From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 10): New NOLCOM Commander seeks continued collaboration with various stakeholders in pursuit of just, lasting peace
Newly-installed Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) head Major General Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. called on various stakeholders- from national and local government to civil society organizations and the private sector to continue supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in pursuit of a just and lasting peace in Regions 1,2, 3, and Cordillera.
“Anchored on the whole of nation approach, we shall continue to collaborate with our stakeholders in the delivery of basic social services and other developmental programs and projects to the far-flung communities in order to improve the well-being of our kababayans thereby denying the remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) of issues to exploit on,” Trinidad said during Monday’s turn of command rites.
“Through our partners, we will collectively build social pressure on what remains of the NPA in this area and the other armed groups for them to shun the culture of arms and violence and to instead embrace a culture of peace and development,” Trinidad added.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982, Trinidad previously served as Commander of the Army 1st Infantry Division.
He was the overall ground commander during the 2013 defense of Zamboanga City against rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front.
Trinidad replaced Lieutenant General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. who was promoted as Vice Chief of Staff.
Last January, AFP declared the entire Northern Luzon as insurgency-free with Pampanga becoming the 22nd and final province to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).
The MOA delegated to the Philippine National Police the lead role in fighting remnants of insurgents with the support of the military that will remain primarily for stakeholder engagement programs.
This was likewise a way to accept and assert the local government's lead role in orchestrating the efforts of all stakeholders in the delivery of services designed to address the primary socio-economic issues.
Prior to this, other provinces in Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera were declared peaceful and ready for further development from 2009 to 2013.
These are La union and Nueva Viscaya in 2009; Apayao, Aurora, Quirino, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Kalinga in 2010; Ilocos Norte and Benguet in 2011; Zambales, Abra and Bataan in 2012; and Batanes, Ilocos Sur, Isabela, Cagayan, Ifugao, Bulacan and Mt. Province in 2013.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2701402301080
Monday, June 9, 2014
Armed men raid Agusan town mayor’s house
From the Philippine Star (Jum 10): Armed men raid Agusan town mayor’s house
Eight suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas raided the house of Carmen town Mayor Ramon Calo in Agusan del Norte Sunday night.
Carmen Vice Mayor Wilfredo Taglucop said the assailants, armed with assault rifles, disarmed and hogtied the two security guards stationed at the gate of Calo’s house, located across the municipal hall in Barangay Poblacion.
Taglucop, who was the acting mayor, said Calo was in Manila when the raid occurred at around 7:30 p.m. He said the assailants hogtied one of the house helpers and ordered the other one to take them to Calo’s room, where the firearms were reportedly kept.
The gunmen allegedly took an Uzi submachine gun, a baby Armalite rifle, an M-14 rifle and two briefcases from the room.
Taglucop said he and the members of the Agusan del Norte police found the rooms in disarray.
“An inventory must be done as soon as Mayor Calo arrives home to determine the items taken by the gunmen,” he said.
In an interview yesterday morning, Calo blamed the absence of an Army detachment in the town proper for the attack on his house.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/10/1332896/armed-men-raid-agusan-town-mayors-house
Eight suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas raided the house of Carmen town Mayor Ramon Calo in Agusan del Norte Sunday night.
Carmen Vice Mayor Wilfredo Taglucop said the assailants, armed with assault rifles, disarmed and hogtied the two security guards stationed at the gate of Calo’s house, located across the municipal hall in Barangay Poblacion.
Taglucop, who was the acting mayor, said Calo was in Manila when the raid occurred at around 7:30 p.m. He said the assailants hogtied one of the house helpers and ordered the other one to take them to Calo’s room, where the firearms were reportedly kept.
The gunmen allegedly took an Uzi submachine gun, a baby Armalite rifle, an M-14 rifle and two briefcases from the room.
Taglucop said he and the members of the Agusan del Norte police found the rooms in disarray.
“An inventory must be done as soon as Mayor Calo arrives home to determine the items taken by the gunmen,” he said.
In an interview yesterday morning, Calo blamed the absence of an Army detachment in the town proper for the attack on his house.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/10/1332896/armed-men-raid-agusan-town-mayors-house
Abu man nabbed for doctor’s kidnap
From the Philippine Star (Jun 10): Abu man nabbed for doctor’s kidnap
A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group tagged in the kidnap of a doctor and his family was arrested in Lantawan town in Basilan yesterday.
Moraham Ameng alias Ameng Alamsirul reportedly carries a P600,000 bounty on his head, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) regional office here.
Ameng was arrested in Barangay Bulan-bulan for the kidnap of physician Nilo Barandino and his family in 1992.
Authorities said the suspect was also involved in the kidnapping of 16 public school teachers in 1994.
The suspect was taken to the CIDG headquarters in this city while awaiting possible transfer to a jail facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/10/1332892/abu-man-nabbed-doctors-kidnap
A suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group tagged in the kidnap of a doctor and his family was arrested in Lantawan town in Basilan yesterday.
Moraham Ameng alias Ameng Alamsirul reportedly carries a P600,000 bounty on his head, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) regional office here.
Ameng was arrested in Barangay Bulan-bulan for the kidnap of physician Nilo Barandino and his family in 1992.
Authorities said the suspect was also involved in the kidnapping of 16 public school teachers in 1994.
The suspect was taken to the CIDG headquarters in this city while awaiting possible transfer to a jail facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/10/1332892/abu-man-nabbed-doctors-kidnap
PNP dismisses reports of cops selling firearms to NPA as ‘hearsay,’ ‘speculation’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 9): PNP dismisses reports of cops selling firearms to NPA as ‘hearsay,’ ‘speculation’
Is it just tittle-tattle?
The Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed as “mere hearsay and speculations” on Monday, the allegations against ranking police officials implicated in the questionable sale of over P52 million worth of assault rifles to communist rebels.
PNP Director General Alan Purisima came to the defense of 19 police personnel, among them four active police generals, who were identified in the investigation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as responsible for the alleged irregularity.
Purisima noted that businessman Isidro Lozada, who supposedly admitted facilitating the anomalous arms deal, had yet to submit a sworn affidavit to the CIDG.
Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesperson, described as “premature” the statement of CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong linking the police officials in the purchase of 1,004 AK-47 rifles by the New People’s Army (NPA) from 2011 to 2013.
“In the absence of any hard evidence, these are mere speculations and hearsay,” Sindac quoted Purisima as saying.
“The information (the CIDG gathered) should be translated to evidence first before anyone makes any statement about this matter. Although he’s conducting the investigation, what we have are… just speculations of Magalong,” Sindac argued.
Speaking in a news briefing at Camp Crame last week, Magalong disclosed that several PNP personnel, including Chief Supt. Raul Petransanta, the Central Luzon police director, could be held liable for the sale of the high-powered firearms to NPA rebels.
The CIDG chief also admitted it was only Lozada who facilitated the importation and registration of the guns with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office at Camp Crame and that he did not directly deal with any police official.
He, however, said the firearms could not have ended in the hands of the communist insurgents had the PNP officials examined the documents diligently.
Lozada’s admission was supported by the military’s recovery of AK-47 assault rifles from the NPA rebels during recent encounters in Mindanao, Magalong said.
He said the CIDG was preparing to file cases of graft and of violating the law against illegal firearms against Petrasanta et al. and 10 other private individuals.
But Sindac insisted that the CIDG had yet to conclude its investigation into the matter, saying some of the PNP personnel who had been identified by Magalong “may or may not be held liable” for Lozada’s anomalous transaction.
“The investigation is still on going. What we are looking into is the whole process (of firearms registration) and where the irregularities may have been committed,” he said.
Sindac, who was present at Magalong’s press conference, maintained the PNP was not trying to protect the supposed erring police officers, but “just want to put things in proper order.”
“It’s premature, it’s too early to make such pronouncement at this point in time,” Sindac said.
He said the PNP would not tolerate the wrongdoings of any of its personnel, including Petrasanta who has been touted as the next chief of the 148,000-strong force after Purisima’s retirement in November 2015.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/609852/pnp-dismisses-reports-of-cops-selling-firearms-to-npa-as-hearsay-speculation
Is it just tittle-tattle?
The Philippine National Police (PNP) dismissed as “mere hearsay and speculations” on Monday, the allegations against ranking police officials implicated in the questionable sale of over P52 million worth of assault rifles to communist rebels.
PNP Director General Alan Purisima came to the defense of 19 police personnel, among them four active police generals, who were identified in the investigation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) as responsible for the alleged irregularity.
Purisima noted that businessman Isidro Lozada, who supposedly admitted facilitating the anomalous arms deal, had yet to submit a sworn affidavit to the CIDG.
Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesperson, described as “premature” the statement of CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong linking the police officials in the purchase of 1,004 AK-47 rifles by the New People’s Army (NPA) from 2011 to 2013.
“In the absence of any hard evidence, these are mere speculations and hearsay,” Sindac quoted Purisima as saying.
“The information (the CIDG gathered) should be translated to evidence first before anyone makes any statement about this matter. Although he’s conducting the investigation, what we have are… just speculations of Magalong,” Sindac argued.
Speaking in a news briefing at Camp Crame last week, Magalong disclosed that several PNP personnel, including Chief Supt. Raul Petransanta, the Central Luzon police director, could be held liable for the sale of the high-powered firearms to NPA rebels.
The CIDG chief also admitted it was only Lozada who facilitated the importation and registration of the guns with the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office at Camp Crame and that he did not directly deal with any police official.
He, however, said the firearms could not have ended in the hands of the communist insurgents had the PNP officials examined the documents diligently.
Lozada’s admission was supported by the military’s recovery of AK-47 assault rifles from the NPA rebels during recent encounters in Mindanao, Magalong said.
He said the CIDG was preparing to file cases of graft and of violating the law against illegal firearms against Petrasanta et al. and 10 other private individuals.
But Sindac insisted that the CIDG had yet to conclude its investigation into the matter, saying some of the PNP personnel who had been identified by Magalong “may or may not be held liable” for Lozada’s anomalous transaction.
“The investigation is still on going. What we are looking into is the whole process (of firearms registration) and where the irregularities may have been committed,” he said.
Sindac, who was present at Magalong’s press conference, maintained the PNP was not trying to protect the supposed erring police officers, but “just want to put things in proper order.”
“It’s premature, it’s too early to make such pronouncement at this point in time,” Sindac said.
He said the PNP would not tolerate the wrongdoings of any of its personnel, including Petrasanta who has been touted as the next chief of the 148,000-strong force after Purisima’s retirement in November 2015.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/609852/pnp-dismisses-reports-of-cops-selling-firearms-to-npa-as-hearsay-speculation
‘Majority’ of recovered AK-47s tampered, says Army
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): ‘Majority’ of recovered AK-47s tampered, says Army
An official of the Philippine Army on Tuesday said that “majority” of the high-powered rifles recovered from the New People’s Army were defaced of their serial numbers.
Captain Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command Public Affairs Chief, said that most of the recovered firearms from the NPA in the Caraga region were tampered and that five of them were from the 1,000 that the Philippine National Police purportedly sold to the communist rebels.
He said that with the tampering of the serial numbers, the rebels intended to mislead the authorities of the firearms’ origin.
“The user intends to mislead authorities on the source of the AK-47 rifles,” Caber said.
Caber, however, could not give the ballpark figure on the number of the tampered rifles, though he was sure that it was more than half of the recovered firearms.
“There are confirmed reports that the five were from the 1,000 rifles sold to the NPA,” Caber said.
He added that the serial numbers are usually found on the body of the rifle, though the Armed Forces of the Philippines are issued with M16 and M14 rifles, not AK-47′s.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/610013/majority-of-recovered-ak-47s-tampered-says-army
An official of the Philippine Army on Tuesday said that “majority” of the high-powered rifles recovered from the New People’s Army were defaced of their serial numbers.
Captain Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command Public Affairs Chief, said that most of the recovered firearms from the NPA in the Caraga region were tampered and that five of them were from the 1,000 that the Philippine National Police purportedly sold to the communist rebels.
He said that with the tampering of the serial numbers, the rebels intended to mislead the authorities of the firearms’ origin.
“The user intends to mislead authorities on the source of the AK-47 rifles,” Caber said.
Caber, however, could not give the ballpark figure on the number of the tampered rifles, though he was sure that it was more than half of the recovered firearms.
“There are confirmed reports that the five were from the 1,000 rifles sold to the NPA,” Caber said.
