From InterAksyon (Feb 20): High-powered firearms recovered from BIFF after brief firefight in Maguindanao
The military recovered high-powered firearms from Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) forces in Maguindanao around 3 p.m. Wednesday.
According to 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army spokesman Colonel Dickson Hermoso, troops from the Bravo Company of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Nabundas, Shariff Saydona Mustapha when suspected BIFF forces fired at them.
The firefight lasted some ten minutes before the rebels retreated toward the Liguasan Marsh and military reinforcements came, he said.
No military personnel were hurt but Hermoso wasn’t sure if the rebels suffered any casualty.
Among those recovered were two M16-Armalite rifles and one M14.
Pursuit operations are ongoing.
The BIFF split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which entered into a peace agreement with the Philippine government in efforts to end the violence in Mindanao.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81123/high-powered-firearms-recovered-from-biff-after-brief-firefight-in-maguindanao
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
More NPA rebels in Negros
From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 20): More NPA rebels in Negros
There are more New People’s Army rebels in Negros island than Panay, although less in barangays under the influence of the rebel group, military records show.
Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises the internal peace and security operations in Negros and Panay islands, reported that there are still about 233 NPA rebels in three guerilla fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, with firearms estimated at 230.
KR-Negros is chaired by priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, who has a P5 million bounty for his arrest.
During its peak in the late 1980’s, the NPA had more than 2,000 armed members in Negros island, military records also show.
The Panay Island Regional Party Committee has an armed strength of 170 with 146 firearms. It also has 77 rebel-affected barangays, Baladad said.
He also reported that the South East Front in Negros Oriental, that used to be under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas (KSRB), has 23 remaining members and is now under the supervision of KR-Negros, after the KSRB moved out of Negros island.
In 2013, the 3ID infantry units in Negros and Panay figured in 12 encounters with NPA rebels, with 11 of them killed, 17 captured, while 44 others surrendered. They also recovered 12 high-powered firearms, majority of which are seized by the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Sagay City and Toboso, military records also showed.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/20/topstory8.htm
There are more New People’s Army rebels in Negros island than Panay, although less in barangays under the influence of the rebel group, military records show.
Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who supervises the internal peace and security operations in Negros and Panay islands, reported that there are still about 233 NPA rebels in three guerilla fronts of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, with firearms estimated at 230.
KR-Negros is chaired by priest-turned-rebel Frank Fernandez, who has a P5 million bounty for his arrest.
During its peak in the late 1980’s, the NPA had more than 2,000 armed members in Negros island, military records also show.
The Panay Island Regional Party Committee has an armed strength of 170 with 146 firearms. It also has 77 rebel-affected barangays, Baladad said.
He also reported that the South East Front in Negros Oriental, that used to be under the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas (KSRB), has 23 remaining members and is now under the supervision of KR-Negros, after the KSRB moved out of Negros island.
In 2013, the 3ID infantry units in Negros and Panay figured in 12 encounters with NPA rebels, with 11 of them killed, 17 captured, while 44 others surrendered. They also recovered 12 high-powered firearms, majority of which are seized by the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Sagay City and Toboso, military records also showed.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/20/topstory8.htm
Army welcomes kids of Moro rebels in camp
From the Philippine Star (Feb 19): Army welcomes kids of Moro rebels in camp
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu shakes hand with Army officers that volunteered to help in the joint foreign jobs placement project, open to 25,000 applicants, of the provincial government and 6th Infantry Division, launched at Camp Siongco on Tuesday. (JOHN UNSON)
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Tuesday opened the gates of Camp Siongco to children of Moro rebels and dependents of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who may qualify for foreign employment under a placement program intended for 25,000 applicants.
The employment project “Light for Work” is a joint undertaking of the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, the 6th ID, and the provincial league of mayors, in support of the socio-economic component of the Mindanao peace process.
Mangudadatu and the commander of 6th ID, Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, launched the project on Tuesday at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in the first district of the province.
Officials of 6th ID, which has jurisdiction over Maguindanao and surrounding towns in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, will help, along with government-accredited recruitment agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment, in facilitating the employment in the Middle East of qualified applicants from local communities.
Mangudadatu said local executives in the 36 Maguindanao towns shall also assist in the documentation of applicants from barangays under their respective offices.
“This is one way of addressing human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities of syndicates preying on hapless residents in the province,” Mangudadatu said.
Maguindanao accounts for most number of documented human trafficking cases in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with unsuspecting victims coming mostly from areas made poor by armed conflicts.
Gapuz said applicants can come to Camp Siongco during work days and ask for assistance from a placement center inside the camp.
Gapuz and Mangudadatu both said their target of facilitating the employment of 25,000 qualified workers to the Middle East is not just for residents of Maguindanao, but also for interested applicants from surrounding provinces.
Mangudadatu said children and dependents of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the BIFF, are free to avail themselves of the massive job placement process, the first ever in the 40-year political history of the province.
Mayor Ramon Piang of North Upi town in the first district of Maguindanao, a former member of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, said their LGU will fund the processing of all documents and clearances needed by applicants from their municipality.
“This Light for Work project is a very good project. It will help hasten the attainment of peace in Maguindanao by providing employment to local residents,” said Piang an ethnic Teduray chieftain, who, as government negotiator, helped craft the power-sharing annex to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.
Mangudadatu said the implementation of the project will be coordinated closely with the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.
"This is being implemented in support of the socio-economic component of the government-MILF peace initiative, which aims to alleviate from poverty all impoverished and underdeveloped Moro communities," Mangudadatu said.
Gapuz and Mangudadatu also jointly launched on Tuesday the provincial government’s street lighting project inside Camp Siongco using solar-powered facilities.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/19/1292214/army-welcomes-kids-moro-rebels-camp
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu shakes hand with Army officers that volunteered to help in the joint foreign jobs placement project, open to 25,000 applicants, of the provincial government and 6th Infantry Division, launched at Camp Siongco on Tuesday. (JOHN UNSON)
The Army’s 6th Infantry Division on Tuesday opened the gates of Camp Siongco to children of Moro rebels and dependents of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters who may qualify for foreign employment under a placement program intended for 25,000 applicants.
The employment project “Light for Work” is a joint undertaking of the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, the 6th ID, and the provincial league of mayors, in support of the socio-economic component of the Mindanao peace process.
Mangudadatu and the commander of 6th ID, Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, launched the project on Tuesday at Camp Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in the first district of the province.
Officials of 6th ID, which has jurisdiction over Maguindanao and surrounding towns in North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, will help, along with government-accredited recruitment agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment, in facilitating the employment in the Middle East of qualified applicants from local communities.
Mangudadatu said local executives in the 36 Maguindanao towns shall also assist in the documentation of applicants from barangays under their respective offices.
“This is one way of addressing human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities of syndicates preying on hapless residents in the province,” Mangudadatu said.
Maguindanao accounts for most number of documented human trafficking cases in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with unsuspecting victims coming mostly from areas made poor by armed conflicts.
Gapuz said applicants can come to Camp Siongco during work days and ask for assistance from a placement center inside the camp.
Gapuz and Mangudadatu both said their target of facilitating the employment of 25,000 qualified workers to the Middle East is not just for residents of Maguindanao, but also for interested applicants from surrounding provinces.
Mangudadatu said children and dependents of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the BIFF, are free to avail themselves of the massive job placement process, the first ever in the 40-year political history of the province.
Mayor Ramon Piang of North Upi town in the first district of Maguindanao, a former member of the government panel negotiating with the MILF, said their LGU will fund the processing of all documents and clearances needed by applicants from their municipality.
“This Light for Work project is a very good project. It will help hasten the attainment of peace in Maguindanao by providing employment to local residents,” said Piang an ethnic Teduray chieftain, who, as government negotiator, helped craft the power-sharing annex to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.
Mangudadatu said the implementation of the project will be coordinated closely with the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles.
"This is being implemented in support of the socio-economic component of the government-MILF peace initiative, which aims to alleviate from poverty all impoverished and underdeveloped Moro communities," Mangudadatu said.
Gapuz and Mangudadatu also jointly launched on Tuesday the provincial government’s street lighting project inside Camp Siongco using solar-powered facilities.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/19/1292214/army-welcomes-kids-moro-rebels-camp
Supporters of slain Afghanistan-trained bomber may retaliate - military
From the Philippine Star (Feb 19): Supporters of slain Afghanistan-trained bomber may retaliate - military
Authorities are anticipating possible retaliatory attacks by followers of a notorious Moro bomber killed by lawmen on Monday in Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao.
Yusoph Kusain, also known as Commander TMX, said to have undergone training in fabrication of home-made explosives by Taliban instructors in Kandahar, Afganistan, was killed by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for resisting arrest.
CIDG agents were forced to neutralize Kusain when he pulled out a handgun from his waist and opened fire as they tried to peacefully convince him to yield during a raid at his hideout in a secluded village in Datu Paglas town in the second district of Maguindanao.
Kusain is wanted for a series of deadly bombings between 2006 and 2009, including an attack at a multi-national tuna cannery in General Santos City.
Two of the policemen in the team that raided Kusain’s lair were wounded in the ensuing shootout.
Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police, said the lawmen who tried to serve Kusain the arrest warrant managed to locate his whereabouts with the help of local officials and barangay leaders.
Sources from the Army’s intelligence community said Kusain had links with both the Al-Qaeda and its Asian cell, the Jemaah Islamiya.
Delos Reyes said he had alerted the provincial police offices in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur to guard against possible retaliations by the followers of Kusain.
Kusain’s group has reportedly been critical about the on-going peace overture between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said units of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have also deployed plainclothes operatives in bus terminals and public markets to help the police thwart possible retaliatory attacks by cohorts of the slain bomber.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/19/1292175/supporters-slain-afghanistan-trained-bomber-may-retaliate-military
Authorities are anticipating possible retaliatory attacks by followers of a notorious Moro bomber killed by lawmen on Monday in Datu Paglas town in Maguindanao.
Yusoph Kusain, also known as Commander TMX, said to have undergone training in fabrication of home-made explosives by Taliban instructors in Kandahar, Afganistan, was killed by agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for resisting arrest.
CIDG agents were forced to neutralize Kusain when he pulled out a handgun from his waist and opened fire as they tried to peacefully convince him to yield during a raid at his hideout in a secluded village in Datu Paglas town in the second district of Maguindanao.
Kusain is wanted for a series of deadly bombings between 2006 and 2009, including an attack at a multi-national tuna cannery in General Santos City.
Two of the policemen in the team that raided Kusain’s lair were wounded in the ensuing shootout.
Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police, said the lawmen who tried to serve Kusain the arrest warrant managed to locate his whereabouts with the help of local officials and barangay leaders.
Sources from the Army’s intelligence community said Kusain had links with both the Al-Qaeda and its Asian cell, the Jemaah Islamiya.
