPA members, by giving them positions in the local government.

Bayani also criticized Marañon and Estrao for ignoring the call of the people to stop mining and cutting of trees in Hinobaan. 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/04/topstory12.htm

Governor reiterates call on rebels to surrender

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Nov 5): Governor reiterates call on rebels to surrender

NEGROS Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. reiterated his call on the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels to surrender so they can avail of the benefits that the government can give them.

"We are open to receive you 24/7. At the hinterlands, with the rebels you will never progress," Marañon said of his invitation.

He added that the government is sincere and willing to extend livelihood assistance and scholarships for the children of rebel returnees.

The governor issued the statement in the wake of the media pronouncement of the Pambansang Katipunan ng Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-SouthWest Negros chapter ignoring the localized peace talks pushed by the governor.

"What about them, what have they done to help the poor. The poor people in the hinterlands even gets poorer because the rebels would continue to extort revolutionary tax from them,” the governor pointed out.

The leftist would never appreciate what the government has been doing, Marañon said.

Since the start of his administration, Marañon has been inviting the NPA rebels to give up their arm struggle and go back to the folds of the government.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/11/05/governor-reiterates-call-rebels-surrender-312205

MILF: Editorial -- MILF will continue to exist

Editorial posted the MILF Website (Nov 1): MILF will continue to exist

Contrary to what many may have believed innocently or otherwise, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will continue to exist even during or after the implementation of a Bangsamoro Government in the future Bangsamoro territory.
  
The MILF is a movement which has ideology and programs of action that it pursues through to the end. If however in the beginning it pursues its aims through armed struggle, but the moment the Government and the MILF finally sign the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, it will become a social movement that continues to pursue its aims through democratic means. And one way to promote and realize this is through the organization of a principled political party that would engage in elections. 

This clarification comes in the heel of the tendency of some media practitioners to distort, deliberately or innocently, statements of people or in this instance, leaders of the MILF. A case in point is an article appearing in the October 20 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, bylined by Charlie Señase, after he interviewed Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), in Cotabato City last month.

“Bangsamoro will mean death knell for the MILF”, the title of the story, is a complete misquotation. “I could not imagine that such attribution can be made when the correct ideological and political lines on issues like this are in our fingertips,” Iqbal told Luwaran by phone.

The article continued its claim: “…the establishment of the entity would render the MILF insignificant, which was why the rebel group would be dissolved. The MILF is only good until 2016 because by the time the new Muslim Mindanao is installed, there should only be one group that would represent the Bangsamoro.”

Never in the wildest dream of real leaders can that such irresponsible statement come into their inner thoughts. Unimaginable! Similarly, we cannot believe that such a gross misquotation can be made at all especially by a veteran and respected journalist like Charlie Señase, who is a good friend of most of the senior leaders of the MILF.

For the sake of truth, good journalism, and friendship, we urge him to make the necessary correction. Soon not later, please!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/633-milf-will-continue-to-exist

4 soldiers wounded in Albay encounter get medals of honor

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): 4 soldiers wounded in Albay encounter get medals of honor
 
The 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army Monday morning honored the four soldiers who were wounded in an encounter with New People’s Army rebels in Albay last Saturday.

Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, 9th ID spokesperson, said Corporal Henry Niño P. Barra, Private First Class Valentino M. Riñon, Pfc. Melvin M. Navarro and Pfc. Ryan O. Magistrado each received Wounded Personnel Medal.

The four were among the joint elements of the 2nd Infantry Battalion and the 91st Division Reconnaissance Company under 1Lt. Richard Relloso that encountered 10 NPA rebels under Antonio Abadiza alias Ka Flatop of the Kilusang Gerilya Komite 78 in Sitio Binisitahan, Barangay Mariawa, Legazpi City in Albay.

Panesa said the Army troopers were on a security patrol in the area after they received a report involving NPA members who were allegedly demanding a percentage in the allowance of winning barangay officials.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582777

MILF: BDA shares “Community Driven Development” experiences in an international conference in Indonesia

From the MILF Website (Nov 4): BDA shares “Community Driven Development” experiences in an international conference in Indonesia



The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) shared its experiences in implementing Community Driven Development (CDD) Program in the conflict affected areas of Mindanao in an international conference.
  