He added that the serial numbers are usually found on the body of the rifle, though the Armed Forces of the Philippines are issued with M16 and M14 rifles, not AK-47′s.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/610013/majority-of-recovered-ak-47s-tampered-says-army
AFP: Rifles could arm Army brigade
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 10): AFP: Rifles could arm Army brigade
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala: No joke FILE PHOTO
The reported sale of 1,004 AK-47 assault rifles to communist rebels has raised concerns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines even as the Philippine National Police defended ranking police officers implicated in the deal, saying the allegations were “mere hearsay and speculations.”
“One thousand firearms is no joke. Knowing there are 1,004 firearms with the enemy now is a real concern for us because these firearms will eventually kill our soldiers,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, who likened the supposed sale to arming an entire military brigade, told the Inquirer.
Zagala said the military had been “baffled” for sometime by its recovery of AK-47s from New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas after clashes. He said the military had recovered 48 AK-47s from the NPA since 2010.
Zagala said that while an AK-47 was not as accurate as an M-16 Armalite rifle, its design was “straightforward and low maintenance.”
“It is a long-lasting rifle,” Zagala said of the weapon that was designed by Russian Mikhail Kalashnikov. AK-47 stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova or “Kalashnikov’s Automatic” and the year it was designed, 1947.
But Zagala said the AK-47s seized from the NPA were believed to have been made in China.
Zagala said the AK-47 appeared to be the firearm of choice of the NPA. “It could be because it’s cheaper, it’s low maintenance, or because the AK-47 is a symbol of communism,” he said.
Last week, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced that 1,004 AK-47 rifles missing from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division were discovered to have been sold to the NPA by a broker from 2011 to 2013 for over P52 million.
The CIDG said charges would be filed against 19 police officers and 10 civilians who were allegedly responsible for the illegal sale and licensing of the firearms.
But the PNP on Monday dismissed as “mere hearsay and speculations” the allegations against several ranking police officials, including Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Raul Petransanta.
No sworn affidavit yet
PNP Director General Alan Purisima came to the defense of the 19 police personnel, among them four active police generals who were identified by the CIDG as being responsible for the alleged irregularity.
Purisima noted that businessman Isidro Lozada, who supposedly admitted facilitating the anomalous arms deal, had yet to submit a sworn affidavit to the CIDG.
Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesman, described as “premature” the statement of CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong linking the police officials to the sale of 1,004 AK-47 rifles to the NPA from 2011 to 2013.
“In the absence of any hard evidence, these are mere speculations and hearsay,” Sindac quoted Purisima as saying.
“The information (the CIDG gathered) should be translated to evidence first before anyone makes any statement about this matter. Although he’s conducting the investigation, what we have are… just speculations of Magalong,” Sindac said.
Speaking in a news briefing at Camp Crame last week, Magalong disclosed that several PNP personnel, including Petrasanta, who is a former chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, could be held liable for the sale of the high-powered firearms to NPA rebels.
But the CIDG chief admitted that it was only Lozada who facilitated the importation and registration of the guns with the PNP FEO at Camp Crame and that he did not directly deal with any police official.
He, however, said the firearms could not have ended up in the hands of the communist insurgents had the PNP officials diligently examined the documents.
Lozada’s admission was supported by the military’s recovery of AK-47 rifles from NPA rebels following recent encounters in Mindanao, Magalong said.
Magalong said the CIDG was preparing to file cases of graft and violation of the anti-illegal firearms law against the 19 police officials and 10 private individuals.
But Sindac insisted that the CIDG had yet to conclude its investigation into the matter, saying that some of the PNP personnel identified by Magalong “may or may not be held liable” for Lozada’s anomalous transaction.
“The investigation is still ongoing. What we are looking into is the whole process (of firearms registration) and where the irregularities may have been committed,” he said.
Sindac, who was present at Magalong’s press conference, maintained the PNP was not trying to protect the supposed erring police officers, but we “just want to put things in proper order.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/609939/afp-rifles-could-arm-army-brigade
AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala: No joke FILE PHOTO
The reported sale of 1,004 AK-47 assault rifles to communist rebels has raised concerns in the Armed Forces of the Philippines even as the Philippine National Police defended ranking police officers implicated in the deal, saying the allegations were “mere hearsay and speculations.”
“One thousand firearms is no joke. Knowing there are 1,004 firearms with the enemy now is a real concern for us because these firearms will eventually kill our soldiers,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, who likened the supposed sale to arming an entire military brigade, told the Inquirer.
Zagala said the military had been “baffled” for sometime by its recovery of AK-47s from New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas after clashes. He said the military had recovered 48 AK-47s from the NPA since 2010.
Zagala said that while an AK-47 was not as accurate as an M-16 Armalite rifle, its design was “straightforward and low maintenance.”
“It is a long-lasting rifle,” Zagala said of the weapon that was designed by Russian Mikhail Kalashnikov. AK-47 stands for Avtomat Kalashnikova or “Kalashnikov’s Automatic” and the year it was designed, 1947.
But Zagala said the AK-47s seized from the NPA were believed to have been made in China.
Zagala said the AK-47 appeared to be the firearm of choice of the NPA. “It could be because it’s cheaper, it’s low maintenance, or because the AK-47 is a symbol of communism,” he said.
Last week, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) announced that 1,004 AK-47 rifles missing from the PNP Firearms and Explosives Division were discovered to have been sold to the NPA by a broker from 2011 to 2013 for over P52 million.
The CIDG said charges would be filed against 19 police officers and 10 civilians who were allegedly responsible for the illegal sale and licensing of the firearms.
But the PNP on Monday dismissed as “mere hearsay and speculations” the allegations against several ranking police officials, including Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Raul Petransanta.
No sworn affidavit yet
PNP Director General Alan Purisima came to the defense of the 19 police personnel, among them four active police generals who were identified by the CIDG as being responsible for the alleged irregularity.
Purisima noted that businessman Isidro Lozada, who supposedly admitted facilitating the anomalous arms deal, had yet to submit a sworn affidavit to the CIDG.
Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP spokesman, described as “premature” the statement of CIDG chief Director Benjamin Magalong linking the police officials to the sale of 1,004 AK-47 rifles to the NPA from 2011 to 2013.
“In the absence of any hard evidence, these are mere speculations and hearsay,” Sindac quoted Purisima as saying.
“The information (the CIDG gathered) should be translated to evidence first before anyone makes any statement about this matter. Although he’s conducting the investigation, what we have are… just speculations of Magalong,” Sindac said.
Speaking in a news briefing at Camp Crame last week, Magalong disclosed that several PNP personnel, including Petrasanta, who is a former chief of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office, could be held liable for the sale of the high-powered firearms to NPA rebels.
But the CIDG chief admitted that it was only Lozada who facilitated the importation and registration of the guns with the PNP FEO at Camp Crame and that he did not directly deal with any police official.
He, however, said the firearms could not have ended up in the hands of the communist insurgents had the PNP officials diligently examined the documents.
Lozada’s admission was supported by the military’s recovery of AK-47 rifles from NPA rebels following recent encounters in Mindanao, Magalong said.
Magalong said the CIDG was preparing to file cases of graft and violation of the anti-illegal firearms law against the 19 police officials and 10 private individuals.
But Sindac insisted that the CIDG had yet to conclude its investigation into the matter, saying that some of the PNP personnel identified by Magalong “may or may not be held liable” for Lozada’s anomalous transaction.
“The investigation is still ongoing. What we are looking into is the whole process (of firearms registration) and where the irregularities may have been committed,” he said.
Sindac, who was present at Magalong’s press conference, maintained the PNP was not trying to protect the supposed erring police officers, but we “just want to put things in proper order.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/609939/afp-rifles-could-arm-army-brigade
Another CPP-NPA Leader Falls Karapatan Cries Foul
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jun 9): Another CPP-NPA Leader Falls Karapatan Cries Foul
"REBEL LEADER alias Pediong/Nasyo" nabbed by a joint Army and Police team in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, Friday night.* (302nd Brigade photo)
Combined elements of Tanjay City PNP and the Army’s 302nd Brigade and 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion arrested alias Pediong/Nasyo, Secretary of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (SEF, KR-N) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Friday night.
A report from the Philippine Army (PA) said Alias Pediong/Nasyo was arrested through a joint checkpoint in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Philippine National Police (PNP) Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) in Barangay Tugas, Tanjay.
"The NPA leader was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for the case of murder under Criminal Case No. 2014-22242, filed at Regional Trial Court (RTC) 7th Judicial Region Branch 41 in Dumaguete City," the Army report said.
"Former rebels in Negros Oriental who are now in mainstream society identified alias Pediong/Nasyo as the secretary of the SEF, KR-N who once led in carrying out various atrocities of the NPA operating in southeastern part of Negros, victimizing innocent civilians, and destroyed properties in the area," the Army report added.
Confiscated from the rebel leader were, a hand grenade, an ATM card and identification cards with different identities such as Jose Rene H. Bustamante, Jade B. Herevias, and Jury Merecido, the Army also said.
The NPA leader is detained at Tanjay City PNP station.
"This development is certainly a big blow to the CPP-NPA in Negros Oriental as its organizational structure has been dismantled. This is the result of the Bayanihan among the people of the province who are eager to attain lasting peace and live in a place that is conducive for uninterrupted economic development," Brig. Gen. Francisco M. Patrimonio, Commander of 302nd Brigade, said.
Alias Pediong/Nasyo’s murder case involves the killing of the late Narciso Bantoto, Jr. in an ambush perpetrated by the NPA last January 17, 2014 in Brgy. Tayak, Siaton, Negros Or.
Bantoto, a farmer and resident of the barangay was killed in the presence of his wife, three children and a niece while on their way to a benefit dance at Sitio Mainit.
"The death of Bantoto was strongly condemned by the hinterland residents together with the officials of Tayak who openly rejected the CPP-NPA movement and expressed support to the government’s program for peace and development," the Army statement also said.
"The successful arrest can be attributed to the convergence of efforts among the Army, PNP, other stakeholders involved in the security sector and the civilians. It is a clear manifestation that the people have realized the futility of the armed struggle and strongly desire to have an insurgency-free community," the Army added.
Major General Aurelio B. Baladad, 3rd Army Infantry Division commander lauded the efforts of the Army and the PNP "for their perseverance and sacrifices which led to the arrest of the NPA leader."
"Your Army is strongly committed to bring lasting peace. It is through Bayanihan or working together where we can find peaceful solution to our problems," Balabad said.
"We reiterate our call on the CPP-NPA to come down and talk peace. Abandon the armed struggle for it is not the solution to our societal issues. Let us work together in the spirit of Bayanihan to finally put an end to the insurgency problem," said Baladad.
KARAPATAN.
Yesterday, militant cause-oriented group KARAPATAN’s spokespersons condemned the arrest, saying "soldiers and policemen cannot just simply arrest anyone using John Does or aliases... this is another human rights violation that must be condemned."
http://ndb-online.com/june0914/another-cpp-npa-leader-falls-karapatan-cries-foul
"REBEL LEADER alias Pediong/Nasyo" nabbed by a joint Army and Police team in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, Friday night.* (302nd Brigade photo)
Combined elements of Tanjay City PNP and the Army’s 302nd Brigade and 79th Infantry "Masaligan" Battalion arrested alias Pediong/Nasyo, Secretary of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (SEF, KR-N) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Friday night.
A report from the Philippine Army (PA) said Alias Pediong/Nasyo was arrested through a joint checkpoint in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Philippine National Police (PNP) Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center (JPSCC) in Barangay Tugas, Tanjay.
"The NPA leader was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for the case of murder under Criminal Case No. 2014-22242, filed at Regional Trial Court (RTC) 7th Judicial Region Branch 41 in Dumaguete City," the Army report said.
"Former rebels in Negros Oriental who are now in mainstream society identified alias Pediong/Nasyo as the secretary of the SEF, KR-N who once led in carrying out various atrocities of the NPA operating in southeastern part of Negros, victimizing innocent civilians, and destroyed properties in the area," the Army report added.
Confiscated from the rebel leader were, a hand grenade, an ATM card and identification cards with different identities such as Jose Rene H. Bustamante, Jade B. Herevias, and Jury Merecido, the Army also said.
The NPA leader is detained at Tanjay City PNP station.
"This development is certainly a big blow to the CPP-NPA in Negros Oriental as its organizational structure has been dismantled. This is the result of the Bayanihan among the people of the province who are eager to attain lasting peace and live in a place that is conducive for uninterrupted economic development," Brig. Gen. Francisco M. Patrimonio, Commander of 302nd Brigade, said.
