From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 11): AFP, PNP keep security measures in place in Caraga
Army 401st Brigade Commander Col. Gregory Cayetano said that security measures in his area of responsibility (AOR) covering the two provinces of Caraga region—Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur—are always in place.
He issued the statement following the reported incident in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte after the municipal police station (MPS) was overrun by some 60 heavily armed New People’s Army (NPA) rebels believed to be members of Guerilla Front 16 (GF-16).
Reportedly, a 30-minute fierce gun battle ensued first between the outnumbered cops and the attacking rebels at 3:00 p.m. on Thurday that yielded two deaths on the latter and also two wounded on the government side.
The Surigao del Norte Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) confirmed that the NPA also seized and brought with them 4 cops when they retreated.
PCMC vice chair and vice governor Arturo Carlos Egay, Jr. identified the cops captured by the rebels as PO3 Vic Calubag Concon and PO1 Rey O'niel Morales from the Alegria Municipal Police Station and PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquiño from the Provincial Public Safety Company.
Meanwhile, Cayetano admitted that he cannot categorically say whether the rebels might do a repeat of what they did to Alegria in other areas in Caraga.
But, he said that it is possible that the captives might be brought to Surigao del Sur or other places other than the province.
Earlier, Surigao del Sur Officer-In-Charge (OIC) Provincial Director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero said that he has already alerted his men since the news broke out regarding the Alegria incident.
He insisted on exerting all security measures available just to ensure that peace and stability is maintained in the whole province.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1741405043960
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Possible terror group links for Australian cleric
From the Sydney Morning Herald (Jul 13): Possible terror group links for Australian cleric
Musa Cerantonio in Manila on Friday after his arrest. Photo: AP
Philippine police are investigating whether Australian Islamist cleric Musa Cerantonio has had contact with outlawed separatist terror group Abu Sayyaf, which is an offence that could see him jailed in Australia.
Mr Cerantonio, a convert extremist preacher who has cultivated a significant online following while promoting jihad in the Middle East, was arrested in the Filipino province of Cebu on Friday.
But police intelligence sources say Mr Cerantonio has also recently travelled to the southern region of Mindanao, where the Abu Sayyaf group has waged a violent, decades-long separatist campaign.
An unnamed Philippines intelligence officer was quoted as saying Mr Cerantonio was of interest to Filipino authorities for his domestic terror links.
“This person ... has a website and he propagates extreme teachings and advocates jihad, calling on Muslim brothers to go to Syria and Iraq to fight together with the [Islamic State in the Levant].
“Sometimes he mentions the Philippine government [online] but does not call for violence”.
Police Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa said Mr Cerantonio’s movements and associations were being closely examined.
“We cannot say with certainty that he had any contact with local Muslim groups.”
The top of Mr Cerantonio’s twitter page displays the Black Flag, a symbol commonly used by Islamist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL, but with the words "Islamic State of Mindanao and Sulu" added in Arabic.
An independent Islamic state ranging across western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago is the stated goal of Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist organisation that regularly uses kidnappings, extortion, bombings and assassinations to further and finance its aims, and which has been proscribed by the Australian government since 2002.
It has been reported Mr Cerantonio was involved in circulating online a video of hundreds of Muslim Filipino prisoners, including members of Abu Sayyaf.
In the film, the masked prisoners pledge their support for the Islamist fighters in Iraq and Syria, and the Black Flag symbol can be seen behind them.
If Philippine police can establish a link between Mr Cerantonio and Abu Sayyaf, he faces the prospect of charges in Australia under national security and counter-terrorism law.
It is illegal to associate knowingly with members of a terrorist group, provide support or training for a group, raise money on its behalf, or encourage others to join.Terrorist organisation offences carry up to 25 years' jail.
Mr Cerantonio may also face charges in Australia under the Foreign Incursions and Recruitment Act, which outlaws joining, or encouraging others to join, foreign paramilitaries or insurgencies.
Mr Cerantonio has been vociferous in his support for ISIL, the extremist Islamist group waging war in Iraq and Syria.
He remains in police custody in Manila, ahead of possible deportation to Australia. His passport has been cancelled by the Australian government, meaning he is now an illegal alien under Filipino law.
The woman in whose company he was arrested on Friday is in prison in Cebu, facing fraud charges. She and Mr Cerantonio allegedly skipped out on a hotel bill before they found their rented accommodation.
Joean Navarro Montayre told the Cebu Daily News she was married to the Australian-born convert. She said the pair got married three days after they met at the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. The exact nature of their relationship, however, remains unclear.
Ms Montayre also refuted claims Mr Cerantonio was recruiting people to fight for Islam. “As far as I know, he’s good, humble and very intelligent,” she said. “He came here to study our language and Philippine history. The internet is full of garbage, anyone can put accusations there against anyone.”
http://www.smh.com.au/national/possible-terror-group-links-for-australian-cleric-20140713-zt64v.html
Musa Cerantonio in Manila on Friday after his arrest. Photo: AP
Philippine police are investigating whether Australian Islamist cleric Musa Cerantonio has had contact with outlawed separatist terror group Abu Sayyaf, which is an offence that could see him jailed in Australia.
Mr Cerantonio, a convert extremist preacher who has cultivated a significant online following while promoting jihad in the Middle East, was arrested in the Filipino province of Cebu on Friday.
But police intelligence sources say Mr Cerantonio has also recently travelled to the southern region of Mindanao, where the Abu Sayyaf group has waged a violent, decades-long separatist campaign.
An unnamed Philippines intelligence officer was quoted as saying Mr Cerantonio was of interest to Filipino authorities for his domestic terror links.
“This person ... has a website and he propagates extreme teachings and advocates jihad, calling on Muslim brothers to go to Syria and Iraq to fight together with the [Islamic State in the Levant].
“Sometimes he mentions the Philippine government [online] but does not call for violence”.
Police Senior Superintendent Conrad Capa said Mr Cerantonio’s movements and associations were being closely examined.
“We cannot say with certainty that he had any contact with local Muslim groups.”
The top of Mr Cerantonio’s twitter page displays the Black Flag, a symbol commonly used by Islamist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL, but with the words "Islamic State of Mindanao and Sulu" added in Arabic.
An independent Islamic state ranging across western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago is the stated goal of Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist organisation that regularly uses kidnappings, extortion, bombings and assassinations to further and finance its aims, and which has been proscribed by the Australian government since 2002.
It has been reported Mr Cerantonio was involved in circulating online a video of hundreds of Muslim Filipino prisoners, including members of Abu Sayyaf.