The event, East Asia and Pacific Regional Conference on Community Driven Development, was held in Courtyard Marriott Hotel, Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia from October 29-November 1, 2013.

The regional conference was sponsored by the Asia Foundation, Australian Aid for International Development (AusAID), SMERU, the World Bank, and with the participation by the Vice President of Indonesia’s Office for Office for Accelerating Poverty Reduction.

About 80 country and non-country participants attended the gathering.

Country participants are government officials, practitioners and implementers from (7) ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

Representatives from other developing countries who were present in the event were coming from Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island and Timor Leste.

Non-country participants are representatives from The Asia Foundation, AusAID, SMERU Research Institute, the World Bank and the Office of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia.

The conference was aimed to facilitate a dialogue among various actors (government officials, practitioners, implementers) who are working on CDD programs from seven the ASEAN countries on challenges to sustain, mainstream, and scale up CDD program.

It also aimed to consider useful steps and activities that will facilitate a regional CDD community of practice and establish a set of policy and implementation issues of concern particularly to the country participants that could be addressed through research.

Engr. Windel Diangcalan, Program Management Officer of the MTFRDP and Head of Program Division, shared BDA’s experiences, challenges and lesson learned in carrying out the implementation of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) in conflict scenario.

Diangcalan served as resource person tackling the topic “The Role of CDD Programs in Conflict or Post-conflict Situations.”  Other resource persons came from Solomon Island, Thailand, Afghanistan and Timor Leste.

He said that “BDA implements CDD in conflict situation and its unique compared to other CDD programs around the world”.

Diangcalan related that, after the completion of Joint Needs Assessment in 2005, “BDA, with the concurrence of MILF Central Committee, accepted CDD as model for the development program implementation in the conflict affected areas in Mindanao as it harmonizes with BDA’s development principles.”

The resource person stressed that “human development must precede material development and development must be inside out, participatory and consultative.”

He related further how various stakeholders from donor countries poured their resources and how BDA carried out the implementation of CDD program where there is equitable participation of various sectors from the communities and support from local agencies which contributed to the successful implementation of development projects.

“BDA has grown up as an institution and has gained substantial experiences from the CDD pilot up to the 4th program partnership agreement (PPA4) implementation based on Bangsamoro context,” Diangcalan said.

The resource person said that “BDA put some twist in CDD implementation to make it suitable to Bangsamoro context. BDA espouses value-laden development principles as one of the major activities in CDD process”.

He further said that “CDD, thru Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Programme (MTFRDP), promotes confidence building among various peace and development stakeholders. It help creates an environment wherein GPH and MILF Peace Process can smoothly proceed, while it looks forward for the seamless transition from conflict to post-conflict situations”.

MTFRDP is currently implementing CDD program at 65 barangays in 21 municipalities. It has already covered 162 barangays in 75 municipalities.

Responding to the current needs in the Bangsamoro, MTFRDP evolved to this effect. This year, it expanded its components over and above the CDD program which include: a) Programme for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE), b)

Sajahatra Program, and c) formulation of Bangsamoro Development Plan.

BDA was born out of the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Tripoli Agreement of Peace on 2001 and MILF Central Committee Resolution of June 2002.

Dr. Agung Laksono, a medical doctor and Coordinating Minister of People’s Welfare, Indonesia graced the regional conference. He was a Member of Parliament from 1997-2004. He serves as Speaker of the House and chairs the Asian Parliamentarian Assembly.

“People are encouraged to communicate with their community. Brilliant ideas come out in the community consultation, that is why it is effective in Indonesia”, Dr. Laksono said.

Dr. Laksono also related, “In the past decades, CDD becomes the trend in the World. It should be synonymous to Sustainable Development.”
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/640-bda-shares-“community-driven-development”-experiences-in-an-international-conference-in-indonesia

Ranking rebel leader falls in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Ranking rebel leader falls in Agusan del Sur

Joint police operatives nabbed a ranking rebel commander during the observance of "All Soul's Day" in Bayugan City, a southern city of Region 13.

Reports from Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office reaching the police regional headquarters here Sunday said arrested was Archie Salvan alias "Jack/Brix" and "Kumander Kuyos," a suspected staff member of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army, around 4:00 p.m. Saturday at his residence in Purok 4B, Barangay Bucac in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

He was arrested by operatives from the Regional Intelligence Unit 13, Regional Public Safety Battalion 13, Regional Intelligence Division 13 and Bayugan City Police Station.