Alias Pediong/Nasyo’s murder case involves the killing of the late Narciso Bantoto, Jr. in an ambush perpetrated by the NPA last January 17, 2014 in Brgy. Tayak, Siaton, Negros Or.
Bantoto, a farmer and resident of the barangay was killed in the presence of his wife, three children and a niece while on their way to a benefit dance at Sitio Mainit.
"The death of Bantoto was strongly condemned by the hinterland residents together with the officials of Tayak who openly rejected the CPP-NPA movement and expressed support to the government’s program for peace and development," the Army statement also said.
"The successful arrest can be attributed to the convergence of efforts among the Army, PNP, other stakeholders involved in the security sector and the civilians. It is a clear manifestation that the people have realized the futility of the armed struggle and strongly desire to have an insurgency-free community," the Army added.
Major General Aurelio B. Baladad, 3rd Army Infantry Division commander lauded the efforts of the Army and the PNP "for their perseverance and sacrifices which led to the arrest of the NPA leader."
"Your Army is strongly committed to bring lasting peace. It is through Bayanihan or working together where we can find peaceful solution to our problems," Balabad said.
"We reiterate our call on the CPP-NPA to come down and talk peace. Abandon the armed struggle for it is not the solution to our societal issues. Let us work together in the spirit of Bayanihan to finally put an end to the insurgency problem," said Baladad.
KARAPATAN.
Yesterday, militant cause-oriented group KARAPATAN’s spokespersons condemned the arrest, saying "soldiers and policemen cannot just simply arrest anyone using John Does or aliases... this is another human rights violation that must be condemned."
http://ndb-online.com/june0914/another-cpp-npa-leader-falls-karapatan-cries-foul
3 BIFF rebels killed in new Maguindanao attacks – military
From MindaNews (Jun 9): 3 BIFF rebels killed in new Maguindanao attacks – military
Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIFF) were reported killed and another one was wounded in fresh attacks by the rebel group on military outposts in Maguindanao.
A civilian and an Army soldier were also wounded during the attacks, according to a report from 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Col. Dickson Hermoso .
The BIFF first targeted a detachment of the 61st Division Recon Company in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha town on Sunday night resulting in a firefight that lasted an hour, Hermoso said.
Around 12:05am today, the BIFF also attacked a community security base of Moro National Liberation Front in Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang town.
The MNLF base was manned by Commander Quaipo Dalandas and Leki Angas who managed to fire back at the attackers, the military said.
But the BIFF vehemently denied attacking the MNLF base.
BIFF Abu Misry Mama said they only targeted military outposts when they attacked Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Damabalas in Datu Piang.
He said the attacks were led by their ground commanders identified as OB-Ten and Saga.
Hermoso said three BIFF rebels were killed and one Army soldier was wounded in the attack.
A civilian identified as Bai Saida Lakim, of Barangay Damabalas was also wounded by a stray bullet.
But the BIFF denied they suffered casualties, although they admitted three of their fighters including OB-Ten were wounded.
Some 60 families had evacuated from the two barangays, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development provincial office.
On Thursday last week, a member of the 45th Infantry Battalion was killed and three others were wounded when an improvised explosive device hit a military vehicle in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao police said the incident occurred as soldiers belonging to the 45th Infantry Battalion were on the way back to their headquarters after escorting a group of Teduray evacuees to Mount Feles in Datu Unsay Ampatuan.
The BIFF broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over disagreements on the conduct of the peace negotiation with government.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/09/3-biff-rebels-killed-in-new-maguindanao-attacks-military/
Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIFF) were reported killed and another one was wounded in fresh attacks by the rebel group on military outposts in Maguindanao.
A civilian and an Army soldier were also wounded during the attacks, according to a report from 6th Infantry Division spokesperson Col. Dickson Hermoso .
The BIFF first targeted a detachment of the 61st Division Recon Company in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha town on Sunday night resulting in a firefight that lasted an hour, Hermoso said.
Around 12:05am today, the BIFF also attacked a community security base of Moro National Liberation Front in Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang town.
The MNLF base was manned by Commander Quaipo Dalandas and Leki Angas who managed to fire back at the attackers, the military said.
BIFF Abu Misry Mama said they only targeted military outposts when they attacked Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Barangay Damabalas in Datu Piang.
He said the attacks were led by their ground commanders identified as OB-Ten and Saga.
Hermoso said three BIFF rebels were killed and one Army soldier was wounded in the attack.
A civilian identified as Bai Saida Lakim, of Barangay Damabalas was also wounded by a stray bullet.
But the BIFF denied they suffered casualties, although they admitted three of their fighters including OB-Ten were wounded.
Some 60 families had evacuated from the two barangays, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development provincial office.
On Thursday last week, a member of the 45th Infantry Battalion was killed and three others were wounded when an improvised explosive device hit a military vehicle in Barangay Maitumaig, Datu Unsay Ampatuan town in Maguindanao.
Maguindanao police said the incident occurred as soldiers belonging to the 45th Infantry Battalion were on the way back to their headquarters after escorting a group of Teduray evacuees to Mount Feles in Datu Unsay Ampatuan.
The BIFF broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front over disagreements on the conduct of the peace negotiation with government.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/09/3-biff-rebels-killed-in-new-maguindanao-attacks-military/
3 civilians hurt in separate BIFF harassments in Maguindanao
From the Manila Times (Jun 10): 3 civilians hurt in separate BIFF harassments in Maguindanao
At least three non-combatant civilians were victims of atrocities perpetrated by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, the military here said.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the military’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said the BIFF had been harassing and attacking Army positions in Maguindanao in total disregard to human life.
On Saturday, the BIFF set off a hand grenade beside an Army base in Barangay Elian in the boundary of Datu Saudi and Datu Salibo towns, both in Maguindanao.
Hermoso said the grenade was lobbed at an Army detachment but it landed in residential areas.
On Monday dawn, the BIFF set off an improvised bomb in Barangay Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan that wounded a passerby who was on a motorbike.
The IED was fashioned from 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as trigger mechanism.
On Monday evening, the BIFF also strafed an Army base in Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang that left a civilian woman wounded.
Hermoso identified her as Saida Lakin who was asleep when the BIFF attacked the Army detachment at past 11 p.m.
Hermoso said the bandits, led by Commanders Quiapo and Commander Leki, tried to over-run the Army detachment.
Following the series of attacks, the Army had been placed on heightened alert even as it appealed to civilians to report suspicious bags or armed men in remote areas of Maguinanao.
http://www.manilatimes.net/3-civilians-hurt-in-separate-biff-harassments-in-maguindanao/103036/
At least three non-combatant civilians were victims of atrocities perpetrated by Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao, the military here said.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the military’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said the BIFF had been harassing and attacking Army positions in Maguindanao in total disregard to human life.
On Saturday, the BIFF set off a hand grenade beside an Army base in Barangay Elian in the boundary of Datu Saudi and Datu Salibo towns, both in Maguindanao.
Hermoso said the grenade was lobbed at an Army detachment but it landed in residential areas.
On Monday dawn, the BIFF set off an improvised bomb in Barangay Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan that wounded a passerby who was on a motorbike.
The IED was fashioned from 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as trigger mechanism.
On Monday evening, the BIFF also strafed an Army base in Barangay Damabalas, Datu Piang that left a civilian woman wounded.
Hermoso identified her as Saida Lakin who was asleep when the BIFF attacked the Army detachment at past 11 p.m.
Hermoso said the bandits, led by Commanders Quiapo and Commander Leki, tried to over-run the Army detachment.
Following the series of attacks, the Army had been placed on heightened alert even as it appealed to civilians to report suspicious bags or armed men in remote areas of Maguinanao.
http://www.manilatimes.net/3-civilians-hurt-in-separate-biff-harassments-in-maguindanao/103036/
Troops foil NPA attack
From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10): Troops foil NPA attack
Government security forces on Monday night foiled a New People’s Army (NPA) attack at Barangay Poblacion, in Tubod town, Surigao del Norte, military said Tuesday.
The harassment at the command post of “Charlie Company” of the Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30th IB) happened at 8:25 p.m.
The attackers were believed to be members of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Party Committee (NEMPC), said regional Army spokesman Maj. Christian C. Uy.
“Due to the alertness and help of the community, our ground troops foiled the NPA harassment,” Uy said.
He said residents reported to government troops about the movement of communist insurgents in the area particularly in San Pablo, Cawilan and Del Rosario areas.
The rebels immediately fled after harassing the command post of “Charlie Company” of the 30th IB.
No casualty was reported on both sides, Uy said.
As of press time, hot pursuit operation is still ongoing.
http://www.mb.com.ph/troops-foil-npa-attack/
Government security forces on Monday night foiled a New People’s Army (NPA) attack at Barangay Poblacion, in Tubod town, Surigao del Norte, military said Tuesday.
The harassment at the command post of “Charlie Company” of the Army’s 30th Infantry (Python) Battalion (30th IB) happened at 8:25 p.m.
The attackers were believed to be members of the CPP-NPA Northeastern Mindanao Party Committee (NEMPC), said regional Army spokesman Maj. Christian C. Uy.
“Due to the alertness and help of the community, our ground troops foiled the NPA harassment,” Uy said.
He said residents reported to government troops about the movement of communist insurgents in the area particularly in San Pablo, Cawilan and Del Rosario areas.
The rebels immediately fled after harassing the command post of “Charlie Company” of the 30th IB.
No casualty was reported on both sides, Uy said.
As of press time, hot pursuit operation is still ongoing.
http://www.mb.com.ph/troops-foil-npa-attack/
MNLF chair Misuari lauds Bangsamoro peace deal
From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 10): MNLF chair Misuari lauds Bangsamoro peace deal
Months after the signing of the Bangsamoro peace pact, the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has finally given his ‘congratulatory message’ to both the Philippine government and his former comrades at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for a fruitful negotiation.
MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari’s message was echoed by his spokesman, Reverend Absalom Cervesa, during an international peace dialogue held in Cotabato City. Cervesa was among the reactors to the dialogue.
He said that MNLF’s founding chair Misuari is “finally extending his congratulations to the GPH and the MILF for successfully concluding their negotiations through the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).”
Earlier, Misuari has expressed his opposition to the CAB because of fears that it will quash the 1996 GRP-MNLF final peace pact.
Cervesa said he talked with Misuari before attending the peace dialogue on Friday at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City.
Meanwhile, GPH panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the peace negotiations between the GPH and MILF spanned 17 years and culminated with the CAB signing on March 27, 2014.
For MILF panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal, the CAB is inclusive to all, which refers to the Muslims, Christians, and the Lumads in southern Philippines.
The pact, he stressed, is not just a prescription for the MILF but for everybody.
The CAB envisions the creation of the Bangsamoro government to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by 2016.
http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-chair-misuari-lauds-bangsamoro-peace-deal/
Months after the signing of the Bangsamoro peace pact, the chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has finally given his ‘congratulatory message’ to both the Philippine government and his former comrades at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for a fruitful negotiation.
MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari’s message was echoed by his spokesman, Reverend Absalom Cervesa, during an international peace dialogue held in Cotabato City. Cervesa was among the reactors to the dialogue.
He said that MNLF’s founding chair Misuari is “finally extending his congratulations to the GPH and the MILF for successfully concluding their negotiations through the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).”
Earlier, Misuari has expressed his opposition to the CAB because of fears that it will quash the 1996 GRP-MNLF final peace pact.
Cervesa said he talked with Misuari before attending the peace dialogue on Friday at the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City.
Meanwhile, GPH panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the peace negotiations between the GPH and MILF spanned 17 years and culminated with the CAB signing on March 27, 2014.
For MILF panel chair Mohaqher Iqbal, the CAB is inclusive to all, which refers to the Muslims, Christians, and the Lumads in southern Philippines.
The pact, he stressed, is not just a prescription for the MILF but for everybody.
The CAB envisions the creation of the Bangsamoro government to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by 2016.
http://www.mb.com.ph/mnlf-chair-misuari-lauds-bangsamoro-peace-deal/
HISTORICAL LIE | Spratlys, Scarborough Shoal not in China's ancient maps - Justice Carpio
From InterAksyon (Jun 10): HISTORICAL LIE | Spratlys, Scarborough Shoal not in China's ancient maps - Justice Carpio
China has been using a “historical lie” to insist on its claim over the whole South China Sea, and ancient Chinese maps never claimed the area, including the disputed Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, as Chinese territory, according to a senior Supreme Court justice.
