From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 14): China to US: Back off on sea row with PH
China told off the United States (US), saying it should not be involved in the maritime dispute in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) between the Philippines and China.
“Comments made by the US in disregard of facts are inconsistent with its non-party capacity,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Qin Gang said in a press conference in Beijing Thursday.
“It goes against US commitment of not taking sides on issues of dispute, has a negative effect on the maintenance of peace and stability of Southeast Asia and in the final analysis, does no good to the US itself,” he said.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki previously criticized China for the expulsion of two Filipino civilian ships from Ayungin shoal by the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) last March 9 which she said raised tensions in the hotly contested region.
“This is a provocative move that raises tensions. Pending resolution of competing claims in the South China Sea, there should be no interference with the efforts of claimants to maintain the status quo,” Psaki said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that the two Filipino vessels heading forAyungin shoal were civilian ships contracted by the Philippine Navy to conduct troop rotation and resupply operations.
China however claimed that the ships were loaded with construction materials that were going to be used to build permanent structures on the shoal. China said this move by the Philippines infringed on their rights and interests in their territory.
The Philippines has a small detachment of marines stationed on the shoal with only an old grounded World War II era ship, the BRP SierraMadre, serving as their shelter since 1999.
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea as part of its territory including Ayungin Shoal which is 105 nautical miles from the coast ofPalawan, putting it within the 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
Last Jan. 27, Filipino fishermen were driven away by the CCG using water cannons from Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal, located 118 nautical miles from the coast of Zambales province.
China also claims Scarborough as part of its territory. The Philippines has effectively relinquished control of the shoal since the Scarborough standoff in April 2012.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100354/china-to-us-back-off-on-sea-row-with-ph
Thursday, March 13, 2014
127 former CPLA members to start work as forest guards
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 14): 127 former CPLA members to start work as forest guards
One hundred twenty seven former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) are set to start work next week as forest guards for the National Greening Program (NGP) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
DENR provincial office Forest Management Specialist Christopher Bosaing said their office is finalizing the contract of service of the former rebels in time for their employment this middle of March.
Started last year, the hiring of former CPLA members as forest guards is part of the government’s economic reintegration and livelihood programs for former rebels for them to be productive residents that contribute to the attainment of peace in their communities.
Bosaing said of the 127, 73 will be assigned in the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office – Sabangan which covers the municipalities of Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada and Tadian while 54 will work in the CENRO – Paracelis covering the towns of Natonin and Paracelis.
He said those hired will specifically help in the protection and maintenance of the different NGP plantations in the province, assist in manning DENR and Police checkpoints in coordination with the anti-illegal logging task force while others are assigned in DENR or CENR offices depending on their educational backgrounds.
Prior to their deployment, those hired will undergo an orientation-seminar for them to know their duties and responsibilities as well as office decorum to be conducted by the staff of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the DENR.
They will work for six months with a monthly salary of P8,000 inclusive of Pag-ibig and tax deductions and could be renewed depending on the performance or the recommendation of the DENR and subject also to the availability of funds.
Earlier, local officials here lauded the OPAPP and the DENR in providing employment to the former rebels saying this will help sustain the forest covers and green sceneries of the province.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=131394617683
One hundred twenty seven former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) are set to start work next week as forest guards for the National Greening Program (NGP) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
DENR provincial office Forest Management Specialist Christopher Bosaing said their office is finalizing the contract of service of the former rebels in time for their employment this middle of March.
Started last year, the hiring of former CPLA members as forest guards is part of the government’s economic reintegration and livelihood programs for former rebels for them to be productive residents that contribute to the attainment of peace in their communities.
Bosaing said of the 127, 73 will be assigned in the Community Environment and Natural Resource Office – Sabangan which covers the municipalities of Barlig, Bauko, Besao, Bontoc, Sabangan, Sadanga, Sagada and Tadian while 54 will work in the CENRO – Paracelis covering the towns of Natonin and Paracelis.
He said those hired will specifically help in the protection and maintenance of the different NGP plantations in the province, assist in manning DENR and Police checkpoints in coordination with the anti-illegal logging task force while others are assigned in DENR or CENR offices depending on their educational backgrounds.
Prior to their deployment, those hired will undergo an orientation-seminar for them to know their duties and responsibilities as well as office decorum to be conducted by the staff of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and the DENR.
They will work for six months with a monthly salary of P8,000 inclusive of Pag-ibig and tax deductions and could be renewed depending on the performance or the recommendation of the DENR and subject also to the availability of funds.
Earlier, local officials here lauded the OPAPP and the DENR in providing employment to the former rebels saying this will help sustain the forest covers and green sceneries of the province.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=131394617683
'Philippines given access to US structures'
From the Philippine Star (Mar 14): 'Philippines given access to US structures'
The Philippines will be given access to structures to be set up by the United States (US) as part of a deal seeking to boost the security cooperation between the two countries, officials said Friday.
Eduardo Malaya, member of the Philippine negotiating panel on the enhanced defense cooperation, noted that the areas to be shared with the US are within the Philippine military’s bases.
“I think at this time, both panels have reached an agreement on languaging (sic) and we would be able to hammer down the specifics as to who would be securing what area,” Malaya said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.
“But as a concept, access is assured, this being within Philippine military bases and also the right of the base commander to have access to specific area will be shared with them has already been agreed in principle by both panels,” he added.
Malaya, however, admitted that the access would be “subject to safety, operational safety and security requirements.”
“We are discussing some operational safety and security requirements with respect to the exercise of access by the base commander but please note this pertains to safety and security,” Malaya said.
The requirement, Malaya stressed, would not cover the exercise of police power by the Philippines over a US personnel suspected of breaking the law.
The access of Philippine authorities to US facilities has been a key issue in the negotiations, which is now in its final stages.
Last November, talks on a proposed deal on enhanced defense cooperation between Manila and Washington hit an impasse due to the failure of both sides to reach a consensus on American facilities to be set up in the country.
When asked whether the US can reject the representatives to be sent to the Philippines, Malaya said: “No, this is within a Philippine base. There are no extraterritorial features, there is no exclusivity feature. And Philippine law prevails there.”
The presence of US forces is a controversial issue in the Philippines, with activists claiming that a deal on increased rotational presence would violate the country’s sovereignty.
The Senate voted to close the US bases in the country in 1991 but a visiting forces agreement allowing joint exercises between Filipino and American soldiers was ratified eight years later.
Philippine officials have given assurances that a new deal on enhanced defense cooperation would comply with the constitution and existing laws.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/03/14/1300839/philippines-given-access-us-structures
The Philippines will be given access to structures to be set up by the United States (US) as part of a deal seeking to boost the security cooperation between the two countries, officials said Friday.
Eduardo Malaya, member of the Philippine negotiating panel on the enhanced defense cooperation, noted that the areas to be shared with the US are within the Philippine military’s bases.
“I think at this time, both panels have reached an agreement on languaging (sic) and we would be able to hammer down the specifics as to who would be securing what area,” Malaya said in a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo.
“But as a concept, access is assured, this being within Philippine military bases and also the right of the base commander to have access to specific area will be shared with them has already been agreed in principle by both panels,” he added.
Malaya, however, admitted that the access would be “subject to safety, operational safety and security requirements.”
“We are discussing some operational safety and security requirements with respect to the exercise of access by the base commander but please note this pertains to safety and security,” Malaya said.
The requirement, Malaya stressed, would not cover the exercise of police power by the Philippines over a US personnel suspected of breaking the law.
The access of Philippine authorities to US facilities has been a key issue in the negotiations, which is now in its final stages.
Last November, talks on a proposed deal on enhanced defense cooperation between Manila and Washington hit an impasse due to the failure of both sides to reach a consensus on American facilities to be set up in the country.
When asked whether the US can reject the representatives to be sent to the Philippines, Malaya said: “No, this is within a Philippine base. There are no extraterritorial features, there is no exclusivity feature. And Philippine law prevails there.”
The presence of US forces is a controversial issue in the Philippines, with activists claiming that a deal on increased rotational presence would violate the country’s sovereignty.
The Senate voted to close the US bases in the country in 1991 but a visiting forces agreement allowing joint exercises between Filipino and American soldiers was ratified eight years later.
Philippine officials have given assurances that a new deal on enhanced defense cooperation would comply with the constitution and existing laws.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/03/14/1300839/philippines-given-access-us-structures
AFP-PNP press corps' officers take oath
From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 14): AFP-PNP press corps' officers take oath
THE induction of the new set of officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippines National Police (AFP-PNP) press corps in Davao Region was held at the White House, Camella Northpoint, Davao City on Thursday.
The newly-installed officers are:
* Ben Jason Tesiorna of Solar News/Sun.Star Davao, president
* Seth delos Reyes of Sun.Star SuperBalita, vice president for photojournalists and videographers
* Tek Ocampo of GMA 5 Davao, vice president for television
* Maria May Benedicto of dxAB, vice president for radio
* Joselle Badilla of Philippine Daily Inquirer, vice president for print.
Edith Isidro of Philippine Information Agency is the organization's secretary, Ruth Palo Dumandan of GMA Super Radyo is the treasurer, Richard Reyes of Sonshine Radio is the auditor, and Joey Sem Dalumpines of PIA is the public information officer.
The board of directors are Rene Lumawag of Mindanao Times, Angie Chagas of Bombo Radyo, Judy Quiros of Mindanao Daily Mirror, Paul Palacio of ABS-CBN Davao, and Cezar Tuazon of People's Television Network.
The officers took their oath of office before Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/14/afp-pnp-press-corps-officers-take-oath-333012
THE induction of the new set of officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippines National Police (AFP-PNP) press corps in Davao Region was held at the White House, Camella Northpoint, Davao City on Thursday.
The newly-installed officers are:
* Ben Jason Tesiorna of Solar News/Sun.Star Davao, president
* Seth delos Reyes of Sun.Star SuperBalita, vice president for photojournalists and videographers
* Tek Ocampo of GMA 5 Davao, vice president for television
* Maria May Benedicto of dxAB, vice president for radio
* Joselle Badilla of Philippine Daily Inquirer, vice president for print.
Edith Isidro of Philippine Information Agency is the organization's secretary, Ruth Palo Dumandan of GMA Super Radyo is the treasurer, Richard Reyes of Sonshine Radio is the auditor, and Joey Sem Dalumpines of PIA is the public information officer.
The board of directors are Rene Lumawag of Mindanao Times, Angie Chagas of Bombo Radyo, Judy Quiros of Mindanao Daily Mirror, Paul Palacio of ABS-CBN Davao, and Cezar Tuazon of People's Television Network.
The officers took their oath of office before Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/14/afp-pnp-press-corps-officers-take-oath-333012
Army admits lapses in Matanao attacks
From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 14): Army admits lapses in Matanao attacks
THE military has admitted lapses when government troops engaged in an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) rebels following a series of rebel attacks in Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Two policemen and seven soldiers were killed, while 11 others were wounded in a series of attacks by rebels in Matanao last March 10.
Two rebels were also killed after an encounter with soldiers belonging to the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion.
