From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 5): Gov't troops foil suspected NPA firearms, ammo delivery
Troops of the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police on Sunday apprehended two persons suspected of delivering high-powered firearms to New People’s Army (NPA) combatants in T’boli town, this province.
PSupt Jemuel Siason, acting T’boli police chief, said recovered from the suspects were 4 AK-47 rifles, 15 long magazines loaded with ammunitions, 326 live ammunitions for AK-47 and 106 ammunitions for M-14 rifles
Also in their possession were subversive documents, including an assault plan of a target area where a police detachment is located.
Siason pointed out, the rebels could possibly have planned to attack an armory.
“Based on intelligence reports the suspects, although living in Tulunan, North Cotabato and Norala, this province, originated from Compostela Valley area,” Siason said.
He alleged, still based on gathered intelligence information, the two were members of the NPA’s Regionwide Area Committee.
In a separate report, Capt. William Rodriguez, spokesperson of the 1002nd Brigade, recounted that elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion, 4th Maneuver Company of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-12 acted upon an intelligence report that said NPA operatives will be transporting firearms from Tulunan, North Cotabato.
An unnamed reliable source, he said, indicated that a red Mitsubishi Lancer with plate number PGF 172 will be used for this purpose.
The combined forces conducted a joint checkpoint operations at 2:00 at vicinity Barangay Centrala, Surallah, South Cotabato.
At around 4:00 p.m. the subject vehicle passed by aforesaid checkpoint but did not stop despite being flagged-down by the law enforcers.
Government troops, onboard military and PNP vehicles, immediately conducted pursuit operations and successfully apprehended said vehicle at Barangay Sinolon, T’boli, South Cotabato after a 5-minute car chase, Rodriguez said.
On March 20, this year, at least 15 NPA combatants attacked a community police assistance center (COMPAC) sa Barangay Sinolon. Two civilians and a police officer were wounded in the incident.
Lieutenant Col. Shalimar Imperial, commander of the 27th Infantry Battalion, said that the remaining NPAs in T’boli and Lake Sebu, mostly coming from other provinces, are already desperate of their failed recruitment effort in the area.
He said that the NPAs already resorted to using the lure to handle high-powered weapons to recruit.
He added the rebel group is now focusing on the members of the indigenous community in far-flung areas, particularly the out-of-school youth.
Imperial urged the NPAs to return to the folds of the law and accept the amnesty program of the government so that genuine peace and stability will finally reign in these far-flung areas.
On September 16, 19 NPA surrenderees received initial cash assistance amounting to P10,000 each from the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).
Livelihood assistance worth P50,000 each was already handed down by OPAPP to the provincial LGU and will soon be released to the former rebels once they have already undergone the required livelihood training this month of November to prepare them to be integrated to the mainstream of society.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1611383639075
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Indigenous people abandon armed struggle
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 6): Indigenous people abandon armed struggle
Some 101 household members of the indigenous people of the Tribu Bukidnon in Barangay San Agustin, Isabela town abandoned the armed struggle and vowed to become a peaceful community.
Tribe members pledged, October 31, as part of the Indigenous People’s Month celebration to exercise non-violence in their community as IP Tribal Chieftain Jacinto Dadlis turned over the red flag of the New People’s Army to Governor Alfredo Mara?on Jr.
At the turn-over, Daldis expressed they do not seek violence anymore instead, they want to go on with their lives practicing and enriching their culture and tradition as a tribe.
“We trust and lift our hope to the government that’s why I decided to turn over the flag instead of burning it,” Daldis said in the dialect.
The IPs acknowledged the significant role of the Bayanihan Teams in the area as an eye-opener.
A tribe member said that through the soldiers’ constant dialogue, visibility, and efforts in listening and resolving their issues, coupled with the delivery of basic services, all they realized the flawed ideology inculcated by the New People’s Army to them.
“There is indeed a government; we were used and blinded” shared one of the IPs whose name is withheld for security reasons.