In the film, the masked prisoners pledge their support for the Islamist fighters in Iraq and Syria, and the Black Flag symbol can be seen behind them.
If Philippine police can establish a link between Mr Cerantonio and Abu Sayyaf, he faces the prospect of charges in Australia under national security and counter-terrorism law.
It is illegal to associate knowingly with members of a terrorist group, provide support or training for a group, raise money on its behalf, or encourage others to join.Terrorist organisation offences carry up to 25 years' jail.
Mr Cerantonio may also face charges in Australia under the Foreign Incursions and Recruitment Act, which outlaws joining, or encouraging others to join, foreign paramilitaries or insurgencies.
Mr Cerantonio has been vociferous in his support for ISIL, the extremist Islamist group waging war in Iraq and Syria.
He remains in police custody in Manila, ahead of possible deportation to Australia. His passport has been cancelled by the Australian government, meaning he is now an illegal alien under Filipino law.
The woman in whose company he was arrested on Friday is in prison in Cebu, facing fraud charges. She and Mr Cerantonio allegedly skipped out on a hotel bill before they found their rented accommodation.
Joean Navarro Montayre told the Cebu Daily News she was married to the Australian-born convert. She said the pair got married three days after they met at the Mactan Shrine in Lapu-Lapu City. The exact nature of their relationship, however, remains unclear.
Ms Montayre also refuted claims Mr Cerantonio was recruiting people to fight for Islam. “As far as I know, he’s good, humble and very intelligent,” she said. “He came here to study our language and Philippine history. The internet is full of garbage, anyone can put accusations there against anyone.”
http://www.smh.com.au/national/possible-terror-group-links-for-australian-cleric-20140713-zt64v.html
CPP/NDF: Malamposon ang pagsulong sa BHB sa PNP Station sa Alegria, Surigao del Norte
NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 12): Malamposon ang pagsulong sa BHB sa PNP Station sa Alegria, Surigao del Norte
CPP/NPA: Pinal nga report sa ataki sa BHB sa Alegria PNP Station
NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 12): Pinal nga report sa ataki sa BHB sa Alegria PNP Station
CPP/NPA: 3 Sundalo, Sugatan sa Labanan sa pagitan ng BHB at mga Sundalo ng 1st Infanrty Batallion Phil Army
NPA statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 12): 3 Sundalo, Sugatan sa Labanan sa pagitan ng BHB at mga Sundalo ng 1st Infanrty Batallion Phil Army
CPP/NPA: Pagsurender sa 53 ka Pekeng NPA, Dakong Kurapsyon sa mga Opisyal sa 4th ID
NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 13): Pagsurender sa 53 ka Pekeng NPA, Dakong Kurapsyon sa mga Opisyal sa 4th ID
CPP: AFP chief’s Oplan Bayanihan is a failure—CPP
Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 13): AFP chief’s Oplan Bayanihan is a failure—CPP
China bars oil drill in WP sea
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 13): China bars oil drill in WP sea
Oil and gas exploration activities conducted by any foreign companies in the contested waters in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) without China’s permission are “illegal”, Beijing’s foreign official said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei slammed a report that a London-listed Forum Energy Plc has obtained approval from the Philippine government to extend by one year its drilling plan for a natural gas project in the disputed Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
“Without permission from China, oil and gas exploration by any foreign companies in waters under China’s jurisdiction is illegal and invalid,” Hong told a daily press conference in Beijing.
Philippines’ Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose declined to comment on Hong’s remarks and said that it would issue an official statement on Monday.
Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello said “China is as usual asserting a fictitious claim over a formation that is indisputably part of the continental shelf of the Philippines. Beijing is mistaken if it thinks it can intimidate the country with its bully tactics.”
Reed Bank or Recto Bank as the Philippines calls it and Liyue Bank (China) is an undersea territory 50 miles or 80 Kilometers off Palawan.
The Recto Bank is within the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
The 200 nautical miles EEZ was provided by the United Nation (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea where China is also a signatory of that provision.
China is claiming 90-percent or the whole land, features and waters of the South China Sea citing the nine-dash-line of its ancient map.
Hong maintained that China has “indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters” and that any oil exploration activity is illegal.
A letter of Mark Rilles CIO-OIC of Forum Energy, which was posted on Philex Petroleum Corporation’s official website confirmed that the Philippines’ Department of Energy has granted the Company’s request for an extension to the second sub-phase of Service Contract 72.
“The deadline for completion of the second sub-phase, comprising the drilling of two appraisal wells, has now been extended by one year to August 15, 2016,” Rilles said.
Forum has a 70 percent interest in Service Contract (SC) 72, an oil and gas exploration permit covering the Sampaguita natural gas prospect in the Recto Bank.
The Philippines’ Philex Petroleum Corp—which holds a 60.45 percent direct and indirect stake in Forum—posted a copy of the London filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday.
In May, Philex Petroleum Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Forum will likely start drilling in the Recto Bank, which the Philippines calls Recto Bank, in early 2016 despite rising tensions with Beijing.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/07/13/china-bars-oil-drill-in-wp-sea/
Oil and gas exploration activities conducted by any foreign companies in the contested waters in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) without China’s permission are “illegal”, Beijing’s foreign official said.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei slammed a report that a London-listed Forum Energy Plc has obtained approval from the Philippine government to extend by one year its drilling plan for a natural gas project in the disputed Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea.
“Without permission from China, oil and gas exploration by any foreign companies in waters under China’s jurisdiction is illegal and invalid,” Hong told a daily press conference in Beijing.
Philippines’ Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose declined to comment on Hong’s remarks and said that it would issue an official statement on Monday.
Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello said “China is as usual asserting a fictitious claim over a formation that is indisputably part of the continental shelf of the Philippines. Beijing is mistaken if it thinks it can intimidate the country with its bully tactics.”
Reed Bank or Recto Bank as the Philippines calls it and Liyue Bank (China) is an undersea territory 50 miles or 80 Kilometers off Palawan.
The Recto Bank is within the 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.
The 200 nautical miles EEZ was provided by the United Nation (UN) Convention on the Law of the Sea where China is also a signatory of that provision.
China is claiming 90-percent or the whole land, features and waters of the South China Sea citing the nine-dash-line of its ancient map.
Hong maintained that China has “indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and their adjacent waters” and that any oil exploration activity is illegal.
A letter of Mark Rilles CIO-OIC of Forum Energy, which was posted on Philex Petroleum Corporation’s official website confirmed that the Philippines’ Department of Energy has granted the Company’s request for an extension to the second sub-phase of Service Contract 72.