Major General Ariel Bernardo, chief of the Army's 19th Infantry Division, said they have underestimated the number of the rebels during the incident.
He added the unfortunate incident could have been avoided.
"I am sure may lapses na nangyari. We anticipated the move of the NPA kasi anytime naman possible silang umatake kaya nga meron tayong troops na nagbabantay everywhere, but in terms of the tactical decision-making, you really have to choose what is right and which is better," Bernardo said.
"In fact, the Army's Board of Inquiry (BOI) earlier requested us to look at the possible lapses on the incident, and we admit that meron talagang lapses so for all of us to learn a lesson from the incident. Yun na nga, sana hindi na maulit ito," he added.
Bernardo said that government authorities who thwarted the rebels attack did their best to protect their area of responsibility. He also said the authorities deserve to be recognized.
Those killed in the attacks were Sergeant Porras; Corporal Pacionela; Corporal Jihani; Private First Class (Pfc.) Palma; Pfc. Tanjilul; Private Dayaday; and Second Lieutenant Alejo, while the eight wounded were Pfc. Lingco; Pfc. Abellana; Pfc. Pacquiao; Pfc. Alilaya; Pfc. Parañal; Pfc. Kancan; Private Samano and Corporal Sanayatin.
Bernardo also assured that the families of the soldiers killed in encounter will receive cash assistance.
He added that their children, too, will get scholarship program, and those families who don't own a house may also avail of the state's housing program.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Brigadier General Alexander Balutan urged the community, especially the local government units, to support the armed forces Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
"Winning the peace is a fight of the entire community not only the military and police.
Kaya nga tinatawag na IPSP Bayanihan because we harness the cooperation of the communities, especially the local government unit to address the issue of the insurgency," Balutan said.
As to the claim of the NPA that the incident was just a punishment to the policemen for being "cuddlers of illegal drugs" and soldiers for protecting the mining companies, Balutan said these were "just wild accusations of the rebels."
"Wala naman silang ibang ginawa kundi maghanap kung ano pwede nilang ikasira sa mga police at kasundaluhan natin. It's part of their propaganda," Balutan said.
The Eastmincom recorded a total of 460 NPA landmines exploded since 2010, of which 134 people were killed and 333 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the newly-installed Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Mike Dubria said the authorities already filed criminal charges before the Davao del Sur Provincial Prosecution Office against the nine suspected NPA members who were arrested following their earlier encounter with troops in Barangay Saboy.
Dubria added that NPA rebels were charged with three counts of multiple murder, three counts of frustrated murder, malicious mischief, and robbery en banc.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/14/army-admits-lapses-matanao-attacks-333015
THE military has admitted lapses when government troops engaged in an encounter with the New People's Army (NPA) rebels following a series of rebel attacks in Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Two policemen and seven soldiers were killed, while 11 others were wounded in a series of attacks by rebels in Matanao last March 10.
Two rebels were also killed after an encounter with soldiers belonging to the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion.
Major General Ariel Bernardo, chief of the Army's 19th Infantry Division, said they have underestimated the number of the rebels during the incident.
He added the unfortunate incident could have been avoided.
"I am sure may lapses na nangyari. We anticipated the move of the NPA kasi anytime naman possible silang umatake kaya nga meron tayong troops na nagbabantay everywhere, but in terms of the tactical decision-making, you really have to choose what is right and which is better," Bernardo said.
"In fact, the Army's Board of Inquiry (BOI) earlier requested us to look at the possible lapses on the incident, and we admit that meron talagang lapses so for all of us to learn a lesson from the incident. Yun na nga, sana hindi na maulit ito," he added.
Bernardo said that government authorities who thwarted the rebels attack did their best to protect their area of responsibility. He also said the authorities deserve to be recognized.
Those killed in the attacks were Sergeant Porras; Corporal Pacionela; Corporal Jihani; Private First Class (Pfc.) Palma; Pfc. Tanjilul; Private Dayaday; and Second Lieutenant Alejo, while the eight wounded were Pfc. Lingco; Pfc. Abellana; Pfc. Pacquiao; Pfc. Alilaya; Pfc. Parañal; Pfc. Kancan; Private Samano and Corporal Sanayatin.
Bernardo also assured that the families of the soldiers killed in encounter will receive cash assistance.
He added that their children, too, will get scholarship program, and those families who don't own a house may also avail of the state's housing program.
Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) Brigadier General Alexander Balutan urged the community, especially the local government units, to support the armed forces Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
"Winning the peace is a fight of the entire community not only the military and police.
Kaya nga tinatawag na IPSP Bayanihan because we harness the cooperation of the communities, especially the local government unit to address the issue of the insurgency," Balutan said.
As to the claim of the NPA that the incident was just a punishment to the policemen for being "cuddlers of illegal drugs" and soldiers for protecting the mining companies, Balutan said these were "just wild accusations of the rebels."
"Wala naman silang ibang ginawa kundi maghanap kung ano pwede nilang ikasira sa mga police at kasundaluhan natin. It's part of their propaganda," Balutan said.
The Eastmincom recorded a total of 460 NPA landmines exploded since 2010, of which 134 people were killed and 333 were wounded.
Meanwhile, the newly-installed Davao del Sur Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Mike Dubria said the authorities already filed criminal charges before the Davao del Sur Provincial Prosecution Office against the nine suspected NPA members who were arrested following their earlier encounter with troops in Barangay Saboy.
Dubria added that NPA rebels were charged with three counts of multiple murder, three counts of frustrated murder, malicious mischief, and robbery en banc.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/03/14/army-admits-lapses-matanao-attacks-333015
Army, NPA clash anew in Tanjay
From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 14): Army, NPA clash anew in Tanjay
Army soldiers, pursuing fleeing New People's Army rebels they had encountered on March 8, figured in another armed clash Tuesday with the lawless group in Brgy. Santo Nino, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3 rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the running gunbattle ensued after 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers were fired at by a group of NPA rebels, that led to about five minutes of running gunbattle.
Tiongson said pursuing 79 th IB troopers recovered a KG-9 sub machaine gun with a magazine containing ammunition and personal belongings at the encounter site. No casualty was reported on the government side.
On March 8, 79 th IB soldiers had figured in an encounter with about 15 suspected rebels in Brgy. Bahi-an, Tanjay City. The fleeing rebels left an M16 assault rifle and subversive documents at the encounter site.
Citing information they got from civilians, Tiongson said the fleeing rebels may have incurred casualties, as indicated by the recovery of two firearms, and traces of bloodstains along their withdrawal routes.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua,79 th IB commander, issued a statement, thanking the residents of Tanjay City, for the information relayed to them about the presence of armed rebels, in their communities.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/negor3.htm
Army soldiers, pursuing fleeing New People's Army rebels they had encountered on March 8, figured in another armed clash Tuesday with the lawless group in Brgy. Santo Nino, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3 rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the running gunbattle ensued after 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers were fired at by a group of NPA rebels, that led to about five minutes of running gunbattle.
Tiongson said pursuing 79 th IB troopers recovered a KG-9 sub machaine gun with a magazine containing ammunition and personal belongings at the encounter site. No casualty was reported on the government side.
On March 8, 79 th IB soldiers had figured in an encounter with about 15 suspected rebels in Brgy. Bahi-an, Tanjay City. The fleeing rebels left an M16 assault rifle and subversive documents at the encounter site.
Citing information they got from civilians, Tiongson said the fleeing rebels may have incurred casualties, as indicated by the recovery of two firearms, and traces of bloodstains along their withdrawal routes.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua,79 th IB commander, issued a statement, thanking the residents of Tanjay City, for the information relayed to them about the presence of armed rebels, in their communities.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/negor3.htm
2 more rebels yield
From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 14): 2 more rebels yield
Two more self-confessed members of the New People's Army surrendered to Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo at the Capitol in Dumaguete City Thursday.
This is believed to be a result of the relentless operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to quash the remaining NPA forces in the province and meet the June 2014 deadline to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, facilitated the surrender of alias Andoy, 20, and alias Renan, 23, both residents of Sta. Catalina town.
The two were members of Squad 3, Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the South East Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros of the NPA.
“Andoy” and “Renan” brought to five the number of NPA members who have voluntarily surrendered to the 79 th IB since Pascua assumed the post Feb. 10.
“Andoy” and “Renan” said in an interview that they left the rebel movement due to its hardships and “sacrifices” and are now want to return to mainstream society.
“Andoy” said he stayed with the NPA for about nine months, and had even carried an M-16 armalite rifle with him. He claimed to have participated in an encounter between the rebels and government troops in Naupao, Sta. Catalina town, at the height of the May 13 elections last year.
“I cannot take it anymore. I am tired. We are always in hiding,” he said as he disclosed internal conflict in the organization.
“Andoy” told reporters he joined the NPA after being promised a better life that would alleviate his family from poverty but, until today, that promise has not been fulfilled.
He added that he decided to surrender after hearing reports of other “comrades” whom he identified as Maisa and Sisam as having turned themselves in to authorities earlier.
“Renan” said he was only part of the rebel movement for about two months last year during the election period and decided to lie low afterwards.
While with the NPA, he claimed to have alternated carrying an M-16 armalite rifle and a machine gun. He also participated in two encounters last year, one in Naupao and the other in Bongabong, all in Sta. Catalina, during the election.
“Renan” reiterated “Andoy's” disclosure of empty promises, and also admitted he got tired of the “tough” life inside the NPA organization. He said the NPA leadership knew of his surrender, and that he left behind the firearms that he had carried before.
Both surrenderees denied participation in the recent encounters between the NPA and the Philippine Army soldiers in barangays Pal-iw and Bahian in Tanjay City a few days back.
Degamo has assured that “Andoy” and “Renan” will be given cash and livelihood assistance under the government's program for rebel returnees.
He called on other members of the NPA to lay down their arms peacefully, and promised that the national and local governments and the AFP are ready and willing to help them start a fresh life after leaving the rebel movement.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/negor2.htm
Two more self-confessed members of the New People's Army surrendered to Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo at the Capitol in Dumaguete City Thursday.
This is believed to be a result of the relentless operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to quash the remaining NPA forces in the province and meet the June 2014 deadline to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, facilitated the surrender of alias Andoy, 20, and alias Renan, 23, both residents of Sta. Catalina town.
The two were members of Squad 3, Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the South East Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros of the NPA.
“Andoy” and “Renan” brought to five the number of NPA members who have voluntarily surrendered to the 79 th IB since Pascua assumed the post Feb. 10.
“Andoy” and “Renan” said in an interview that they left the rebel movement due to its hardships and “sacrifices” and are now want to return to mainstream society.
“Andoy” said he stayed with the NPA for about nine months, and had even carried an M-16 armalite rifle with him. He claimed to have participated in an encounter between the rebels and government troops in Naupao, Sta. Catalina town, at the height of the May 13 elections last year.
“I cannot take it anymore. I am tired. We are always in hiding,” he said as he disclosed internal conflict in the organization.
“Andoy” told reporters he joined the NPA after being promised a better life that would alleviate his family from poverty but, until today, that promise has not been fulfilled.