Salvan, 33, was arrested by the virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Zenaida P. Placer, executive judge of RTC 7, Bayugan City for the crimes of murder and robbery with double homicide under Criminal Cases No. 2174 and 2252, both cases without bail.

Salvan was the primary suspect in an ambush which took place in Barangay Berseba, Bayugan City which killed an army trooper on October 2003, and the attack on the Bayugan City Police Station on June 2004 where two police officers were also killed.

The suspect was turned over to the issuing court for proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582702

Cops defuse bomb found in GenSan gas station

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Cops defuse bomb found in GenSan gas station

Explosive and ordnance operatives safely defused an improvised explosive that was recovered on Sunday night in a gasoline station situated in the city’s downtown area.

Senior Supt. Froilan Quidilla, city police director, said Monday the explosive was found at around 7:50 p.m. Sunday near a fuel dispenser by workers of the Petron service station along the Pedro Acharon Boulevard here.

He said the bomb, which was placed in a plastic bag, was made up of two live 60 mm mortar shells, electrical wires, a blasting cord and a mobile phone as its triggering device.

“It’s fortunate that it was recovered early and immediately disrupted by our EOD (explosives and ordnance disposal) team,” he said.

Filling attendant Joseph Pelaez told reporters that he initially noticed a white plastic bag that was left near one of their fuel dispensers.

He said they previously noticed two unidentified persons walking towards dispenser but separately left after a while.

“I noticed some protruding electrical wires when I checked the plastic bag so I called the attention of our security guard,” Pelaez said.

Duty guard Aaron Mercado said he immediately noticed the bomb-like components inside the plastic bag so he carried it away from the fuel dispenser.

“It was quite heavy -- probably around two kilos,” he said.

After placing it in a nearby pathway, the security guard hastily left the area and reported the matter to the city police office.

Insp. Oliver Pauya, head of the city police’s EOD team, described the explosive’s makeup as crude but quite powerful.

He specifically cited the use of mobile phone, which is reportedly the easiest device to produce and assemble as a triggering mechanism for an explosive.

“It could have killed or maimed persons within a 20-meter radius if it exploded,” he said.

Pauya stressed that the security guard should not have touched or moved the bomb after they found it near the fuel dispenser.

“Some explosives are motion-triggered and detonates by slight movement. The standard procedure is to immediately report the matter to the police for proper handling,” he said.

Meantime, Quidilla said the Police Regional Office 12’s crime laboratory unit is now evaluating the makeup of the recovered explosive.

“They’re specifically determining whether its makeup was similar to the bombs that previously exploded in Cagayan de Oro City,” he said.

The official refused to speculate on the identity of the suspects and its possible motive saying they are presently “looking at all angles.”

But Quidilla added they are hoping to get some leads as to the identity of the suspects based on the captured footages of the gas station’s installed closed-circuit television or security cameras.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582718

Troops, NPA clash in Bukidnon, 1 killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Troops, NPA clash in Bukidnon, 1 killed
 
A government trooper was killed in a clash with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the vicinity of a forest resort in Dahilayan, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, the military said on Monday.

Capt. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s Public Affairs Division here, identified the lone fatality as Private First Class Rudy Lamesa, a member of the army’s 8th Infantry Batallion based in Bukidnon.

Uy said the government troopers were on patrol in upper Dahilayan at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad when they encountered five communist rebels that triggered a five- minute gunbattle Saturday afternoon.

He said that the pursuing government troops noticed blood stains along the NPA rebels withdrawal route which indicated that some communist guerrillas might have been wounded in the firefight.

Uy said that the military has mounted pursuit operations against the communist NPA rebels who swooped down the “Mega Farm,” a piggery farm in Sil-ipon, Libona Wednesday morning.

The rebels hacked 500 hogs, killed 50 pigs, and burned the stockyard before fleeing the scene, he said.

George Madlos, aka “Ka Oris,” the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao, said on Friday that the attack was carried out by the NPA rebels to protest the low wages of farm workers.

Madlos warned that other companies in Mindanao who failed to extend benefits and fair wages to workers would also be subject of the NPA’s punitive action in the future.

Hong See, owner of the Mega Farm, said that the piggery employed residents, mostly members of the tribal communities, in the area.