In a recent talk at the De La Salle University, titled “Historical Facts, Historical Lies and Historical Rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Supreme Court Associate Justice J. Antonio Carpio noted China has used its 9-dashed line argument to claim the whole South China Sea as its territory, even though “there is nothing “historical” or “right” about China’s 9-dashed line claim.”
Carpio presented several ancient Chinese maps, some dating as far back as 960 AD, which showed that China’s territory reached only as far south as Hainan island.
“Since the start of the Song Dynasty in 960 AD until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, a period of 952 years or almost a millennium, the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island based on all official and unofficial maps of China,” said Carpio. "Even after the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, the Chinese government’s constitutions from 1912 to 1946 “consistently declared that the territory of the Republic of China remained the same as the Qing Empire.”
Even in a September 1932 Note Verbale to France, wherein Beijing protested the French occupation of the Paracel Islands, “China has been telling the world that its southernmost border was Hainan Island.”
Not historical facts, but lies
The 9-dashed line claim of China, Carpio emphasized, “is based on not historical facts but on historical lies.”
China had earlier invited various groups to look into historical claims by examining the ancient maps of China made by Chinese, ancient maps made by foreigners, and ancient maps of the Philippines made by Filipinos and westerners.
“All these ancient maps show that since the first Chinese maps appeared, the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island, with its ancient names being Zhuya, then Qiongya and thereafter Qiongzhou,” Carpio explained, “Hainan Island was for centuries a part of Guangdong Province until 1988 when it became a separate province.”
Based on the same ancient maps, he said the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal never appeared in any Chinese dynasty maps. The Spratlys are more than 600 nautical miles from Hainan Island and Scarborough Shoal is 500 nautical miles – “both are at the other end of the South China Sea.”
On the other hand, numerous ancient maps, made by both Westerners and Filipinos form 1636 to 1940, “consistenly show that Scarborough Shoal… has always been part of Philippine territory,’ Carpio said. “Scarborough Shoal has never appeared in a single ancient Chinese map throughout the long history of China.”
China had insisted that Scarborough Shoal is Nanhai Island, where Chinese explorer Guo Shoujing built a celestial observatory in the year 1279, but Carpio described this as a “double lie.” Carpio said in 1982, China itself officially declared that Nanhia Island was in the Paracel Islands – more than 380 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal.
Carpio argued it is physically impossible to build an observatory on Scarborough Shoal “when it was just a rock, with no vegetation and did not even have enough space to accommodate an expedition party.”
“It is quite ridiculous to claim that the famous Chinese astronomer-engineer -mathematician would visit and write for posterity about a few barren rocks that barely protruded above water at high tide,” he quipped, adding that there is no historical record of a Chinese expedition to Scarborough Shoal.
“In contrast, the Spaniards and the Americans extensively surveyed Scarborough Shoal during the time they were the colonial powers in the Philippines,” he added. “China has no historical link whatsoever to Scarborough Shoal.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/88736/historical-lie--spratlys-scarborough-shoal-not-in-chinas-ancient-maps---justice-carpio
China has been using a “historical lie” to insist on its claim over the whole South China Sea, and ancient Chinese maps never claimed the area, including the disputed Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal, as Chinese territory, according to a senior Supreme Court justice.
In a recent talk at the De La Salle University, titled “Historical Facts, Historical Lies and Historical Rights in the West Philippine Sea,” Supreme Court Associate Justice J. Antonio Carpio noted China has used its 9-dashed line argument to claim the whole South China Sea as its territory, even though “there is nothing “historical” or “right” about China’s 9-dashed line claim.”
Carpio presented several ancient Chinese maps, some dating as far back as 960 AD, which showed that China’s territory reached only as far south as Hainan island.
“Since the start of the Song Dynasty in 960 AD until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, a period of 952 years or almost a millennium, the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island based on all official and unofficial maps of China,” said Carpio. "Even after the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912, the Chinese government’s constitutions from 1912 to 1946 “consistently declared that the territory of the Republic of China remained the same as the Qing Empire.”
Even in a September 1932 Note Verbale to France, wherein Beijing protested the French occupation of the Paracel Islands, “China has been telling the world that its southernmost border was Hainan Island.”
Not historical facts, but lies
The 9-dashed line claim of China, Carpio emphasized, “is based on not historical facts but on historical lies.”
China had earlier invited various groups to look into historical claims by examining the ancient maps of China made by Chinese, ancient maps made by foreigners, and ancient maps of the Philippines made by Filipinos and westerners.
“All these ancient maps show that since the first Chinese maps appeared, the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island, with its ancient names being Zhuya, then Qiongya and thereafter Qiongzhou,” Carpio explained, “Hainan Island was for centuries a part of Guangdong Province until 1988 when it became a separate province.”
Based on the same ancient maps, he said the Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal never appeared in any Chinese dynasty maps. The Spratlys are more than 600 nautical miles from Hainan Island and Scarborough Shoal is 500 nautical miles – “both are at the other end of the South China Sea.”
On the other hand, numerous ancient maps, made by both Westerners and Filipinos form 1636 to 1940, “consistenly show that Scarborough Shoal… has always been part of Philippine territory,’ Carpio said. “Scarborough Shoal has never appeared in a single ancient Chinese map throughout the long history of China.”
China had insisted that Scarborough Shoal is Nanhai Island, where Chinese explorer Guo Shoujing built a celestial observatory in the year 1279, but Carpio described this as a “double lie.” Carpio said in 1982, China itself officially declared that Nanhia Island was in the Paracel Islands – more than 380 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal.
Carpio argued it is physically impossible to build an observatory on Scarborough Shoal “when it was just a rock, with no vegetation and did not even have enough space to accommodate an expedition party.”
“It is quite ridiculous to claim that the famous Chinese astronomer-engineer -mathematician would visit and write for posterity about a few barren rocks that barely protruded above water at high tide,” he quipped, adding that there is no historical record of a Chinese expedition to Scarborough Shoal.
“In contrast, the Spaniards and the Americans extensively surveyed Scarborough Shoal during the time they were the colonial powers in the Philippines,” he added. “China has no historical link whatsoever to Scarborough Shoal.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/88736/historical-lie--spratlys-scarborough-shoal-not-in-chinas-ancient-maps---justice-carpio
CPP/Ang Bayan: Mabaca tribe demands 77th IB pullout
Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): Mabaca tribe demands 77th IB pullout
The Mabaca tribe, through the Cordillera People’s Alliance, expressed its opposition to the 77th IB’s construction of a military camp in their community in Tanap, Mabaca in Balbalan, Kalinga. A platoon under the military unit arrived in the area on the second week of May to build a detachment.
The tribespeople said they were against the camp’s construction due to the long list of abuses and other human rights violations they have suffered in the hands of military troops since 1993, which includes coercion, beatings and surveillance.
The tribespeople were also aware of the soldiers’ antisocial practices, such as drunkenness, gambling, illegal drug use and theft, and said that their negative influence would only bring discord to their tribe. They also demanded justice for the extrajudicial killing of Jeff “Openg” Daoayan, a member of their tribe who was killed by soldiers in 2006.
The local residents immediately opposed the detachment’s construction. To appease them, the 77th IB called for a consultation but refused to stop building the camp. Instead, the military just scheduled another round of consultations when it failed to convince the locals.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/mabaca-tribe-demands-77th-ib-pullout
The Mabaca tribe, through the Cordillera People’s Alliance, expressed its opposition to the 77th IB’s construction of a military camp in their community in Tanap, Mabaca in Balbalan, Kalinga. A platoon under the military unit arrived in the area on the second week of May to build a detachment.
The tribespeople said they were against the camp’s construction due to the long list of abuses and other human rights violations they have suffered in the hands of military troops since 1993, which includes coercion, beatings and surveillance.
The tribespeople were also aware of the soldiers’ antisocial practices, such as drunkenness, gambling, illegal drug use and theft, and said that their negative influence would only bring discord to their tribe. They also demanded justice for the extrajudicial killing of Jeff “Openg” Daoayan, a member of their tribe who was killed by soldiers in 2006.
The local residents immediately opposed the detachment’s construction. To appease them, the 77th IB called for a consultation but refused to stop building the camp. Instead, the military just scheduled another round of consultations when it failed to convince the locals.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/mabaca-tribe-demands-77th-ib-pullout
CPP/Ang Bayan: RPA: Butchers still
Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): RPA: Butchers still
On May 28, Stephen Paduano (alias Carapali Lualhati) was sworn in as the representative of Abang Lingkod, the partylist group of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA).
The counterrevolutionary group’s image-change in Congress, however, fails muster among those who know its true character. On the same day Paduano was sworn in, the RPA carried on with being fascist butchers.
RPA elements brutally killed Dionesio Garete, 57, a farmer and resident of Barangay Aquino, Nobleza West, Janiuay, Iloilo at around 9:15 a.m. of May 28. Garete was a member of the Janiuay-Badiangan Farmers Association (JABAFA) which supplies muscovado to the Panay Fair Trade Center (PFTC).
The victim was then driving a Toyota Hilux pickup truck trailing a JABAFA cargo truck loaded with newly harvested sugar cane that was being transported to a sugar mill in Barangay Damirez in the same town.
Garete was ambushed in Sitio Gantong, Barangay Danao, Janiuay. Almost all of the 24 cal .45 bullets and 12-gauge shotgun pellets discharged by his assailants penetrated his chest and the back and front sides of the pickup truck he was driving.
A four-day investigation conducted by a fact-finding team from KARAPATAN-Panay, PAMANGGAS, GABRIELA and PFTC concluded that the RPA perpetrated the crime. Before he was killed, Garete had been threatened by an RPA element going by the alias “Jorek” that he would be taught a lesson if he persisted in actively supporting what he called “the other group.” Three other civilians have also reportedly been issued death threats by the RPA.
KARAPATAN-Panay submitted the fact-finding results to the Janiuay Police Office, but some policemen told them that they were helpless on the matter since the RPA is now “under Malacañang’s direct control.” The RPA is involved in close to 80 murders in Iloilo alone.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/rpa-butchers-still
On May 28, Stephen Paduano (alias Carapali Lualhati) was sworn in as the representative of Abang Lingkod, the partylist group of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army (RPA).
The counterrevolutionary group’s image-change in Congress, however, fails muster among those who know its true character. On the same day Paduano was sworn in, the RPA carried on with being fascist butchers.
RPA elements brutally killed Dionesio Garete, 57, a farmer and resident of Barangay Aquino, Nobleza West, Janiuay, Iloilo at around 9:15 a.m. of May 28. Garete was a member of the Janiuay-Badiangan Farmers Association (JABAFA) which supplies muscovado to the Panay Fair Trade Center (PFTC).
The victim was then driving a Toyota Hilux pickup truck trailing a JABAFA cargo truck loaded with newly harvested sugar cane that was being transported to a sugar mill in Barangay Damirez in the same town.
Garete was ambushed in Sitio Gantong, Barangay Danao, Janiuay. Almost all of the 24 cal .45 bullets and 12-gauge shotgun pellets discharged by his assailants penetrated his chest and the back and front sides of the pickup truck he was driving.
A four-day investigation conducted by a fact-finding team from KARAPATAN-Panay, PAMANGGAS, GABRIELA and PFTC concluded that the RPA perpetrated the crime. Before he was killed, Garete had been threatened by an RPA element going by the alias “Jorek” that he would be taught a lesson if he persisted in actively supporting what he called “the other group.” Three other civilians have also reportedly been issued death threats by the RPA.
KARAPATAN-Panay submitted the fact-finding results to the Janiuay Police Office, but some policemen told them that they were helpless on the matter since the RPA is now “under Malacañang’s direct control.” The RPA is involved in close to 80 murders in Iloilo alone.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/rpa-butchers-still
CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP operations in Sorsogon victimize 4 civilians
Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): AFP operations in Sorsogon victimize 4 civilians
Four civilians, including a baby, have been added to the list of victims of a military operation conducted by the 903rd Brigade which has been ravaging Sorsogon since April. Under the 903rd Brigade are the 31st IB, the 5th Scout Ranger Company and other military forces.
In Matnog. The 31st IB had a family in its crosshairs when it attacked a New People’s Army squad in Sitio Hukdong, Barangay Balocaue on May 23.
At 5:45 a.m., the military encircled a group of Red fighters resting temporarily near the house of the Garduque family. Minutes after shots rang out, Elias Garduque lay dead, and his wife Cynthia and their year-old baby seriously wounded.