He added that he decided to surrender after hearing reports of other “comrades” whom he identified as Maisa and Sisam as having turned themselves in to authorities earlier.
“Renan” said he was only part of the rebel movement for about two months last year during the election period and decided to lie low afterwards.
While with the NPA, he claimed to have alternated carrying an M-16 armalite rifle and a machine gun. He also participated in two encounters last year, one in Naupao and the other in Bongabong, all in Sta. Catalina, during the election.
“Renan” reiterated “Andoy's” disclosure of empty promises, and also admitted he got tired of the “tough” life inside the NPA organization. He said the NPA leadership knew of his surrender, and that he left behind the firearms that he had carried before.
Both surrenderees denied participation in the recent encounters between the NPA and the Philippine Army soldiers in barangays Pal-iw and Bahian in Tanjay City a few days back.
Degamo has assured that “Andoy” and “Renan” will be given cash and livelihood assistance under the government's program for rebel returnees.
He called on other members of the NPA to lay down their arms peacefully, and promised that the national and local governments and the AFP are ready and willing to help them start a fresh life after leaving the rebel movement.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/negor2.htm
Police: Two RPA-ABB men may have been killed for guns
From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 14): Police: Two RPA-ABB men may have been killed for guns
A former Army soldier-turned hacienda watchman may have gone to the extreme by allegedly killing two members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade on Tuesday in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, just to get their high-powered guns.
The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
This possibility was raised yesterday by Senior Inspector Ruben Pajarito, La Castellana police chief, who said he believes that the two victims had been set up by the suspect, identified as Carlo Apostol, who reportedly used to work also as a security guard.
Pajarito said Apostol had invited the two, Jomar Toritcilla and Lenmar Pat, to a drinking spree, as he was celebrating his birthday at the compound of Hacienda Angelita, Brgy. Sag-ang in La Castellana.
Apaostol reportedly took the M-14 assault rifle and KG9 sub machine gun of the two victims, before fleeing from the crime scene, Pajarito said.
Two counts of murder are now being prepared by the La Castellana police for filing against Apostol, who is still at-large.
Pajarito said he has dispatched investigators to verify the affiliation of Apostol to a security agency inBacolod
City
La Castellana police investigators recovered 13 empty shells believes to be those of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Pajarito said they are also looking into claims that Apostol may be connected with the New People's Army.
More than 700 firearms and explosives believed possessed by RPA-ABB members have been the target for recovery by the NPA, after the break-up of the revolutionary movement in Negros in the early 1990s.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/topstory11.htm
A former Army soldier-turned hacienda watchman may have gone to the extreme by allegedly killing two members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade on Tuesday in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, just to get their high-powered guns.
The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.
This possibility was raised yesterday by Senior Inspector Ruben Pajarito, La Castellana police chief, who said he believes that the two victims had been set up by the suspect, identified as Carlo Apostol, who reportedly used to work also as a security guard.
Pajarito said Apostol had invited the two, Jomar Toritcilla and Lenmar Pat, to a drinking spree, as he was celebrating his birthday at the compound of Hacienda Angelita, Brgy. Sag-ang in La Castellana.
Apaostol reportedly took the M-14 assault rifle and KG9 sub machine gun of the two victims, before fleeing from the crime scene, Pajarito said.
Two counts of murder are now being prepared by the La Castellana police for filing against Apostol, who is still at-large.
Pajarito said he has dispatched investigators to verify the affiliation of Apostol to a security agency in
La Castellana police investigators recovered 13 empty shells believes to be those of a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Pajarito said they are also looking into claims that Apostol may be connected with the New People's Army.
More than 700 firearms and explosives believed possessed by RPA-ABB members have been the target for recovery by the NPA, after the break-up of the revolutionary movement in Negros in the early 1990s.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/March/14/topstory11.htm
More rubber seedlings for MILF members from Maguindanao gov
From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Mar 13): More rubber seedlings for MILF members from Maguindanao gov
The provincial government of Maguindanao dispersed 9,000 more rubber tree seedlings to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in separate activities in the Iranon area and in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in the province.
The continuing distribution for free of rubber tree and palm oil seedlings, in a “plant now, pay never” scheme of the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, started three years ago, meant to convert the province into a Lynette Estandarte, chief provincial budget officer, said their two activities started with the distribution early this week of 4,000 rubber tree seedlings to MILF members in Barangay Sibutu and surrounding areas in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in the first district of Maguindanao.
Barangay Sibutu, which has a mountainous terrain suitable to propagation of rubber trees, is a stronghold of the MILF’s 104th Base Command.
The Army’s 603rd Brigade and the provincial government also facilitated, after the Datu Odin Sinsuat seedling distribution activity, the orientation of hundreds of Moro farmers in Camp Abubakar, majority of them MILF members, on rubber tree propagation and the market potentials of processed rubber sap.
Camp Abubakar, established by the MILF’s founding chairman, the late Egyptian-trained cleric Salamat Hashim in the 1980s, is also known now as Camp Iranon, which hosts the command headquarters of the 603rd Brigade.
The 15,000-hectare former MILF bastion Camp Abubakar, now a “peace zone,” is a hinterland located at the tri-boundary of Maguindanao’s adjoining Matanog. Buldon and Barira towns.
Soldiers and employees of Mangudadatu’s office led the distribution of rubber tree seedlings to farmers in Camp Abubakar that attended the orientation.
Col. Noli Orense, commanding officer of the Army’s 603rd Brigade, said it is important for local government units to help in accelerating the realization of the normalization objective of the government and the MILF for guerillas after the signing of a final peace deal that may be crafted by the rebel group and the government within the month.
“We should not just leave everything to the government and the MILF panels. What the provincial government of Maguindanao is doing now is very important because if helps us achieve that goal,” Orense said.
Eastern Mindanao Command signs agreement with anti-landmine group
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Eastern Mindanao Command signs agreement with anti-landmine group
In a bid to document the rebels' illegal use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines against government and civilian targets in its area of operation, the Eastern Mindanao Command on Friday announced that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Campaign Against Landmines.
The group is against the use of landmines and IEDs against civilian and military targets, Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson said.
He added that the agreement aims to document the indiscriminate use of landmines by the New People's Army regardless of the casualties it caused against its targets.
"Through this, we are hoping to build public pressure against the rebels so that they stop using this weapon which can cause mass casualties and death," Caber said.
He made this statement as Eastern Mindanao Command forces and innocent civilians were victimized by three landmine attacks in the past two weeks, resulting to at least seven dead and 15 wounded.
Caber also urged civilians to quickly report to authorities suspicious looking activities by the rebels and roadways as this could be clandestine efforts to laid mines.
He added that only through vigilance and cooperation can the rebel mine threat be terminated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625336
In a bid to document the rebels' illegal use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and landmines against government and civilian targets in its area of operation, the Eastern Mindanao Command on Friday announced that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Philippine Campaign Against Landmines.
The group is against the use of landmines and IEDs against civilian and military targets, Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson said.
He added that the agreement aims to document the indiscriminate use of landmines by the New People's Army regardless of the casualties it caused against its targets.
"Through this, we are hoping to build public pressure against the rebels so that they stop using this weapon which can cause mass casualties and death," Caber said.
He made this statement as Eastern Mindanao Command forces and innocent civilians were victimized by three landmine attacks in the past two weeks, resulting to at least seven dead and 15 wounded.
Caber also urged civilians to quickly report to authorities suspicious looking activities by the rebels and roadways as this could be clandestine efforts to laid mines.
He added that only through vigilance and cooperation can the rebel mine threat be terminated.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625336
AW-109 crew still on training while searching for missing Malaysian plane
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): AW-109 crew still on training while searching for missing Malaysian plane
While helping with the search of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the pilots and flight crew of the Agusta Westland AW-109 "Power" helicopter are still conducting flight deck landings to increase shipboard proficiency.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency Thursday, said "they (pilots and flight crews) are still conducting flight deck landings and training even if they are helping in the search of the missing Malaysian aircraft," he added.
The helicopter embarked from the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).
Fabic declined to comment on where the exact location of the Filipino frigate is but stated it is somewhere along theWest
Philippine Sea .
The PN spokesperson said having these training will greatly increase the handling and landing proficiency of the flight crews.
He added that the ship and the AW-109 has been helping in the search since March 9.
The latter aircraft was delivered and commissioned last December.
The AW-109 is expected to make its first shipboard deployment by the end of March.
Fabic said that this is the first time that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar worked with the AW-109 which it is assigned helicopter.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625380
While helping with the search of the missing Malaysia Airlines plane, the pilots and flight crew of the Agusta Westland AW-109 "Power" helicopter are still conducting flight deck landings to increase shipboard proficiency.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency Thursday, said "they (pilots and flight crews) are still conducting flight deck landings and training even if they are helping in the search of the missing Malaysian aircraft," he added.
The helicopter embarked from the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).
Fabic declined to comment on where the exact location of the Filipino frigate is but stated it is somewhere along the
The PN spokesperson said having these training will greatly increase the handling and landing proficiency of the flight crews.
He added that the ship and the AW-109 has been helping in the search since March 9.
The latter aircraft was delivered and commissioned last December.
The AW-109 is expected to make its first shipboard deployment by the end of March.
Fabic said that this is the first time that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar worked with the AW-109 which it is assigned helicopter.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625380
USS Blue Ridge to arrive for PHL visit this March 18
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): USS Blue Ridge to arrive for PHL visit this March 18
The USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the flagship of the US 7th Fleet, will be arriving for four-day port visit at the Manila South Harbor this March 18.
The US Embassy inManila , in a statement,
said that the arrival of the ship highlights the strong historic, community,
and military connections between the United States
The USS Blue Ridge and the 7th Fleet staff are homeported inYokosuka , Japan
The vessel is the lead ship of the two Blue Ridge-class command ships of the US Navy, and is the command ship of the United States Seventh Fleet.
Her primary role is to provide Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) support to the commander and staff of the 7th Fleet.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625382
The USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19), the flagship of the US 7th Fleet, will be arriving for four-day port visit at the Manila South Harbor this March 18.
The US Embassy in
The USS Blue Ridge and the 7th Fleet staff are homeported in
The vessel is the lead ship of the two Blue Ridge-class command ships of the US Navy, and is the command ship of the United States Seventh Fleet.
Her primary role is to provide Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) support to the commander and staff of the 7th Fleet.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625382
Army, militiamen repulse NPA attack in North Cotabato town
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14): Army, militiamen repulse NPA attack in North Cotabato town
State forces and militiamen belonging to the 38th Infantry Battalion on Wednesday night repulsed an attack by New People’s Army in Tulunan,North Cotabato , officials said Friday.
Captain Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said this was part of their diversionary tactic following Monday’s bloody skirmishes in Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Bulao said about 40 heavily armed NPA rebels believed to have come from Davao del Sur tried, but failed, to overrun the Barangay Paraiso detachment in Tulunan,North Cotabato .
“Our soldiers and militiamen were outnumbered yet they defended their detachment from the rebels’ attempt to overrun out base at past 12 midnight,” Bulao said. He did not say how many soldiers and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit were in the Army detachment.