Delos Reyes said he had alerted the provincial police offices in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur to guard against possible retaliations by the followers of Kusain.
Kusain’s group has reportedly been critical about the on-going peace overture between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said units of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have also deployed plainclothes operatives in bus terminals and public markets to help the police thwart possible retaliatory attacks by cohorts of the slain bomber.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/19/1292175/supporters-slain-afghanistan-trained-bomber-may-retaliate-military
MNLF: MILF leader, men defect over turnover of guns
From the Philippine Star (Feb 20): MNLF: MILF leader, men defect over turnover of guns
A top field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and his men defected to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as they oppose the proposed turnover of their firearms under the peace agreement with the government.
MNLF central committee political director Haji Gaful Hadjirul said an MILF commander he identified as Uztad Zamsodin and over a thousand of his men had taken their oath of allegiance to the MNLF in ceremonies held somewhere in Central Mindanao.
“Zamsodin, a legendary Moro warrior, and his men are now back to the mainstream MNLF,” Hadjirul said.
Hadjirul said news of the disarmament of MILF members has triggered an exodus of hardcore rebels who refused to yield their guns to the government.
“A Moro warrior would rather die than surrender his firearm,” he said.
According to Hadjirul, other MILF commanders also sent feelers to rejoin the mainstream rebel group from various parts of Mindanao.
The Annex on Normalization in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed last month by the government and the MILF deals with decommissioning the armed wing of the MILF and outlines the steps to disarm private armies in the proposed Bangsamoro area.
The decommissioning means the armed combatants of the MILF should turn over their weapons to a third party agreed upon by both panels.
Hadjirul gave assurance that the MNLF would continue to pursue its goals through peaceful means even with the defection of the MILF combatants to their ranks.
MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said the defection of MILF rebels is expected because a firearm is a symbol of “maritabat” (pride and freedom) of a Moro warrior.
“For centuries Moro warriors (have carried) their guns; you take that away and you take their pride and freedom,” he said.
Fontanilla said the 1996 peace agreement of the MNLF with the government has fully recognized the Moro tradition of keeping a gun for security reasons.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/20/1292250/mnlf-milf-leader-men-defect-over-turnover-guns
A top field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and his men defected to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as they oppose the proposed turnover of their firearms under the peace agreement with the government.
MNLF central committee political director Haji Gaful Hadjirul said an MILF commander he identified as Uztad Zamsodin and over a thousand of his men had taken their oath of allegiance to the MNLF in ceremonies held somewhere in Central Mindanao.
“Zamsodin, a legendary Moro warrior, and his men are now back to the mainstream MNLF,” Hadjirul said.
Hadjirul said news of the disarmament of MILF members has triggered an exodus of hardcore rebels who refused to yield their guns to the government.
“A Moro warrior would rather die than surrender his firearm,” he said.
According to Hadjirul, other MILF commanders also sent feelers to rejoin the mainstream rebel group from various parts of Mindanao.
The decommissioning means the armed combatants of the MILF should turn over their weapons to a third party agreed upon by both panels.
Hadjirul gave assurance that the MNLF would continue to pursue its goals through peaceful means even with the defection of the MILF combatants to their ranks.
MNLF spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said the defection of MILF rebels is expected because a firearm is a symbol of “maritabat” (pride and freedom) of a Moro warrior.
“For centuries Moro warriors (have carried) their guns; you take that away and you take their pride and freedom,” he said.
Fontanilla said the 1996 peace agreement of the MNLF with the government has fully recognized the Moro tradition of keeping a gun for security reasons.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/02/20/1292250/mnlf-milf-leader-men-defect-over-turnover-guns
PAMANA projects inaugurated in 2 Palawan towns
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): PAMANA projects inaugurated in 2 Palawan towns
Two Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) were formally inaugurated inPalawan this week.
The first was the turnover ceremony of a multi-purpose gym in the southern Palawan town ofAborlan
The next was a 2-kilometer farm-to-market road at Sitio Bukid-Bukid, Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza.
The event was witnessed by Director Yusop A. Paraji of the Bangsamoro Office, OPPAP on February 18 with Aborlan Vice Mayor Ariston Madeja, and Frank Paduga, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
In a message Thursday, Paraji expressed gratitude to the warm welcome he received from the residents and local government officials of Aborlan and Bataraza, whose support is important to the realization of the projects.
“If there is no support like this from the LGU, and the people of Aborlan and Bataraza, these projects will not be completed,” Paraji said, adding he will study the possibility of adding more for beneficiaries inPalawan .
Paduga, representing Governor Jose Alvarez, also thanked the OPPAP for choosingPalawan as recipient of the two
projects of PAMANA.
He told Paraji that the governor fully supports any similar project of the OPPAP, and the provincial government is willing to share in the funding for community development.
Aside from the farm-to-market road in Bataraza, the OPPAP also inaugurated two classrooms in Barangay Sapa costing P2.4 million.
Sapa barangay chairman Julhane Aslie also thanked OPAPP saying the two classrooms can accommodate more students in their community, and assist the goal of the municipality to upgrade Bataraza’s educational standard for its young people.
“We hope that this is not the last project that OPPAP will fund in our barangay. We need more classrooms here for our children so, that we will no longer send them faraway to other barangays to get education,” Aslie said.
PAMANA is the national government’s program "that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected areas, ensuring that they are not left behind.”
Its design and delivery is conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting to ensure peace is maintained in the community.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617976
Two Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) projects of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) were formally inaugurated in
The first was the turnover ceremony of a multi-purpose gym in the southern Palawan town of
The next was a 2-kilometer farm-to-market road at Sitio Bukid-Bukid, Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza.
The event was witnessed by Director Yusop A. Paraji of the Bangsamoro Office, OPPAP on February 18 with Aborlan Vice Mayor Ariston Madeja, and Frank Paduga, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
In a message Thursday, Paraji expressed gratitude to the warm welcome he received from the residents and local government officials of Aborlan and Bataraza, whose support is important to the realization of the projects.
“If there is no support like this from the LGU, and the people of Aborlan and Bataraza, these projects will not be completed,” Paraji said, adding he will study the possibility of adding more for beneficiaries in
Paduga, representing Governor Jose Alvarez, also thanked the OPPAP for choosing
He told Paraji that the governor fully supports any similar project of the OPPAP, and the provincial government is willing to share in the funding for community development.
Aside from the farm-to-market road in Bataraza, the OPPAP also inaugurated two classrooms in Barangay Sapa costing P2.4 million.
Sapa barangay chairman Julhane Aslie also thanked OPAPP saying the two classrooms can accommodate more students in their community, and assist the goal of the municipality to upgrade Bataraza’s educational standard for its young people.
“We hope that this is not the last project that OPPAP will fund in our barangay. We need more classrooms here for our children so, that we will no longer send them faraway to other barangays to get education,” Aslie said.
PAMANA is the national government’s program "that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected areas, ensuring that they are not left behind.”
Its design and delivery is conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting to ensure peace is maintained in the community.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617976
Army camp turns into recruitment agency in support of peace process
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Army camp turns into recruitment agency in support of peace process
CAMP SIONGCO
From launching pad of major military operations in Maguindanao and nearby areas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID)headquarters here has opened the gates ofCamp Siongco
Mangudadatu's office and Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6th ID chief, joined hands to provide employment opportunities for Moro rebels and their dependents find foreign employment under a placement program intended for 25,000 applicants.
"This is in support of the province, the military and other local officials for the socio-economic component of theMindanao
peace process," Mangudadatu said of the employment thrust dubbed as
"Light for Work Project."
Maguindanao and 6th ID will join efforts along with government-accredited recruitment agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment in the recruitment program.
Mangudadatu said the local mayors of 36 towns will help facilitate the documentation of applicants from their respective areas.
“This will help address human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities of syndicates targeting our poor people," he said, adding poor Maguindanaons are easy prey of opportunists recruiters.
Interested applicants can visitCamp
Siongco
Both Gapuz and Mangudadatu are eyeing to facilitate employment of 25,000 qualified workers to theMiddle East .
"This project is open not only for Maguindanaons but for those coming from other provinces under our AOR (area of jurisdiction)," Gapuz told reporters.
Mangudadatu said children of BIFF or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front can avail of the program provided they do not carry firearms in applying.
Mangudadatu said the implementation of the project was done in closely coordinating with the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Deles.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618018
From launching pad of major military operations in Maguindanao and nearby areas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID)headquarters here has opened the gates of
Mangudadatu's office and Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, 6th ID chief, joined hands to provide employment opportunities for Moro rebels and their dependents find foreign employment under a placement program intended for 25,000 applicants.
"This is in support of the province, the military and other local officials for the socio-economic component of the
Maguindanao and 6th ID will join efforts along with government-accredited recruitment agencies, and the Department of Labor and Employment in the recruitment program.
Mangudadatu said the local mayors of 36 towns will help facilitate the documentation of applicants from their respective areas.
“This will help address human trafficking and illegal recruitment activities of syndicates targeting our poor people," he said, adding poor Maguindanaons are easy prey of opportunists recruiters.
Interested applicants can visit
Both Gapuz and Mangudadatu are eyeing to facilitate employment of 25,000 qualified workers to the
"This project is open not only for Maguindanaons but for those coming from other provinces under our AOR (area of jurisdiction)," Gapuz told reporters.
Mangudadatu said children of BIFF or the Moro Islamic Liberation Front can avail of the program provided they do not carry firearms in applying.
Mangudadatu said the implementation of the project was done in closely coordinating with the office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Deles.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618018
3 BIFF hurt in clash with Army in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): 3 BIFF hurt in clash with Army in Maguindanao
Three members of the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt in a clash with government forces in Maguindanao on Thursday, the Army here said.
Three assault rifles were also recovered following a clash between BIFF and elements of the 45th Infantry Battalion in a remote village in the borders of Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano towns in Maguindanao, according to Colonel Dickson Hermoso.
Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said government forces and BIFF guerrillas, led by Imam Tambako, opened fire at patrolling troops of the 45th IB at abou 7:00 a.m. in Mamasapano, triggering a 30-minute firefight.
Hermoso said the rebels fled to the Maguindanao marshland bringing with them three wounded comrades but left their rifles.
“The firearms were recovered along the escape route of the BIFF rebels,” Hermoso said, adding that the firearms, M-14 and M-16 Armalite rifles were stained with blood.
While the Army ceased massive manhunt against the BIFF following a major encounter in early February, soldiers continue conducing regular patrol operation in areas believed to be area of operation of the BIFF.
Hermoso said pursuit operation was still going on.
Following the fall of its major camp in Datu Shariff Saydona, the BIFF had split into smaller groups and mingled with the civilians, according to Hermoso.
At least 52 rebels and a soldier were killed in two weeks air and ground assaults by government forces against BIFF forces in Maguindanao which also displaced closed to 10,000 people.