He said that the farm has been in operation in Sil-ipon for more than 10 years. “It was the first time that the communist rebels attacked the piggery farm,” See said.

Uy said that the military has deployed troops to pursue the rebels in the hinterlands of Bukidnon since Thursday.

He said that the armed encounter last Saturday afternoon was the first since the military started the hot pursuit operations in the area after the rebels assaulted the Mega Farm.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582848

Military seizes illegal cut logs in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Military seizes illegal cut logs in Agusan del Sur

The military on Monday turned over to environmental officials here some 15 cubic meters of illegally cut logs intercepted in the hinterlands of San Luis in Agusan del Sur.

Lt. Col. Jose Leonard B. Gille, commander of the Army’s 26th Infantry Batallion based in Agusan del Sur, said that the government troopers intercepted the illegally cut logs of the “Lauan” species worth P12,000 in the village of Santa Ines Saturday afternoon.

He said that the troops also recovered another 340 illegally cut logs of mixed species of still undetermined amount Monday morning.

Gille said that the military has stepped up its campaign against illegal logging in Agusan del Sur in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the province.

Gille said that the military suspected that the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in cahoots with unscrupulous business groups were behind the illegal logging activities in the Agusan provinces.

The military officer also urged civilians and concerned citizens to report to authorities any suspected illegal logging activities in the area.

He said that the government would file appropriate charges to those found engaged in the illegal logging activity in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582850

Soldier wounded in fresh skirmish between gov’t troops and rebels in Miag-ao hinterlands

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Soldier wounded in fresh skirmish between gov’t troops and rebels in Miag-ao hinterlands

Recent armed skirmish between government forces and members of the rebel insurgents in the hinterlands of Miag-ao, Iloilo erupted on All Soul’s Day, Nov.2 that slightly wounded an army soldier.

Belated military report on Monday said the brief firefight between army soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels took place in Sitio Anoy, Brgy. Cabalunan, Miag-ao that wounded Pfc Cris Garbo of the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82IB) based in Camp Monteclro, Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Military authorities said a squad of army soldiers was conducting visibility patrol operation in the hinterlands of the said barangay evening of All Soul’s Day when they encountered a group of armed rebels.

Garbo’s right shoulder was scraped by a bullet during the brief exchange of gunfire that later saw the enemy withdrew towards the forested area.

The government troops immediately conducted hot pursuit operation against the fleeing rebels but had to call off the operation because of the darkness.

The government operating troops recovered in the scene of the encounter an M14 rifle, a fragmentation grenade, two rounds of M203 grenade launcher and three backpacks containing subversive documents.

The All Soul’s Day skirmish was the second encounter between the army soldiers and the enemy in a week’s time.

Last Tuesday, a 30-minute firefight between soldiers and rebels also took place in the boundary of barangays Dalipe and Alimodias where the enemy suffered an undetermined number of wounded cadres as evidenced by bloodstains found in the scene of the counter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=582901

Malik definitely dead - DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4): Malik definitely dead - DND chief

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday expressed his belief that Habier Malik, the rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF)commander who led the attack on Zamboanga City last September, is really dead.

He also said that if Malik was really alive, as claimed by ranking officials of the MNLF faction loyal to founding chair Nur Misuari, then the group should have presented proof long ago.

Gazmin said that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) made the same claim when the military neutralized its spokesperson Abu Sabaya.

But like Malik, the ASG is still to show their evidence that the latter is alive and well.

Gazmin said the government is exerting all efforts to apprehend Misuari to answer all the charges filed against him.

He also declined to comment about the MNLF founding chair's whereabouts adding that such matters are best not to be discussed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=582804

Reshuffle in key AFP posts

From Rappler (Nov 4): Reshuffle in key AFP posts

CRUCIAL POST: Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero is taking over as chief of Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command. File photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

CRUCIAL POST: Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero is taking over as chief of Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command. File photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

A Marine general is taking over command of the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), one of the most crucial and coveted posts in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lt General Rustico Guerrero, former Marine commandant and ex-chief of the Jolo-based anti-terrorism unit Task Force Comet, will be replacing Army Lt General Rey Ardo, who played a key role during the Zamboanga City siege. The turnover ceremony is scheduled on Saturday, November 9.