Bulao could not say whether the NPAs, who quickly fled to the borders ofNorth Cotabato and Davao del Sur, suffered casualties in
the 30-minute firefight.
On Monday, at least 11 government forces were killed in an ambush by NPA rebels who earlier attacked the Matanao police station in Mantanao, Davao del Sur and killed two cops and two civilians.
Following the attack on police station, elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion responded but they were ambushed after the rebels set off a banned landmine.
Follow-up operations led to the death of two NPA guerillas and arrest of nine others.
Following the incident last week in Bansalan, Davao del Sur where soldiers set off landmine on an ambulance carrying wounded soldiers, Bulao also said that all military units under the 602nd brigade had been alerted and ordered to intensify its intelligence gathering operations to thwart any attempt similar to Matanao and Bansalan, both in Davao del Sur.
"The rebels could not take on Army positions, the desperate communists rebels attack police stations instead," Bulao said.
A week earlier, 57th Infantry Battalion troopers captured a bomb-making factory of the NPA in Barangay New Sebu, President Roxas in North Cotabato where the Army seized guns, bomb-making devices, subversive documents, P120,000 cash, government militia payroll records and a computer laptop that contained names of businessmen and local officials in the province extending financial assistance to the rebel movement.
Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th IB chief, said the militia payroll was among those taken by NPAs in an ambush in Tulunan town last October 2013 that left nine soldiers and militia killed.
Senior Superintendent Ronaldo Llanera, Davao Sur police provincial director, said all police units and its multipliers have been alerted following the intensified NPA offensives.
Llanera also lauded SPO3 Manolo Booc and SPO3 Danny Mualang, who both died in the NPA attack for offering their lives in the service of the people of Matanao.
Llanera said all police offices and military forces in the town are now on full alert.
He said the nine NPA rebels arrested during a pursuit operation by joint police and military forces, have admitted having participated in the attacks in Matanao police station.
Llanera also said that the attacks by NPA in isolated communities aroundMt. Apo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=625415
State forces and militiamen belonging to the 38th Infantry Battalion on Wednesday night repulsed an attack by New People’s Army in Tulunan,
Captain Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said this was part of their diversionary tactic following Monday’s bloody skirmishes in Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Bulao said about 40 heavily armed NPA rebels believed to have come from Davao del Sur tried, but failed, to overrun the Barangay Paraiso detachment in Tulunan,
“Our soldiers and militiamen were outnumbered yet they defended their detachment from the rebels’ attempt to overrun out base at past 12 midnight,” Bulao said. He did not say how many soldiers and Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit were in the Army detachment.
Bulao could not say whether the NPAs, who quickly fled to the borders of
On Monday, at least 11 government forces were killed in an ambush by NPA rebels who earlier attacked the Matanao police station in Mantanao, Davao del Sur and killed two cops and two civilians.
Following the attack on police station, elements of the 39th Infantry Battalion responded but they were ambushed after the rebels set off a banned landmine.
Follow-up operations led to the death of two NPA guerillas and arrest of nine others.
Following the incident last week in Bansalan, Davao del Sur where soldiers set off landmine on an ambulance carrying wounded soldiers, Bulao also said that all military units under the 602nd brigade had been alerted and ordered to intensify its intelligence gathering operations to thwart any attempt similar to Matanao and Bansalan, both in Davao del Sur.
"The rebels could not take on Army positions, the desperate communists rebels attack police stations instead," Bulao said.
A week earlier, 57th Infantry Battalion troopers captured a bomb-making factory of the NPA in Barangay New Sebu, President Roxas in North Cotabato where the Army seized guns, bomb-making devices, subversive documents, P120,000 cash, government militia payroll records and a computer laptop that contained names of businessmen and local officials in the province extending financial assistance to the rebel movement.
Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th IB chief, said the militia payroll was among those taken by NPAs in an ambush in Tulunan town last October 2013 that left nine soldiers and militia killed.
Senior Superintendent Ronaldo Llanera, Davao Sur police provincial director, said all police units and its multipliers have been alerted following the intensified NPA offensives.
Llanera also lauded SPO3 Manolo Booc and SPO3 Danny Mualang, who both died in the NPA attack for offering their lives in the service of the people of Matanao.
Llanera said all police offices and military forces in the town are now on full alert.
He said the nine NPA rebels arrested during a pursuit operation by joint police and military forces, have admitted having participated in the attacks in Matanao police station.
Llanera also said that the attacks by NPA in isolated communities around
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=625415
China on Ayungin: PH broke its promise
From Rappler (Mar 14): China on Ayungin: PH broke its promise
SlammingManila
for “out-and-out provocation,” China
accused the Philippines
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said thePhilippines
“However, thePhilippines China
He also belied a claim by the Philippine government that the ships “were only conducting rotation of personnel and resupply operations.” (READ: PH protests China's moves in Ayungin Shoal)
He said, “The two Philippine ships were loaded with concrete and rebar rather than food. Is concrete and rebar edible?”
The spokesman said the ship has been “illegally grounded" in the shoal since 1999. The vessel got stranded “with the excuse of 'malfunction.'”
“The behavior of the Philippine side has infringed uponChina 's
rights and interests, and violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in
the South China Sea . It is an out-and-out
provocation. China
Rappler is still trying to reach thePhilippines
The shoal is located in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the subject of a historic case thatManila filed against Beijing
[Video: China to PH Remove ship from Ayungin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7oZ2_yraSo]
US slammed, too
Qin made these statements after theUnited States
He said: “Comments made by theUS US
Earlier, Qin urged the Philippines to remove the stranded ship from Ayungin.
Instead of heedingChina 's request, however, the Philippines
"I cannot tell you about the specific date, but what I can tell you is that's definite. It is not that we are trying to courtChina
The official also denied that the two Philippine ships carried construction materials. “Those are items for the improvement of the living condition of our troops there, the habitability of the place," he explained.
He added, "We know who is continuously building structures there.”
China 's show of force comes after the so-called
“water cannon incident,” and before the deadline of the Manila
http://www.rappler.com/nation/52965-china-ship-ayungin-shoal-philippines-promise
Slamming
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said the
“However, the
He also belied a claim by the Philippine government that the ships “were only conducting rotation of personnel and resupply operations.” (READ: PH protests China's moves in Ayungin Shoal)
He said, “The two Philippine ships were loaded with concrete and rebar rather than food. Is concrete and rebar edible?”
The spokesman said the ship has been “illegally grounded" in the shoal since 1999. The vessel got stranded “with the excuse of 'malfunction.'”
“The behavior of the Philippine side has infringed upon
Rappler is still trying to reach the
The shoal is located in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the subject of a historic case that
[Video: China to PH Remove ship from Ayungin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7oZ2_yraSo]
US slammed, too
Qin made these statements after the
He said: “Comments made by the
Earlier, Qin urged the Philippines to remove the stranded ship from Ayungin.
Instead of heeding
"I cannot tell you about the specific date, but what I can tell you is that's definite. It is not that we are trying to court
The official also denied that the two Philippine ships carried construction materials. “Those are items for the improvement of the living condition of our troops there, the habitability of the place," he explained.
He added, "We know who is continuously building structures there.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/52965-china-ship-ayungin-shoal-philippines-promise
Troops repulse NPA attack on North Cotabato detachment
From InterAksyon (Mar 14): Troops repulse NPA attack on North Cotabato detachment
Soldiers and militiamen repulsed a New People’s Army attack on an Army detachment in Tulunan town, North Cotabato Wednesday night, the third rebel operation against security forces in Mindanao this week.
None of the personnel of the 38th Infantry Battalion’s Barangay Paraiso detachment were hurt in the almost 20-minute gun battle triggered by the rebel attack, 602nd Infantry Brigade spokesman Captain Tony Bulao said.
The military and police reinforced their forces in the town following the incident.
On Monday, the NPA raided the police station in Matanao town, Davao del Sur, killing two policemen and wounding three others, while losing two of their fighters. The rebels claimed to have seized a number of weapons in the raid.
Shortly after, a truck of the 39th Infantry Battalion on its way to join pursuit operations against the raiders was blasted by a command-detonated landmine, killing seven soldiers and wounding eight others.
Another soldier died in a separate clash with the NPA in Compostela Valley province.
On Thursday, the 10th Infantry Division accorded military honors to the troops slain in the Matanao ambush.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82678/troops-repulse-npa-attack-on-north-cotabato-detachment
Soldiers and militiamen repulsed a New People’s Army attack on an Army detachment in Tulunan town, North Cotabato Wednesday night, the third rebel operation against security forces in Mindanao this week.
None of the personnel of the 38th Infantry Battalion’s Barangay Paraiso detachment were hurt in the almost 20-minute gun battle triggered by the rebel attack, 602nd Infantry Brigade spokesman Captain Tony Bulao said.
The military and police reinforced their forces in the town following the incident.
On Monday, the NPA raided the police station in Matanao town, Davao del Sur, killing two policemen and wounding three others, while losing two of their fighters. The rebels claimed to have seized a number of weapons in the raid.
Shortly after, a truck of the 39th Infantry Battalion on its way to join pursuit operations against the raiders was blasted by a command-detonated landmine, killing seven soldiers and wounding eight others.
Another soldier died in a separate clash with the NPA in Compostela Valley province.
On Thursday, the 10th Infantry Division accorded military honors to the troops slain in the Matanao ambush.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82678/troops-repulse-npa-attack-on-north-cotabato-detachment
Soldier, 'MNLF commander' nabbed for gunrunning
From InterAksyon (Mar 14): Soldier, 'MNLF commander' nabbed for gunrunning
A soldier and a supposed commander of the Moro National Liberation Front were among three men arrested this week in South Cotabato for gunrunning.
Benjie Celebrar, 27, the soldier, Omar Liman, 45, the reported MNLF commander, and Ranny Poras, 38, were arrested Wednesday in Barangay Rotonda, Koronadal City by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office in South Cotabato.
An unlicensed M16 Armalite rifle was seized from the three.
Senior Inspector Jesson Mocnangan, CIDG-South Cotabato chief, said the three had been under surveillance for some time.
He said the suspects would wear military uniforms to get past checkpoints.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82680/soldier-mnlf-commander-nabbed-for-gunrunning
A soldier and a supposed commander of the Moro National Liberation Front were among three men arrested this week in South Cotabato for gunrunning.
Benjie Celebrar, 27, the soldier, Omar Liman, 45, the reported MNLF commander, and Ranny Poras, 38, were arrested Wednesday in Barangay Rotonda, Koronadal City by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group office in South Cotabato.
An unlicensed M16 Armalite rifle was seized from the three.
Senior Inspector Jesson Mocnangan, CIDG-South Cotabato chief, said the three had been under surveillance for some time.
He said the suspects would wear military uniforms to get past checkpoints.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/82680/soldier-mnlf-commander-nabbed-for-gunrunning
AFP drops food to troops after China ‘blockade’
From the Daily Tribune (Mar 14): AFP drops food to troops after China ‘blockade’
The Philippine military yesterday said it had evaded a Chinese sea blockade by using an airplane to drop food to soldiers on a tiny and remote South China Sea shoal claimed by both countries.