Meanwhile, Mara?on expressed his appreciation for the Tribu Bukidnon for deciding to return in the mainstream.
In return, the provincial government offered for the construction of Grades 1 and 2 Public Classroom, construction of public road for Sitio Mahupaho, Hanging Bridges crossing the three (3) rivers and Water pipe needed for four villages linking from one house to another.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Jon N. Aying said that in celebrating and commemorating the Indigenous People’s Month, we remember the richness of our ancestors’ culture and tradition.
“This 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”
Aying said.Mara?on urged the IPs to continue their way of living nurturing their ancestral domain culture.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1031383708298
Some 101 household members of the indigenous people of the Tribu Bukidnon in Barangay San Agustin, Isabela town abandoned the armed struggle and vowed to become a peaceful community.
Tribe members pledged, October 31, as part of the Indigenous People’s Month celebration to exercise non-violence in their community as IP Tribal Chieftain Jacinto Dadlis turned over the red flag of the New People’s Army to Governor Alfredo Mara?on Jr.
At the turn-over, Daldis expressed they do not seek violence anymore instead, they want to go on with their lives practicing and enriching their culture and tradition as a tribe.
“We trust and lift our hope to the government that’s why I decided to turn over the flag instead of burning it,” Daldis said in the dialect.
The IPs acknowledged the significant role of the Bayanihan Teams in the area as an eye-opener.
A tribe member said that through the soldiers’ constant dialogue, visibility, and efforts in listening and resolving their issues, coupled with the delivery of basic services, all they realized the flawed ideology inculcated by the New People’s Army to them.
“There is indeed a government; we were used and blinded” shared one of the IPs whose name is withheld for security reasons.
Meanwhile, Mara?on expressed his appreciation for the Tribu Bukidnon for deciding to return in the mainstream.
In return, the provincial government offered for the construction of Grades 1 and 2 Public Classroom, construction of public road for Sitio Mahupaho, Hanging Bridges crossing the three (3) rivers and Water pipe needed for four villages linking from one house to another.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Jon N. Aying said that in celebrating and commemorating the Indigenous People’s Month, we remember the richness of our ancestors’ culture and tradition.
“This 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”
Aying said.Mara?on urged the IPs to continue their way of living nurturing their ancestral domain culture.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1031383708298
Eastern Mindanao Command units on alert for 'Yolanda'
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): Eastern Mindanao Command units on alert for 'Yolanda'
With super typhoon "Yolanda" forecast to enter the Philippine territory Thursday morning, the Eastern Mindanao Command announced it has place all its its air and sea assets on alert for possible disaster relief rescue operations.
"All available air and sea assets (of the Eastern Mindanao Command) are on stand-by alert for possible disaster relief rescue operations," said command spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber.
"Yolanda" is expected to traverse westward across Regions 4A, 4B, 5 6, 7, and 8 until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility sometime Saturday evening to Sunday morning.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=583828
With super typhoon "Yolanda" forecast to enter the Philippine territory Thursday morning, the Eastern Mindanao Command announced it has place all its its air and sea assets on alert for possible disaster relief rescue operations.
"All available air and sea assets (of the Eastern Mindanao Command) are on stand-by alert for possible disaster relief rescue operations," said command spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber.
"Yolanda" is expected to traverse westward across Regions 4A, 4B, 5 6, 7, and 8 until it exits the Philippine Area of Responsibility sometime Saturday evening to Sunday morning.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=583828
Abu Sayyaf militants abduct 2 workers
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 6): Abu Sayyaf militants abduct 2 workers
Al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants have abducted two employees of a telecommunications company in the southern Philippines, the latest captives by a ransom-seeking group that still holds other hostages, including two European tourists, officials said Wednesday.
Marine Col. Jose Cenabre said three men were traveling on motorcycles after inspecting a cellphone transmission facility when they were stopped by about 10 Abu Sayyaf gunmen Tuesday in mountainous Patikul town in Sulu province.
One of the three managed to escape while they were being dragged into the jungle.