“The deadline for completion of the second sub-phase, comprising the drilling of two appraisal wells, has now been extended by one year to August 15, 2016,” Rilles said.
Forum has a 70 percent interest in Service Contract (SC) 72, an oil and gas exploration permit covering the Sampaguita natural gas prospect in the Recto Bank.
The Philippines’ Philex Petroleum Corp—which holds a 60.45 percent direct and indirect stake in Forum—posted a copy of the London filing to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Thursday.
In May, Philex Petroleum Chairman Manuel Pangilinan said Forum will likely start drilling in the Recto Bank, which the Philippines calls Recto Bank, in early 2016 despite rising tensions with Beijing.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/07/13/china-bars-oil-drill-in-wp-sea/
AFP’s Bayanihan campaign a ‘complete failure’ — Reds
From the Daily Tribune (Jul 13): AFP’s Bayanihan campaign a ‘complete failure’ — Reds
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday declared the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” a “complete failure.”
The CPP made the declaration days before Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, regarded as the chief architect of the IPSP “Bayanihan,” retires from the military service. Bautista is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 20.
“General Bautista’s Oplan Bayanihan is a complete failure,” declared the CPP.
The AFP launched IPSP “Bayanihan” in January 2011 aimed at rendering the insurgency problem posed by the New People’s Army (NPA) to inconsequential level.
The IPSP “Bayanihan” shifted military paradigm from the body count syndrome, or operations focused on combat score, to whole-of-nation approach of winning the peace through civil military operations.
The IPSP “Bayanihan” succeeded Operation Plans Bantay Laya 1 and 2, which were heavy on military combat operations.
While declaring more provinces ready for development, meaning the threat of communist insurgents is very minimal, during the implementation of IPSP “Bayanihan,” the last estimated number of NPA fighters released by the AFP remained at 4,000 level throughout the country.
This year, the AFP has not issued an estimated strength of the NPA.
The CPP, however, stressed that the military failed to decimate the strength of the NPA.
“The AFP has failed, not only in its declared objective of decimating the NPA in three years’ time, but also in putting a stop to the nationwide growth and strengthening of the NPA,” it added.
The CPP also said that IPSP “Bayanihan” was a brutal as the two Oplan Bantay Laya.
“In waging a brutal war, the AFP has succeeded only in subjecting entire communities to militarization, occupying barangay halls and other civilian structures, violating the people’s domiciles, hampering production and commerce, obstructing school activities and traumatizing children and subjecting community leaders to harassment, illegal arrest and murder,” the CPP said.
“Behind the signboard of ‘peace and development,’ the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan operations have proven to be equally as brutal as all previous campaigns of suppression carried out by the AFP against the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces,” it added.
Contrary to claims by Bautista that the military is gaining ground against the NPA, the CPP said that the communist armed wing is continuously expanding in rural areas where injustices to the masses are common.
“Across the entire Philippines, the New People’s Army continues to expand and grow in strength amid the worsening exploitation and oppression of the toiling masses who suffer widespread poverty, unemployment, low wages, land grabbing and spiralling costs of food and basic services even as the ruling classes continue to enrich themselves through plunder and corruption,” said the CPP.
“With increasing frequency, units of the NPA are carrying out ever bigger tactical offensives against the AFP, police forces, paramilitary units, private armies of big despotic landlords, armed security forces of big mining companies and other armed groups that suppress the people,” the communists added.
Only last Thursday, the NPA attacked the Alegria Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Norte, carting away firearms and taking four policemen as hostages.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-s-bayanihan-campaign-a-complete-failure-reds
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) yesterday declared the military’s internal peace and security plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” a “complete failure.”
The CPP made the declaration days before Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, regarded as the chief architect of the IPSP “Bayanihan,” retires from the military service. Bautista is reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 20.
“General Bautista’s Oplan Bayanihan is a complete failure,” declared the CPP.
The AFP launched IPSP “Bayanihan” in January 2011 aimed at rendering the insurgency problem posed by the New People’s Army (NPA) to inconsequential level.
The IPSP “Bayanihan” shifted military paradigm from the body count syndrome, or operations focused on combat score, to whole-of-nation approach of winning the peace through civil military operations.
The IPSP “Bayanihan” succeeded Operation Plans Bantay Laya 1 and 2, which were heavy on military combat operations.
While declaring more provinces ready for development, meaning the threat of communist insurgents is very minimal, during the implementation of IPSP “Bayanihan,” the last estimated number of NPA fighters released by the AFP remained at 4,000 level throughout the country.
This year, the AFP has not issued an estimated strength of the NPA.
The CPP, however, stressed that the military failed to decimate the strength of the NPA.
“The AFP has failed, not only in its declared objective of decimating the NPA in three years’ time, but also in putting a stop to the nationwide growth and strengthening of the NPA,” it added.
The CPP also said that IPSP “Bayanihan” was a brutal as the two Oplan Bantay Laya.
“In waging a brutal war, the AFP has succeeded only in subjecting entire communities to militarization, occupying barangay halls and other civilian structures, violating the people’s domiciles, hampering production and commerce, obstructing school activities and traumatizing children and subjecting community leaders to harassment, illegal arrest and murder,” the CPP said.
“Behind the signboard of ‘peace and development,’ the AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan operations have proven to be equally as brutal as all previous campaigns of suppression carried out by the AFP against the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces,” it added.
Contrary to claims by Bautista that the military is gaining ground against the NPA, the CPP said that the communist armed wing is continuously expanding in rural areas where injustices to the masses are common.
“Across the entire Philippines, the New People’s Army continues to expand and grow in strength amid the worsening exploitation and oppression of the toiling masses who suffer widespread poverty, unemployment, low wages, land grabbing and spiralling costs of food and basic services even as the ruling classes continue to enrich themselves through plunder and corruption,” said the CPP.
“With increasing frequency, units of the NPA are carrying out ever bigger tactical offensives against the AFP, police forces, paramilitary units, private armies of big despotic landlords, armed security forces of big mining companies and other armed groups that suppress the people,” the communists added.
Only last Thursday, the NPA attacked the Alegria Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Norte, carting away firearms and taking four policemen as hostages.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-s-bayanihan-campaign-a-complete-failure-reds
MNLF, MILF reject ISIL call for jihad
From the Business World (Jul 13): MNLF, MILF reject ISIL call for jihad
THE MORO National Liberation Front (MNLF) and, more so, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which recently struck a peace deal with the Philippine government, have no plans to answer the call for support by a militant group gaining momentum in its jihadist campaign in Iraq and Syria.