The soldiers ignored the mother and child for more than nine hours and brought them to hospital only at 3 p.m. They stopped other villagers who rushed to the site after hearing the shots and offered to help the victims.
Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, 903rd Bde chief, automatically branded the Garduque couple as NPA guerrillas. Worse, he declared that the military operation was conducted without any collateral damage, even if the Garduques’ baby was seriously wounded in the gunbattle.
In Casiguran. The 31st IB Alpha Coy shot and killed Joseph Benson, a resident of Barangay Inlagadian, in the early hours of May 9. Benson was ambushed in Barangay Escuala while walking home from a funeral wake that was being held near the 31st IB Alpha Coy headquarters in Barangay Casay of the same town. The soldiers who killed Benson admitted to some local residents that they suspected the victim to be among the NPA operatives who ambushed their troops in Barangay San Juan last April.
The military had threatened residents of Barangay San Juan on April 29 that they would “wipe out” all suspected NPA supporters in Casiguran town after a successful ambush in the area by a unit under the Celso Minguez Command (NPA-Sorsogon). Killed in the ambush was Cpl. Edison Capital. A cal .45 pistol was likewise seized. The NPA is currently contacting Benson’s family for appropriate action.
In Bulan. Troopers of the 31st IB conductiong operations in the interior villages of Bulan and Matnog shamelessly stole a motorized boat at 10:30 p.m. on May 5. The victim was the Masujer family of Barangay Sagrada. The soldiers had gone to the Masujers on the morning of May 5 to seize the family’s boat, claiming it was owned by the NPA. Mrs. Marife Masujer was able to stop the soldier-thieves from taking the boat. But the troopers returned that night to take it and use it to ferry 30 soldiers of the 31st IB towards Bulan town.
Out of fear, the Masujer family has temporarily transferred to a relative’s house in another village. They have since been unable to earn a living because their livelihood depends solely on fishing.
In Sorsogon City. Village chair Eddie Albor of Barangay Cococabitan was accused of being an NPA member on April 27 after an encounter between an NPA team and a composite force of 31st IB and 5th SR Coy troopers that resulted in the death of a Red fighter. Albor was illegally detained at the Sorsogon City District Jail on trumped-up charges to coerce him into signing a sworn statement falsely identifying the NPA casualty as a high-ranking NPA cadre to enable the military to collect a ₱2.5 million bounty on the cadre’s head. Albor was promised his freedom in exchange for his signature, but he remains in detention.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/afp-operations-in-sorsogon-victimize-4-civilians
Four civilians, including a baby, have been added to the list of victims of a military operation conducted by the 903rd Brigade which has been ravaging Sorsogon since April. Under the 903rd Brigade are the 31st IB, the 5th Scout Ranger Company and other military forces.
In Matnog. The 31st IB had a family in its crosshairs when it attacked a New People’s Army squad in Sitio Hukdong, Barangay Balocaue on May 23.
At 5:45 a.m., the military encircled a group of Red fighters resting temporarily near the house of the Garduque family. Minutes after shots rang out, Elias Garduque lay dead, and his wife Cynthia and their year-old baby seriously wounded.
The soldiers ignored the mother and child for more than nine hours and brought them to hospital only at 3 p.m. They stopped other villagers who rushed to the site after hearing the shots and offered to help the victims.
Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, 903rd Bde chief, automatically branded the Garduque couple as NPA guerrillas. Worse, he declared that the military operation was conducted without any collateral damage, even if the Garduques’ baby was seriously wounded in the gunbattle.
In Casiguran. The 31st IB Alpha Coy shot and killed Joseph Benson, a resident of Barangay Inlagadian, in the early hours of May 9. Benson was ambushed in Barangay Escuala while walking home from a funeral wake that was being held near the 31st IB Alpha Coy headquarters in Barangay Casay of the same town. The soldiers who killed Benson admitted to some local residents that they suspected the victim to be among the NPA operatives who ambushed their troops in Barangay San Juan last April.
The military had threatened residents of Barangay San Juan on April 29 that they would “wipe out” all suspected NPA supporters in Casiguran town after a successful ambush in the area by a unit under the Celso Minguez Command (NPA-Sorsogon). Killed in the ambush was Cpl. Edison Capital. A cal .45 pistol was likewise seized. The NPA is currently contacting Benson’s family for appropriate action.
In Bulan. Troopers of the 31st IB conductiong operations in the interior villages of Bulan and Matnog shamelessly stole a motorized boat at 10:30 p.m. on May 5. The victim was the Masujer family of Barangay Sagrada. The soldiers had gone to the Masujers on the morning of May 5 to seize the family’s boat, claiming it was owned by the NPA. Mrs. Marife Masujer was able to stop the soldier-thieves from taking the boat. But the troopers returned that night to take it and use it to ferry 30 soldiers of the 31st IB towards Bulan town.
Out of fear, the Masujer family has temporarily transferred to a relative’s house in another village. They have since been unable to earn a living because their livelihood depends solely on fishing.
In Sorsogon City. Village chair Eddie Albor of Barangay Cococabitan was accused of being an NPA member on April 27 after an encounter between an NPA team and a composite force of 31st IB and 5th SR Coy troopers that resulted in the death of a Red fighter. Albor was illegally detained at the Sorsogon City District Jail on trumped-up charges to coerce him into signing a sworn statement falsely identifying the NPA casualty as a high-ranking NPA cadre to enable the military to collect a ₱2.5 million bounty on the cadre’s head. Albor was promised his freedom in exchange for his signature, but he remains in detention.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/afp-operations-in-sorsogon-victimize-4-civilians
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-SMR denies assassinating Navarro
Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): NPA-SMR denies assassinating Navarro
Psywar experts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spewed black propaganda once again when they accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of assassinating Mayor Reynaldo Navarro of Laak, Compostela Valley. Navarro was ambushed and killed by five motorcycle-riding gunmen in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on May 28.
The 10th ID’s objective in accusing the NPA of the crime is to enrage and recruit Navarro’s Lumad supporters as the military’s newest instruments and bandits in its Oplan Bayanihan counterrevolutionary campaign.
In a statement, Ka Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command (NPA-Southern Mindanao Region) condemned Navarro’s killing and condoled with his family and friends. He said that the People’s Democratic Government had no basis to impose the maximum penalty of death on Navarro.
Sanchez explained that although Navarro was among the biggest loggers operating in the forests of Agusan del Sur, Compostela Vallet and Davao del Norte, he was not a legitimate military target.
As a veteran politician in an area encompassed by the territory of the People’s Democratic Government, Mayor Navarro linked up with the revolutionary movement. On many occasions, his actions showed his recognition of the revolution’s aspirations.
But in the past years, Navarro’s logging and agribusiness operations kept on expanding, prompting the revolutionary movement to send him warnings several times. Because he ignored them, the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command was compelled to go public with its warnings against his rampant logging activities and the attendant militarization which has led to violations of the people’s human rights.
Sanchez advised the masses in Laak, in particular, and in Mindanao, in general, to be vigilant and see through the military’s dirty tactics. Recently, the AFP also spread the lie that the NPA uses human shields.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/npa-smr-denies-assassinating-navarro
Psywar experts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spewed black propaganda once again when they accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of assassinating Mayor Reynaldo Navarro of Laak, Compostela Valley. Navarro was ambushed and killed by five motorcycle-riding gunmen in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on May 28.
The 10th ID’s objective in accusing the NPA of the crime is to enrage and recruit Navarro’s Lumad supporters as the military’s newest instruments and bandits in its Oplan Bayanihan counterrevolutionary campaign.
In a statement, Ka Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesperson of the Merardo Arce Command (NPA-Southern Mindanao Region) condemned Navarro’s killing and condoled with his family and friends. He said that the People’s Democratic Government had no basis to impose the maximum penalty of death on Navarro.
Sanchez explained that although Navarro was among the biggest loggers operating in the forests of Agusan del Sur, Compostela Vallet and Davao del Norte, he was not a legitimate military target.
As a veteran politician in an area encompassed by the territory of the People’s Democratic Government, Mayor Navarro linked up with the revolutionary movement. On many occasions, his actions showed his recognition of the revolution’s aspirations.
But in the past years, Navarro’s logging and agribusiness operations kept on expanding, prompting the revolutionary movement to send him warnings several times. Because he ignored them, the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command was compelled to go public with its warnings against his rampant logging activities and the attendant militarization which has led to violations of the people’s human rights.
Sanchez advised the masses in Laak, in particular, and in Mindanao, in general, to be vigilant and see through the military’s dirty tactics. Recently, the AFP also spread the lie that the NPA uses human shields.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/npa-smr-denies-assassinating-navarro
CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA punishes 2 mining giants
Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): NPA punishes 2 mining giants
Red fighters under the New People’s Army (NPA) Mt. Alip Command of Far South Mindanao Region burned 48 container vans belonging to Glencore-Xstrata SMI Mining Company and seized 13 shotguns from guards of the South Davao Development Company Inc. (SDDCI) in coordinated offensives in Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat on May 19. The Swiss-owned Glencore-Xstrata SMI and the Consunji-owned SDDCI are both engaged in gold mining.
The Red fighters burned 48 container vans being used as offices and sleeping quarters by SMI at its camp in Sitio Gumatuka, Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur at 5:30 p.m. After an hour, another NPA unit raided the SDDCI camp in Sitio Salnaong, Barangay Datal Blau, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. Columbio and Kiblawan towns are adjacent to each other. Aside from the firearms, the NPA also seized four VHF radios, a GPS radio and a laptop computer.
These tactical offensives were not merely punitive actions against the plunderous and environmentally destructive mines. They also formed part of the NPA’s program of intensifying armed struggle to defeat the AFP’s stepped-up military campaign in the region.
Meanwhile, three Scout Rangers were killed and several others wounded after Red fighters under the NPA Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command used command-detonated explosives on a military platoon in Sitio Quarry, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on May 22.
The attack came three days after the NPA released its prisoner of war Cpl. Rogelio Rosales of the 60th IB in Sitio Paiton of the same barangay. The enemy immediately launched pursuit operations after the release, which eventually led to the ambush.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of thePhilippines
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/npa-punishes-2-mining-giants
Red fighters under the New People’s Army (NPA) Mt. Alip Command of Far South Mindanao Region burned 48 container vans belonging to Glencore-Xstrata SMI Mining Company and seized 13 shotguns from guards of the South Davao Development Company Inc. (SDDCI) in coordinated offensives in Davao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat on May 19. The Swiss-owned Glencore-Xstrata SMI and the Consunji-owned SDDCI are both engaged in gold mining.
The Red fighters burned 48 container vans being used as offices and sleeping quarters by SMI at its camp in Sitio Gumatuka, Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur at 5:30 p.m. After an hour, another NPA unit raided the SDDCI camp in Sitio Salnaong, Barangay Datal Blau, Columbio, Sultan Kudarat. Columbio and Kiblawan towns are adjacent to each other. Aside from the firearms, the NPA also seized four VHF radios, a GPS radio and a laptop computer.
These tactical offensives were not merely punitive actions against the plunderous and environmentally destructive mines. They also formed part of the NPA’s program of intensifying armed struggle to defeat the AFP’s stepped-up military campaign in the region.
Meanwhile, three Scout Rangers were killed and several others wounded after Red fighters under the NPA Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command used command-detonated explosives on a military platoon in Sitio Quarry, Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on May 22.
The attack came three days after the NPA released its prisoner of war Cpl. Rogelio Rosales of the 60th IB in Sitio Paiton of the same barangay. The enemy immediately launched pursuit operations after the release, which eventually led to the ambush.
[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140607/npa-punishes-2-mining-giants
CPP/NPA-RPOC: 2 sundalo patay, 1 sugatan sa magkasunod na engkwentro sa pagitan ng tropa ng gobyerno at NPA-Rizal!
NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 7): 2 sundalo patay, 1 sugatan sa magkasunod na engkwentro sa pagitan ng tropa ng gobyerno at NPA-Rizal!
MILF, MNLF disagree on fate of Bangsamoro
From the Business World (Jun 9): MILF, MNLF disagree on fate of Bangsamoro
THE MORO ISLAMIC Liberation Front (MILF) expects the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed before Philippine President Benigno S. C. Aquino III steps down from his post in 2016, but the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) thinks otherwise.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the centerpiece of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF that will put in place a Bangsamoro government in Mindanao.
MILF Political Affairs Vice-Chair Ghazali Jaafar said they are hopeful that the proposed law will pass the scrutiny of Congress and will be ratified before the start of the term of the next President in 2016.