Marines looking for the gunmen and their victims later took into custody a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant for questioning, Cenabre said by telephone from Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province about 950 kilometers (590 miles) south of Manila.
Government troops normally provide security for workers involved in infrastructure projects, but the abducted men did not ask for military escorts, he said.
Although weakened by years of military setbacks, the Abu Sayyaf group remains a security threat and holds several hostages, including two European birdwatchers and a Jordanian journalist.
Such abductions are far fewer today than the numerous kidnappings that terrorized Sulu and outlying provinces in the early 2000s.
http://www.mb.com.ph/abu-sayyaf-militants-abduct-2-workers/
Al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf militants have abducted two employees of a telecommunications company in the southern Philippines, the latest captives by a ransom-seeking group that still holds other hostages, including two European tourists, officials said Wednesday.
Marine Col. Jose Cenabre said three men were traveling on motorcycles after inspecting a cellphone transmission facility when they were stopped by about 10 Abu Sayyaf gunmen Tuesday in mountainous Patikul town in Sulu province.
One of the three managed to escape while they were being dragged into the jungle.
Marines looking for the gunmen and their victims later took into custody a suspected Abu Sayyaf militant for questioning, Cenabre said by telephone from Sulu, a predominantly Muslim province about 950 kilometers (590 miles) south of Manila.
Government troops normally provide security for workers involved in infrastructure projects, but the abducted men did not ask for military escorts, he said.
Although weakened by years of military setbacks, the Abu Sayyaf group remains a security threat and holds several hostages, including two European birdwatchers and a Jordanian journalist.
Such abductions are far fewer today than the numerous kidnappings that terrorized Sulu and outlying provinces in the early 2000s.
http://www.mb.com.ph/abu-sayyaf-militants-abduct-2-workers/
Rebels to get P100,000 for guns
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 6): Rebels to get P100,000 for guns
Eleven members of the New People’s Army Yunit Militia who gave themselves up to the Army’ 11th Infantry Battalion, and surrendered 17 firearms as well explosives, are expected to receive P100,000 this month, its Civil Military Operations officer, 1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, said yesterday.
Eight of the 11 former rebels who are residents of Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla surrendered 13 firearms, that included seven 357 magnum revolvers, a .45 caliber pistol, .38 caliber revolver, four shotguns, 41 live ammunition and three magazines of .45 caliber pistols.
Two other former rebels from Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, also surrendered two M72 anti-tank weapons, 12 rifle grenades and 60mm mortar ammunition, military records show.
Their surrender came several days after a rebel amazon, whose identity is also being withheld by the military, surrendered M-16 and M-14 rifles to the 11thInfantry Battalion. Under the AFP Guns for Peace Program. She received P90,500 cash in exchange for the high-powered firearms she surrendered.
Gomez said the government is paying P45,000 to P60,000 for M-16 or M-14 rifles,and P1,000 to P5,000 for low-powered firearms.
He added that the AFP Guns for Peace Program played a significant role in encouraging rebels to surrender their hidden guns.
Last week, three more members of the NPA Yunit Militia in Isabela, Negros Occidental, received P5,000 for surrendering four homemade firearms to the 11th Infantry Battalion.
For light machine gun (M173, M60, M1919, Minimi, Ultimax), the cash equivalent ranges from P93,000 to P214,000, sub-machine gun (Aug Styr, Colt M653, M3, UZI, MK9 and HK MP5) P35,000 to P150,000, military records show.
The 30 caliber machine gun has a cash equivalent of P95,000 and heavy machine gun P388,000.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/06/topstory7.htm
Eleven members of the New People’s Army Yunit Militia who gave themselves up to the Army’ 11th Infantry Battalion, and surrendered 17 firearms as well explosives, are expected to receive P100,000 this month, its Civil Military Operations officer, 1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, said yesterday.
Eight of the 11 former rebels who are residents of Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla surrendered 13 firearms, that included seven 357 magnum revolvers, a .45 caliber pistol, .38 caliber revolver, four shotguns, 41 live ammunition and three magazines of .45 caliber pistols.