Guerrero will be plucked from his current command at the Western Command (Wescom) in Palawan.

"He is very qualified and has experience in the area. He is among our best officers in the area," said AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista, who confirmed Guerrero's new post in an interview with reporters on Monday, November 4.

Wesmincom commands troops dealing with the breakaway Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in central Mindanao and the Abu Sayyaf Group and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) operating in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

"He has a big responsibility," added Bautista. Guerrero takes the helm after the 20-day Zamboanga City standoff in September when followers of Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari attacked the city. The government vowed to secure the area to prevent the attack from happening again.

Bautista and Guerrero are classmates at the Philippine Military Academy (Class 1981).

Reshuffle

Guerrero's Wesmincom appointment triggers a reshuffle in two other posts.

Air Force Lt General Roy Deveraturda will be replacing Guerrero at Wescom in Palawan. The turnover ceremony is scheduled on Friday, November 8. "In Wescom, we usually appoint a navy or air force officer. General Deveraturda is very familiar with the situation there having been former J5 (deputy chief of staff for plans and programs). He is very aware of the strategic situation," Bautista said.

Wescom oversees the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), a territory where 6 countries including the Philippines and China having overlapping claims.

Maj General Bonafos, on the other hand, will take over the post of Deveraturda as chief of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom).

Bonafos is currently the chief of the Special Operations Command based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija. As Socom chief, he supervises the elite troops of the Armed Forces, the Scout Rangers and the Special Forces.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/42852-reshuffle-armed-forces-wesmincom

Habier Malik 'obviously' dead - Gazmin

From Rappler (Nov 4): Habier Malik 'obviously' dead - Gazmin

MISUARI'S TOP LIEUTENANT: Ustadz Habier Malik led hundreds of followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari in the Zamboanga City standoff

MISUARI'S TOP LIEUTENANT: Ustadz Habier Malik led hundreds of followers of MNLF founder Nur Misuari in the Zamboanga City standoff

It's been over a month since the end of the Zamboanga City standoff. Zamboangeños are slowly returning to their normal lives. But where is Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) commander Ustadz Habier Malik, who led the bloody siege?

He's "obviously dead," declared Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Monday, November 4. But Gazmin admitted "we don't have evidence" to prove it.

"If the claims of [MNLF spokesman Emmanuel] Fontanilla were true that Malik is alive, they should have shown him to us. It's been a while, we haven't seen him," Gazmin told reporters after the November 4 awarding ceremony for military heroes of the Zamboanga City siege.

Malik is the top lieutenant of MNLF founder Nur Misuari, who is believed to be the mastermind of the attack in Zamboanga. Malik and hundreds of his men sailed to the city on September 9 aiming to hoist their flag and declare their independence from government.

In a phone interview with Rappler at the height of the standoff, Malik expressed his frustration over the way the new peace with rival group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had supposedly superceded the government's 1996 agreement with the MNLF. (READ: Habier Malik: Trapped in the city he seized)

Western Mindanao Command Lieutenant General Rey Ardo also believes Malik died in Zamboanga during the standoff.

"I believe he was there, namatay," Ardo said. "We are still monitoring. It's possible he's just buried somewhere in Zamboanga," Ardo added.

Like Abu Sabaya?

Gazmin recalled a previous controversy over military claims that Abu Sayyaf Group commander Abu Sabaya was killed in a military operation in Sulu. "The same thing happened to Abu Sabaya. There were claims he wasn't dead. But up to now, Abu Sabaya has not surfaced," Gazmin added.

Sabaya was a spokesman of the Al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf Group. The military had said he was killed in November 2002 in an encounter at sea off Zamboanga Del Norte.

Gazmin acknowledged that justice won't be served until the people responsible for the Zamboanga attack are held accountable. "There's no justice in the sense that Misuari has not been arrested. As far as Malik is concerned, I think there's no issue about Malik anymore. They've been saying he is alive but we haven't seen him up to now," Gazmin said.

Gazmin assured the public that government will make sure Misuari will face justice. "We're exerting all efforts to get Misuari," he said.