The incident was the latest to escalate tensions between the Asian nations over their conflicting claims to parts of the South China Sea, a major sea lane and rich fishing ground that is believed to hold vast mineral resources.
“We confirmed there was an airdrop of food to our troops,” Defense Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said.
He added the airdrop was “via airplane,” but did not say when it occurred nor give further details.
The incident took place at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly island group, which is around 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan, which Manila insists is part of its continental shelf.
A security official said that the military, particularly the Philippine Navy, is obliged to provide food and water to prevent the personnel from starving to death. The official stressed that the troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal are now running short of food after chartered civilian ships were blocked by Chinese coast guard from delivering supplies last Sunday.
The following day, an Islander plane dropped gallons of water for the troops.
“We were constrained into really aborting the humanitarian mission. The next day we were constrained into dropping water. Not a para-drop, we literally dropped the gallons (of water),” the official said.
“We don’t even have information if they got the water. But we would like to assume that they got it,” he added.
The official vowed the government will “definitely” conduct reprovision for the troops.
“Not because we are trying to court China’s ire or what have you but because we do not want to starve our people to death or to deprove them of water,” the official said.
However, the official admitted that China again could block such attempt.
“We would like the world to know and to perceive that China is doing an inhuman act by doing this. What they are preventing is feeding our people. This is some kind of an embargo wherein you blockade food, you blockade water, you blockade medicine. That cannot be,” said the official
.
The Chinese justified the blocking of the Philippine civilian ships by saying they were loaded with construction materials.
The official said there were only supplies intended to improve the “habitability” of the barracks of the troops in Ayungin Shoal, located approximately 120 nautical miles from Rizal town in Palawan.
“We are always maintaining that those are not construction materials, those are mere items for improvement of living condition of our people there, the habitability of the place,” he said.
The shoal is more than 1,000 kilometers from Hainan island, the closest Chinese landmass, but China claims nearly all of the South China Sea based on what it says are historical records.
A tiny unit of Filipino marines lives on the BRP Sierra Madre, a decrepit, beached former World-War-II US navy transport ship that was transferred to the Philippine navy and run aground on the shoal in the 1990s.
Troops on the 1,000-meter long ship have ever since guarded the shoal.
China has long demanded the Philippines pull out the vessel and the marines.
But the Philippines said this week that Chinese coastguard ships blocked two Philippine-flagged civilian vessels on March 9 as they were carrying supplies and personnel to the shoal.
The Philippines said this was the first time there had been such Chinese resistance.
The Philippines issued a diplomatic protest over the incident, but China in response reiterated its position that the shoal was Chinese territory.
The Philippines and China, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam all claim parts or all of the South China Sea.
The Philippine government has accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive in asserting its claims to the sea. Last year it initiated United Nations arbitration to settle the dispute, but China refused to participate.
The Philippines also last month accused Chinese ships of using a water cannon to drive away Filipino fishermen who were approaching Scarborough Shoal, another South China Sea outcrop.
In Washington, The United States on Wednesday accused China of raising tensions by blocking two Philippines vessels as it urged freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea.
The United States, a treaty-bound ally of Manila, said it was “troubled” by Sunday’s incident in which China prevented movement of two ships contracted by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies and troops to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
“This is a provocative move that raises tensions. Pending resolution of competing claims in the South China Sea, there should be no interference with the efforts of claimants to maintain the status quo,” State Department spokesman Jen Psaki said.
The Philippines on Tuesday summoned China’s charge d’affaires, accusing Beijing of a “clear and urgent threat” to Manila’s interests. Beijing countered that the ships “infringed China’s territorial sovereignty” and violated a 2002 declaration of conduct in the South China Sea.
The United States rejected China’s stance, saying that countries had the right to “regular resupply and rotation of personnel” to locations before the 2002 declaration.
The Second Thomas Shoal, which sits around 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, is claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan. Beijing calls it Ren’ai Reef.
Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam claim other parts of the Spratly islands, which lie near vital sea lanes and rich fishing grounds and are also believe to sit on vast mineral resources.
The United States, while saying it takes no position on the sovereignty of disputed territories, has been increasingly robust in its criticism of China. Last month, the United States challenged the legal basis for China’s claims over a vast area across the South China Sea.
The United States has been seeking to prevent China from taking more drastic action in the South China Sea. In November, China declared an Air Defense Identification Zone — requiring planes to report to Beijing — over a vast area in the East China Sea where it has a separate but intense feud over Japanese-administered islands.
Japan and the Philippines have accused China of making growing incursions to challenge their control over territories. US President Barack Obama will visit both Japan and the Philippines next month.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/afp-drops-food-to-troops-after-china-blockade
The Philippine military yesterday said it had evaded a Chinese sea blockade by using an airplane to drop food to soldiers on a tiny and remote South China Sea shoal claimed by both countries.
The incident was the latest to escalate tensions between the Asian nations over their conflicting claims to parts of the South China Sea, a major sea lane and rich fishing ground that is believed to hold vast mineral resources.
“We confirmed there was an airdrop of food to our troops,” Defense Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said.
He added the airdrop was “via airplane,” but did not say when it occurred nor give further details.
The incident took place at Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly island group, which is around 200 kilometers from the western Philippine island of Palawan, which Manila insists is part of its continental shelf.
A security official said that the military, particularly the Philippine Navy, is obliged to provide food and water to prevent the personnel from starving to death. The official stressed that the troops stationed in Ayungin Shoal are now running short of food after chartered civilian ships were blocked by Chinese coast guard from delivering supplies last Sunday.
The following day, an Islander plane dropped gallons of water for the troops.
“We were constrained into really aborting the humanitarian mission. The next day we were constrained into dropping water. Not a para-drop, we literally dropped the gallons (of water),” the official said.
“We don’t even have information if they got the water. But we would like to assume that they got it,” he added.
The official vowed the government will “definitely” conduct reprovision for the troops.
“Not because we are trying to court China’s ire or what have you but because we do not want to starve our people to death or to deprove them of water,” the official said.
However, the official admitted that China again could block such attempt.
“We would like the world to know and to perceive that China is doing an inhuman act by doing this. What they are preventing is feeding our people. This is some kind of an embargo wherein you blockade food, you blockade water, you blockade medicine. That cannot be,” said the official
.
The Chinese justified the blocking of the Philippine civilian ships by saying they were loaded with construction materials.
The official said there were only supplies intended to improve the “habitability” of the barracks of the troops in Ayungin Shoal, located approximately 120 nautical miles from Rizal town in Palawan.
“We are always maintaining that those are not construction materials, those are mere items for improvement of living condition of our people there, the habitability of the place,” he said.
The shoal is more than 1,000 kilometers from Hainan island, the closest Chinese landmass, but China claims nearly all of the South China Sea based on what it says are historical records.
A tiny unit of Filipino marines lives on the BRP Sierra Madre, a decrepit, beached former World-War-II US navy transport ship that was transferred to the Philippine navy and run aground on the shoal in the 1990s.
Troops on the 1,000-meter long ship have ever since guarded the shoal.
China has long demanded the Philippines pull out the vessel and the marines.
But the Philippines said this week that Chinese coastguard ships blocked two Philippine-flagged civilian vessels on March 9 as they were carrying supplies and personnel to the shoal.
The Philippines said this was the first time there had been such Chinese resistance.
The Philippines issued a diplomatic protest over the incident, but China in response reiterated its position that the shoal was Chinese territory.
The Philippines and China, along with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam all claim parts or all of the South China Sea.
The Philippine government has accused China of becoming increasingly aggressive in asserting its claims to the sea. Last year it initiated United Nations arbitration to settle the dispute, but China refused to participate.
The Philippines also last month accused Chinese ships of using a water cannon to drive away Filipino fishermen who were approaching Scarborough Shoal, another South China Sea outcrop.
In Washington, The United States on Wednesday accused China of raising tensions by blocking two Philippines vessels as it urged freedom of navigation in the tense South China Sea.
The United States, a treaty-bound ally of Manila, said it was “troubled” by Sunday’s incident in which China prevented movement of two ships contracted by the Philippine navy to deliver supplies and troops to the disputed Second Thomas Shoal.
“This is a provocative move that raises tensions. Pending resolution of competing claims in the South China Sea, there should be no interference with the efforts of claimants to maintain the status quo,” State Department spokesman Jen Psaki said.
The Philippines on Tuesday summoned China’s charge d’affaires, accusing Beijing of a “clear and urgent threat” to Manila’s interests. Beijing countered that the ships “infringed China’s territorial sovereignty” and violated a 2002 declaration of conduct in the South China Sea.
The United States rejected China’s stance, saying that countries had the right to “regular resupply and rotation of personnel” to locations before the 2002 declaration.
The Second Thomas Shoal, which sits around 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the western Philippine island of Palawan, is claimed by the Philippines, China and Taiwan. Beijing calls it Ren’ai Reef.
Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam claim other parts of the Spratly islands, which lie near vital sea lanes and rich fishing grounds and are also believe to sit on vast mineral resources.
The United States, while saying it takes no position on the sovereignty of disputed territories, has been increasingly robust in its criticism of China. Last month, the United States challenged the legal basis for China’s claims over a vast area across the South China Sea.
The United States has been seeking to prevent China from taking more drastic action in the South China Sea. In November, China declared an Air Defense Identification Zone — requiring planes to report to Beijing — over a vast area in the East China Sea where it has a separate but intense feud over Japanese-administered islands.
Japan and the Philippines have accused China of making growing incursions to challenge their control over territories. US President Barack Obama will visit both Japan and the Philippines next month.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/afp-drops-food-to-troops-after-china-blockade
CPP/NDF: AFP’s inherent weaknesses imperil the lives of its own troops, civilian medical personnel
NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Mar 13): AFP’s inherent weaknesses imperil the lives of its own troops, civilian medical personnel
1st Mechanized Brigade may bagong commander
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 14): 1st Mechanized Brigade may bagong commander (1st Mechanized Brigade has a new commander)
Pormal ng itinalaga ng pamunuan ng militar ang bagong commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa Maguindanao province na si Col. Gener Del Rosario.
Pinalitan ni Del Rosario si Col. Edgardo Gonzales na inilipat naman sa ibang pamunuan matapos na magsilbi sa naturang lalawigan. Sa ilalim ni Gonzalez ay maraming natupad na misyon ang naturang brigade bilang suporta sa Armed Forces sa central Mindanao.
Pinangunahan naman ni Brig. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz ang pormal na paglipat ng command ng nasabing brigade sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak.
Nabatid na magsisilbing deputy division commander si Gonzales sa lalawigan ng Tarlac sa Luzon.
Sinabi naman ni Del Rosario na lalo nitong pagiibayuhin ang misyon at programa ng mechanized brigade at suportado naman ito ng mga tropa.