Two other former rebels from Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, also surrendered two M72 anti-tank weapons, 12 rifle grenades and 60mm mortar ammunition, military records show.
Their surrender came several days after a rebel amazon, whose identity is also being withheld by the military, surrendered M-16 and M-14 rifles to the 11thInfantry Battalion. Under the AFP Guns for Peace Program. She received P90,500 cash in exchange for the high-powered firearms she surrendered.
Gomez said the government is paying P45,000 to P60,000 for M-16 or M-14 rifles,and P1,000 to P5,000 for low-powered firearms.
He added that the AFP Guns for Peace Program played a significant role in encouraging rebels to surrender their hidden guns.
Last week, three more members of the NPA Yunit Militia in Isabela, Negros Occidental, received P5,000 for surrendering four homemade firearms to the 11th Infantry Battalion.
For light machine gun (M173, M60, M1919, Minimi, Ultimax), the cash equivalent ranges from P93,000 to P214,000, sub-machine gun (Aug Styr, Colt M653, M3, UZI, MK9 and HK MP5) P35,000 to P150,000, military records show.
The 30 caliber machine gun has a cash equivalent of P95,000 and heavy machine gun P388,000.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/06/topstory7.htm
Negrense Army general peacemaker in Mindanao
From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 6): Negrense Army general peacemaker in Mindanao
Lt. Gen., Rey Ardo, who is retiring from the military service on Nov. 9, was instrumental in the signing of the framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government.
Ardo, who is from Fabrica, Sagay City, ends on Saturday more than 35 years of military service, as commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command.
Ardo was reportedly popular in the Central Mindanao provinces for his community projects supporting the GPH-MILF talks, while serving as chairperson of the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) coordinating committee for the cessation of hostilities between the AFP and MILF, and later as commanding general of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“The Mindanao problem is best addressed through diplomatic, `convergence-type resolution,’ an approach that has to involve all sectors. It cannot be won by guns and bullets alone,” Ardo said.
The 6ID supervises three Army infantry brigades in Central Mindanao, including that of the 602nd Infantry Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro, that is stationed in Carmen, North Cotabato.
Tomaro, who is from Brgy. Tapi, Kabankalan City, also helped Ardo in the realization of the MILF-GRP framework agreement, military records also show.
Ardo said the nagging Moro issue is best resolved through "convergence" of diplomatic efforts by local sectors, leaders of Moro fronts, the political communities and local government units in Moro-dominated areas.
Local leaders and peace activists from Mindanao asked Malacañang to replace Ardo with an officer who has a record of peace-building in communities covered by the 1997 ceasefire accord between the government and the MILF.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the AFP Western Command, has been named as his successor. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1981.
Ardo, who commands the entire AFP units in Western Mindanao, called on the 6ID soldiers to continue pursuing peace while resolving security problems in Moro areas through traditional conflict-resolution practices.
On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III conferred on Ardo a Distinguished Service Star, in recognition of his exemplary leadership in handling the Zamboanga crisis last month.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/06/topstory4.htm
Lt. Gen., Rey Ardo, who is retiring from the military service on Nov. 9, was instrumental in the signing of the framework agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government.
Ardo, who is from Fabrica, Sagay City, ends on Saturday more than 35 years of military service, as commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command.
Ardo was reportedly popular in the Central Mindanao provinces for his community projects supporting the GPH-MILF talks, while serving as chairperson of the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) coordinating committee for the cessation of hostilities between the AFP and MILF, and later as commanding general of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
“The Mindanao problem is best addressed through diplomatic, `convergence-type resolution,’ an approach that has to involve all sectors. It cannot be won by guns and bullets alone,” Ardo said.
The 6ID supervises three Army infantry brigades in Central Mindanao, including that of the 602nd Infantry Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro, that is stationed in Carmen, North Cotabato.
Tomaro, who is from Brgy. Tapi, Kabankalan City, also helped Ardo in the realization of the MILF-GRP framework agreement, military records also show.