Normalcy has been restored in affected towns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618027
Three members of the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt in a clash with government forces in Maguindanao on Thursday, the Army here said.
Three assault rifles were also recovered following a clash between BIFF and elements of the 45th Infantry Battalion in a remote village in the borders of Shariff Saydona and Mamasapano towns in Maguindanao, according to Colonel Dickson Hermoso.
Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao, said government forces and BIFF guerrillas, led by Imam Tambako, opened fire at patrolling troops of the 45th IB at abou 7:00 a.m. in Mamasapano, triggering a 30-minute firefight.
Hermoso said the rebels fled to the Maguindanao marshland bringing with them three wounded comrades but left their rifles.
“The firearms were recovered along the escape route of the BIFF rebels,” Hermoso said, adding that the firearms, M-14 and M-16 Armalite rifles were stained with blood.
While the Army ceased massive manhunt against the BIFF following a major encounter in early February, soldiers continue conducing regular patrol operation in areas believed to be area of operation of the BIFF.
Hermoso said pursuit operation was still going on.
Following the fall of its major camp in Datu Shariff Saydona, the BIFF had split into smaller groups and mingled with the civilians, according to Hermoso.
At least 52 rebels and a soldier were killed in two weeks air and ground assaults by government forces against BIFF forces in Maguindanao which also displaced closed to 10,000 people.
Normalcy has been restored in affected towns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618027
Troops launch operation to rescue abducted Zambo businesswoman
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Troops launch operation to rescue abducted Zambo businesswoman
Zamboanga City -- In its bid to rescue a businesswoman abducted by unidentified gunmen in this city, government forces launched an operation Thursday against six heavily armed men who at gunpoint, snatched a lady cosmetics dealer from her residence Wednesday evening, police said.
Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca said they have immediately coordinated with the military forces to be on the lookout for a motorized banca carrying the gunmen and a woman.
The victim, Sabrina Ikbala Voon was abducted by six gunmen from her residence around 8:56 p.m. Wednesday in Calle Pohoc, Barangay Mercedes, some 12.75 kilometers east of this city.
Voon, 28, is into cosmetic products’ trading.
Huesca said investigation showed the suspects managed to gain entry into the residence of Voon when the victim’s mother, Isabel, opened the gate when one of the gunmen knocked on their gate.
The suspects poked guns on the occupants, seized the victim and sped towards the inner portion of Barangay Mercedes aboard a white van with registered plate number GPH-851, Huesca said.
He said that policemen from the Police Station 4 headed by Senior Insp. Helen Galvez recovered the van in Sitio Gapuh, Barangay Talabaan, 18.45 kilometers east of here.
He said the gunmen and the victims were not around and were believed to have boarded a motorized banca.
The getaway vehicle turned out to have been rented by the suspects from a local rent-a-car firm, Galvez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618071
Zamboanga City -- In its bid to rescue a businesswoman abducted by unidentified gunmen in this city, government forces launched an operation Thursday against six heavily armed men who at gunpoint, snatched a lady cosmetics dealer from her residence Wednesday evening, police said.
Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca said they have immediately coordinated with the military forces to be on the lookout for a motorized banca carrying the gunmen and a woman.
The victim, Sabrina Ikbala Voon was abducted by six gunmen from her residence around 8:56 p.m. Wednesday in Calle Pohoc, Barangay Mercedes, some 12.75 kilometers east of this city.
Voon, 28, is into cosmetic products’ trading.
Huesca said investigation showed the suspects managed to gain entry into the residence of Voon when the victim’s mother, Isabel, opened the gate when one of the gunmen knocked on their gate.
The suspects poked guns on the occupants, seized the victim and sped towards the inner portion of Barangay Mercedes aboard a white van with registered plate number GPH-851, Huesca said.
He said that policemen from the Police Station 4 headed by Senior Insp. Helen Galvez recovered the van in Sitio Gapuh, Barangay Talabaan, 18.45 kilometers east of here.
He said the gunmen and the victims were not around and were believed to have boarded a motorized banca.
The getaway vehicle turned out to have been rented by the suspects from a local rent-a-car firm, Galvez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=618071
Cadets bound by 'Honor Code' -- PMA
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): Cadets bound by 'Honor Code' -- PMA
Despite the furor caused by the recommended dismissal of Cadet Jeff Aldren Cudia for alleged violations of the "Honor Code", the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Thursday stressed that all trainees of the institution are duty bound to adhere to the above-mentioned precepts.
"The development of character and integrity among the cadets is a fundamental objective of the PMA," Academy public affairs chief Major Agnes Lynnette A. Flores said.
She added that the "Honor Code" and the "Honor System" are among the primary instruments in attaining this objective.
Flores said this is a unique system, which
molds all the cadets to develop themselves into upright leaders of tomorrow.
"Members of the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) are bound by the 'Honor Code' which they swore to uphold. The essence of the 'Honor Code' is that the cadets do not lie, cheat, steal nor tolerate among them those who do. The 'Honor Code' is absolute and it does not distinguish between the degree of the offense committed. Once they lied, cheated, stole or tolerated the commission of these offenses, there is only one punishment – separation," the PMA public affairs office chief stressed.
"Cadet Cudia’s case is not an issue about being late in class. While it started as a violation of the regulations, which is coming to class late, the findings of the preliminary investigation conducted revealed a possibility of Cadet Cudia violating the 'Honor Code' which led to the opening of formal investigation by the 'Honor Committee'. While the Academy recognizes his academic performance, this does not exempt him from strict observance of the Code," she pointed out.
Flores stressed that the PMA has observed
due process in the matter.
"The case folder bearing the recommendation of the PMA Superintendent for his separation from military service has been duly endorsed to higher headquarters in the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
for appropriate action. In line with this, the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of
the Philippines
"As the breeding ground for future leaders of the AFP, PMA will continue to uphold the tenets of the 'Honor Code' which have been emplaced for generations. This code takes its roots within the heart and continues to live on long after each cadet graduates from the Philippine Military Academy. This binds the Cadet Corps with its alumni or the members of the long gray line,"Flores stated.
And while saddened by the turn of events, she stressed that the PMA cannot be selective in its application of the "Honor Code".
"We are deeply saddened in seeing such great talent go. But the PMA, and the Cadet Corps, in particular cannot be selective in its application of the Code regardless of a cadet’s academic performance and even personal circumstances," she concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617968
Despite the furor caused by the recommended dismissal of Cadet Jeff Aldren Cudia for alleged violations of the "Honor Code", the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Thursday stressed that all trainees of the institution are duty bound to adhere to the above-mentioned precepts.
"The development of character and integrity among the cadets is a fundamental objective of the PMA," Academy public affairs chief Major Agnes Lynnette A. Flores said.
She added that the "Honor Code" and the "Honor System" are among the primary instruments in attaining this objective.
"Members of the Cadet Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP) are bound by the 'Honor Code' which they swore to uphold. The essence of the 'Honor Code' is that the cadets do not lie, cheat, steal nor tolerate among them those who do. The 'Honor Code' is absolute and it does not distinguish between the degree of the offense committed. Once they lied, cheated, stole or tolerated the commission of these offenses, there is only one punishment – separation," the PMA public affairs office chief stressed.
"Cadet Cudia’s case is not an issue about being late in class. While it started as a violation of the regulations, which is coming to class late, the findings of the preliminary investigation conducted revealed a possibility of Cadet Cudia violating the 'Honor Code' which led to the opening of formal investigation by the 'Honor Committee'. While the Academy recognizes his academic performance, this does not exempt him from strict observance of the Code," she pointed out.
"The case folder bearing the recommendation of the PMA Superintendent for his separation from military service has been duly endorsed to higher headquarters in the Armed Forces of the
"As the breeding ground for future leaders of the AFP, PMA will continue to uphold the tenets of the 'Honor Code' which have been emplaced for generations. This code takes its roots within the heart and continues to live on long after each cadet graduates from the Philippine Military Academy. This binds the Cadet Corps with its alumni or the members of the long gray line,"
And while saddened by the turn of events, she stressed that the PMA cannot be selective in its application of the "Honor Code".
"We are deeply saddened in seeing such great talent go. But the PMA, and the Cadet Corps, in particular cannot be selective in its application of the Code regardless of a cadet’s academic performance and even personal circumstances," she concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617968
IPSP 'Bayanihan' a choice of living peacefully or continued armed struggle --AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): IPSP 'Bayanihan' a choice of living peacefully or continued armed struggle --AFP
Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan," which the military is using in its campaign to eliminate insurgency, is basically a choice between living in peace or continued armed struggle and violence, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Thursday.
"In this campaign plan, there is a choice between continuous armed struggle, continuous violence, and conflict, killings that we have had for the last four decades, and, on the other hand, peace and prosperity and that's exactly what 'Bayanihan' is," he said.
The IPSP was implemented late in 2010. Its emphasis is to conduct community development missions in areas known to be rebel enclaves, thus depriving the New People's Army (NPA) of a mass base.
The AFP chief said that "Bayanihan" was crafted jointly with civilian stakeholders.
"Bayanihan was crafted not just by the Armed Forces alone but with the help of our civilian stakeholders. We involved our stakeholders in the crafting of this plan for it to be more comprehensive and so that we are able to address all aspects of insurgency and also generate that support," he stressed.
And through "Bayanihan," Bautista said that the AFP, through its peace and development teams, is bringing the message that the government is working for the betterment of the lives of the people.
"Bayanihan teams that are sent in the barangays are tasked to find out the situation there, and to find out what are the issues that the NPA is using to agitate them (the people) to join the armed struggle and hopefully cause a solution to those issues," he added.
"We are a third-world country but definitely we present to them that the solution to our problems is not to kill fellow Filipinos but instead to join hands in the true Filipino spirit of Bayanihan," the AFP chief stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617967
Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Bayanihan," which the military is using in its campaign to eliminate insurgency, is basically a choice between living in peace or continued armed struggle and violence, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Thursday.
"In this campaign plan, there is a choice between continuous armed struggle, continuous violence, and conflict, killings that we have had for the last four decades, and, on the other hand, peace and prosperity and that's exactly what 'Bayanihan' is," he said.
The IPSP was implemented late in 2010. Its emphasis is to conduct community development missions in areas known to be rebel enclaves, thus depriving the New People's Army (NPA) of a mass base.
The AFP chief said that "Bayanihan" was crafted jointly with civilian stakeholders.
"Bayanihan was crafted not just by the Armed Forces alone but with the help of our civilian stakeholders. We involved our stakeholders in the crafting of this plan for it to be more comprehensive and so that we are able to address all aspects of insurgency and also generate that support," he stressed.
And through "Bayanihan," Bautista said that the AFP, through its peace and development teams, is bringing the message that the government is working for the betterment of the lives of the people.
"Bayanihan teams that are sent in the barangays are tasked to find out the situation there, and to find out what are the issues that the NPA is using to agitate them (the people) to join the armed struggle and hopefully cause a solution to those issues," he added.