THE MORO National Liberation Front (MNLF) and, more so, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which recently struck a peace deal with the Philippine government, have no plans to answer the call for support by a militant group gaining momentum in its jihadist campaign in Iraq and Syria.
The leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has called on fellow Muslims to join their campaign after declaring a caliphate late last month, clearly in reference to the caliphs that ruled in Islam’s classical eras.
In Islamic terms, a caliphate is a Muslim community or ummah and its leader is called a caliph. Followers of the Prophet Muhammad were formed into such collective entities until well into the Middle Ages of European history.
Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, said his organization will not send troops to join the fighting being waged in the Middle East by the Islamic State.
In Islamic terms, a caliphate is a Muslim community or ummah and its leader is called a caliph. Followers of the Prophet Muhammad were formed into such collective entities until well into the Middle Ages of European history.
Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice-chairman for political affairs, said his organization will not send troops to join the fighting being waged in the Middle East by the Islamic State.
“Hindi kami magpapadala ng tao dun. Marami kaming tauhan -- in the thousands na well-trained at experienced, pero di kami magpapadala. Ang focus namin ngayon ay yung negotiation with the Philippine government sa settlement ng Bangsamoro Region,” Mr. Jaafar told BusinessWorld in a phone interview.
(We will not send our troops there. We have experienced and well-trained troops in the thousands but we will not send them. Our focus is on the negotiations with the Philippine government regarding the Bangsamoro Region.)
He said the MILF leadership is calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
“Dapat i-resolve ’yun through peaceful means, through negotiations. Pag bakbakan ng bakbakan, walang katapusan, hindi natatapos. Marami din civilians na nadadamay,” Mr. Jaafar said.
He said the MILF leadership is calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Iraq and Syria.
“Dapat i-resolve ’yun through peaceful means, through negotiations. Pag bakbakan ng bakbakan, walang katapusan, hindi natatapos. Marami din civilians na nadadamay,” Mr. Jaafar said.
(The problem should be resolved through peaceful means, through negotiations. There will be no end to fighting and fighting. Many civilians are also affected.)
The MNLF also said they will not answer the call to jihad, or rather the fundamentalist understanding of this Islamic pillar that is also akin to soul-searching or self-knowledge.
The MNLF also said they will not answer the call to jihad, or rather the fundamentalist understanding of this Islamic pillar that is also akin to soul-searching or self-knowledge.
“Ang MNLF ay may mga local problems din... Kasama na diyan yung warrant of arrest ni Chairman Misuari. We are trying to resolve that. We are really placed on the wall at di makapag-open ’yung leadership namin dahil dun,” MNLF spokesman Emmanuel C. Fontanilla told BusinessWorld in a phone interview.
(We have local problems too. One of these is the warrant of arrest for Chairman Misuari. We are trying to resolve that. We are really placed on the wall and our leaders cannot open up on certain issues.)
Mr. Fontanilla also said the MNLF is not aware of the “true situation” in Iraq and is not in a position to respond accordingly.
“We have to know and to learn first [the] background [of this] problem,” he said.
Since its organization in 1969, the MNLF has engaged the Philippine government in its secessionist struggle, both in the battlefields and in the back rooms of peace negotiations.
Over the years, the group has also been broken up by various factions, the biggest of which is the MILF.
In 1996, the MNLF entered into a peace deal with the government that effectively integrated its leader Nur Misuari into the political mainstream as governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
But Mr. Misuari’s leadership has not led to a transformation of this region, which is still mired in corruption and warlordism.
Meanwhile, the MILF has been making progress in its talks with the government, to Mr. Misuari’s vocal consternation. Rebels identifying themselves with Mr. Misuari lay siege to Zamboanga City in September last year.
Another breakaway group in the secessionist movement, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, claimed last week it has sent a contingent of 200 fighters to Iraq. Amid this background, police and immigration agents arrested
Australian jihadist preacher and ISIL supporter Robert Edward “Musa” Cerantonio early morning Friday at Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
(We have local problems too. One of these is the warrant of arrest for Chairman Misuari. We are trying to resolve that. We are really placed on the wall and our leaders cannot open up on certain issues.)
Mr. Fontanilla also said the MNLF is not aware of the “true situation” in Iraq and is not in a position to respond accordingly.
“We have to know and to learn first [the] background [of this] problem,” he said.
Since its organization in 1969, the MNLF has engaged the Philippine government in its secessionist struggle, both in the battlefields and in the back rooms of peace negotiations.
Over the years, the group has also been broken up by various factions, the biggest of which is the MILF.
In 1996, the MNLF entered into a peace deal with the government that effectively integrated its leader Nur Misuari into the political mainstream as governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
But Mr. Misuari’s leadership has not led to a transformation of this region, which is still mired in corruption and warlordism.
Meanwhile, the MILF has been making progress in its talks with the government, to Mr. Misuari’s vocal consternation. Rebels identifying themselves with Mr. Misuari lay siege to Zamboanga City in September last year.
Another breakaway group in the secessionist movement, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, claimed last week it has sent a contingent of 200 fighters to Iraq. Amid this background, police and immigration agents arrested
Australian jihadist preacher and ISIL supporter Robert Edward “Musa” Cerantonio early morning Friday at Barangay Ibo, Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
Lanao Sur firefight linked to power woes
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13): Lanao Sur firefight linked to power woes
The armed encounter between government soldiers and suspected Moro rebels that killed two of the protagonists in Lanao del Sur on Friday was related to the stinging power outage issue that has gripped 27 towns in the province, according to initial investigations.
A soldier and a suspected member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed in the firefight in a village bordering Marantao and Balindong towns, which Colonel Glen Macasero said was a “misinterpretation” of military presence in the area.
Macasero, commanding officer of 103rd Infantry Brigade, said troopers of the Army’s 51st and 65th Infantry Battalions where waiting in the area to escort journalists belonging to the TV-5 “Bitag” news team when fired upon by suspected MILF rebels at about 4 p.m. Friday.
An almost one-hour exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving a soldier and a rebel dead, and three others (two soldiers and a guerilla) wounded. The fighting stopped after officials engaged in monitoring and enforcing the truce between military and MILF forces arrived in the scene, civilian officials said Saturday.
The news team, which had initially featured in three parts over TV-5’s “Bitag” slot of the Tulfo brothers the power outage-spawned miseries of residents, was set to take follow-up footages in Madamba town when the unwarranted atrocity happened, a police intelligence investigator told the Manila Bulletin.