Ardo said the nagging Moro issue is best resolved through "convergence" of diplomatic efforts by local sectors, leaders of Moro fronts, the political communities and local government units in Moro-dominated areas.
Local leaders and peace activists from Mindanao asked Malacañang to replace Ardo with an officer who has a record of peace-building in communities covered by the 1997 ceasefire accord between the government and the MILF.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the AFP Western Command, has been named as his successor. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1981.
Ardo, who commands the entire AFP units in Western Mindanao, called on the 6ID soldiers to continue pursuing peace while resolving security problems in Moro areas through traditional conflict-resolution practices.
On Monday, President Benigno Aquino III conferred on Ardo a Distinguished Service Star, in recognition of his exemplary leadership in handling the Zamboanga crisis last month.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/06/topstory4.htm
DND chief hopeful that impasse in IRP talks will be resolved
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): DND chief hopeful that impasse in IRP talks will be resolved
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Wednesday admitted that there is an impasse between the Philippine and American panels' ongoing talks regarding the Framework Agreement for the Increased Rotational Presence (IRP) but expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved.
"I don't think the talks will collapse, I am very optimistic that the issue will be resolved," he added.
The issue Gazmin was referring to was the fact that theUS panel wants to limit the Philippines
The Philippine side wants equal access.
He added that this matter is currently under negotiation as all aspects of the IRP should be beneficial to the country in the long run.
"Eventually, (we are hoping) that both parties will come to an understanding," Gazmin stressed.
American and Filipino negotiators, on the fourth round of talks for the Framework Agreement on the Increased Rotational Presence (IRP), have admitted to encountering some "gaps" during the course of their two-day meeting inManila
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=583576
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Wednesday admitted that there is an impasse between the Philippine and American panels' ongoing talks regarding the Framework Agreement for the Increased Rotational Presence (IRP) but expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved.
"I don't think the talks will collapse, I am very optimistic that the issue will be resolved," he added.
The issue Gazmin was referring to was the fact that the
The Philippine side wants equal access.
He added that this matter is currently under negotiation as all aspects of the IRP should be beneficial to the country in the long run.
"Eventually, (we are hoping) that both parties will come to an understanding," Gazmin stressed.
American and Filipino negotiators, on the fourth round of talks for the Framework Agreement on the Increased Rotational Presence (IRP), have admitted to encountering some "gaps" during the course of their two-day meeting in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=583576
PA says 5 soldiers in Zamboanga City looting incident still detained
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): PA says 5 soldiers in Zamboanga City looting incident still detained
The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that the five soldiers involved in a looting incident inZamboanga
City
The five are now being held at theArmy
Custodial Center
at PA headquarters in Fort
Bonifacio
"Though the PA is serious in employing due sanctions and punishment to erring personnel, it still believes that the five Army personnel are still entitled to due process and the benefit of a fair investigation," Army deputy public affairs chief Capt. Anthony Bacus said.
At present, the investigating team is in the process of interviewing witnesses before it can conclude the investigation and determine the culpability of the accused soldiers.
Bacus added that it shall also seek legal opinion from the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office.
"If there exists probable cause that would warrant the filing of administrative cases against the five, then the case shall be referred to the General Court Martial," he stressed.
As a matter of procedure and for security reasons, the PA decided not to disclose yet the names of the accused.
"The PA maintains that it would not tolerate any acts perpetrated by its personnel that will affect the integrity and reputation of the entire institution. If proven guilty, the accused shall be dealt with proper sanction accordingly," Bacus pointed out.
Guided by theArmy
Transformation Road
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=583620
The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday announced that the five soldiers involved in a looting incident in
The five are now being held at the
"Though the PA is serious in employing due sanctions and punishment to erring personnel, it still believes that the five Army personnel are still entitled to due process and the benefit of a fair investigation," Army deputy public affairs chief Capt. Anthony Bacus said.
At present, the investigating team is in the process of interviewing witnesses before it can conclude the investigation and determine the culpability of the accused soldiers.