"We are a third-world country but definitely we present to them that the solution to our problems is not to kill fellow Filipinos but instead to join hands in the true Filipino spirit of Bayanihan," the AFP chief stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617967
DND chief says MSGC good for military transparency efforts
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 20): DND chief says MSGC good for military transparency efforts
Department of National Defense (DND) secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday said the decision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to launch its Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) will do much for its transparency efforts.
Ground work started 2013 and will end in 2028.
"We envision a truly professional capable AFP so we decided to invite experts from the different sectors, aside from the military, so that mistakes inside the system can be corrected," Gazmin stressed.
MSGC efforts are aimed at improving transparency in the military and its core values of honor, service, and patriotism.
The establishment of the MSGC highlights the AFP’s thrust in pursuing genuine reforms in the military, particularly in promoting good governance, while actively involving and engaging other government agencies and the civil sector, he added.
MSGC members include Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Chairman of Institute for Solidarity in Asia; former Ambassador Lauro Baja; Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta, Assistant Secretary for Policy of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Dr. Alfredo Pascual, President, University of the Philippines; Ambassador Cesar Bautista, Co-Chair, National Competitiveness Council; and Father Jose M. Cruz, Dean, Ateneo School of Social Sciences.
Also taking part are Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Founder, Teach Peace-Build Peace; Prof Solita Collas-Monsod, Professor, University of the Philippines; Honorable Mel Sarmiento, Representative, 1st District Western Samar; Dr Jose Ramon Albert, President, Philippine Statistical Association; Atty Avelino Cruz, former Secretary of National Defense; and Gina Lopez, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation.
The MSGC is in line with the AFP Transformation Roadmap (TR), a 15-year strategy geared towards capability development and professionalization.
To implement the AFPTR, the AFP adopted the Performance Governance System, a local adaptation of Kaplan & Norton’s Balanced Scorecard.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=618047
Department of National Defense (DND) secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday said the decision of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to launch its Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) will do much for its transparency efforts.
Ground work started 2013 and will end in 2028.
"We envision a truly professional capable AFP so we decided to invite experts from the different sectors, aside from the military, so that mistakes inside the system can be corrected," Gazmin stressed.
MSGC efforts are aimed at improving transparency in the military and its core values of honor, service, and patriotism.
The establishment of the MSGC highlights the AFP’s thrust in pursuing genuine reforms in the military, particularly in promoting good governance, while actively involving and engaging other government agencies and the civil sector, he added.
MSGC members include Dr. Jesus Estanislao, Chairman of Institute for Solidarity in Asia; former Ambassador Lauro Baja; Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta, Assistant Secretary for Policy of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Dr. Alfredo Pascual, President, University of the Philippines; Ambassador Cesar Bautista, Co-Chair, National Competitiveness Council; and Father Jose M. Cruz, Dean, Ateneo School of Social Sciences.
Also taking part are Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, Founder, Teach Peace-Build Peace; Prof Solita Collas-Monsod, Professor, University of the Philippines; Honorable Mel Sarmiento, Representative, 1st District Western Samar; Dr Jose Ramon Albert, President, Philippine Statistical Association; Atty Avelino Cruz, former Secretary of National Defense; and Gina Lopez, Managing Director, ABS-CBN Foundation.
The MSGC is in line with the AFP Transformation Roadmap (TR), a 15-year strategy geared towards capability development and professionalization.
To implement the AFPTR, the AFP adopted the Performance Governance System, a local adaptation of Kaplan & Norton’s Balanced Scorecard.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=618047
AFP wages war vs tooth decay
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 19): AFP wages war vs tooth decay
Acting chief of the AFP Dental Service, Colonel Valeriano G. Tiama (right) presents the Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, the dental mobile van of the AFP that would soon be completed./ AFP Public Affairs
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is waging war against many things, and one of them is tooth decay.
In a statement, the AFP said it is expanding oral health awareness among its troops and for the military to focus more on its mandate.
The 7th AFP Dental Service Health Fair was held on Wednesday at the General Headquarters canopy area.
“Imagine if we achieved zero tooth decay among our troops, we can save
resources and focus more on the real mandate of the armed forces,” said Colonel Valeriano Tiama, chief of AFP Dental Service.
Lectures and information drives will be conducted in AFP dental installations across the country.
“It cannot be denied that tooth decay is still among the prevalent diseases of Filipinos, more so, among our soldiers. According to the Department of Health, 92.4 percent of Filipinos have tooth decay. Thus, it is imperative that we should strengthen our program in the prevention rather than the cure of the disease,” said Lieutenant General Virgilio Domingo, the AFP deputy chief of staff, in his speech.
The activity was attended by civilian and military dentists, students and soldiers in line with the celebration of the National Dental Health Month.
A dental booth, trade exhibits and product demonstrations were held. A dental mobile van that would soon be unveiled was also showcased.
The AFP Dental Service has 214 military dentists. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/579208/afp-wages-war-vs-tooth-decay
Acting chief of the AFP Dental Service, Colonel Valeriano G. Tiama (right) presents the Lt. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, the dental mobile van of the AFP that would soon be completed./ AFP Public Affairs
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is waging war against many things, and one of them is tooth decay.
In a statement, the AFP said it is expanding oral health awareness among its troops and for the military to focus more on its mandate.
The 7th AFP Dental Service Health Fair was held on Wednesday at the General Headquarters canopy area.
“Imagine if we achieved zero tooth decay among our troops, we can save
resources and focus more on the real mandate of the armed forces,” said Colonel Valeriano Tiama, chief of AFP Dental Service. Lectures and information drives will be conducted in AFP dental installations across the country.
“It cannot be denied that tooth decay is still among the prevalent diseases of Filipinos, more so, among our soldiers. According to the Department of Health, 92.4 percent of Filipinos have tooth decay. Thus, it is imperative that we should strengthen our program in the prevention rather than the cure of the disease,” said Lieutenant General Virgilio Domingo, the AFP deputy chief of staff, in his speech.
The activity was attended by civilian and military dentists, students and soldiers in line with the celebration of the National Dental Health Month.
A dental booth, trade exhibits and product demonstrations were held. A dental mobile van
that would soon be unveiled was also showcased. The AFP Dental Service has 214 military dentists. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/579208/afp-wages-war-vs-tooth-decay
Burgos case haunts intel chief Eduardo Año
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 20): Burgos case haunts intel chief Eduardo Año
As he gets his second star, Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, the military’s intelligence chief, expressed hope that the time will come when the Jonas Burgos case would no longer be appended to his name.
“I hope that time will come. I will be happier if the case would no longer be associated with me,” Año told the Inquirer by phone on Wednesday.
The Senate’s Commission on Appointments has confirmed Año’s promotion to major general as well as his interim appointment as chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Año reiterated that he was never involved in the disappearance of Burgos nearly seven years ago.
Burgos, an activist-farmer and son of the late press freedom icon Jose Burgos Jr., was believed to have been abducted by soldiers while eating at a fast-food restaurant in a Quezon City mall.
Año noted that the Department of Justice had even denied the motion filed by the lawyers of Burgos’ mother, Edita, to reconsider its dismissal of the arbitrary detention charges against him.
The general said he was willing to assist and cooperate with the authorities’ continued investigation of the Burgos case as part of AFP’s support.
Año said he never had any criminal or administrative case in his entire military career. “The allegations against me have no basis,” he said.
On his recent promotion, Año believed he had the “trust and confidence of the AFP and the national leadership because it is ultimately President Aquino who signs my papers.”
“Never in my life was I involved in any violation of one’s human rights and I am the last person to make another’s life miserable,” Año said.
Of the military officers implicated in the Burgos disappearance, only Army Maj. Harry Baliaga Jr. has been charged in court.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/579333/burgos-case-haunts-intel-chief-eduardo-ano
As he gets his second star, Brig. Gen. Eduardo Año, the military’s intelligence chief, expressed hope that the time will come when the Jonas Burgos case would no longer be appended to his name.
“I hope that time will come. I will be happier if the case would no longer be associated with me,” Año told the Inquirer by phone on Wednesday.
The Senate’s Commission on Appointments has confirmed Año’s promotion to major general as well as his interim appointment as chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Año reiterated that he was never involved in the disappearance of Burgos nearly seven years ago.
Burgos, an activist-farmer and son of the late press freedom icon Jose Burgos Jr., was believed to have been abducted by soldiers while eating at a fast-food restaurant in a Quezon City mall.
Año noted that the Department of Justice had even denied the motion filed by the lawyers of Burgos’ mother, Edita, to reconsider its dismissal of the arbitrary detention charges against him.
The general said he was willing to assist and cooperate with the authorities’ continued investigation of the Burgos case as part of AFP’s support.
Año said he never had any criminal or administrative case in his entire military career. “The allegations against me have no basis,” he said.
On his recent promotion, Año believed he had the “trust and confidence of the AFP and the national leadership because it is ultimately President Aquino who signs my papers.”
“Never in my life was I involved in any violation of one’s human rights and I am the last person to make another’s life miserable,” Año said.
Of the military officers implicated in the Burgos disappearance, only Army Maj. Harry Baliaga Jr. has been charged in court.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/579333/burgos-case-haunts-intel-chief-eduardo-ano
AFP: Cadet found guilty of lying getting another chance
From GMA News (Feb 20): AFP: Cadet found guilty of lying getting another chance
The Philippine Military Academy cadet who was found guilty of lying may yet get another chance to graduate as his out-processing has been put on hold while his case is under investigation.
Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs head Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Thursday graduating Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia had resigned after he was found violating the Honor Code.
"In the case of Cadet Cudia, siya'y pumirma at siya'y to be separated kasi siya ay nag-true resignation," Zagala said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But he said that with AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista ordering an investigation, Cudia's out-processing was suspended.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/349277/news/nation/afp-cadet-found-guilty-of-lying-getting-another-chance
The Philippine Military Academy cadet who was found guilty of lying may yet get another chance to graduate as his out-processing has been put on hold while his case is under investigation.
Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs head Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Thursday graduating Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia had resigned after he was found violating the Honor Code.
"In the case of Cadet Cudia, siya'y pumirma at siya'y to be separated kasi siya ay nag-true resignation," Zagala said in an interview on dzBB radio.
But he said that with AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista ordering an investigation, Cudia's out-processing was suspended.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/349277/news/nation/afp-cadet-found-guilty-of-lying-getting-another-chance
CPP scores administration for disregarding agreements in peace talks
From the Daily Tribune (Feb 20): CPP scores administration for disregarding agreements in peace talks
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday scored the Aquino administration for its utter disregard to agreements under the peace negotiations with the arrest of two more consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
The CPP, in a statement, demanded the immediate release of George Geluz and Silvestre Layones, both members of the NDFP Bicol Region.