“We are expecting it to be upheld once it is ratified in Congress by 2016 -- before the end-term of (Mr. Aquino),” Mr. Jaafar told BusinessWorld in a phone interview.
On the other hand, MNLF spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla believes the opposite, citing that amendments to the Philippine Constitution must be made before the peace deal is signed into law.
“As a lawyer, I think it will not pass because it is against the Constitution... It’s because you cannot give exclusive powers to local units except by amending the Constitution,” Mr. Fontanilla said.
Both statements were made a few days before the scheduled MILF-MNLF dialogue, which was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international body composed of 57 Islamic states.
Malacañang said in an earlier statement that the government is making sure that the proposed law will stand judicial scrutiny, and that they it will be approved and signed into law by yearend. The Aquino administration earlier said it is hoping to submit the draft Bangsamoro bill to the House of Representatives when Congress resumed sessions on May 5 to keep up with its indicative timetable approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by end of 2014.
The plebiscite in the areas covered by the Bangsamoro is expected in 2015, while the conduct of elections for officials that will regularly administer the Bangsamoro political entity is expected to be done simultaneous with the 2016 national elections.
The draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law was crafted by the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). The draft was based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF last March 27.
The BTC submitted the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Malacañang early last month.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is envisioned to speed up the process of creating the autonomous region as part of a peace process to end decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in the region.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles told BusinessWorld last month that the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law would be submitted to Congress before sessions adjourn this month.
She, however, conceded that the government would be “cramming” the approval of the proposed law given the delay in its submission.
“The target is still to submit before Congress closes,” Ms. Deles said then.
The MNLF is a secessionist political group founded by Nur Misuari in 1969.
In 1976, a breakaway group of the MNLF led then by Hashim Salamat created the MILF.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MILF,-MNLF-disagree-on-fate-of-Bangsamoro&id=88845
THE MORO ISLAMIC Liberation Front (MILF) expects the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law to be passed before Philippine President Benigno S. C. Aquino III steps down from his post in 2016, but the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) thinks otherwise.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the centerpiece of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF that will put in place a Bangsamoro government in Mindanao.
MILF Political Affairs Vice-Chair Ghazali Jaafar said they are hopeful that the proposed law will pass the scrutiny of Congress and will be ratified before the start of the term of the next President in 2016.
“We are expecting it to be upheld once it is ratified in Congress by 2016 -- before the end-term of (Mr. Aquino),” Mr. Jaafar told BusinessWorld in a phone interview.
On the other hand, MNLF spokesperson Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla believes the opposite, citing that amendments to the Philippine Constitution must be made before the peace deal is signed into law.
“As a lawyer, I think it will not pass because it is against the Constitution... It’s because you cannot give exclusive powers to local units except by amending the Constitution,” Mr. Fontanilla said.
Both statements were made a few days before the scheduled MILF-MNLF dialogue, which was organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an international body composed of 57 Islamic states.
Malacañang said in an earlier statement that the government is making sure that the proposed law will stand judicial scrutiny, and that they it will be approved and signed into law by yearend. The Aquino administration earlier said it is hoping to submit the draft Bangsamoro bill to the House of Representatives when Congress resumed sessions on May 5 to keep up with its indicative timetable approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law by end of 2014.
The plebiscite in the areas covered by the Bangsamoro is expected in 2015, while the conduct of elections for officials that will regularly administer the Bangsamoro political entity is expected to be done simultaneous with the 2016 national elections.
The draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law was crafted by the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC). The draft was based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF last March 27.
The BTC submitted the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Malacañang early last month.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law is envisioned to speed up the process of creating the autonomous region as part of a peace process to end decades of fighting that has claimed tens of thousands of lives in the region.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles told BusinessWorld last month that the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law would be submitted to Congress before sessions adjourn this month.
She, however, conceded that the government would be “cramming” the approval of the proposed law given the delay in its submission.
“The target is still to submit before Congress closes,” Ms. Deles said then.
The MNLF is a secessionist political group founded by Nur Misuari in 1969.
In 1976, a breakaway group of the MNLF led then by Hashim Salamat created the MILF.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=MILF,-MNLF-disagree-on-fate-of-Bangsamoro&id=88845
China decries Vietnam-Philippines island games as ‘farce’
From Rappler (Jun 9): China decries Vietnam-Philippines island games as ‘farce’
The retort from Beijing came one day after Vietnam hosted Filipino troops on an island it controls in the disputed Spratlys archipelago in the South China Sea that the Philippines' navy said was designed to "foster camaraderie."
Tensions between China and both countries have risen in recent months over contested territory in the region, with a dispute between Hanoi and Beijing triggering violent anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam last month.
Asked about the joint sports activity, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Monday at a regular briefing: "Don't you think that these small tricks conducted by the Philippines and Vietnam are nothing but a farce?"
She also urged Hanoi and Manila to "refrain from taking any actions that may complicate or magnify the dispute" and said that China "exercises indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters," referring to the Spratlys by their Chinese name.
The first-ever joint games between the Philippine and Vietnamese navies saw them play football and volleyball and were designed to "foster camaraderie" among the troops, Philippine Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said.
"This also serves as a model of cooperation for the other navies to emulate," Fabic added, without mentioning China by name.
The Spratlys are a disputed group of reefs, islands and atolls coveted by the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
The region is believed to sit atop oil and other mineral deposits and all of the claimants, save for Brunei, have troops in the islands.
Tensions between China and Vietnam have escalated sharply in recent weeks following Beijing's dispatch of an oil rig to waters surrounding another contested island group, the Paracels.
Last week, Vietnam released dramatic footage showing a large Chinese ship chasing and ramming one of its fishing boats, which then sank near the rig.
Beijing responded Monday by issuing a lengthy defense of its use of the rig on both the foreign ministry website and via the official Xinhua news agency.
"We find it necessary to tell the international community what really happened so as to restore the truth," Hua said when asked about the document.
China is asking Vietnam to "bring those lawbreakers to account and make full compensations to China," she added.
The Philippines – which has filed a plea to the United Nations challenging Beijing's claims to about 70% of the South China Sea – said Saturday, June 7, it was investigating reports that China was reclaiming land in the Spratlys area.
Hua said she was unable to verify or comment on the reports but maintained that "what kinds of activities China is going to conduct in the Nansha Islands is within China's jurisdiction."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/60090-china-decries-vietnam-philippines-games-spratlys
Beijing urges Hanoi and Manila to 'refrain from taking any actions that may complicate or magnify the dispute' over the Spratlys
COOPERATION. A
Vietnamese child peers from Vietnam
and Philippines flags while
waiting for the arrival of Vietnam
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung at Villamor Airbase in Pasay ,
south of Manila , Philippines
China on Monday, June 9, expressed displeasure after Vietnamese and Filipino troops played sports together on a contested island, with the foreign ministry denouncing the activity as "a farce."
Tensions between China and both countries have risen in recent months over contested territory in the region, with a dispute between Hanoi and Beijing triggering violent anti-Chinese riots in Vietnam last month.
Asked about the joint sports activity, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Monday at a regular briefing: "Don't you think that these small tricks conducted by the Philippines and Vietnam are nothing but a farce?"
She also urged Hanoi and Manila to "refrain from taking any actions that may complicate or magnify the dispute" and said that China "exercises indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and adjacent waters," referring to the Spratlys by their Chinese name.
The first-ever joint games between the Philippine and Vietnamese navies saw them play football and volleyball and were designed to "foster camaraderie" among the troops, Philippine Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Gregory Fabic said.
"This also serves as a model of cooperation for the other navies to emulate," Fabic added, without mentioning China by name.
The Spratlys are a disputed group of reefs, islands and atolls coveted by the Philippines, Vietnam, China, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
The region is believed to sit atop oil and other mineral deposits and all of the claimants, save for Brunei, have troops in the islands.
Tensions between China and Vietnam have escalated sharply in recent weeks following Beijing's dispatch of an oil rig to waters surrounding another contested island group, the Paracels.
Last week, Vietnam released dramatic footage showing a large Chinese ship chasing and ramming one of its fishing boats, which then sank near the rig.
Beijing responded Monday by issuing a lengthy defense of its use of the rig on both the foreign ministry website and via the official Xinhua news agency.
"We find it necessary to tell the international community what really happened so as to restore the truth," Hua said when asked about the document.
China is asking Vietnam to "bring those lawbreakers to account and make full compensations to China," she added.
The Philippines – which has filed a plea to the United Nations challenging Beijing's claims to about 70% of the South China Sea – said Saturday, June 7, it was investigating reports that China was reclaiming land in the Spratlys area.
Hua said she was unable to verify or comment on the reports but maintained that "what kinds of activities China is going to conduct in the Nansha Islands is within China's jurisdiction."
http://www.rappler.com/nation/60090-china-decries-vietnam-philippines-games-spratlys
Philippine rebels accuse military of killing civilian
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 9): Philippine rebels accuse military of killing civilian
A photo released by the Kilab Multimedia to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper shows the casket of Wilfredo Estrebillo, who was killed in the town of Kapalong in Davao del Norte province in southern Philippines.
The New People’s Army on Monday accused government soldiers as behind the execution of a motorcycle taxi driver earlier accused by the military as a member of the communist rebel group in Davao del Norte province in southern Philippines.
A rebel spokesman Aris Francisco branded as “barbaric” the murder of 41-year old Wilfredo Estrebillo, who was killed on June 4 in the village of Mabantao in Kapalong town. Citing confidential reports, Francisco accused the 60th Infantry Battalion as behind the killing and condemned the attack on an innocent civilian.
“The barbaric killing of motorcycle driver Wilfredo Estrebillo showed that the notorious 60th Infantry Battalion is engaged in vindictive operations against civilians,” he said, vowing to give “revolutionary” justice for victim’s family.
Estrebillo was shot at least 13 times by his three passengers. Francisco said the Estrebillo was first to be killed by the military among the list of six motorcycle taxi drivers in the town that are all in the army’s order of battle.
He said the list was recovered from Corporal Rogelio Rosales, who was captured by rebels in May in the village of Florida also in the town of Kapalong.
Rosales was freed by the NPA on humanitarian grounds, but he was dismissed from the military after the rebel group recovered illegal drugs from his possession while arranging the delivery of illegally cut logs in the town.
The six drivers were suspected as members or supporters of the NPA after Rosales implicated them. The six men were included the so-called “hit list” of the military as part of its anti-insurgency campaign called Oplan Bayanihan.
Before he was killed, Estrebillo told his family and relatives that the military put him and other drivers under surveillance and accused them of transporting provisions to the NPA in Kapalong, an allegation he and the others had strongly denied.
He also told his family that government soldiers were harassing them in army checkpoints. Among the drivers in the military hit list were Eleazar Batobato, Loloy Labaho, Undo Labaho, Dodong Labaho, and Joy Eway, who was also harassed by soldiers.
There was no immediate statement from the military about the accusations.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/philippine-rebels-accuse-military-of.html
A photo released by the Kilab Multimedia to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper shows the casket of Wilfredo Estrebillo, who was killed in the town of Kapalong in Davao del Norte province in southern Philippines.
The New People’s Army on Monday accused government soldiers as behind the execution of a motorcycle taxi driver earlier accused by the military as a member of the communist rebel group in Davao del Norte province in southern Philippines.
A rebel spokesman Aris Francisco branded as “barbaric” the murder of 41-year old Wilfredo Estrebillo, who was killed on June 4 in the village of Mabantao in Kapalong town. Citing confidential reports, Francisco accused the 60th Infantry Battalion as behind the killing and condemned the attack on an innocent civilian.
“The barbaric killing of motorcycle driver Wilfredo Estrebillo showed that the notorious 60th Infantry Battalion is engaged in vindictive operations against civilians,” he said, vowing to give “revolutionary” justice for victim’s family.
Estrebillo was shot at least 13 times by his three passengers. Francisco said the Estrebillo was first to be killed by the military among the list of six motorcycle taxi drivers in the town that are all in the army’s order of battle.
He said the list was recovered from Corporal Rogelio Rosales, who was captured by rebels in May in the village of Florida also in the town of Kapalong.
Rosales was freed by the NPA on humanitarian grounds, but he was dismissed from the military after the rebel group recovered illegal drugs from his possession while arranging the delivery of illegally cut logs in the town.
The six drivers were suspected as members or supporters of the NPA after Rosales implicated them. The six men were included the so-called “hit list” of the military as part of its anti-insurgency campaign called Oplan Bayanihan.