The scene, three towns away from Madamba, is known to have separate camps of the MILF, and a group of young extremists that called themselves “Ghurabah” or “strangers” advocating Khilafah ideology, an aspect of the international terror Jemmah Islamia movement, the intelligence officer said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/lanao-sur-firefight-linked-to-power-woes/
The armed encounter between government soldiers and suspected Moro rebels that killed two of the protagonists in Lanao del Sur on Friday was related to the stinging power outage issue that has gripped 27 towns in the province, according to initial investigations.
A soldier and a suspected member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were killed in the firefight in a village bordering Marantao and Balindong towns, which Colonel Glen Macasero said was a “misinterpretation” of military presence in the area.
Macasero, commanding officer of 103rd Infantry Brigade, said troopers of the Army’s 51st and 65th Infantry Battalions where waiting in the area to escort journalists belonging to the TV-5 “Bitag” news team when fired upon by suspected MILF rebels at about 4 p.m. Friday.
An almost one-hour exchange of gunfire ensued, leaving a soldier and a rebel dead, and three others (two soldiers and a guerilla) wounded. The fighting stopped after officials engaged in monitoring and enforcing the truce between military and MILF forces arrived in the scene, civilian officials said Saturday.
The news team, which had initially featured in three parts over TV-5’s “Bitag” slot of the Tulfo brothers the power outage-spawned miseries of residents, was set to take follow-up footages in Madamba town when the unwarranted atrocity happened, a police intelligence investigator told the Manila Bulletin.
The scene, three towns away from Madamba, is known to have separate camps of the MILF, and a group of young extremists that called themselves “Ghurabah” or “strangers” advocating Khilafah ideology, an aspect of the international terror Jemmah Islamia movement, the intelligence officer said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/lanao-sur-firefight-linked-to-power-woes/
Priest seeks transparency on P4-B fund
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13): Priest seeks transparency on P4-B fund
A Church leader, involved in the past government peace overture with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), wants a public accounting of billions of pesos reportedly allocated for projects carried out under an MNLF joint venture with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) leadership.
Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., executive director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), posted in his Facebook page on Saturday the photo and story of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari’s signing of covenant for joint cooperation on development ventures.
The Hataman-Misuari covenant signing meeting was held in Makati on November 8, 2012, less than two weeks after the government signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in late October.
Fr. Mercado hinted that after the Hataman-Misuari signing, Malacañang had allocated some P4-bilion funds for development projects through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) for MNLF-influenced communities in the south.
Asked why he reposted the 2012 photo and story on the Hataman-Misuari meeting, Fr. Mercado answered: “To account for the over P4 billions of PAMANA C2C projects… Saan napunta ang mind boggling funds…?”
http://www.mb.com.ph/priest-seeks-transparency-on-p4-b-fund/
A Church leader, involved in the past government peace overture with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), wants a public accounting of billions of pesos reportedly allocated for projects carried out under an MNLF joint venture with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) leadership.
Fr. Eliseo Mercado Jr., executive director of the Institute of Autonomy and Governance (IAG), posted in his Facebook page on Saturday the photo and story of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari’s signing of covenant for joint cooperation on development ventures.
The Hataman-Misuari covenant signing meeting was held in Makati on November 8, 2012, less than two weeks after the government signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in late October.
Fr. Mercado hinted that after the Hataman-Misuari signing, Malacañang had allocated some P4-bilion funds for development projects through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) for MNLF-influenced communities in the south.
Asked why he reposted the 2012 photo and story on the Hataman-Misuari meeting, Fr. Mercado answered: “To account for the over P4 billions of PAMANA C2C projects… Saan napunta ang mind boggling funds…?”
http://www.mb.com.ph/priest-seeks-transparency-on-p4-b-fund/
Soldiers, cops formally send-off for bayanihan activities in Leyte
From the Samar News (Jul 7): Soldiers, cops formally send-off for bayanihan activities in Leyte
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
Ormoc City councilor Pedro Ebcas addressing the bayanihan teams during the Send-off Ceremony held at Brgy. Boroc, Ormoc City on July 4, 2014.
KANANGA, Leyte – Troops under Army's 19th Infantry Battalion and PNP's Regional Public Safety Battalion in Region VIII were dispatched for peace and development missions dubbed as bayanihan activities in hinterland villages of Ormoc City and Carigara, Leyte.
This after two batches of combined Army and PNP troops were officially send-off during ceremonies held on July 2 at Brgy. Tinaguban, Carigara,Leyte and on July 4 at Brgy. Boroc, Ormoc City
http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/jul/d080.htm
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
Ormoc City councilor Pedro Ebcas addressing the bayanihan teams during the Send-off Ceremony held at Brgy. Boroc, Ormoc City on July 4, 2014.
KANANGA, Leyte – Troops under Army's 19th Infantry Battalion and PNP's Regional Public Safety Battalion in Region VIII were dispatched for peace and development missions dubbed as bayanihan activities in hinterland villages of Ormoc City and Carigara, Leyte.
This after two batches of combined Army and PNP troops were officially send-off during ceremonies held on July 2 at Brgy. Tinaguban, Carigara,
The ceremonies were attended by local officials who welcomed
and pledged their commitment to support the mission of the government forces.
Lt. Col. Nedy Espulgar, commanding officer of 19IB, said at
least 60 PNP personnel were augmented to the unit for the mission which is expected
to terminate in the next three months.
Espulgar further said that during the mission, military and
PNP shall jointly perform bayanihan activities which include identification of
social issues and subsequently link them to appropriate government agencies and
offices. While in the area, troops are likewise mandated to assist in the
delivery of social services by domestic and foreign organizations.
"We will also look into opportunities of introducing
Land Bank's program on natural, organic and sustainable farming system as this
may help uplift and increase the income of indigent farmers in the area,"
Espulgar added.
The actions and activities of the bayanihan teams will be
guided by the local officials and the LGU whom Espulgar jokingly call as the
teams' acting commanders in their respective barangay.
After the ceremony, local officials and bayanihan teams
shared a traditional military "boodle fight" which was ably prepared
by the soldiers. After which, the local officials boarded on the military
trucks and took the bayanihan teams who will be deployed in their respective
villages.
For the said mission, bayanihan activities will be focused
in nine barangays namely Canlampay, Paglaum, Caghalo, San
Isidro and Hiluctugan in Carigara, Leyte; and Boroc, Patag, Hugpa
and Quezon Jr. in Ormoc
City
"We do not discount the fact that this mission may
stir-up the presence of the political and armed components of the NPA. In the
next few days, they might start bombarding criticisms and “black propaganda”
against government forces. But our efforts will not be towards them, it will be
for the people in the community who needs our support", Espulgar concluded.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2014/jul/d080.htm
Students stay away from school after NPA attack in Alegria
From MindaNews (Jul 13): Students stay away from school after NPA attack in Alegria
Teachers of Kitcharao Central Elementary School here came to school on Friday but were unable to teach because students, apparently traumatized by the clash between police and rebel forces near their school on Thursday afternoon, did not show up.