Government has filed rebellion charges against Misuari, Malik and several other MNLF members before the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court. (READ: How to arrest a rebel like Nur Misuari)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/42873-habier-malik-obviously-dead-gazmin

Warning to Gazmin's critics: He is PNoy's hero

From Rappler (Nov 4): Warning to Gazmin's critics: He is PNoy's hero

FATHER FIGURE: Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has been a father figure to President Benigno Aquino III. Malacañang photo

FATHER FIGURE: Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has been a father figure to President Benigno Aquino III. Malacañang photo

It was the military's awarding ceremony for its heroes in the 20-day Zamboanga City standoff but in his speech, no one is a bigger hero to President Benigno Aquino III than Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
Aquino devoted a third of his speech to pay tribute to the defense chief who has recently been rumored to be on his way out. It was a speech that virtually killed such talks, if not warn those behind them. (READ: Gazmin on the way out?)

"I will ask you: Who will not appreciate a man like him (Secretary Voltaire Gazmin) whose service knows no time? I trust that our operations and strategies are in good hands because Secretary Volts is fearless and always in control," Aquino said in Filipino.
 
The President narrated how Gazmin protected his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, against a series of coups that sought to topple her administration. An Army general then, Gazmin was commander of Mrs Aquino's Presidential Security Group.
Like the Aquinos, Gazmin hails from Tarlac and was close to the late Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
 
"Let me share. My mother suffered through several coup attempts but Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was never demoralized. As the firefight broke out and the Air Force bombers were circling over us, he could have panicked. But he never left us. He chose to protect the republic and fight for democracy. Thank you Secretary Volts. Until this day, we owe you our debt of gratitude," Aquino said.
 
Gazmin told reporters he himself went to Malacañang recently to ask the President about rumors he was going to be asked to resign. Gazmin said the President told him: "Pinag-tri-tripan ka lang." (They're playing tricks on you.)
 
As Gazmin is known to wield influence on the President, he has been criticized for playing favorites and pushing for his chosen officers to lead plum posts in the military.
 
He also recently made false allegations that China was building concrete blocks in Panatag shoal, a potentially oil-rich rocky sandbar off the coast of Zambales.

To Gazmin, the President's speech on Monday "was a way of saying that the rumors are not true."
 
Gazmin believes there are people interested in his post. He leads the defense department at a time when the government is aggressively pursuing the modernization of the Armed Forces. Amid a worsening dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea, Aquino allocated at least P75 billion to finance the procurement of, among others, fighter jets for the air force and frigates for the navy.
 

Aquino leads AFP in rites to honor soldiers in Zambo siege

From InterAksyon (Nov 4): Aquino leads AFP in rites to honor soldiers in Zambo siege

President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led a ceremony honoring soldiers who were killed  in the three-week siege by hundreds of armed followers of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nurjulani “Nur” Misuari in Zamboanga City last September.

The attack killed more than 100, including innocent civilians, caused injuries to more than 200, and displaced more than 110,000 Zamboanguenos. Tens of thousands of residents remain in evacuation centers.

Misuari, his trusted lieutenant, Uztads Habier Malik, and about 160 others were charged with rebellion and for war crimes against humanity in connection with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Aquino thanked Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista for their successful handling of the crisis.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74090/aquino-leads-afp-in-rites-to-honor-soldiers-in-zambo-siege

Cops defuse 'powerful' bomb found in GenSan gas station

From InterAksyon (Nov 4): Cops defuse 'powerful' bomb found in GenSan gas station



An improvised bomb with battery and wires. FILE PHOTO FROM THE 3RD INFANTRY DIVISION

Explosive and ordnance operatives safely defused an improvised explosive that was recovered on Sunday night in a gasoline station at the city’s downtown area.

Senior Supt. Froilan Quidilla, city police director, said Monday the explosive was found at around 7:50 p.m. Sunday near a fuel dispenser by workers of the Petron service station on the Pedro Acharon Boulevard.

He said the bomb, which was placed in a plastic bag, was made up of two live 60 mm mortar shells, electrical wires, a blasting cord, and a mobile phone as its triggering device.

“It’s fortunate that it was recovered early and immediately disrupted by our EOD (explosives and ordnance disposal) team,” he said.

Filling attendant Joseph Pelaez told reporters that he initially noticed a white plastic bag that was left near one of their fuel dispensers.

He said he and his co-workers previously noticed two unidentified persons walking toward the dispenser but separately left soon after.

“I noticed some protruding electrical wires when I checked the plastic bag so I called the attention of our security guard,” Pelaez said.