Bacus added that it shall also seek legal opinion from the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office.
"If there exists probable cause that would warrant the filing of administrative cases against the five, then the case shall be referred to the General Court Martial," he stressed.
As a matter of procedure and for security reasons, the PA decided not to disclose yet the names of the accused.
"The PA maintains that it would not tolerate any acts perpetrated by its personnel that will affect the integrity and reputation of the entire institution. If proven guilty, the accused shall be dealt with proper sanction accordingly," Bacus pointed out.
Guided by the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=583620
Arrested bomber transported to Manila
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6): Arrested bomber transported to Manila
One of the country’s most wanted men nabbed by the operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) was flown toManila
Chief Supt. Joe Wilson Denamarca, CIDG-ARMM director, identified the arrested bomber as Kaharudin Lakman Silungan alias Commander Tata Dagada, a long-wanted bomb-maker hiding in Maguindanao.
Silongan was tailed by agents while on board a multicab vehicle in Esperansa, Sultan Kudarat, around 9:00 a.m. Tuesday and later arrested in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Accordingly, Silongan is listed as the country’s 17th most wanted person with a bounty of P1.5-million on his head.
Silongan is linked behind the series of bombings inMindanao
in 2007 that included a blast incident in this city.
The suspect is also facing charges of murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder with case number 551-2007 before Judge Rogelio Narisma of RTC Branch 23.
Due to this, he was presented to Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista who made his commendation to the apprehending CIDG operatives.
Silongan is an expert bomb-maker hired by various terror groups in the region.
The arrested suspect was immediately transported toDavao
City for a flight to Manila
Denamarca explained that Silongan is a high-risk criminal and needed to be transferred for detention at the maximum Bicutan prison facility inTaguig City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=583599
One of the country’s most wanted men nabbed by the operatives of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) was flown to
Chief Supt. Joe Wilson Denamarca, CIDG-ARMM director, identified the arrested bomber as Kaharudin Lakman Silungan alias Commander Tata Dagada, a long-wanted bomb-maker hiding in Maguindanao.
Silongan was tailed by agents while on board a multicab vehicle in Esperansa, Sultan Kudarat, around 9:00 a.m. Tuesday and later arrested in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Accordingly, Silongan is listed as the country’s 17th most wanted person with a bounty of P1.5-million on his head.
Silongan is linked behind the series of bombings in
The suspect is also facing charges of murder, multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder with case number 551-2007 before Judge Rogelio Narisma of RTC Branch 23.
Due to this, he was presented to Kidapawan City Mayor Joseph Evangelista who made his commendation to the apprehending CIDG operatives.
Silongan is an expert bomb-maker hired by various terror groups in the region.
The arrested suspect was immediately transported to
Denamarca explained that Silongan is a high-risk criminal and needed to be transferred for detention at the maximum Bicutan prison facility in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=583599
PH-US NEGOTIATIONS | Language, equal benefits, equal access hound panels
From InterAksyon (Nov 6): PH-US NEGOTIATIONS | Language, equal benefits, equal access hound panels
After nearly a century of cozy defense partnership, the United States and its former colony the Philippines are apparently finding it’s not that easy to update the terms of endearment as they negotiate an accord expanding US access to the former host of its largest military bases in Asia.
Choice of word or language, equal benefits, and equal access are among the difficult hurdles facing Philippine and United States panels that have thus far met four times, with a fifth meeting still with an unknown schedule.
The panels are working to craft a framework agreement that would give American forces greater access to Philippine military facilities, a notion that has riled nationalists but is seen to be supported by pragmatists who see the US as still the best buffer against perceived Chinese aggression in the region. They reckon that with the Philippine defense modernization program still in fits and starts, an arrangement with the lone superpower could provide some security blanket, literally.
“It is at the stage where there is negotiation. So, it’s a give and take process. Right now, we have not agreed on the issues raised which we call the language. Dun pa lang ay may mga problema na ng konti," Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in an interview.