Charito Bermejo, the school’s principal, said they have 1,124 students but “no one came here today because they were terrified by yesterday’s firefight.”
The New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a police station in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and withdrew towards neighboring Kitacharao, some 150 meters from the school, where they clashed with police officers. Two suspected rebels were killed.
“Drop, drop”
Ayrita Monterola, Grade 1 teacher said her classroom’s wall was not spared, pointing to a bullet mark on the wall. “Good thing no one got hit by bullets here. Several meters across our school rebels and police had exchange of gunfire,” she said.
Monterola recalled that minutes before the gunfight in Kitcharao, parents had rushed to the school to fetch their children, as soon as they heard that the Alegria police station, located about a kilometer away, was attacked.
She said she was lecturing to her class when gunshots rang out. “I immediately ordered my 34 pupils and some parents who had rushed to fetch their children to drop to the floor. We closed the door and windows.”
“We learned there were some rebels who had entered our schools premises,” she said.
On Friday, not one student showed up for class. Some parents came to get their children’s bags. One parent came to for the child’s slippers.
What to do during armed clashes
Bermejo said she plans to conduct trauma and stress debriefing for the children next week.
She also acknowledged that while they have earthquake drills, they have yet to have a drill on what to do in case of clashes between government and rebel forces.
“I think it’s also good to train children and teachers in situations like this,” she said.
Xylex Joseph Amadeo, 8, a Grade 3 student told MindaNews he was “really scared.”
“My classmates were trembling in fear,” he recalled.
Captives
In statement dated July 12 but e-mailed to media on July 13, the NPA’s Front 16 congratulated those who participated in Thursday’s attack, said they seized eight M-16 firearms and other handguns and ammunition, apologized to the two policemen who were injured during the attack and promised to find a way to help them.
The statement, issued by Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front – North Eastern Mindanao Region, also said they have taken captive four policemen identified as PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino.
It said the four policemen were riding a patrol car when nabbed by an NPA blocking force during the attack in Alegria.
The statement said the captives will undergo investigation but assured they will be treated well as “prisoners of war” and will be released if they have no “serious offenses.”
But it added that in order to speed up the process, military operations in the entire Surigao del Norte and neighboring areas in Agusan del Norte must be stopped.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/13/students-stay-away-from-school-after-npa-attack-in-alegria/
Teachers of Kitcharao Central Elementary School here came to school on Friday but were unable to teach because students, apparently traumatized by the clash between police and rebel forces near their school on Thursday afternoon, did not show up.
Charito Bermejo, the school’s principal, said they have 1,124 students but “no one came here today because they were terrified by yesterday’s firefight.”
The New People’s Army (NPA) attacked a police station in Alegria town in Surigao del Norte at around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and withdrew towards neighboring Kitacharao, some 150 meters from the school, where they clashed with police officers. Two suspected rebels were killed.
“Drop, drop”
Ayrita Monterola, Grade 1 teacher said her classroom’s wall was not spared, pointing to a bullet mark on the wall. “Good thing no one got hit by bullets here. Several meters across our school rebels and police had exchange of gunfire,” she said.
Grade 1 teacher Ayrita Monterola points to a bullet mark on a classroom wall at the Kitcharao Central Elementary School in Agusan del Norte after Thursday afternoon’s clash a few meters from their school. MindaNews photo by Roel N. Catoto
She said she was lecturing to her class when gunshots rang out. “I immediately ordered my 34 pupils and some parents who had rushed to fetch their children to drop to the floor. We closed the door and windows.”
“We learned there were some rebels who had entered our schools premises,” she said.
On Friday, not one student showed up for class. Some parents came to get their children’s bags. One parent came to for the child’s slippers.
What to do during armed clashes
Bermejo said she plans to conduct trauma and stress debriefing for the children next week.
She also acknowledged that while they have earthquake drills, they have yet to have a drill on what to do in case of clashes between government and rebel forces.
“I think it’s also good to train children and teachers in situations like this,” she said.
Xylex Joseph Amadeo, 8, a Grade 3 student told MindaNews he was “really scared.”
“My classmates were trembling in fear,” he recalled.
Captives
In statement dated July 12 but e-mailed to media on July 13, the NPA’s Front 16 congratulated those who participated in Thursday’s attack, said they seized eight M-16 firearms and other handguns and ammunition, apologized to the two policemen who were injured during the attack and promised to find a way to help them.
The statement, issued by Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front – North Eastern Mindanao Region, also said they have taken captive four policemen identified as PO3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen B. Zabala and PO1 Edito F. Roquino.
It said the four policemen were riding a patrol car when nabbed by an NPA blocking force during the attack in Alegria.
The statement said the captives will undergo investigation but assured they will be treated well as “prisoners of war” and will be released if they have no “serious offenses.”
But it added that in order to speed up the process, military operations in the entire Surigao del Norte and neighboring areas in Agusan del Norte must be stopped.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/13/students-stay-away-from-school-after-npa-attack-in-alegria/
Masked gunmen shoot Malaysian cop, abduct 1 in new Sabah intrusion
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 13): Masked gunmen shoot Malaysian cop, abduct 1 in new Sabah intrusion
Masked gunmen raided a holiday resort in Sabah and shot dead a Malaysian police and abducted another officer before fleeing towards the southern Philippines, reports said Sunday.
It said the intrusion occurred before midnight on Saturday near the Mabul Water Bungalows off Pulau Sipadan where the gunmen engaged policemen guarding the area. At least eight gunmen on a speed boat tried but failed to barge in the dive resorts located in the area.
There was no statement from the Malaysian embassy in Manila about the latest intrusion and it was unknown at this point whether the local Abu Sayyaf, a militant group tied to Jemaah Islamiya, was responsible in the raid.
The Abu Sayyaf has been tagged as behind at least 6 kidnappings in Sabah since last year.
The daring raid occurred days after Abu Sayyaf released Yang Zai Lin, a 34-year old Chinese fish farm manager they kidnapped in Sabah on May 6. Yang was free by the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines following a series of ransom negotiations.
Yang, manager of the Wonderful Terrace Fish Farm at Pulau Baik in Lahad Datu town, was whisked to a speed boat by his handlers and taken to Sabah. It was unknown if ransom had been paid by Malaysia o Yang’s family in exchange for his freedom. The Chinese Consulate in Malaysia said Yang is a native of Guizhou province.