Ang turn-over ceremony ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak sa Maguindanao province na kung saan ay itinalaga si Col. Gener Del Rosario bilang bagong commander. Pinalitan nito si Col. Edgardo Gonzales. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/03/1st-mechanized-brigade-may-bagong.html
Pormal ng itinalaga ng pamunuan ng militar ang bagong commander ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa Maguindanao province na si Col. Gener Del Rosario.
Pinalitan ni Del Rosario si Col. Edgardo Gonzales na inilipat naman sa ibang pamunuan matapos na magsilbi sa naturang lalawigan. Sa ilalim ni Gonzalez ay maraming natupad na misyon ang naturang brigade bilang suporta sa Armed Forces sa central Mindanao.
Pinangunahan naman ni Brig. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz ang pormal na paglipat ng command ng nasabing brigade sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak.
Nabatid na magsisilbing deputy division commander si Gonzales sa lalawigan ng Tarlac sa Luzon.
Sinabi naman ni Del Rosario na lalo nitong pagiibayuhin ang misyon at programa ng mechanized brigade at suportado naman ito ng mga tropa.
Ang turn-over ceremony ng 1st Mechanized Brigade sa bayan ng Shariff Aguak sa Maguindanao province na kung saan ay itinalaga si Col. Gener Del Rosario bilang bagong commander. Pinalitan nito si Col. Edgardo Gonzales. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/03/1st-mechanized-brigade-may-bagong.html
Army troopers capture 2 NPAs, 2 civilians in Sorsogon firefight
From the Bicol Today (Mar 13): Army troopers capture 2 NPAs, 2 civilians in Sorsogon firefight
Government soldiers captured a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, while another wounded rebel surrendered on the day of the National Democratic Front announcement that a new Bicol spokesperson was named replacing the slain rebel spokesman Greg Banares who was killed in July 2013.
The firefight occurred Thursday morning in Batang Ilan Complex, Magallanes town, Sorsogon Province.
Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said the encounter took place around 6: 45 a.m. as their troopers were conducting security operations.
During the firefight, where government forces suffered no casualties, a rebel, identified as Elias Pura, allegedly the leader of the NPA forces in Sorsogon and its concurrent finance officer of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to government forces along with his M-653 automatic rifle.
Another wounded rebel surrendered, known as “Ino”, reportedly as the finance officer of NPA forces in the province.
Meanwhile, two civilians, Wilfredo and William Doroja, were reported as under Army custody. Their whereabouts are still unknown, according to Adelfa Doroja, the victims’ mother.
Aguilar said the wounded rebel was immediately given medical aid.
The firefight happened on the day the National Democratic Front-Bicol (NDF Bicol) announced the new rebel spokesperson Ka Maria Roja Banua, possibly a nom de guerre.
The new spokesperson replaces Ka Greg Banares who was killed in July 2013.
http://bicoltoday.com/2014/03/13/army-troopers-capture-2-npas-2-civilians-in-sorsogon-firefight/
Government soldiers captured a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, while another wounded rebel surrendered on the day of the National Democratic Front announcement that a new Bicol spokesperson was named replacing the slain rebel spokesman Greg Banares who was killed in July 2013.
The firefight occurred Thursday morning in Batang Ilan Complex, Magallanes town, Sorsogon Province.
Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said the encounter took place around 6: 45 a.m. as their troopers were conducting security operations.
During the firefight, where government forces suffered no casualties, a rebel, identified as Elias Pura, allegedly the leader of the NPA forces in Sorsogon and its concurrent finance officer of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to government forces along with his M-653 automatic rifle.
Another wounded rebel surrendered, known as “Ino”, reportedly as the finance officer of NPA forces in the province.
Meanwhile, two civilians, Wilfredo and William Doroja, were reported as under Army custody. Their whereabouts are still unknown, according to Adelfa Doroja, the victims’ mother.
Aguilar said the wounded rebel was immediately given medical aid.
The firefight happened on the day the National Democratic Front-Bicol (NDF Bicol) announced the new rebel spokesperson Ka Maria Roja Banua, possibly a nom de guerre.
The new spokesperson replaces Ka Greg Banares who was killed in July 2013.
http://bicoltoday.com/2014/03/13/army-troopers-capture-2-npas-2-civilians-in-sorsogon-firefight/
Philippine Navy to send civilian vessels anew to Ayungin
From ABS-CBN (Mar 13): Philippine Navy to send civilian vessels anew to Ayungin
A security official said the Philippine Navy will have to send civilian vessels anew to the Ayungin Shoal or risk letting soldiers stationed there die of hunger and thirst.
The official, who asked not to be named, declined to say when this will be done. "I cannot tell you about the specific date, but what I can tell you is that's definite. It’s not that we're trying to court China's ire. We do not want to starve our people to death.”
Days ago, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked Filipino vessels approaching the shoal, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, thinking they were bringing in construction materials.
The Department of Foreign Affairs blasted China’s latest provocation, saying the ships only brought food and water for the Philippine soldiers staying at the rusty BRP Sierra Madre that ran aground at the shoal in 1999.
The officials said a small Navy plane airdropped drinking water for the troops last Monday, but the gallons delivered may not be enough. He said the water supply may last only 3 to 4 days.
He added, "Our concern is if they were properly dropped because the gallons [containers] could break if not properly dropped.”
He added, "We have no information if they got the water but we would like to assume they got it."
The source also said the Navy will not be sending gray ships so as not to heighten the already tense situation.
"If we do a toe-to-toe, we'll just have a problem. We might be blamed for it. We do not want that happening. We know that the situation is tense and we will send a gray ship? We do not want to do that," he said.
Nonetheless, the official slammed China for claiming that the Philippines is undertaking construction there.
"We are abiding by the rules or by the agreement that there will be no construction. But through the years, who’s the one that greatly developed their held territory, isn't it China?" he said.
He said the Navy is concerned the Philippines is losing Ayungin to China. Still, “as much as we are concerned, we are calibrating our action in the sense that we do not want to escalate the situation further.”
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/13/14/philippine-navy-send-civilian-vessels-anew-ayungin
A security official said the Philippine Navy will have to send civilian vessels anew to the Ayungin Shoal or risk letting soldiers stationed there die of hunger and thirst.
The official, who asked not to be named, declined to say when this will be done. "I cannot tell you about the specific date, but what I can tell you is that's definite. It’s not that we're trying to court China's ire. We do not want to starve our people to death.”
Days ago, the Chinese Coast Guard blocked Filipino vessels approaching the shoal, known internationally as Second Thomas Shoal, thinking they were bringing in construction materials.
The Department of Foreign Affairs blasted China’s latest provocation, saying the ships only brought food and water for the Philippine soldiers staying at the rusty BRP Sierra Madre that ran aground at the shoal in 1999.
The officials said a small Navy plane airdropped drinking water for the troops last Monday, but the gallons delivered may not be enough. He said the water supply may last only 3 to 4 days.
He added, "Our concern is if they were properly dropped because the gallons [containers] could break if not properly dropped.”
He added, "We have no information if they got the water but we would like to assume they got it."
The source also said the Navy will not be sending gray ships so as not to heighten the already tense situation.
"If we do a toe-to-toe, we'll just have a problem. We might be blamed for it. We do not want that happening. We know that the situation is tense and we will send a gray ship? We do not want to do that," he said.
Nonetheless, the official slammed China for claiming that the Philippines is undertaking construction there.
"We are abiding by the rules or by the agreement that there will be no construction. But through the years, who’s the one that greatly developed their held territory, isn't it China?" he said.
He said the Navy is concerned the Philippines is losing Ayungin to China. Still, “as much as we are concerned, we are calibrating our action in the sense that we do not want to escalate the situation further.”
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/13/14/philippine-navy-send-civilian-vessels-anew-ayungin
Four people released in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Four people released in Sulu
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits have released the four people, including two children, abducted last week in Sulu, a military official said.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela said released were the following: Mohamad Zaher Nain, 11; Alyza Farah Karanain, eight; Almalyn Abuhail, 17; and, Saddam Amlih, 24.
Nain is the son of Jolo Municipal Health Officer Dr. Faranazh Jajurie and Karanain is a relative while Amlih and Abuhail are the family driver and house helper, respectively.
Muyuela disclosed the victims were freed around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the circumferential road in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
The victims were seized last March 3 in front of a tailoring shop alongGeneral Arola Street Sulu
Amlih and Abuhail were picking up Nain and Karanain to theJolo Notre Dame School
At gunpoint, the gunmen transferred the victims to a "Tamaraw" vehicle and sped towards themunicipality
of Patikul
Meanwhile, Muyuela said that the 2nd Marine Brigade in coordination with the Sulu Police Provincial Office is tracking down the suspects behind the abduction of the four victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625031
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits have released the four people, including two children, abducted last week in Sulu, a military official said.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela said released were the following: Mohamad Zaher Nain, 11; Alyza Farah Karanain, eight; Almalyn Abuhail, 17; and, Saddam Amlih, 24.
Nain is the son of Jolo Municipal Health Officer Dr. Faranazh Jajurie and Karanain is a relative while Amlih and Abuhail are the family driver and house helper, respectively.
Muyuela disclosed the victims were freed around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday at the circumferential road in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
The victims were seized last March 3 in front of a tailoring shop along
Amlih and Abuhail were picking up Nain and Karanain to the
At gunpoint, the gunmen transferred the victims to a "Tamaraw" vehicle and sped towards the
Meanwhile, Muyuela said that the 2nd Marine Brigade in coordination with the Sulu Police Provincial Office is tracking down the suspects behind the abduction of the four victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625031
Two NPA rebels surrender to authorities in Negros Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Two NPA rebels surrender to authorities in Negros Oriental
Two more self-confessed members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) formally surrendered to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Thursday at the Capitol.
This came amid relentless operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to quash the remaining NPA forces in the province to meet the June 2014 deadline to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commander of the 79th IB of the Philippine Army, facilitated the surrender of the two, only known as alias Andoy, 20 years old, and alias Renan, 23 years old and both residents of Sta. Catalina town, about 90 minutes drive south of this capital.
Both are members of Squad 3, Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the South East Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros of the NPA, disclosed Pascua.
Andoy and Renan brought to a total of five NPA members surrendered to the 79th IB since Lt. Col. Pascua assumed his post last February 10.
In an interview, both “Andoy” and “Renan” said they left the rebel movement due to hardships and “sacrifices” and now desire to return to the mainstream of society.
“Andoy” said he stayed with the NPA for about nine months and had even carried an M-16 armalite rifle with him. He claimed to have participated in an encounter between NPA rebels and government troops last year at Naupao in Sta. Catalina town at the height of the May 13 elections.
“I can’t take it anymore. I am tired. We are always in hiding,” he went on to say as he disclosed of internal conflict in the organization.
“Andoy” told reporters he joined the NPA after being promised a better life that would help his poor family but until today, that promise has yet to be fulfilled.
He also disclosed that he decided to surrender after hearing reports of other “comrades” whom he identified as "Maisa" and "Sisam" as having turned themselves in to authorities earlier.
For his part, “Renan” disclosed he was only part of the rebel movement for about two months last year during the election period but decided to lie low afterwards.