Both panels had already met four times since negotiations started last August in the Philippines. The chair of the Philippine panel, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, said “Wala pang definite date,” when asked about the fifth meeting.
Batino said negotiations were concentrated “on some core provisions” to ensure the country will not be at a disadvantage.
The other members of the panel are Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta, Defense Assistant Secretary Raymond Jose, and Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan.
Heading the US panel is Eric John, a senior negotiator for Military Agreements of the State Department who was also among the negotiators in the formulation of the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Gazmin dismissed speculations the negotiation might collapse because of some disagreements on certain proposed provisions.
“There are indeed issues they want but which we don’t. Certain things we want but which they reject. We will keep talking till we reach an agreement,” Gazmin said. “I don’t think it will collapse. I am very optimistic na mare-resolve din yung mga issues. Siyempre, medyo mabigat sa umpisa but eventually magkakaroon ng prosesong magkakaintidihan ‘yan. Kaya nga nine-negotiate natin e. Everything should be beneficial to the Philippines, that is the major idea,” he added.
The idea of giving greater access to American forces into Philippine soil cropped up because of the expanding presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)--in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal) in Masinloc, Zambales and Ayungin Reef in Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74259/ph-us-negotiations--language-equal-benefits-equal-access-hound-panels
After nearly a century of cozy defense partnership, the United States and its former colony the Philippines are apparently finding it’s not that easy to update the terms of endearment as they negotiate an accord expanding US access to the former host of its largest military bases in Asia.
Choice of word or language, equal benefits, and equal access are among the difficult hurdles facing Philippine and United States panels that have thus far met four times, with a fifth meeting still with an unknown schedule.
The panels are working to craft a framework agreement that would give American forces greater access to Philippine military facilities, a notion that has riled nationalists but is seen to be supported by pragmatists who see the US as still the best buffer against perceived Chinese aggression in the region. They reckon that with the Philippine defense modernization program still in fits and starts, an arrangement with the lone superpower could provide some security blanket, literally.
“It is at the stage where there is negotiation. So, it’s a give and take process. Right now, we have not agreed on the issues raised which we call the language. Dun pa lang ay may mga problema na ng konti," Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in an interview.
Both panels had already met four times since negotiations started last August in the Philippines. The chair of the Philippine panel, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, said “Wala pang definite date,” when asked about the fifth meeting.
Batino said negotiations were concentrated “on some core provisions” to ensure the country will not be at a disadvantage.
The other members of the panel are Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos Sorreta, Defense Assistant Secretary Raymond Jose, and Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan.
Heading the US panel is Eric John, a senior negotiator for Military Agreements of the State Department who was also among the negotiators in the formulation of the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).
Gazmin dismissed speculations the negotiation might collapse because of some disagreements on certain proposed provisions.
“There are indeed issues they want but which we don’t. Certain things we want but which they reject. We will keep talking till we reach an agreement,” Gazmin said. “I don’t think it will collapse. I am very optimistic na mare-resolve din yung mga issues. Siyempre, medyo mabigat sa umpisa but eventually magkakaroon ng prosesong magkakaintidihan ‘yan. Kaya nga nine-negotiate natin e. Everything should be beneficial to the Philippines, that is the major idea,” he added.
The idea of giving greater access to American forces into Philippine soil cropped up because of the expanding presence of Chinese vessels in Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)--in Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag or Scarborough Shoal) in Masinloc, Zambales and Ayungin Reef in Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74259/ph-us-negotiations--language-equal-benefits-equal-access-hound-panels
2 Globe Telecom contractors seized in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 6): 2 Globe Telecom contractors seized in Southern Philippines
A group of gunmen seized two Filipino contractors working for Globe Telecom in the southernPhilippines
Police said an operation was launched to search for technician Nasri Abubakar, 40, and broadband antenna installer Dennis Aluba, 30, who were both abducted in thevillage of Latih
"We are still searching for the victims and we still don’t know what is the motive behind the abduction or whether the Abu Sayyaf was involved in this," Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the provincial police chief, told regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said the victims - of QTel Company based inZamboanga City
It was unknown why soldiers failed to detect the presence of gunmen in the village. There was no immediate statement from the town mayor Kabir Hayudini about the latest abduction.