The Abu Sayyaf was largely blamed for the daring raid on the posh Pulau Sipadan resort in 2000 where they kidnapped 21 people and ransomed them off to Malaysia and Libya for at least $25 million.
In November last year, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s Pom Pom Island. The woman was eventually released a month later near the village of Liban in Talipao town in Sulu after paying ransom.
The Abu Sayyaf resorted to ransom kidnappings to raise money for the purchase weapons and fund terror attacks in the Philippines. It is still holding at least 10 people, mostly foreigners.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/masked-gunmen-shoot-malaysian-cop.html
Masked gunmen raided a holiday resort in Sabah and shot dead a Malaysian police and abducted another officer before fleeing towards the southern Philippines, reports said Sunday.
It said the intrusion occurred before midnight on Saturday near the Mabul Water Bungalows off Pulau Sipadan where the gunmen engaged policemen guarding the area. At least eight gunmen on a speed boat tried but failed to barge in the dive resorts located in the area.
There was no statement from the Malaysian embassy in Manila about the latest intrusion and it was unknown at this point whether the local Abu Sayyaf, a militant group tied to Jemaah Islamiya, was responsible in the raid.
The Abu Sayyaf has been tagged as behind at least 6 kidnappings in Sabah since last year.
The daring raid occurred days after Abu Sayyaf released Yang Zai Lin, a 34-year old Chinese fish farm manager they kidnapped in Sabah on May 6. Yang was free by the Abu Sayyaf in southern Philippines following a series of ransom negotiations.
Yang, manager of the Wonderful Terrace Fish Farm at Pulau Baik in Lahad Datu town, was whisked to a speed boat by his handlers and taken to Sabah. It was unknown if ransom had been paid by Malaysia o Yang’s family in exchange for his freedom. The Chinese Consulate in Malaysia said Yang is a native of Guizhou province.
The Abu Sayyaf was largely blamed for the daring raid on the posh Pulau Sipadan resort in 2000 where they kidnapped 21 people and ransomed them off to Malaysia and Libya for at least $25 million.
In November last year, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Taiwanese tourist Chang An Wei, 58, after killing her husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s Pom Pom Island. The woman was eventually released a month later near the village of Liban in Talipao town in Sulu after paying ransom.
The Abu Sayyaf resorted to ransom kidnappings to raise money for the purchase weapons and fund terror attacks in the Philippines. It is still holding at least 10 people, mostly foreigners.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/masked-gunmen-shoot-malaysian-cop.html
Soldier buys kidnapped daughter’s freedom
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 13): Soldier buys kidnapped daughter’s freedom
Kidnappers in the southern Philippines have freed Sunday a five-year old daughter of a government soldier after her family paid a small ransom in exchange for her freedom, officials said.
Officials said the girl was playing outside their house in Linamon town in Lanao del Norte province when two men riding tandem on a motorbike snatched her on Saturday. The family paid P19,000 or roughly about $436 to the girl’s captors to regain her freedom following a negotiation.
The girl was released after being held captive near the town of Balo-i and was handed over to her family and policemen by a former village leader and an ex-police officer who were tapped to secure the victim.
The kidnappers were later identified only by their first name as Musa and Camal, who are residents of Iligan City. Police and military authorities were hunting down the two kidnappers.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/soldier-buys-kidnapped-daughters-freedom.html
Kidnappers in the southern Philippines have freed Sunday a five-year old daughter of a government soldier after her family paid a small ransom in exchange for her freedom, officials said.
Officials said the girl was playing outside their house in Linamon town in Lanao del Norte province when two men riding tandem on a motorbike snatched her on Saturday. The family paid P19,000 or roughly about $436 to the girl’s captors to regain her freedom following a negotiation.
The girl was released after being held captive near the town of Balo-i and was handed over to her family and policemen by a former village leader and an ex-police officer who were tapped to secure the victim.
The kidnappers were later identified only by their first name as Musa and Camal, who are residents of Iligan City. Police and military authorities were hunting down the two kidnappers.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/soldier-buys-kidnapped-daughters-freedom.html
PA, PNP intensify peace and development program in conflict-affected areas in Samar, Leyte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): PA, PNP intensify peace and development program in conflict-affected areas in Samar, Leyte
Soldiers and police personnel are now familiar sights in rural areas and in conflict-affected communities of Leyte andSamar
as part of their efforts under the peace and development program of the
Philippine Army (PA).
They cross rivers, climb mountains, reaching far-flung barangays with difficult terrain and accessibility, teach the farmers basic education, health, proper nutrition, values education, farming techniques and income-generating projects to help uplift them from the bondage of poverty and ignorance.
Just recently, the Charlie Company of the 19th Infantry Batallion (19IB) of the Philippine Army and a team from the PNP visited the villages of Canlampay, Paglaum, Caghalo,San Isidro
“I guess they are not here to bring war but to change the perception of my people what soldiers really are,” said Hiluctugan village chairman Narciso Llanza.
“We should be thankful that this time, the Army and Police is now in barangay Caghalo as our partner in implementing peace and order in our barangay,” said chairwoman Aurora Quebec who also lauded the troops for their discipline and for showing genuine peace and development efforts to the people.
Meantime, 57-year old Asterio Uribe, a farmer resident of barangaySan Isidro
“We thank the soldiers and the police for their care, compassion and understanding to us residents here in the village, it cannot be matched and we are proud to have them here in our barangay,” he added.
1Lt. Jaime B. Tuguic Jr., company commander of the 19th IB, Charlie company, said that deployed troops focused not only on people’s safety, territorial defense and securing the area, but also to unite and work hand in hand with the stakeholders, local executives and heads of agencies in order to solve the insurgency problem.
The Bayanihan Team of the PA and the PNP known for their capabilities in bringing livelihood projects in communities in coordination with the local government agencies jointly had to identify social issues in these areas.
“Our goal is to cultivate synergy from stakeholders’ network for the benefit of the communities,”Tuguic said.
Their efforts helped reduce illiteracy rate in far flung barangays and reduced poverty. It empowers the rural people with knowledge, skills and values that will help them be a better person.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662147
Soldiers and police personnel are now familiar sights in rural areas and in conflict-affected communities of Leyte and
They cross rivers, climb mountains, reaching far-flung barangays with difficult terrain and accessibility, teach the farmers basic education, health, proper nutrition, values education, farming techniques and income-generating projects to help uplift them from the bondage of poverty and ignorance.