While with the NPA, he claimed to have alternated carrying an M-16 armalite rifle or a machine gun. He also participated in two encounters last year, one in Naupao and the other in Bongabong, all in Sta. Catalina, during the elections.
“Renan” reiterated “Andoy’s” disclosure of empty promises and also admitted he got tired of the “tough” life inside the NPA organization.
He admitted that the NPA leadership knew of his surrender and that he left behind the firearms that he previously carried.
Both surrenderees, however, denied participation in the recent encounters between the NPA and Philippine Army soldiers in the hinterland barangays of Pal-iw and Bahian inTanjay
City
Meanwhile, Gov. Degamo has given the assurance that “Andoy” and “Renan” will be given cash and livelihood assistance under the government’s program for rebel returnees.
The governor called on the other members of the NPA to lay down their arms peacefully as he promised that the national and local governments as well as the AFP are ready and willing to help them start anew.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625180
Two more self-confessed members of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) formally surrendered to Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo on Thursday at the Capitol.
This came amid relentless operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to quash the remaining NPA forces in the province to meet the June 2014 deadline to declare Negros Oriental insurgency-free.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commander of the 79th IB of the Philippine Army, facilitated the surrender of the two, only known as alias Andoy, 20 years old, and alias Renan, 23 years old and both residents of Sta. Catalina town, about 90 minutes drive south of this capital.
Both are members of Squad 3, Sentro de Gravidad Platoon of the South East Front-Komiteng Rehiyon Negros of the NPA, disclosed Pascua.
Andoy and Renan brought to a total of five NPA members surrendered to the 79th IB since Lt. Col. Pascua assumed his post last February 10.
In an interview, both “Andoy” and “Renan” said they left the rebel movement due to hardships and “sacrifices” and now desire to return to the mainstream of society.
“Andoy” said he stayed with the NPA for about nine months and had even carried an M-16 armalite rifle with him. He claimed to have participated in an encounter between NPA rebels and government troops last year at Naupao in Sta. Catalina town at the height of the May 13 elections.
“I can’t take it anymore. I am tired. We are always in hiding,” he went on to say as he disclosed of internal conflict in the organization.
“Andoy” told reporters he joined the NPA after being promised a better life that would help his poor family but until today, that promise has yet to be fulfilled.
He also disclosed that he decided to surrender after hearing reports of other “comrades” whom he identified as "Maisa" and "Sisam" as having turned themselves in to authorities earlier.
For his part, “Renan” disclosed he was only part of the rebel movement for about two months last year during the election period but decided to lie low afterwards.
While with the NPA, he claimed to have alternated carrying an M-16 armalite rifle or a machine gun. He also participated in two encounters last year, one in Naupao and the other in Bongabong, all in Sta. Catalina, during the elections.
“Renan” reiterated “Andoy’s” disclosure of empty promises and also admitted he got tired of the “tough” life inside the NPA organization.
He admitted that the NPA leadership knew of his surrender and that he left behind the firearms that he previously carried.
Both surrenderees, however, denied participation in the recent encounters between the NPA and Philippine Army soldiers in the hinterland barangays of Pal-iw and Bahian in
Meanwhile, Gov. Degamo has given the assurance that “Andoy” and “Renan” will be given cash and livelihood assistance under the government’s program for rebel returnees.
The governor called on the other members of the NPA to lay down their arms peacefully as he promised that the national and local governments as well as the AFP are ready and willing to help them start anew.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625180
Former rebel files raps versus NPA comrades in Negros Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Former rebel files raps versus NPA comrades in Negros Oriental
A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – has filed charges against his former comrades in the rebel movement inGuihulngan
City
Oliver Villahermosa, a former active NPA member who surrendered in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, has filed charges of grave coercion and robbery against the following persons, namely, Enric Calago, Rosalie Calago, Elizabeth Grayan and Felisa Calago, together with six other fully armed men believed to be members of the NPA-SYP, a media release from the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army said.
The 11th IB, who aided in the filing of the complaints, said the respondents allegedly forcibly entered the house ofVillahermosa Villahermosa from staying
within Negros Island
The NPA also allegedly wanted to punishVillahermosa
In his complaint,Villahermosa
The group also allegedly took two cellular phones from the victim.
The complaints were filed at the Guihulngan City Police for the subsequent filing of appropriate cases at the prosecutor’s office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625212
A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – has filed charges against his former comrades in the rebel movement in
Oliver Villahermosa, a former active NPA member who surrendered in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, has filed charges of grave coercion and robbery against the following persons, namely, Enric Calago, Rosalie Calago, Elizabeth Grayan and Felisa Calago, together with six other fully armed men believed to be members of the NPA-SYP, a media release from the 11th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army said.
The 11th IB, who aided in the filing of the complaints, said the respondents allegedly forcibly entered the house of
The NPA also allegedly wanted to punish
In his complaint,
The group also allegedly took two cellular phones from the victim.
The complaints were filed at the Guihulngan City Police for the subsequent filing of appropriate cases at the prosecutor’s office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625212
NegOcc guv says ‘insurgency becoming a business,’ calls anew for local peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): NegOcc guv says ‘insurgency becoming a business,’ calls anew for local peace talks
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Thursday the insurgency movement in the country is becoming a business as he reiterated his call for localized peace talks with the rebels.
"The biggest problem we have right now is poverty. We have to join hands and work together and not fight each other," he said.
Marañon said he believes that the civilians who support the rebels are not supporting them for their ideology but for the business venture insurgency has become especially for its leaders.
They should stop their support for the rebels, and should instead support the government, the governor said.
Marañon cited the big revolutionary taxes the rebels impose on people in the hinterland areas especially during the elections as well as “access fees” they impose on candidates.
To counter insurgency, the provincial government has been bringing projects and services to the people especially in the hinterland areas of the first district in northernNegros .
Moreover, the governor also said that government forces should be prepared for any atrocities usually launched by the New People's Army (NPA) during their anniversary on March 29.
Col. Jon Aying, commander of 303rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental, said they are monitoring the movements of the NPA rebels and they are extra cautious as NPA’s 45th year approaches.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625301
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said Thursday the insurgency movement in the country is becoming a business as he reiterated his call for localized peace talks with the rebels.
"The biggest problem we have right now is poverty. We have to join hands and work together and not fight each other," he said.
Marañon said he believes that the civilians who support the rebels are not supporting them for their ideology but for the business venture insurgency has become especially for its leaders.
They should stop their support for the rebels, and should instead support the government, the governor said.
Marañon cited the big revolutionary taxes the rebels impose on people in the hinterland areas especially during the elections as well as “access fees” they impose on candidates.
To counter insurgency, the provincial government has been bringing projects and services to the people especially in the hinterland areas of the first district in northern
Moreover, the governor also said that government forces should be prepared for any atrocities usually launched by the New People's Army (NPA) during their anniversary on March 29.
Col. Jon Aying, commander of 303rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental, said they are monitoring the movements of the NPA rebels and they are extra cautious as NPA’s 45th year approaches.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=625301
Farmer-father of 2014 PMA valedictorian wants son to fight corruption (Feature)
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Farmer-father of 2014 PMA valedictorian wants son to fight corruption (Feature)
Help fight corruption!
This is the number one advice of the father of Philippine Military Academy Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona, the valedictorian of the PMA “Siklab Diwa" Class of 2014.
Nelson Llona, a farmer in Barangay Maopi, Daraga, Albay, from where the 2014 PMA top honor graduate hailed, said he made the advice with the belief that his son would someday occupy a high position in the government, especially that Jheorge has chosen to join the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“I am not a good swimmer so I chose the Air Force,” Nelson quoted Jheorge as saying when asked why he chose the PAF instead of the Navy and Army.
In an interview Wednesday at their residence in an upland farming village about 20 kilometers away fromLegazpi
City
He and his wife Gloria work together at their half-hectare farm that gives them a yield of 20-30 sacks of palay per harvest.
The expression of happiness on the faces of the Llona couple was nondescript.
Jheorge’s father said that even while still young, his sixth son had already shown potentials of excelling in any activity, especially in his studies.
“Ever since, my son has been studious, kind and obedient,” Nelson recalled.
The Llona patriarch said that during Jheorge’s high school days at theAnislag National High School
Jheorge, he claimed, used to walk two kilometers just to attend his classes in the nearby Barangay Anislag.
After graduating from high school, Jheorge took up Accountancy course at theBicol University
Nelson said Jheorge is profuse with expression of gratitude for their efforts to have him finish his studies through farming and selling food items.
Dr. Ramesis Lorino, dean of the Bicol University College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Management (BU-CBEM), also expressed joy over the achievement of Jheorge.
Lorino claimed that in two years of stay in BU-CBEM, Jheorge had displayed excellence in his studies, especially in Math where he got a rating of 95 percent.
He said the BU-CBEM plans to have a simple welcome program for its former student.
In August last year, the PMA administration already sent a message to the Llona family that their son would be among those who will graduate with academic honors.
The entire family is scheduled to leave forBaguio City
The Albayanos’ pride will march during the graduation rites on Sunday with the highest academic honors in the premiere military school in the country, said Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, who was invited by the Llona family to attend the occasion.
“I am going to attend this event upon the request of the family,” Salceda said in a phone interview.
He said seven other Albayano classmates of Jheorge will join him at the graduation rites.
He identified the other successful Albayano cadets as Rolly Lopez of Ligao City, Jeanelyn Cabrido and Ranjan S. Palacio from Guinobatan town, Juanito A. Siddayao of Legazpi City, Charlie A. Bernaldez of Bacacay, Angielyn B. Samaniego of Polangui, and Julan M. Ocharan of Camalig.
The Albay governor said he has directed his office to plan out welcome honors for Llona and the other PMA graduates from Albay.
He also expressed his pride over this new feat for his province as he also directed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution commending Llona for his academic achievement as well as the seven other PMA graduates.
He said he will also invite Llona to be the guest of honor during the Albay Day celebration on April 3.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=625067
Help fight corruption!
This is the number one advice of the father of Philippine Military Academy Cadet First Class Jheorge Llona, the valedictorian of the PMA “Siklab Diwa" Class of 2014.
Nelson Llona, a farmer in Barangay Maopi, Daraga, Albay, from where the 2014 PMA top honor graduate hailed, said he made the advice with the belief that his son would someday occupy a high position in the government, especially that Jheorge has chosen to join the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
“I am not a good swimmer so I chose the Air Force,” Nelson quoted Jheorge as saying when asked why he chose the PAF instead of the Navy and Army.
In an interview Wednesday at their residence in an upland farming village about 20 kilometers away from
He and his wife Gloria work together at their half-hectare farm that gives them a yield of 20-30 sacks of palay per harvest.
The expression of happiness on the faces of the Llona couple was nondescript.
Jheorge’s father said that even while still young, his sixth son had already shown potentials of excelling in any activity, especially in his studies.
“Ever since, my son has been studious, kind and obedient,” Nelson recalled.
The Llona patriarch said that during Jheorge’s high school days at the
Jheorge, he claimed, used to walk two kilometers just to attend his classes in the nearby Barangay Anislag.