Yoly Crisanto, head for Globe Corporate Communications, said the incident was very unfortunate.
She said the two victims are technical staff of QTel which was tapped by Nippon Electric Company to set-up network transmission requirement in the area as contractor of Globe.
"We have assisted our sub-contractor QTel in reporting the incident to the military. Globe will cooperate fully with the authorities as necessary. We empathize with the families of the victims and we are hopeful for their safe recovery," Crisanto said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Just last month, suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen also seized a hardware store owner, Archie Hablo, in Patikul town. The 29-year old Hablo, whose family owns the Sincere Enterprises in Jolo town, was travelling on a motorcycle with his brother Miko when gunmen, who were in a jeep, blocked their path and seized the businessman.
Hablo’s brother managed to run and escape and reported the incident to authorities.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several Filipinos and foreigners kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi province and Sulu. The Abu Sayyaf rebels have been largely blamed for many ransom kidnappings in the southern region.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/2-globe-telecom-contractors-seized-in.html
A group of gunmen seized two Filipino contractors working for Globe Telecom in the southern
Police said an operation was launched to search for technician Nasri Abubakar, 40, and broadband antenna installer Dennis Aluba, 30, who were both abducted in the
"We are still searching for the victims and we still don’t know what is the motive behind the abduction or whether the Abu Sayyaf was involved in this," Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, the provincial police chief, told regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said the victims - of QTel Company based in
It was unknown why soldiers failed to detect the presence of gunmen in the village. There was no immediate statement from the town mayor Kabir Hayudini about the latest abduction.
Yoly Crisanto, head for Globe Corporate Communications, said the incident was very unfortunate.
She said the two victims are technical staff of QTel which was tapped by Nippon Electric Company to set-up network transmission requirement in the area as contractor of Globe.
"We have assisted our sub-contractor QTel in reporting the incident to the military. Globe will cooperate fully with the authorities as necessary. We empathize with the families of the victims and we are hopeful for their safe recovery," Crisanto said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.
Just last month, suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen also seized a hardware store owner, Archie Hablo, in Patikul town. The 29-year old Hablo, whose family owns the Sincere Enterprises in Jolo town, was travelling on a motorcycle with his brother Miko when gunmen, who were in a jeep, blocked their path and seized the businessman.
Hablo’s brother managed to run and escape and reported the incident to authorities.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several Filipinos and foreigners kidnapped in Tawi-Tawi province and Sulu. The Abu Sayyaf rebels have been largely blamed for many ransom kidnappings in the southern region.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/2-globe-telecom-contractors-seized-in.html
False text messages trigger panic in Zamboanga school
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 6): False text messages trigger panic in Zamboanga school
Frantic parents rushed Wednesday to a school to fetch their children after receiving text messages alleging that a new fighting between security and rebel forces erupted inZamboanga City in southern Philippines
Frantic parents rushed Wednesday to a school to fetch their children after receiving text messages alleging that a new fighting between security and rebel forces erupted in
The text scare disrupted classes
in Talon-Talon village. School officials tried to calm down the children as
parents panicked by the reports which turned out false.
The text message said the
fighting broke out in the neighboring village of Mampang
One woman also rushed to the
school to get her child and told the other about the fighting which triggered
panic among other parents.
“The report is negative. There
is no fighting and there is no truth to the report,” policeman PO2 Nurail Fajal
told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said the only incident in
Mampang was the accidental explosion of an oxygen cylinder which killed one
worker. “That’s the only report we have in Mampang where one person was killed
(in the oxygen cylinder blast),” he said.
Authorities have previously
warned the public against spreading unverified text messages which can cause
panic and fear. This after three weeks of fighting between troops and Moro
National Liberation Front rebels in September left over 400 people dead and
wounded.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)