Before he was killed, Estrebillo told his family and relatives that the military put him and other drivers under surveillance and accused them of transporting provisions to the NPA in Kapalong, an allegation he and the others had strongly denied.
He also told his family that government soldiers were harassing them in army checkpoints. Among the drivers in the military hit list were Eleazar Batobato, Loloy Labaho, Undo Labaho, Dodong Labaho, and Joy Eway, who was also harassed by soldiers.
There was no immediate statement from the military about the accusations.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/philippine-rebels-accuse-military-of.html
3 BIFF rebels killed in Maguindanao clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): 3 BIFF rebels killed in Maguindanao clash
Outlawed Moro guerillas tried but failed to overrun an Army post in a remotevillage of Maguindanao
The incident happened late Sunday afternoon in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao, according to Col. Dickson Hermoso.
Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the hostilities erupted when BIFF bandits surrounded a company command post of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company of the 6th Infantry Division in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saidona and, without warning, fired anti-tank rockets and assault rifles on bunkers and sleeping quarters of soldiers.
Hermoso said the soldiers inside the Army camp managed to return fire, preventing the bandits from closing in.
Hermoso said a member of the 61st reconnaissance team was wounded in the initial exchanges of gunfire.
With the huge number of BIFF bandits, Hermoso said the Army used mortars and howitzers forcing the attacker to retreat toward the marshland.
The bandits’ escape route was heavily stained with blood.
Hermoso believed many guerillas were either killed or wounded after soldiers recovered two shirts drenched in human blood.
“We can’t confirm the exact number of fatalities. The reports coming from local residents said three men were seen wrapped in malong carried by retreating rebels,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651624
Outlawed Moro guerillas tried but failed to overrun an Army post in a remote
The incident happened late Sunday afternoon in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao, according to Col. Dickson Hermoso.
Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the hostilities erupted when BIFF bandits surrounded a company command post of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company of the 6th Infantry Division in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saidona and, without warning, fired anti-tank rockets and assault rifles on bunkers and sleeping quarters of soldiers.
Hermoso said the soldiers inside the Army camp managed to return fire, preventing the bandits from closing in.
Hermoso said a member of the 61st reconnaissance team was wounded in the initial exchanges of gunfire.
With the huge number of BIFF bandits, Hermoso said the Army used mortars and howitzers forcing the attacker to retreat toward the marshland.
The bandits’ escape route was heavily stained with blood.
Hermoso believed many guerillas were either killed or wounded after soldiers recovered two shirts drenched in human blood.
“We can’t confirm the exact number of fatalities. The reports coming from local residents said three men were seen wrapped in malong carried by retreating rebels,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651624
New NOLCOM commander assumes post
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): New NOLCOM commander assumes post
CAMP AQUINO ,
Tarlac City
The change of command was held at the NOLCOM headquarters and was graced by AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Trinidad, a native ofIriga
City
He is the 25th NOLCOM commander after replacing Lt. General Gregorio Pio P Catapang, who was designated as the AFP's vice chief of staff last May 23, 2014.
The new NOLCOM chief will supervise the operations of three major services, namely two infantry divisions in Isabela and Nueva Ecija; Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in La Union; and Tactical Operation Group 1,2,& 3 (TOG) inBaguio
Prior to his designation as NOLCOM commander, Trinidad held the position as commander of 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army base inZambonga Del Sur.
His significant assignments and positions were: Branch Chief, OG5, PA from July 1, 1995-June 15, 1998; Executive Officer, 201 Brigade, 2ID, PA from June 22, 1998 to October 15, 1998; Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, 2ID, PA from October 16, 1998 to August 31, 1999; Commander of 16IB, 2ID, PA from September 1999 to 10 August 2000; Commander of 14IB, 8ID, PA from January 21, 2002 to September 1, 2003; Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans & Policy, O5, PA from June 25, 2007 to August 5, 2009; Assistant Division Commander, 1ID, PA from April 19, 2012 to August 23, 2013; and commander of 1ID from August 23, 2013 to June 08, 2014.
As proofs to his remarkable accomplishment and achievements are the several awards and decorations he received both from civilian and military organizations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651634
The change of command was held at the NOLCOM headquarters and was graced by AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Trinidad, a native of
He is the 25th NOLCOM commander after replacing Lt. General Gregorio Pio P Catapang, who was designated as the AFP's vice chief of staff last May 23, 2014.
The new NOLCOM chief will supervise the operations of three major services, namely two infantry divisions in Isabela and Nueva Ecija; Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in La Union; and Tactical Operation Group 1,2,& 3 (TOG) in
Prior to his designation as NOLCOM commander, Trinidad held the position as commander of 1st Infantry Division, Philippine Army base in
His significant assignments and positions were: Branch Chief, OG5, PA from July 1, 1995-June 15, 1998; Executive Officer, 201 Brigade, 2ID, PA from June 22, 1998 to October 15, 1998; Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, 2ID, PA from October 16, 1998 to August 31, 1999; Commander of 16IB, 2ID, PA from September 1999 to 10 August 2000; Commander of 14IB, 8ID, PA from January 21, 2002 to September 1, 2003; Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans & Policy, O5, PA from June 25, 2007 to August 5, 2009; Assistant Division Commander, 1ID, PA from April 19, 2012 to August 23, 2013; and commander of 1ID from August 23, 2013 to June 08, 2014.
As proofs to his remarkable accomplishment and achievements are the several awards and decorations he received both from civilian and military organizations.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651634
New 302nd Army Brigade commander to assume post Wednesday
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): New 302nd Army Brigade commander to assume post Wednesday
The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based inTanjay City
Col. Martin will replace outgoing Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, who has served as the brigade commander since July 18, 2011, according to Maj. Cresenciano Gargar of the 302nd Brigade.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) chief, will be the guest of honor and speaker during the turnover of command at the 302nd brigade headquarters in Palanas,Tanjay
City
Col. Martin, a member of PMA Class ’83, was assigned prior to his latest appointment as 302nd brigade commander, to the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army, Gargar added.
Brig. Gen. Patrimonio, meanwhile, will be assigned as the Assistant Division Commander, 3ID, based in Jamindan, Capiz.
The 302nd Brigade is the mother of all Army units in Negros Oriental and in some parts of Negros Occidental.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651674
The 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army based in
Col. Martin will replace outgoing Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, who has served as the brigade commander since July 18, 2011, according to Maj. Cresenciano Gargar of the 302nd Brigade.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) chief, will be the guest of honor and speaker during the turnover of command at the 302nd brigade headquarters in Palanas,
Col. Martin, a member of PMA Class ’83, was assigned prior to his latest appointment as 302nd brigade commander, to the Training and Doctrine Command of the Philippine Army, Gargar added.
Brig. Gen. Patrimonio, meanwhile, will be assigned as the Assistant Division Commander, 3ID, based in Jamindan, Capiz.
The 302nd Brigade is the mother of all Army units in Negros Oriental and in some parts of Negros Occidental.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651674
At least Php 20- M in equipment damaged by NPA bombing in northern Negros
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): At least Php 20- M in equipment damaged by NPA bombing in northern Negros
At least Php 20 million worth of equipment were damaged when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided and bombed a transloading station Sunday night at Sitio Santa Ana, Barangay Mabini,Escalante
City
The transloading station is owned by Lopez Sugar Corporation.
Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said Monday afternoon the suspected rebels placed improvised explosive devices (IED) in the core sampler laboratory and two cranes.
Lirazan said the total damage has not been determined yet as of this posting.
He noted however that the core sampler laboratory has a market value of Php 10 million while each crane costs Php 5 million.
The core sampler laboratory is used to determine the quality of the sugarcane.
A platform weighing scale was also damaged as well as a Fuzo hauler truck.
Lirazan said the rebels disarmed the security guard of his 12-gauge shotgun with 20 rounds of ammunition and took two Icom radio handsets.
The security guard, the watchman, the mechanic and his family, who is residing in the vicinity of the transloading station were unharmed, he said.
A similar incident also took place on March 16, 2008 when NPA rebels also burned and destroyed the transloading stations of Lopez Sugar Corp. and Victorias Milling Company at Barangay San Jose of the neighboring Toboso town.
The latest NPA atrocity was condemned by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
“This is a gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by the CPP-NPA, which the communist group is a signatory,” said Major General Aurelio Baladad, 3rd ID commander.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651756
At least Php 20 million worth of equipment were damaged when New People’s Army (NPA) rebels raided and bombed a transloading station Sunday night at Sitio Santa Ana, Barangay Mabini,
The transloading station is owned by Lopez Sugar Corporation.
Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said Monday afternoon the suspected rebels placed improvised explosive devices (IED) in the core sampler laboratory and two cranes.
Lirazan said the total damage has not been determined yet as of this posting.
He noted however that the core sampler laboratory has a market value of Php 10 million while each crane costs Php 5 million.
The core sampler laboratory is used to determine the quality of the sugarcane.
A platform weighing scale was also damaged as well as a Fuzo hauler truck.
Lirazan said the rebels disarmed the security guard of his 12-gauge shotgun with 20 rounds of ammunition and took two Icom radio handsets.
The security guard, the watchman, the mechanic and his family, who is residing in the vicinity of the transloading station were unharmed, he said.
A similar incident also took place on March 16, 2008 when NPA rebels also burned and destroyed the transloading stations of Lopez Sugar Corp. and Victorias Milling Company at Barangay San Jose of the neighboring Toboso town.
The latest NPA atrocity was condemned by the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
“This is a gross violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law by the CPP-NPA, which the communist group is a signatory,” said Major General Aurelio Baladad, 3rd ID commander.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651756
‘Tabak’ Division commander installed as new NOLCOM chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): ‘Tabak’ Division commander installed as new NOLCOM chief
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has named Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division commander Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as the new commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).
Army’s 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer-in-Charge Capt. Franco Suelto said that AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista installedTrinidad Monday as the new NOLCOM chief.
Suelto saidTrinidad has replaced Lt. Gen.
Gregorio Pio Catapang, who was assigned as the new AFP vice chief of staff last
May 23.
Suelto said among the significant accomplishment of Trinidad during his stint at the 1st Infantry Division was the successful defense ofZamboanga City
Trinidad was awarded Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander) in recognition of his efforts in defense ofZamboanga City
As the NOLCOM chief, Trinidad will supervise the operations of three major services, namely two infantry divisions in Isabela and Nueva Ecija; Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in La Union; and Tactical Operation Group 1,2, and 3 (TOG) in Baguio, Isabela and Tarlac.
Suelto said that Col. Aminkadra Undog, the Assistant 1st Division commander, were serve as the officer-in-charge of the “Tabak” Divison until a new commander will be installed into office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651779
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has named Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division commander Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad Jr. as the new commander of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM).
Army’s 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer-in-Charge Capt. Franco Suelto said that AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista installed
Suelto said
Suelto said among the significant accomplishment of Trinidad during his stint at the 1st Infantry Division was the successful defense of
Trinidad was awarded Philippine Legion of Honor (Degree of Commander) in recognition of his efforts in defense of
As the NOLCOM chief, Trinidad will supervise the operations of three major services, namely two infantry divisions in Isabela and Nueva Ecija; Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) in La Union; and Tactical Operation Group 1,2, and 3 (TOG) in Baguio, Isabela and Tarlac.
Suelto said that Col. Aminkadra Undog, the Assistant 1st Division commander, were serve as the officer-in-charge of the “Tabak” Divison until a new commander will be installed into office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651779
NPA finance staff falls in Zamboanga del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): NPA finance staff falls in Zamboanga del Sur
Combined police and military operatives arrested on Sunday an amazon of the New People’s Army (NPA) charged with rebellion in the nearby town ofAurora
Provincial police director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre identified the arrested NPA amazon as Mari Muñoz, a finance staff of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Revolutionary People's Command.
He said Muñoz is facing rebellion charges before a Court in this city and has a standing warrant of arrest without recommended bail.
He said Muñoz is temporarily detained at the Aurora Police Station.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651794
Combined police and military operatives arrested on Sunday an amazon of the New People’s Army (NPA) charged with rebellion in the nearby town of
Provincial police director Senior Supt. Sofronio Ecaldre identified the arrested NPA amazon as Mari Muñoz, a finance staff of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Revolutionary People's Command.
He said Muñoz is facing rebellion charges before a Court in this city and has a standing warrant of arrest without recommended bail.