After graduating from high school, Jheorge took up Accountancy course at the
Nelson said Jheorge is profuse with expression of gratitude for their efforts to have him finish his studies through farming and selling food items.
Dr. Ramesis Lorino, dean of the Bicol University College of Business, Entrepreneurship and Management (BU-CBEM), also expressed joy over the achievement of Jheorge.
Lorino claimed that in two years of stay in BU-CBEM, Jheorge had displayed excellence in his studies, especially in Math where he got a rating of 95 percent.
He said the BU-CBEM plans to have a simple welcome program for its former student.
In August last year, the PMA administration already sent a message to the Llona family that their son would be among those who will graduate with academic honors.
The entire family is scheduled to leave for
The Albayanos’ pride will march during the graduation rites on Sunday with the highest academic honors in the premiere military school in the country, said Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, who was invited by the Llona family to attend the occasion.
“I am going to attend this event upon the request of the family,” Salceda said in a phone interview.
He said seven other Albayano classmates of Jheorge will join him at the graduation rites.
He identified the other successful Albayano cadets as Rolly Lopez of Ligao City, Jeanelyn Cabrido and Ranjan S. Palacio from Guinobatan town, Juanito A. Siddayao of Legazpi City, Charlie A. Bernaldez of Bacacay, Angielyn B. Samaniego of Polangui, and Julan M. Ocharan of Camalig.
The Albay governor said he has directed his office to plan out welcome honors for Llona and the other PMA graduates from Albay.
He also expressed his pride over this new feat for his province as he also directed the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution commending Llona for his academic achievement as well as the seven other PMA graduates.
He said he will also invite Llona to be the guest of honor during the Albay Day celebration on April 3.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=625067
Albay takes pride in PMA 2014 Class valedictorian, 7 others (Feature)
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): Albay takes pride in PMA 2014 Class valedictorian, 7 others (Feature)
Albay takes pride in Cadet First Class Jheorge Millena Llona, who graduates as valedictorian of his class at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) this year, and seven others, including two female cadets who come from the province.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said he is “supremely proud” of Llona, a farmer’s son, for bringing honor to the province, setting an inspiration for Albayano youths to gun for the top ranks in their chosen fields of studies.
Salceda has cancelled his prior appointments on Sunday, March 16, to accept with pride the invitations from the graduates and their families for him to attend the PMA graduation at Fort Del Pilar inBaguio City
“I am obliged to join these young men and women from our province -- who will be our future leaders -- in taking their vow of selfless service to the country,” he said.
Llona leads the 223-member “Siklab Diwa” PMA Class 2014. He has chosen to join the Philippine Air Force.
The seven other graduating cadets from Albay are Rolly Y. Lopez ofLigao City ;
Jeanelyn P. Cabrido, Guinobatan town; Juanito A. Siddayao, Legazpi City
“The cadets and their families have asked me to attend and join them inBaguio
The governor noted that Albay has lasting ties with the PMA that goes way back to its pioneer Class of 1940 to which retired Philippine Army Col. Reynaldo Bocalbos ofTabaco
City
PMA Class 1940 was the first batch of officers produced by the academy after they underwent four years of comprehensive military and academic training as future commissioned officers in the regular units of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Bocalbos was among the honored guests at the Academy’s 2011 graduation rites, and witnessed the commissioning of Norman Avila Carual, one of the top 10 of the PMA ‘Laon Alab’ Class, who also hails fromTabaco City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=625079
Albay takes pride in Cadet First Class Jheorge Millena Llona, who graduates as valedictorian of his class at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) this year, and seven others, including two female cadets who come from the province.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said he is “supremely proud” of Llona, a farmer’s son, for bringing honor to the province, setting an inspiration for Albayano youths to gun for the top ranks in their chosen fields of studies.
Salceda has cancelled his prior appointments on Sunday, March 16, to accept with pride the invitations from the graduates and their families for him to attend the PMA graduation at Fort Del Pilar in
“I am obliged to join these young men and women from our province -- who will be our future leaders -- in taking their vow of selfless service to the country,” he said.
Llona leads the 223-member “Siklab Diwa” PMA Class 2014. He has chosen to join the Philippine Air Force.
The seven other graduating cadets from Albay are Rolly Y. Lopez of
“The cadets and their families have asked me to attend and join them in
The governor noted that Albay has lasting ties with the PMA that goes way back to its pioneer Class of 1940 to which retired Philippine Army Col. Reynaldo Bocalbos of
PMA Class 1940 was the first batch of officers produced by the academy after they underwent four years of comprehensive military and academic training as future commissioned officers in the regular units of the Armed Forces of the
Bocalbos was among the honored guests at the Academy’s 2011 graduation rites, and witnessed the commissioning of Norman Avila Carual, one of the top 10 of the PMA ‘Laon Alab’ Class, who also hails from
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=625079
PN's AW-109 joins search for missing Malaysian airliner
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): PN's AW-109 joins search for missing Malaysian airliner
For the very first time, the Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed one of its AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters to help in the ongoing search for the Malaysia Airlines plane which went missing since last March 8.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said the PN aircraft is now operating in tandem with the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).
"Our AW-109 is operating and taking off the flight deck of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar," he added.
Fabic declined to give the exact location of the ship due to security reasons but stressed that the vessel is operating somewhere off theWest Philippine Sea .
He added that the ship and the AW-109 have been helping in the search since March 9. The latter aircraft was delivered to thePhilippines
The AW-109 is expected to make its first shipboard deployment by the end of March.
Fabic said that this is the first time that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar worked with the AW-109 which it is assigned helicopter.
"The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is operating with BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) along with one Norman Britten 'Islander' aircraft and the Air Force's Fokker F-27 'Friendship' plane," the PN spokesperson said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625099
For the very first time, the Philippine Navy (PN) has deployed one of its AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters to help in the ongoing search for the Malaysia Airlines plane which went missing since last March 8.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said the PN aircraft is now operating in tandem with the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15).
"Our AW-109 is operating and taking off the flight deck of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar," he added.
Fabic declined to give the exact location of the ship due to security reasons but stressed that the vessel is operating somewhere off the
He added that the ship and the AW-109 have been helping in the search since March 9. The latter aircraft was delivered to the
The AW-109 is expected to make its first shipboard deployment by the end of March.
Fabic said that this is the first time that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar worked with the AW-109 which it is assigned helicopter.
"The BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is operating with BRP Apolinario Mabini (PS-36) and BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35) along with one Norman Britten 'Islander' aircraft and the Air Force's Fokker F-27 'Friendship' plane," the PN spokesperson said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625099
2 rebels bagged in Sorsogon firefight with Army troopers
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): 2 rebels bagged in Sorsogon firefight with Army troopers
Troopers from the Army's 9th Infantry Division has successfully captured a New People's Army (NPA) rebel while another one has voluntarily surrendered to government forces following an encounter in Batang Ilan Complex, Magallanes town, Sorsogon town Thursday morning.
Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said the encounter took place around 6: 45 a.m. as their troopers were conducting security operations.
During the course of the firefight, which resulted in no government casualties, a certain Elias Pura, allegedly the leader of the NPA forces in Sorsogon and its concurrent finance officer of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to government forces along with his M-653 automatic rifle.
Wounded in the same encounter and captured by government forces was a certain "Ino", reportedly the finance officer of NPA forces in Sorsogon.
Aguilar said the wounded rebel was immediately given medical aid.
"The success of the operations was primarily due to the strong partnership established between the civilian government, the general public and the military. This partnership gives the government the advantage over the insurgents that are losing their support for sustenance from the masses. It will also ensure the success of the continuous security operations that the military will undertake to ensure the safety of the people in Bicol Region," he concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625104
Troopers from the Army's 9th Infantry Division has successfully captured a New People's Army (NPA) rebel while another one has voluntarily surrendered to government forces following an encounter in Batang Ilan Complex, Magallanes town, Sorsogon town Thursday morning.
Lt. Col. Medel Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division spokesman, said the encounter took place around 6: 45 a.m. as their troopers were conducting security operations.
During the course of the firefight, which resulted in no government casualties, a certain Elias Pura, allegedly the leader of the NPA forces in Sorsogon and its concurrent finance officer of the Bicol Regional Party Committee, surrendered to government forces along with his M-653 automatic rifle.
Wounded in the same encounter and captured by government forces was a certain "Ino", reportedly the finance officer of NPA forces in Sorsogon.
Aguilar said the wounded rebel was immediately given medical aid.
"The success of the operations was primarily due to the strong partnership established between the civilian government, the general public and the military. This partnership gives the government the advantage over the insurgents that are losing their support for sustenance from the masses. It will also ensure the success of the continuous security operations that the military will undertake to ensure the safety of the people in Bicol Region," he concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625104
President Aquino now studying dismissed PMA cadet’s appeal -- Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13): President Aquino now studying dismissed PMA cadet’s appeal -- Palace
Malacanang on Thursday said the Office of the President (OP) is currently studying the appeal made by dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet, Aldrin Jeff Cudia.
“The Office of the President is currently studying the appeal,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a Palace media briefing.
“The PMA Honor Code is an essential building block on the character formation of future leaders and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he added.
Cudia was accused of lying (a violation of the PMA Honor Code) after being two minutes late for one of his classes. He was then voted for dismissal by the Honor Committee.
He is currently not part of the list of graduating PMA cadets and would have graduated salutatorian. Graduation rites is scheduled March 16.
The final decision on whether Cudia gets to join the PMA graduation rites or not, lies with the military’s commander-in-chief, President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Coloma said the basis of the PMA Honor Code is to “prepare and fortify the mindset and the value set of the prospective Armed Forces officer.”
“...These will eventually be put to a severe test in the battlefield and arenas of conflict, where the officer will be deployed upon commissioning,” the PCOO chief said.
“Truth and fairness are the primary guideposts in deciding this appeal,” he added.
Coloma also stressed that it was President Aquino himself who was reviewing the appeal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625201
Malacanang on Thursday said the Office of the President (OP) is currently studying the appeal made by dismissed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet, Aldrin Jeff Cudia.
“The Office of the President is currently studying the appeal,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. in a Palace media briefing.
“The PMA Honor Code is an essential building block on the character formation of future leaders and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” he added.
Cudia was accused of lying (a violation of the PMA Honor Code) after being two minutes late for one of his classes. He was then voted for dismissal by the Honor Committee.
He is currently not part of the list of graduating PMA cadets and would have graduated salutatorian. Graduation rites is scheduled March 16.
The final decision on whether Cudia gets to join the PMA graduation rites or not, lies with the military’s commander-in-chief, President Benigno S. Aquino III.
Coloma said the basis of the PMA Honor Code is to “prepare and fortify the mindset and the value set of the prospective Armed Forces officer.”
“...These will eventually be put to a severe test in the battlefield and arenas of conflict, where the officer will be deployed upon commissioning,” the PCOO chief said.
“Truth and fairness are the primary guideposts in deciding this appeal,” he added.
Coloma also stressed that it was President Aquino himself who was reviewing the appeal.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=625201