Geluz was nabbed in Gumaca, Quezon last Feb. 8, while Layones was captured the following day in Naga City.
“The CPP demands the immediate release of Geluz and Layones. All trumped-up criminal charges filed against Geluz must be immediately withdrawn. Layones, meanwhile, has yet to be informed of the criminal charges against him,” the CPP said.
The CPP said that the arrests of Geluz and Layones were in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (Jasig) signed in 1995 by the government and the NDFP as part of the peace negotiations.
As peace consultants, the CPP said that Geluz and Layones are covered by Jasig.
However, the military tagged the two as ranking leaders of the communist armed wing, the New People’s Army.
“The Aquino regime has repeatedly violated the Jasig in arresting NDFP consultants and refusing to release them in accordance with the agreement,” said the CPP.
“By prolonging the detention of NDFP peace consultants, refusing to recognize their rights under Jasig and charging them with common crimes in order to conceal the political nature of their arrests, Aquino has effectively hostaged the peace negotiations in the vain hope of compelling the NDFP to surrender to the reactionary regime,” it added.
With the arrest of the duo, the CPP said that 12 peace consultants are now under government detention.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/cpp-scores-administration-for-disregarding-agreements-in-peace-talks
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday scored the Aquino administration for its utter disregard to agreements under the peace negotiations with the arrest of two more consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
The CPP, in a statement, demanded the immediate release of George Geluz and Silvestre Layones, both members of the NDFP Bicol Region.
Geluz was nabbed in Gumaca, Quezon last Feb. 8, while Layones was captured the following day in Naga City.
“The CPP demands the immediate release of Geluz and Layones. All trumped-up criminal charges filed against Geluz must be immediately withdrawn. Layones, meanwhile, has yet to be informed of the criminal charges against him,” the CPP said.
The CPP said that the arrests of Geluz and Layones were in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (Jasig) signed in 1995 by the government and the NDFP as part of the peace negotiations.
As peace consultants, the CPP said that Geluz and Layones are covered by Jasig.
However, the military tagged the two as ranking leaders of the communist armed wing, the New People’s Army.
“The Aquino regime has repeatedly violated the Jasig in arresting NDFP consultants and refusing to release them in accordance with the agreement,” said the CPP.
“By prolonging the detention of NDFP peace consultants, refusing to recognize their rights under Jasig and charging them with common crimes in order to conceal the political nature of their arrests, Aquino has effectively hostaged the peace negotiations in the vain hope of compelling the NDFP to surrender to the reactionary regime,” it added.
With the arrest of the duo, the CPP said that 12 peace consultants are now under government detention.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/cpp-scores-administration-for-disregarding-agreements-in-peace-talks
SouthCot LGU wants to fight NPA with more services to the people
From MindaNews (Feb 18): SouthCot LGU wants to fight NPA with more services to the people
The provincial government of South Cotabato has expanded its outreach activities in upland villages of T’boli and Lake Sebu towns in a bid to counter the reported movements of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.
Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are currently delivering various basic services to remote communities in the two municipalities to help restore the confidence of local residents to the government and offset the NPA’s ongoing recruitment activities.
She admitted that the NPA’s mass support in the area has swelled in the past months, allowing the rebels to expand their activities.
“These are barangays and sitios that were practically isolated for a long time in terms of basic services that residents felt they were neglected by the government,” she said in a radio interview.
Citing intelligence reports, the governor said the NPA’s Front 73 has reportedly been trying to expand their presence and set up a base in the hinterland areas of T’boli and Lake Sebu since last year with the support of their mass base.
She said most of the rebels supposedly came from areas outside the province, specifically the provinces of Sarangani, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Davao del Sur.
Fuentes said the group’s presence was specifically noted in parts of Barangay Lamfugon and Sitios Blit and Tasiman in Lake Sebu as well as villages situated near the boundaries of T’boli and Maasim in Sarangani Province.
Last week, a member of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) was killed in encounter with an undetermined number of NPA rebels reportedly under its Front 73.
Fuentes said the rebels returned to the area last year, two years after their unit was forced to leave their base in a remote village in Banga town mainly due to lack of support from local residents.
She said such development was partly due to the implementation of various socio-economic projects in areas previously influenced by the rebels.
Such situation resulted to the declaration of the province by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in September 2011 as insurgency-free.
Fuentes said their expanded outreach program, which started last month, mainly complements with the ongoing peace and development initiatives of the 27IB and their intensified security operations in the area.
“We’re targeting to uproot this group from the area within the next three years,” she said.
Fuentes said the outreach activities are spearheaded by personnel from the provincial government’s Barangay Affairs Office.
She said the activities include the delivery of medical and other health-related services and provision of livelihood projects to local residents.
In the last two weeks, the governor said she has been conducting a series of community dialogues in several villages in Lake Sebu as part of the initiative.
“We’ve proven in the past that this is the best strategy to counter the insurgency problem and eventually resolve it without firing a single gunshot,” she added.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/02/18/southcot-lgu-wants-to-fight-npa-with-more-services-to-the-people/
The provincial government of South Cotabato has expanded its outreach activities in upland villages of T’boli and Lake Sebu towns in a bid to counter the reported movements of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area.
Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes said Tuesday they are currently delivering various basic services to remote communities in the two municipalities to help restore the confidence of local residents to the government and offset the NPA’s ongoing recruitment activities.
She admitted that the NPA’s mass support in the area has swelled in the past months, allowing the rebels to expand their activities.
“These are barangays and sitios that were practically isolated for a long time in terms of basic services that residents felt they were neglected by the government,” she said in a radio interview.
Citing intelligence reports, the governor said the NPA’s Front 73 has reportedly been trying to expand their presence and set up a base in the hinterland areas of T’boli and Lake Sebu since last year with the support of their mass base.
Fuentes said the group’s presence was specifically noted in parts of Barangay Lamfugon and Sitios Blit and Tasiman in Lake Sebu as well as villages situated near the boundaries of T’boli and Maasim in Sarangani Province.
Last week, a member of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB) was killed in encounter with an undetermined number of NPA rebels reportedly under its Front 73.
Fuentes said the rebels returned to the area last year, two years after their unit was forced to leave their base in a remote village in Banga town mainly due to lack of support from local residents.
She said such development was partly due to the implementation of various socio-economic projects in areas previously influenced by the rebels.
Such situation resulted to the declaration of the province by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in September 2011 as insurgency-free.
Fuentes said their expanded outreach program, which started last month, mainly complements with the ongoing peace and development initiatives of the 27IB and their intensified security operations in the area.
“We’re targeting to uproot this group from the area within the next three years,” she said.
Fuentes said the outreach activities are spearheaded by personnel from the provincial government’s Barangay Affairs Office.
She said the activities include the delivery of medical and other health-related services and provision of livelihood projects to local residents.
In the last two weeks, the governor said she has been conducting a series of community dialogues in several villages in Lake Sebu as part of the initiative.
“We’ve proven in the past that this is the best strategy to counter the insurgency problem and eventually resolve it without firing a single gunshot,” she added.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/02/18/southcot-lgu-wants-to-fight-npa-with-more-services-to-the-people/
Govt-MILF peace pact ready for signing, Malaysian news site reports
From GMA News (Feb 18): Govt-MILF peace pact ready for signing, Malaysian news site reports
Finally, a peace agreement between the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front could be at hand by late February or early March, a Malaysian news site reported Monday.
Finally, a peace agreement between the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front could be at hand by late February or early March, a Malaysian news site reported Monday.
An "exclusive" report on Malaysia's The Star Online cited a source with "direct knowledge" of the matter as saying everything is "ready and waiting" to be signed.
"Everything is ready and waiting to be signed either
later this month or in March," it quoted its source as saying.Malaysia
Last Jan. 25, the government and MILF peace panels signed an
annex that would pave the way for the peace agreement.
Both sides in October 2012 signed a framework agreement in Manila
In its report, The Star Online said Malaysia
“The next step will be to complete the drafting of a Basic
Law (Constitution) for the autonomous region,” The Star Online quoted its
source as saying.
Bangsamoro Basic Law consultations
Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is
taking steps to fast-track consultations on the basic law for the upcoming
Bangsamoro political entity in Mindanao , so it
can submit a draft law to Congress by March 31.
BTC chairman and Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief
negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the commission will form a special committee to
process the feedback from recent consultations.
An article posted Monday on the MILF news site said Iqbal
told the Mindanao Civil Society Organizations Leaders Peace Summit last week
the BTC will "organize a special committee that will process the feedbacks
and recommendations of the consultations for consideration by the 15-member Commission
during the drafting of the bill.
The MILF said it and the government continue to hold
consultations via their respective peace panels. Joining them are the
Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) and other groups helping
in the peace process.
Earlier, Iqbal had said they are targeting April as the
deadline to submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress, but adjusted the
deadline to March 31 following a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III
last Jan. 30.
The MILF also said oted that despite the earlier deadline,
Congress may not be able to act on the proposed BBL immediately.
"Whether or not the BTC submits on March 31 or April,
Congress will still be on recess by then. It has sessions from January 20 to
March 14 and will take a break from March 15 to May 4, resume on May 5 and will
go on sine die adjournment from June 14 to July 27. The President will deliver
his State of the Nation Address on July 28," it said.
The BTC is working with the Mindanao Civil Society
Organization Platform for Peace (MCSOPP) to hold public consultations.
Under the MOA, "at least 128 consultations will be
conducted at the district level in the proposed core areas of the Bangsamoro
and in every municipality included in the target expanded areas, with the
consultation design approved by both the BTC and the MCSOPP."
Coverage of Bangsamoro core territory questioned
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 18): Coverage of Bangsamoro core territory questioned
The Bangsamoro framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday came under scrutiny in the Senate as one member questioned the inclusion of two areas that did not even vote to be part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/578879/coverage-of-bangsamoro-core-territory-questioned
The Bangsamoro framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday came under scrutiny in the Senate as one member questioned the inclusion of two areas that did not even vote to be part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
Senator Teofisto Guingona III, chairman of the committee on
peace, unification and reconciliation, noted that the provinces of
Isabela and Cotabato were not even part of the ARMM and yet the two were
included in the “core territory” of the proposed Bangsamoro political
entity.
The other “core territory” of the Bangsamoro as
provided for in the agreement includes “the present geographical
area” of the ARMM,; the municipalities of Balaoi, Munai, Nunungan,
Panta, Tagloan, and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte, and all other
villages in the municipalities of Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan,
Pikit, and Midsayap that voted for the inclusion in the ARMM during
the 2001 plebiscite.
“Why, for example, is Cotabato and Isabela included,
stated as the core territory when I know right now Cotabato and Isabela
are not part of the ARMM?” Guingona said during the hearing of his committee.
“Cotabato if I remembered right voted twice against
their inclusion…” he further said.
But Professor Miriam Colonel-Ferrer explained that the
inclusion of the two provinces in the agreement did not mean that they are
automatically included in the Bangsamoro.