Duty guard Aaron Mercado said he immediately noticed the bomb-like components inside the plastic bag so he carried it away from the fuel dispenser.

“It was quite heavy -- probably around two kilos,” he said.

After placing it in a nearby pathway, the security guard hastily left the area and reported the matter to the city police office.

Insp. Oliver Pauya, head of the city police’s EOD team, described the explosive’s makeup as crude but quite powerful.

He specifically cited the use of mobile phone, which is reportedly the easiest device to produce and assemble as a triggering mechanism for an explosive.

“It could have killed or maimed persons within a 20-meter radius if it had exploded,” he said.

Pauya stressed that the security guard should not have touched or moved the bomb after they found it near the fuel dispenser.

“Some explosives are motion-triggered and detonate by slight movement. The standard procedure is to immediately report the matter to the police for proper handling,” he said.

Meantime, Quidilla said the Police Regional Office 12’s crime laboratory unit is now evaluating the makeup of the recovered explosive.

“They’re specifically determining whether its makeup was similar to the bombs that previously exploded in Cagayan de Oro City,” he said.

The official refused to speculate on the identity of the suspects and its possible motive saying they are presently “looking at all angles.”

But Quidilla added that police are hoping to get some leads as to the identity of the suspects based on the footage of the gas station’s installed security cameras.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74096/cops-defuse-powerful-bomb-found-in-gensan-gas-station

Palace takes more cautious approach to reports on US surveillance network using PH

From InterAksyon (Nov 4): Palace takes more cautious approach to reports on US surveillance network using PH

Palace officials have taken a more cautious approach on reports citing leaked documents from Edward Snowden tagging the Philippines among the countries that United States intelligence agencies have used as hubs for tracking communications networks in Asia, pointing journalists to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In a press briefing Monday, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said, in response to queries from media, that "that report was apparently taken from published news items and it would not be appropriate for me to make an official comment at this time."

Coloma added that "matters like these are within the purview of both the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the DND (Department of Defense)."

Last week, Coloma had said the two agencies will be asked to look into the matter, after Australian media—followed a few days later by US media—reported that a document leaked by whistle-blower Snowden showed a map in Asia where there were “listening posts” of the US National Security Agency (NSA).

Others listed were Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.

The revelations of the Asian “spying hubs” came as the US grappled with the fallout from revelations that it had spied even on heads of key allies, notably Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Vienna Convention rules

The DFA, meanwhile, said the Philippines will act according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations once it is proven that Manila is included in a US-led surveillance network. DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a briefing, “The functions of the embassy are governed by the treaty . . . Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We expect countries to be guided by this principle and respect the laws and procedures.”

At trhe same time, he said, matters pertaining to spying and clandestine surveillance must be reviewed by security agencies that have the mandate and the resources for such. “If any information is given to us by these agencies, then the department will act accordingly. They [diplomatic missions] have to follow the rules and regulations of the host country. If there is a determination by security agencies, we will be able to act accordingly,” Hernandez said.

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations protects the functions of the United Nations, the diplomatic missions and other international organizations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74130/palace-takes-more-cautious-approach-to-reports-on-us-surveillance-network-using-ph

Decorated marine commander takes over Western Mindanao Command

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 4): Decorated marine commander takes over Western Mindanao Command



A Philippine Marine file photo of Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero

A decorated marine commander whose brilliant career made him one of the best in the Philippine military has been named as the next chief of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Command headquarters in Palawan province, is set to take over Lieutenant General Rey Ardo who is retiring this week.

Ardo was the military commander when hundreds of separatist rebels simultaneous attacked Zamboanga City in September. More than 400 people were killed and wounded in three weeks of street battles that also resulted in a humanitarian crisis.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, Guerrero served as military chief in Basilan and Sulu provinces and later commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps and one of the most respected military leaders today.

He finished his Masters of Military Study and Command and Staff College in Marine Corps University in Virginia in the United States and also took up Foreign Officers Tactical Intelligence Course in Queensland in Australia, among others.

Local journalists also welcomed the assumption of Guerrero as new commander of the Western Mindanao Command headquarters as he is known to be “media-friendly” and is easily accessible to reporters unlike his predecessors and other previous commanders and spokesmen who hid news reports from the media in an effort to picture a peaceful Mindanao.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/decorated-marine-commander-takes-over.html