He said Muñoz is temporarily detained at the Aurora Police Station.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651794
Army recovers 4 AK 47 rifles after clash with NPA rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): Army recovers 4 AK 47 rifles after clash with NPA rebels
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City -- Government troopers have recovered four AK 47 rifles after a 20-minute clashed with rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao on Sunday, the military said on Monday.
Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said that troopers of the army’s 30th Infantry Battalion encountered about 20 NPA rebels in the Bacuag, Surigao Del Norte Sunday morning.
Uy said that troopers also recovered two hand grenades, one rifle grenade, one handheld radio, six bandoliers for AK 47, 15 magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition each, four improvised explosive device and six backpacks containing personal belongings,
Last week, the army’s 30th IB also killed three rebels in an encounter in Barangay Tagbuyawan in Mainit, Surigao Del Norte. The troops also recovered one AK-47, one M653 and one M14, Uy added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651811
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City -- Government troopers have recovered four AK 47 rifles after a 20-minute clashed with rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao on Sunday, the military said on Monday.
Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said that troopers of the army’s 30th Infantry Battalion encountered about 20 NPA rebels in the Bacuag, Surigao Del Norte Sunday morning.
Uy said that troopers also recovered two hand grenades, one rifle grenade, one handheld radio, six bandoliers for AK 47, 15 magazines with 30 rounds of ammunition each, four improvised explosive device and six backpacks containing personal belongings,
Last week, the army’s 30th IB also killed three rebels in an encounter in Barangay Tagbuyawan in Mainit, Surigao Del Norte. The troops also recovered one AK-47, one M653 and one M14, Uy added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651811
USAID breaks ground for P21-M school building project in Tacloban City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): USAID breaks ground for P21-M school building project in Tacloban City
TheUnited States
government through the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) on Monday broke ground for the USD21-million school building project at
the San Fernando Central School
The project that involves the construction of disaster-resilient eight-classroom building is part of the education component of the Rebuild Program that was launched Monday afternoon inTacloban City
The launching was led by USAID acting assistant administrator for Asia Denise Rollins and joined by USAID Philippines mission director Gloria D. Steele.
The education component targets to build and furnish 165 classrooms and provide teaching kits to respond to the need for permanent buildings in areas ravaged by Yolanda.
Meanwhile, presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery, Secretary Panfilo Lacson said that the event is a “mere representative of one of the projects theUS
“What you have done, what you have continued to do to the survivors of the strongest typhoon that hit landfall here in centralPhilippines
Department of Education (DepEd) regional director Rosalinda B. Yu said that the support extended by the USAID and other donors will further inspire students to “come to school every day and stay here until the school year ends.”
”This groundbreaking ceremony is another milestone in the recovery effort after the super typhoon. This will mean that close to 500 pupils will be transferred from the cramped classroom that they are using now to the new building soon to be constructed,” she said.
She mentioned that more than 1,100 schools fromEastern
Visayas were devastated by typhoon Yolanda composed of 134
secondary and 956 elementary schools.
Citing the assessment done by the Physical Facilities and Schools Engineering Division of the DepEd central office, 8,950 classrooms were damaged, with 1,753 needed to be replaced and 7,197 to be repaired.
The construction cost of new classrooms was estimated at P1.3 billion while repair is at P2.2 billion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651764
The
The project that involves the construction of disaster-resilient eight-classroom building is part of the education component of the Rebuild Program that was launched Monday afternoon in
The launching was led by USAID acting assistant administrator for Asia Denise Rollins and joined by USAID Philippines mission director Gloria D. Steele.
The education component targets to build and furnish 165 classrooms and provide teaching kits to respond to the need for permanent buildings in areas ravaged by Yolanda.
Meanwhile, presidential assistant for rehabilitation and recovery, Secretary Panfilo Lacson said that the event is a “mere representative of one of the projects the
“What you have done, what you have continued to do to the survivors of the strongest typhoon that hit landfall here in central
Department of Education (DepEd) regional director Rosalinda B. Yu said that the support extended by the USAID and other donors will further inspire students to “come to school every day and stay here until the school year ends.”
”This groundbreaking ceremony is another milestone in the recovery effort after the super typhoon. This will mean that close to 500 pupils will be transferred from the cramped classroom that they are using now to the new building soon to be constructed,” she said.
She mentioned that more than 1,100 schools from
Citing the assessment done by the Physical Facilities and Schools Engineering Division of the DepEd central office, 8,950 classrooms were damaged, with 1,753 needed to be replaced and 7,197 to be repaired.
The construction cost of new classrooms was estimated at P1.3 billion while repair is at P2.2 billion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651764
Police to file raps of illegal possession of explosive vs 'NPA official'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9): Police to file raps of illegal possession of explosive vs 'NPA official'
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to file a complaint for illegal possession of an explosive against an alleged ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was arrested Friday inTanjay City
The regular filing of the complaint is expected Monday at the earliest or anytime this week against the suspect identified as Rene Bustamante who is in his early 50s, married, of Catbalogan, Samar and whose roots are fromBacolod City ,
Negros Occidental, disclosed Chief Insp. George Badon, chief of police of Tanjay City
The complaint stems from the confiscation of a grenade allegedly from Bustamante’s possession, which he denied in an interview with reporters Monday morning in court. Bustamante said the grenade was “planted” by the law enforcement authorities inside his bag.
Bustamante is also known allegedly by many aliases based on identification cards recovered from his possession, to include Jose Rene H. Bustamante, Jade B. Herevias and Jury Merecido. He was arrested around 9:20 p.m. Friday on board a bus during a checkpoint inTanjay
City
Army officials have identified Bustamante as the alleged secretary of the NPA’s South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, replacing Danilo Badayos, who was previously arrested but who died last year for a lingering illness.
Bustamante was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gerardo Paguio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 41 for murder, dated April 30, 2014 against a certain John Doe alias Pediong and Julito Alban alias Castor.
Military and police officials later identified the John Doe alias Pediong as Bustamante, claiming that witnesses have confirmed his identity.
However, Bustamante denied this, saying he is not “Pediong” and does not have any knowledge of the murder charge in Criminal Case No. 2014-22242 in relation to the killing of the late Narciso Bantoto, Jr. in an ambush perpetrated allegedly by the NPA last January 17 in Barangay Tayak, Siaton in Negros Oriental.
Bantoto, a farmer and resident of Tayak, was killed in the presence of his wife, three children and a niece while they were on their way to a benefit dance at Sitio Mainit in Barangay Tayak.
Bustamante, accompanied by his legal counsel, Joel Obar and militant human rights group KARAPATAN’s Jose Luis Blanco, was presented at the sala of Judge Paguio on Monday at the Hall of Justice in Dumaguete upon return of the warrant of arrest.
His lawyer, Joel Obar, later told reporters that he has filed in behalf of his client a motion for his release because the warrant of arrest issued by the court was questionable.
Obar explained that the warrant of arrest was not specific in naming his client, Rene Bustamante, as one of the two subjects.
He went on to explain that usually, lawyers do not object to a warrant of arrest but in this case, upon close examination of the document, he found it to be general and even described it as a “John Doe warrant” and a “mad dog warrant” that can be applied to anybody.
“To my mind, it is a general warrant. Meaning, it could be just anybody (named as respondent) and it is a very dangerous warrant”, said Obar, who introduced himself as chairman of the National Union of People’s Lawyers.
He cited the Pangandaman versus Casar case of the Supreme Court as an example of a “John Doe warrant”.
With this, Obar filed a motion to release the live body of Rene Bustamante, the hearing of which has been scheduled on Wednesday at the RTC Branch 41 of Judge Paguio.
Meanwhile, Bustamante disclosed to reporters that he was “forcefully” arrested Friday evening and brought to the police station inTanjay City
He further claimed that the grenade that police “found” in his bag was “planted” to pin him down. He saw at the police station the grenade that authorities had later reported to be his.
Bustamante said he would not be a fool to be carrying around an explosive not properly wrapped and concealed. There were no witnesses nor his legal counsel when the search was conducted, he added.
Regarding the alleged subversive documents confiscated also from his possession, Bustamante said it is very easy to download these on the Internet.
For his part, Jose Luis Blanco of KARAPATAN-Negros Oriental said they are providing assistance to Bustamante and others in a similar situation as part of their advocacy in the protection of human rights.
Blanco described Bustamante’s arrest as tainted with political malice and was an unlawful arrest, similar to previous cases that KARAPATAN had also attended to.
KARAPATAN has condemned the “illegal arrest” of Bustamante and is calling for justice.
Bustamante will be transferred to the Negros Oriental Detention andRehabilitation Center
He brushed aside the allegation of Bustamante regarding the “planting of evidence”, saying it is common for them to be hurling accusations against government authorities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651689
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to file a complaint for illegal possession of an explosive against an alleged ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) who was arrested Friday in
The regular filing of the complaint is expected Monday at the earliest or anytime this week against the suspect identified as Rene Bustamante who is in his early 50s, married, of Catbalogan, Samar and whose roots are from
The complaint stems from the confiscation of a grenade allegedly from Bustamante’s possession, which he denied in an interview with reporters Monday morning in court. Bustamante said the grenade was “planted” by the law enforcement authorities inside his bag.
Bustamante is also known allegedly by many aliases based on identification cards recovered from his possession, to include Jose Rene H. Bustamante, Jade B. Herevias and Jury Merecido. He was arrested around 9:20 p.m. Friday on board a bus during a checkpoint in
Army officials have identified Bustamante as the alleged secretary of the NPA’s South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, replacing Danilo Badayos, who was previously arrested but who died last year for a lingering illness.
Bustamante was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Gerardo Paguio of the Regional Trial Court Branch 41 for murder, dated April 30, 2014 against a certain John Doe alias Pediong and Julito Alban alias Castor.
Military and police officials later identified the John Doe alias Pediong as Bustamante, claiming that witnesses have confirmed his identity.
However, Bustamante denied this, saying he is not “Pediong” and does not have any knowledge of the murder charge in Criminal Case No. 2014-22242 in relation to the killing of the late Narciso Bantoto, Jr. in an ambush perpetrated allegedly by the NPA last January 17 in Barangay Tayak, Siaton in Negros Oriental.
Bantoto, a farmer and resident of Tayak, was killed in the presence of his wife, three children and a niece while they were on their way to a benefit dance at Sitio Mainit in Barangay Tayak.
Bustamante, accompanied by his legal counsel, Joel Obar and militant human rights group KARAPATAN’s Jose Luis Blanco, was presented at the sala of Judge Paguio on Monday at the Hall of Justice in Dumaguete upon return of the warrant of arrest.
His lawyer, Joel Obar, later told reporters that he has filed in behalf of his client a motion for his release because the warrant of arrest issued by the court was questionable.
Obar explained that the warrant of arrest was not specific in naming his client, Rene Bustamante, as one of the two subjects.
He went on to explain that usually, lawyers do not object to a warrant of arrest but in this case, upon close examination of the document, he found it to be general and even described it as a “John Doe warrant” and a “mad dog warrant” that can be applied to anybody.
“To my mind, it is a general warrant. Meaning, it could be just anybody (named as respondent) and it is a very dangerous warrant”, said Obar, who introduced himself as chairman of the National Union of People’s Lawyers.
He cited the Pangandaman versus Casar case of the Supreme Court as an example of a “John Doe warrant”.
With this, Obar filed a motion to release the live body of Rene Bustamante, the hearing of which has been scheduled on Wednesday at the RTC Branch 41 of Judge Paguio.
Meanwhile, Bustamante disclosed to reporters that he was “forcefully” arrested Friday evening and brought to the police station in
He further claimed that the grenade that police “found” in his bag was “planted” to pin him down. He saw at the police station the grenade that authorities had later reported to be his.
Bustamante said he would not be a fool to be carrying around an explosive not properly wrapped and concealed. There were no witnesses nor his legal counsel when the search was conducted, he added.
Regarding the alleged subversive documents confiscated also from his possession, Bustamante said it is very easy to download these on the Internet.
For his part, Jose Luis Blanco of KARAPATAN-Negros Oriental said they are providing assistance to Bustamante and others in a similar situation as part of their advocacy in the protection of human rights.
Blanco described Bustamante’s arrest as tainted with political malice and was an unlawful arrest, similar to previous cases that KARAPATAN had also attended to.
KARAPATAN has condemned the “illegal arrest” of Bustamante and is calling for justice.
Bustamante will be transferred to the Negros Oriental Detention and
He brushed aside the allegation of Bustamante regarding the “planting of evidence”, saying it is common for them to be hurling accusations against government authorities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=651689