“What we have enumerated here are the areas
where the plebiscites will be held. And therefore, they will be asked, they
will be asked again, this time not for the ARMM but for the Bangsamoro, if they
wish to be effectively included ….” Colonel-Ferrer said.
Zamboanga Representative Celso Lobregat, who was present in
the hearing, also questioned the coverage of the “core territory,”
specifically the part, which states that “all other contiguous
areas where there is a resolution of the local government unit or a petition of
at least 10 percent of the qualified voters in the area asking for their
inclusion at least two months prior to the conduct of the ratification of the
Bangsamoro Basic Law…”
“Assuming Isabela and Cotabato vote no but the core
territory votes yes, can they now be included because the entire core territory
said yes? Because remember, the Constitution says any provinces…voting in the
affirmative will be included so you can’t have a type of plebiscite
wherein it will be let’s say, majority of the core territory wins,”
Lobregat said.
“So will the five provinces of the ARMM will be also asked
since you said this is a replacement of the ARMM? When they voted to be inside
the ARMM, they did not vote to be inside the Bangsamoro,” he pointed out.
Colonel-Ferrer then said Congress may still clarify any grey
areas in the agreement as she acknowledged that the “final power belongs to
Congress.”
Secretary Teresita Deles, presidential adviser on peace
process , also clarified that the framework agreement
was not just a “political” document, and not yet legal.
“That is why you have all the flexibility openness and
space,” Deles said.
“I hope people will appreciate the fact that the MILF agreed
that the arbiter of all of these grey areas is Congress… I think we have
to appreciate that in the areas that negotiations could not settle, it’s
Congress that will settle that…,” she added.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/578879/coverage-of-bangsamoro-core-territory-questioned
UK warns vs threats in Mindanao from BIFF, MNLF, terror groups
From GMA News (Feb 19): UK warns vs threats in Mindanao from BIFF, MNLF, terror groups
The United Kingdom on Wednesday (Manila time) cautioned its nationals against possible security threats in Mindanao from a breakaway faction of a secessionist group, even as it reiterated its warning against terror threats in the south.
In an update to its travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
"Although there is hope that the 2013 framework peace agreement will bring the 40-year insurgency in the south of the country to an end, extreme elements within the two main insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), continue to pose a security threat," it said.
It cited the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the MILF, had been linked to attacks on the Philippine military and security services since 2013.
Also, the FCO advised against "all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao" due to "ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups."
In its update, the FCO also reiterated there is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country.
"Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship," it said.
FCO said some 122,759 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2013, and most visits were trouble-free.
Also, the FCO said several terrorist groups operating in the Philippines "continue to pose a threat."
It said these include the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and other associated groups.
"There have been a number of attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao. In 2013 attacks have taken place in Cotabato City and Cagayan de Oro and there remains a threat of attacks throughout much of Mindanao," it said.
FCO advised its nationals to be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air.
"Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. You should avoid using public transport throughout Mindanao," it said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/349073/news/nation/uk-warns-vs-threats-in-mindanao-from-biff-mnlf-terror-groups
The United Kingdom on Wednesday (Manila time) cautioned its nationals against possible security threats in Mindanao from a breakaway faction of a secessionist group, even as it reiterated its warning against terror threats in the south.
In an update to its travel advice, the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office advised against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.
"Although there is hope that the 2013 framework peace agreement will bring the 40-year insurgency in the south of the country to an end, extreme elements within the two main insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), continue to pose a security threat," it said.
It cited the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the MILF, had been linked to attacks on the Philippine military and security services since 2013.
Also, the FCO advised against "all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao" due to "ongoing terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups."
In its update, the FCO also reiterated there is a high threat from terrorism throughout the country.
"Terrorist groups continue to plan attacks and have the capacity and the intent to carry out attacks at anytime and anywhere in the country. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners like airports, shopping malls, public transport and places of worship," it said.
FCO said some 122,759 British nationals visited the Philippines in 2013, and most visits were trouble-free.
Also, the FCO said several terrorist groups operating in the Philippines "continue to pose a threat."
It said these include the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and other associated groups.
"There have been a number of attacks against civilian targets in Mindanao. In 2013 attacks have taken place in Cotabato City and Cagayan de Oro and there remains a threat of attacks throughout much of Mindanao," it said.
FCO advised its nationals to be aware of the risk of terrorist attacks to all forms of public transport: road, rail, sea and air.
"Terrorist groups have threatened to attack passenger ferries and other vessels, particularly those operating from Mindanao. You should avoid using public transport throughout Mindanao," it said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/349073/news/nation/uk-warns-vs-threats-in-mindanao-from-biff-mnlf-terror-groups
3 nabbed in Sarangani for illegal possession of firearms
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): 3 nabbed in Sarangani for illegal possession of firearms
Police authorities filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition on Wednesday against three persons who were arrested in separate raids in Maasim and Kiamba towns.
Chief Insp. Maximo Sebastian Jr., chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12’s regional special investigation and detection team (RSIDT), identified the suspects as Kim Gama, a resident of Barangay Daliao in Maasim; and, Sherwin and Esmael Adam, both of Barangay Lagundi in Kiamba.
He said Gama was nabbed following a raid on an alleged lair in Sitio Lebe of Barangay Daliao in Maasim of fugitive Mohamad Jaafar Maguid alias Tokboy, who is wanted over a string of attacks several years ago inSarangani Province
Armed with a search warrant, Sebastian said they stormed early Tuesday the hideout of Maguid, which was situated within a camp of the Moro National Liberation Front in the area.
The operation was joined by elements from PRO 12’s RSIDT, Regional Public Safety Battalion, Regional Special Action Force and the Sarangani Provincial Police Office, he said.
He said the raid, which was launched following around six months of surveillance, led to a 30-minute firefight with Maguid and around 10 other heavily-armed men who later escaped towards the mountainous portions of the area.
The raiding team recovered several firearms and ammunition at Maguid’s hideout, where Gama was arrested.
“We confirmed Maguid’s presence there so we immediately launched the operation. But the area was fortified and his group is well equipped in terms of firearms,” Sebastian said.
He said Daliao barangay chair Aladdin Tambingag affirmed that local residents had seen Maguid passing by the area in the past months.
Gama, who claimed to have only joined Maguid’s group last year, admitted that the latter had set up a base in the area and was able to recruit at least 10 members.
Maguid, who is a former field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 105th base command, had been tagged as behind a string of criminal activities inSarangani
Province
The suspect, who had been charged with murder, destructive arson and robbery with violence, led a daring attack by rogue MILF members in Maasim on August 18, 2008 that left three people dead.
Maguid is also a suspect in a grenade attack during a festival in Maasim last June 20, 2009, which killed one person and wounded 32 others.
He was arrested in July 2009 but escaped from the Sarangani Provincial Jail in Alabel town in March 2010.
Maguid was tagged in May 2010 as behind a roadside bomb attack that reportedly targeted the convoy of then reelectionist Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez.
Meantime, Sebastian said a separate RSDIT unit arrested Richard Adam and his nephew Esmael after a raid on their house in Barangay Lagundi in Kiamba town on Tuesday morning.
During the raid, he said the two suspects were found in possession of a .45 caliber handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun with live ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617689
Police authorities filed charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition on Wednesday against three persons who were arrested in separate raids in Maasim and Kiamba towns.
Chief Insp. Maximo Sebastian Jr., chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12’s regional special investigation and detection team (RSIDT), identified the suspects as Kim Gama, a resident of Barangay Daliao in Maasim; and, Sherwin and Esmael Adam, both of Barangay Lagundi in Kiamba.
He said Gama was nabbed following a raid on an alleged lair in Sitio Lebe of Barangay Daliao in Maasim of fugitive Mohamad Jaafar Maguid alias Tokboy, who is wanted over a string of attacks several years ago in
Armed with a search warrant, Sebastian said they stormed early Tuesday the hideout of Maguid, which was situated within a camp of the Moro National Liberation Front in the area.
The operation was joined by elements from PRO 12’s RSIDT, Regional Public Safety Battalion, Regional Special Action Force and the Sarangani Provincial Police Office, he said.
He said the raid, which was launched following around six months of surveillance, led to a 30-minute firefight with Maguid and around 10 other heavily-armed men who later escaped towards the mountainous portions of the area.
The raiding team recovered several firearms and ammunition at Maguid’s hideout, where Gama was arrested.
“We confirmed Maguid’s presence there so we immediately launched the operation. But the area was fortified and his group is well equipped in terms of firearms,” Sebastian said.
He said Daliao barangay chair Aladdin Tambingag affirmed that local residents had seen Maguid passing by the area in the past months.
Gama, who claimed to have only joined Maguid’s group last year, admitted that the latter had set up a base in the area and was able to recruit at least 10 members.
Maguid, who is a former field commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 105th base command, had been tagged as behind a string of criminal activities in
The suspect, who had been charged with murder, destructive arson and robbery with violence, led a daring attack by rogue MILF members in Maasim on August 18, 2008 that left three people dead.
Maguid is also a suspect in a grenade attack during a festival in Maasim last June 20, 2009, which killed one person and wounded 32 others.
He was arrested in July 2009 but escaped from the Sarangani Provincial Jail in Alabel town in March 2010.
Maguid was tagged in May 2010 as behind a roadside bomb attack that reportedly targeted the convoy of then reelectionist Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez.
Meantime, Sebastian said a separate RSDIT unit arrested Richard Adam and his nephew Esmael after a raid on their house in Barangay Lagundi in Kiamba town on Tuesday morning.
During the raid, he said the two suspects were found in possession of a .45 caliber handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun with live ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617689
Hooded men set payloader on fire
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Hooded men set payloader on fire
Two armed and hooded men set a payloader on fire in District 1 of Sibalom, Antique on Tuesday.
Mr. Edgar Basañes, caretaker of the burned payloader owned by Mr. Vince Kasilag of Jaios Trading, said two armed men wearing black hoods arrived at his hut nearSibalom River
“I was awakened by the presence of two men wearing hoods and armed with .45 caliber firearms. One of them poked his gun on me and told me to keep still so I didn’t get up. Then one of the men poured gasoline on the payloader and set it on fire. I heard three gunshots afterwards,” Basañes said.
“The hooded men left when the fire was already eating up the engine and the tires of the payloader. They walked towards the river. It was then that my companion Ronald Armamento and I went to the dike as our hut also caught fire,” Basañes said.
“I could not see their faces because they were wearing black hoods,” the caretaker said when asked if he could identify the suspects.
Basañes has been working as caretaker of the heavy equipment of Jaios Trading for almost four years. He’d been sleeping on the hut near the river bank for almost one year now starting when Jaios Trading sub-contracted the construction ofCalala
Bridge
The payloader is being used in quarrying sand, gravel and rocks for rip-rapping of the approaches used for the construction ofCalala Bridge
SFO2 Nonie Biliran of Sibalom Fire Station said they immediately responded to the fire call.
“We actually responded with two firetrucks because the fire was already big and worsened because of the fuel in the gas tank of the payloader,” SFO2 Biliran said.
The firemen found an empty shell of a .45 caliber about a meter away from the payloader.
“This is arson because there is intent to burn the payloader,” SFO2 Biliran said.
On the other hand, the Sibalom police also conducted and investigation and found two empty shells of .45 caliber firearms.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617691
Two armed and hooded men set a payloader on fire in District 1 of Sibalom, Antique on Tuesday.
Mr. Edgar Basañes, caretaker of the burned payloader owned by Mr. Vince Kasilag of Jaios Trading, said two armed men wearing black hoods arrived at his hut near
“I was awakened by the presence of two men wearing hoods and armed with .45 caliber firearms. One of them poked his gun on me and told me to keep still so I didn’t get up. Then one of the men poured gasoline on the payloader and set it on fire. I heard three gunshots afterwards,” Basañes said.
“The hooded men left when the fire was already eating up the engine and the tires of the payloader. They walked towards the river. It was then that my companion Ronald Armamento and I went to the dike as our hut also caught fire,” Basañes said.
“I could not see their faces because they were wearing black hoods,” the caretaker said when asked if he could identify the suspects.
Basañes has been working as caretaker of the heavy equipment of Jaios Trading for almost four years. He’d been sleeping on the hut near the river bank for almost one year now starting when Jaios Trading sub-contracted the construction of
The payloader is being used in quarrying sand, gravel and rocks for rip-rapping of the approaches used for the construction of
SFO2 Nonie Biliran of Sibalom Fire Station said they immediately responded to the fire call.
“We actually responded with two firetrucks because the fire was already big and worsened because of the fuel in the gas tank of the payloader,” SFO2 Biliran said.
The firemen found an empty shell of a .45 caliber about a meter away from the payloader.
“This is arson because there is intent to burn the payloader,” SFO2 Biliran said.
On the other hand, the Sibalom police also conducted and investigation and found two empty shells of .45 caliber firearms.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=617691
AFP to launch governance monitoring mechanism on Thursday
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): AFP to launch governance monitoring mechanism on Thursday
In line with its transparency efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said it will be launching its own governance monitoring mechanism on Thursday in line with its 15-year transformation program.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) will be composed of representatives from various sectors of society.
The establishment of the MSGC highlights the AFP’s thrust in pursuing genuine reforms in the military, particularly in promoting good governance, while actively involving and engaging other government agencies and the civil sector, he added.
Zagala said that the MSGC members include Dr. Jesus Estanislao, chairman of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia; former Ambassador Lauro Baja; Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta for Policy of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Dr. Alfredo Pascual, president, University of the Philippines; Ambassador Cesar Bautista, co-chairman, National Competitiveness Council; and Father Jose M. Cruz, Dean, Ateneo School of Social Sciences.
Also taking part are Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, founder, Teach Peace-Build Peace; Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod, professor, University of the Philippines; Rep. Mel Sarmiento, 1st District-Western Samar; Dr Jose Ramon Albert, president, Philippine Statistical Association; Atty. Avelino Cruz, former Secretary of National Defense; and Gina Lopez, managing director, ABS-CBN Foundation.
The MSGC is in line with the AFP Transformation Roadmap (AFPTR), a 15-year strategy geared towards capability development and professionalization.
To implement the AFPTR, the AFP adopted the Performance Governance System, a local adaptation of Kaplan & Norton’s Balanced Scorecard.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617607
In line with its transparency efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said it will be launching its own governance monitoring mechanism on Thursday in line with its 15-year transformation program.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) will be composed of representatives from various sectors of society.
The establishment of the MSGC highlights the AFP’s thrust in pursuing genuine reforms in the military, particularly in promoting good governance, while actively involving and engaging other government agencies and the civil sector, he added.
Zagala said that the MSGC members include Dr. Jesus Estanislao, chairman of the Institute for Solidarity in Asia; former Ambassador Lauro Baja; Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta for Policy of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process; Dr. Alfredo Pascual, president, University of the Philippines; Ambassador Cesar Bautista, co-chairman, National Competitiveness Council; and Father Jose M. Cruz, Dean, Ateneo School of Social Sciences.
Also taking part are Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman, founder, Teach Peace-Build Peace; Prof. Solita Collas-Monsod, professor, University of the Philippines; Rep. Mel Sarmiento, 1st District-Western Samar; Dr Jose Ramon Albert, president, Philippine Statistical Association; Atty. Avelino Cruz, former Secretary of National Defense; and Gina Lopez, managing director, ABS-CBN Foundation.
The MSGC is in line with the AFP Transformation Roadmap (AFPTR), a 15-year strategy geared towards capability development and professionalization.
To implement the AFPTR, the AFP adopted the Performance Governance System, a local adaptation of Kaplan & Norton’s Balanced Scorecard.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617607
AFP chief orders PMA to re-investigate case of cadet recommended dismissed for being 2 minutes late
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): AFP chief orders PMA to re-investigate case of cadet recommended dismissed for being 2 minutes late
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday has ordered the re-investigation on the case of a cadet who was recommended dismissed from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) after being allegedly found guilty of violating the "honor code."
"It has reached the attention of the chief-of-staff and he has ordered a reinvestigation," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
This was after the PMA honor committee forwarded the results of its investigation to then Academy head Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado who then forwarded it to the AFP chief.
He added that depending on the result of the re-investigation, the cadet, identified as Jeff Aldrin Cudia, can either be re-instated or dismissed.
Zagala said that ordering the re-investigation is well within the authority of Bautista as the latter has overall control and supervision of all units of the AFP.
Cudia was recommended dismissed from the PMA after it was reportedly found out that he was late for two minutes for his next class.
The re-investigation will be conducted by newly-appointed PMA superintendent Major Gen. Oscar Lopez.
Accounts of his dismissal reached Facebook after his foster parent, Ched Estigoy Arzadon, posted an account last Feb. 9 bewailing Cudia's dismissal for just being late for two minutes.
The former was supposed to graduate this March with honors.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617638
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday has ordered the re-investigation on the case of a cadet who was recommended dismissed from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) after being allegedly found guilty of violating the "honor code."
"It has reached the attention of the chief-of-staff and he has ordered a reinvestigation," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
This was after the PMA honor committee forwarded the results of its investigation to then Academy head Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado who then forwarded it to the AFP chief.
He added that depending on the result of the re-investigation, the cadet, identified as Jeff Aldrin Cudia, can either be re-instated or dismissed.
Zagala said that ordering the re-investigation is well within the authority of Bautista as the latter has overall control and supervision of all units of the AFP.
Cudia was recommended dismissed from the PMA after it was reportedly found out that he was late for two minutes for his next class.
The re-investigation will be conducted by newly-appointed PMA superintendent Major Gen. Oscar Lopez.
Accounts of his dismissal reached Facebook after his foster parent, Ched Estigoy Arzadon, posted an account last Feb. 9 bewailing Cudia's dismissal for just being late for two minutes.
The former was supposed to graduate this March with honors.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617638
CA confirms appointments of 18 AFP senior officers
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): CA confirms appointments of 18 AFP senior officers
The bicameral Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim re-appointments of 18 generals and senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
CA committee on national defense chairman Rep. Antonio Del Rosario moved to the plenary the confirmation of the 18 military officers, including Raul Ubando, whose promotion to the grade of Commodore has been confirmed despite being on official mission inMalaysia
”The committee on national defense went through the individual records of the said military officers now present and the committee found them fit and qualified to the ranks that they have been promoted to,” Del Rosario said.
Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief Brig. Gen. Eduardo Ano and Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad were among the generals recommended for confirmation.
Ano, one of the respondents in the case involving the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos, and Baladad, who was linked in the arrest and tortures of the so-called "Morong 43," have been promoted to major general.
CA member Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, said the panel recommended the confirmation of the two military officers due to “the absence of evidence.”
Other confirmed military officers include Commodore Bayani Gaerlan, Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Brig. Gen. Roger Salvador, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Rear Admiral Jose Renan Suarez, Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, Maj. Gen. Virgilio Hernandez, and Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr.
The powerful commission also confirmed Brig. Gen. Vic Castro, Brig. Gen. Manuel Gonzales, Brig. Gen. Alex Capina, Col. Hilario Frigillana of the Philippine Air Force (reservist), Col. Patrick de Leon of Medical Corps (reservist), Read Admiral Caesar Taccad, and Brig. Gen. Ricardo Jalad.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617639
The bicameral Commission on Appointments on Wednesday confirmed the ad interim re-appointments of 18 generals and senior officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
CA committee on national defense chairman Rep. Antonio Del Rosario moved to the plenary the confirmation of the 18 military officers, including Raul Ubando, whose promotion to the grade of Commodore has been confirmed despite being on official mission in
”The committee on national defense went through the individual records of the said military officers now present and the committee found them fit and qualified to the ranks that they have been promoted to,” Del Rosario said.
Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) chief Brig. Gen. Eduardo Ano and Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad were among the generals recommended for confirmation.
Ano, one of the respondents in the case involving the abduction of activist Jonas Burgos, and Baladad, who was linked in the arrest and tortures of the so-called "Morong 43," have been promoted to major general.
CA member Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a former Navy officer, said the panel recommended the confirmation of the two military officers due to “the absence of evidence.”
Other confirmed military officers include Commodore Bayani Gaerlan, Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, Brig. Gen. Roger Salvador, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Rear Admiral Jose Renan Suarez, Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, Maj. Gen. Virgilio Hernandez, and Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos Jr.
The powerful commission also confirmed Brig. Gen. Vic Castro, Brig. Gen. Manuel Gonzales, Brig. Gen. Alex Capina, Col. Hilario Frigillana of the Philippine Air Force (reservist), Col. Patrick de Leon of Medical Corps (reservist), Read Admiral Caesar Taccad, and Brig. Gen. Ricardo Jalad.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617639
Senate commends 10 soldiers for helping 'Yolanda' victims
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19): Senate commends 10 soldiers for helping 'Yolanda' victims
The Senate approved on Wednesday a resolution commending 10 soldiers who risked their own lives to save the residents of Guiuan,Samar
from the wrath of super typhoon "Yolanda" last year.
Authored by Sen. Lourdes Nancy Binay, the Senate Resolution 415 aims to recognize the "incredible acts of bravery" performed by the soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion in the wake of the devastating typhoon.
"The soldiers had rendered service beyond the call of duty by courageously risking their own lives in securing the safety of the people of Guiuan and by helping them in the search and rescue of their loved ones," Binay said in her resolution.
She said the soldiers, who were based inSamar ,
also provided security to relief operations and travelled to far-flung areas to
bring relief goods to the victims.
"The Senate recognizes the heroic acts of individuals who personify Filipino altruism and emulate the spirit of bayanihan. The soldiers deserve the tribute and recognition to all Filipinos," Binay said.
Commended were Cpl. Emerson P. Mendoza, Pfc. Jomar Jay Radin, Pfc. Michael G. Punzalan, Pfc. Marlon F. Sarino, Pfc. Elvin M. Hugo, Pfc. Jay R. Obrar, Pfc. Rando Soria, Pfc. Richard D. Salanguste, Pfc. Reynante Abunda and Pfc. Dalmacio Bondocan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617733
The Senate approved on Wednesday a resolution commending 10 soldiers who risked their own lives to save the residents of Guiuan,
Authored by Sen. Lourdes Nancy Binay, the Senate Resolution 415 aims to recognize the "incredible acts of bravery" performed by the soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion in the wake of the devastating typhoon.
"The soldiers had rendered service beyond the call of duty by courageously risking their own lives in securing the safety of the people of Guiuan and by helping them in the search and rescue of their loved ones," Binay said in her resolution.
She said the soldiers, who were based in
"The Senate recognizes the heroic acts of individuals who personify Filipino altruism and emulate the spirit of bayanihan. The soldiers deserve the tribute and recognition to all Filipinos," Binay said.
Commended were Cpl. Emerson P. Mendoza, Pfc. Jomar Jay Radin, Pfc. Michael G. Punzalan, Pfc. Marlon F. Sarino, Pfc. Elvin M. Hugo, Pfc. Jay R. Obrar, Pfc. Rando Soria, Pfc. Richard D. Salanguste, Pfc. Reynante Abunda and Pfc. Dalmacio Bondocan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=617733
Scout Ranger battalion arrives in Butuan to fight NPA rebels
From InterAksyon (Feb 19): Scout Ranger battalion arrives in Butuan to fight NPA rebels
Soldiers from the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion leave the cargo loading bay of a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft after their arrival at the Bancasi airport in Butuan City, Monday. ERWIN MASCARINAS/InterAksyon.com
BUTUAN CITY – More troops are expected to be deployed to Caraga Region as part of the military’s intensified campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) after the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion (4SRB) arrived here Monday via a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
“The 4SRB is not the only battalion that will augment the forces here in Caraga Region. We believe that there will be more troops coming to the region. As of the moment the 4SRB will stay at the 402nd Brigade headquarters in Bancasi until they get their operational order,” said 1Lt Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.
Martinez revealed that another army battalion has started its operational assignment in Agusan del Sur.
“The 3rd Special Forces Battalion based in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur just activated its operational status around the first week of February and will be supporting our forces between the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and parts of Surigao del Norte. The new augmentation will greatly aid in covering more areas across the region,” he said.
Lt. Col. Freddie Dela Cruz, commanding officer of the 4SRB, pointed out that the ranger battalion is not new to the region.
“We have been assigned here previously after the May 2013 election and was pulled out to support our troops during the Zamboanga siege. We were then assigned in North Cotabato to help in the campaign against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) a few weeks ago and then we got the order to come back here,” said Dela Cruz.
No cause for alarm
Dela Cruz stressed that their arrival should not be a cause of alarm and that they are going to work hand in hand with the communities.
“We are only here for the interest and benefit for the people in Caraga region and to work hand in hand with them in assisting and providing support for peace and development. So far, right now we still haven’t received our orders as to the area of operation,” said the 4SRB commander.
Last January, Maj. General Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 4th Infantry Division revealed in an interview that the division is expecting three battalions to arrive in Caraga region to augment the operational capability of the army.
Jorge Madlos also known as Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), said during a local radio interview that the arrival of more troops will only create problems for the region.
“The arrival of more troops will create problems especially for the communities since it will put people in harm’s way and will displace them as more operations would be conducted. We have seen human right violations committed in the past brought in by military operations,” he said.
Madlos said more troops are being brought in to protect large corporations that rob the region of its resources.
“This plan to put in more troops is a sure indication in paving the way for rich plantations, mining, and logging businesses to come in and rob our people from their basic rights to our lands. They are not here for the people but for the benefit of the greedy corporations,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81066/scout-ranger-battalion-arrives-in-butuan-to-fight-npa-rebels
Soldiers from the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion leave the cargo loading bay of a C-130 Hercules transport aircraft after their arrival at the Bancasi airport in Butuan City, Monday. ERWIN MASCARINAS/InterAksyon.com
BUTUAN CITY – More troops are expected to be deployed to Caraga Region as part of the military’s intensified campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) after the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion (4SRB) arrived here Monday via a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
“The 4SRB is not the only battalion that will augment the forces here in Caraga Region. We believe that there will be more troops coming to the region. As of the moment the 4SRB will stay at the 402nd Brigade headquarters in Bancasi until they get their operational order,” said 1Lt Joe Patrick Martinez, civil-military operations officer of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.
Martinez revealed that another army battalion has started its operational assignment in Agusan del Sur.
“The 3rd Special Forces Battalion based in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur just activated its operational status around the first week of February and will be supporting our forces between the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and parts of Surigao del Norte. The new augmentation will greatly aid in covering more areas across the region,” he said.
Lt. Col. Freddie Dela Cruz, commanding officer of the 4SRB, pointed out that the ranger battalion is not new to the region.
“We have been assigned here previously after the May 2013 election and was pulled out to support our troops during the Zamboanga siege. We were then assigned in North Cotabato to help in the campaign against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) a few weeks ago and then we got the order to come back here,” said Dela Cruz.
No cause for alarm
Dela Cruz stressed that their arrival should not be a cause of alarm and that they are going to work hand in hand with the communities.
“We are only here for the interest and benefit for the people in Caraga region and to work hand in hand with them in assisting and providing support for peace and development. So far, right now we still haven’t received our orders as to the area of operation,” said the 4SRB commander.
Last January, Maj. General Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 4th Infantry Division revealed in an interview that the division is expecting three battalions to arrive in Caraga region to augment the operational capability of the army.
Jorge Madlos also known as Ka Oris, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), said during a local radio interview that the arrival of more troops will only create problems for the region.
“The arrival of more troops will create problems especially for the communities since it will put people in harm’s way and will displace them as more operations would be conducted. We have seen human right violations committed in the past brought in by military operations,” he said.
Madlos said more troops are being brought in to protect large corporations that rob the region of its resources.
“This plan to put in more troops is a sure indication in paving the way for rich plantations, mining, and logging businesses to come in and rob our people from their basic rights to our lands. They are not here for the people but for the benefit of the greedy corporations,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81066/scout-ranger-battalion-arrives-in-butuan-to-fight-npa-rebels
CA confirms ISAFP chief, 17 other senior AFP officials
From InterAksyon (Feb 19): CA confirms ISAFP chief, 17 other senior AFP officials
The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) chaired by Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday confirmed the interim appointment of General Eduardo M. Ano as chief of the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ((SAFP).
The confirmation of Ano’s appointment was endorsed by the subcommittee on national defense despite the continuing objections of Edita Burgos, mother of missing farmer activist Jonas Burgos and widow of world press freedom icon Jose Burgos Jr.
Ano is among the military officers the Burgos family believes had a role in the abduction and subsequent disappearance of Jonas, who was snatched from a Quezon City mall on April 28, 2007.
Reacting to the confirmation of the two generals, the human rights group Karapatan likened it to "the promotion and accolades given by the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to General Jovito Palparan."
Palparan, who is now retired and is wanted for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, was a favorite of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who made special mention of him in one of her state of the nation addresses despite accusations of gross human rights violations that earned him the nickname "The Butcher."
Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay said the confirmation of Ano and Baladad proved the Aquino administration "a shameless coddler of military and police generals with atrocious records of rights violations."
Meanwhile, the CA also confirmed the interim appointment of General Aurelio Baladad, who was responsible for the arrest of “Morong 43” last February 2013.
Both Ano and Baladlad were promoted from brigadier general to major general.
The CA also confirmed the following AFP officers:
1. Bayani Gaerlan, Commodore
2. Edmund R. Pangilinan, Brigadier General
3. Roger Salvador, Brigadier General
4. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Lieutenant General,
5. Jose Renan Suarez, Rear Admiral
6. Jet Velarmino, Major General
7. Virgilio Hernandez, Major General
8. Gerardo F. Barrientos, Major General
9. Vic Castro, Brigadier General,
10. Raul Ubando, Commodore,
11. Manuel Gonzales, Brigidier General
12. Alex Capina,Brigadier General
13. Hilario Frigillana, Colonel
14. Patrick de Leon, Colonel
15. Caesar Taccad, Rear Admiral
16. Ricardo Jalad, Brigadier General
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81072/ca-confirms-isafp-chief-17-other-senior-afp-officials
The powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) chaired by Senate President Franklin Drilon on Wednesday confirmed the interim appointment of General Eduardo M. Ano as chief of the Intelligence Services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines ((SAFP).
The confirmation of Ano’s appointment was endorsed by the subcommittee on national defense despite the continuing objections of Edita Burgos, mother of missing farmer activist Jonas Burgos and widow of world press freedom icon Jose Burgos Jr.
Ano is among the military officers the Burgos family believes had a role in the abduction and subsequent disappearance of Jonas, who was snatched from a Quezon City mall on April 28, 2007.
Reacting to the confirmation of the two generals, the human rights group Karapatan likened it to "the promotion and accolades given by the Macapagal-Arroyo administration to General Jovito Palparan."
Palparan, who is now retired and is wanted for the disappearance of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeno and Sherlyn Cadapan, was a favorite of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who made special mention of him in one of her state of the nation addresses despite accusations of gross human rights violations that earned him the nickname "The Butcher."
Karapatan secretary general Tinay Palabay said the confirmation of Ano and Baladad proved the Aquino administration "a shameless coddler of military and police generals with atrocious records of rights violations."
Meanwhile, the CA also confirmed the interim appointment of General Aurelio Baladad, who was responsible for the arrest of “Morong 43” last February 2013.
Both Ano and Baladlad were promoted from brigadier general to major general.
The CA also confirmed the following AFP officers:
1. Bayani Gaerlan, Commodore
2. Edmund R. Pangilinan, Brigadier General
3. Roger Salvador, Brigadier General
4. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Lieutenant General,
5. Jose Renan Suarez, Rear Admiral
6. Jet Velarmino, Major General
7. Virgilio Hernandez, Major General
8. Gerardo F. Barrientos, Major General
9. Vic Castro, Brigadier General,
10. Raul Ubando, Commodore,
11. Manuel Gonzales, Brigidier General
12. Alex Capina,Brigadier General
13. Hilario Frigillana, Colonel
14. Patrick de Leon, Colonel
15. Caesar Taccad, Rear Admiral
16. Ricardo Jalad, Brigadier General
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/81072/ca-confirms-isafp-chief-17-other-senior-afp-officials