Just recently, the Charlie Company of the 19th Infantry Batallion (19IB) of the Philippine Army and a team from the PNP visited the villages of Canlampay, Paglaum, Caghalo,
“I guess they are not here to bring war but to change the perception of my people what soldiers really are,” said Hiluctugan village chairman Narciso Llanza.
“We should be thankful that this time, the Army and Police is now in barangay Caghalo as our partner in implementing peace and order in our barangay,” said chairwoman Aurora Quebec who also lauded the troops for their discipline and for showing genuine peace and development efforts to the people.
Meantime, 57-year old Asterio Uribe, a farmer resident of barangay
“We thank the soldiers and the police for their care, compassion and understanding to us residents here in the village, it cannot be matched and we are proud to have them here in our barangay,” he added.
1Lt. Jaime B. Tuguic Jr., company commander of the 19th IB, Charlie company, said that deployed troops focused not only on people’s safety, territorial defense and securing the area, but also to unite and work hand in hand with the stakeholders, local executives and heads of agencies in order to solve the insurgency problem.
The Bayanihan Team of the PA and the PNP known for their capabilities in bringing livelihood projects in communities in coordination with the local government agencies jointly had to identify social issues in these areas.
“Our goal is to cultivate synergy from stakeholders’ network for the benefit of the communities,”Tuguic said.
Their efforts helped reduce illiteracy rate in far flung barangays and reduced poverty. It empowers the rural people with knowledge, skills and values that will help them be a better person.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662147
US envoy to visit Tacloban City, Palo LGUs on Tuesday
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): US envoy to visit Tacloban City, Palo LGUs on Tuesday
United States Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg will be the guest of honor during the launch of various rehabilitation projects in typhoon-affected communities supported by theUS
In a press statement, Goldberg will lead the launching of the “US-funded initiative that seeks to reduce the vulnerability of residents in Ormoc,Leyte through livelihood support and building trafficking
in persons (TIP) awareness and response capacity of community leaders.”
The Preventing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) through Sustainable Livelihood Recovery for Typhoon-Affected People” project will be launched at the Palo I Central School in Cavite West village, Palo.
He will also break ground two school buildings in the said school that will benefit 1,920 pupils.
The Php30.8 million project to be funded through USAID Rebuild is designed to withstand strong typhoons, flooding and earthquake, the statement added.
USAID Rebuild is a multi-component rehab effort with the restoration of access to education, health services and livelihood as priorities. It likewise provided technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR).
He will be joined by USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, Department of Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla and Mayor Remedios L. Petilla during the ground breaking ceremonies.
Meanwhile, theUS envoy
will also join the closing program of the Pacific Partnership 2014, a
multinational humanitarian aid and relief mission participated in by close to
300 military personnel from United States ,
Japan , Australia and Malaysia
working side by side with their Filipino counterparts in Tacloban City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662145
United States Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg will be the guest of honor during the launch of various rehabilitation projects in typhoon-affected communities supported by the
In a press statement, Goldberg will lead the launching of the “US-funded initiative that seeks to reduce the vulnerability of residents in Ormoc,
The Preventing Trafficking in Persons (TIP) through Sustainable Livelihood Recovery for Typhoon-Affected People” project will be launched at the Palo I Central School in Cavite West village, Palo.
He will also break ground two school buildings in the said school that will benefit 1,920 pupils.
The Php30.8 million project to be funded through USAID Rebuild is designed to withstand strong typhoons, flooding and earthquake, the statement added.
USAID Rebuild is a multi-component rehab effort with the restoration of access to education, health services and livelihood as priorities. It likewise provided technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery (OPARR).
He will be joined by USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria D. Steele, Department of Education Secretary Armin A. Luistro, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico L. Petilla and Mayor Remedios L. Petilla during the ground breaking ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662145
Leyte gov welcomes USAID Rebuild project at Palo I Central School
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Leyte gov welcomes USAID Rebuild project at Palo I Central School
Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla welcomes the new project to be implemented by theUS
government through the USAID Rebuild Program at the Palo I Central School in
Palo, Leyte .
Gov. Petilla said that with the total expanse of devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda in majority of schools inLeyte
province, the provincial government and the Department of Education can only do
as much, particularly in funding for repairs and reconstruction.
“We cannot do it all. Thus, support from other groups, organizations here and abroad and foreign government as well is always a welcome one,” Gov. Petilla said.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg is scheduled to visitLeyte
on July 15 for the groundbreaking ceremony of two school buildings at the Palo
I Central School.
These school buildings will be constructed and furnished by theUS
US Embassy Manila’s USAID Rebuild program is being implemented in partnership with the Philippine government. The program focuses on restoring access to education, health services and livelihood activities, and providing technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Also included in Rebuild’s education component is providing teaching kits and funding the construction of 165 fully-furnished classrooms throughout the province. The embassy said this will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the need for permanent school buildings in Yolanda-affected areas.
“With the help of USAID and support from the national government, we will build back and strengthen our schools here in theprovince of Leyte
In June, the provincial government ofLeyte
through Gov. Petilla signed a USAID-supported twinning agreement with the Albay
Public Safety and Management Office on disaster risk reduction and management.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the two provinces will share knowledge and expertise, and implement activities such as technical training and sharing of innovative technologies and approaches, scenario drills and peer reviews of existing plans and activities. USAID’s Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project is facilitating the twinning.
In addition, Be Secure is working to repair and rehabilitate damaged water systems inLeyte .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662144
Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla welcomes the new project to be implemented by the
Gov. Petilla said that with the total expanse of devastation wrought by Typhoon Yolanda in majority of schools in
“We cannot do it all. Thus, support from other groups, organizations here and abroad and foreign government as well is always a welcome one,” Gov. Petilla said.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg is scheduled to visit
These school buildings will be constructed and furnished by the
US Embassy Manila’s USAID Rebuild program is being implemented in partnership with the Philippine government. The program focuses on restoring access to education, health services and livelihood activities, and providing technical assistance to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery.
Also included in Rebuild’s education component is providing teaching kits and funding the construction of 165 fully-furnished classrooms throughout the province. The embassy said this will be implemented in coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the need for permanent school buildings in Yolanda-affected areas.
“With the help of USAID and support from the national government, we will build back and strengthen our schools here in the
In June, the provincial government of
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the two provinces will share knowledge and expertise, and implement activities such as technical training and sharing of innovative technologies and approaches, scenario drills and peer reviews of existing plans and activities. USAID’s Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project is facilitating the twinning.
In addition, Be Secure is working to repair and rehabilitate damaged water systems in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662144
Two soldiers hurt in encounter with rebels in Quezon town
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Two soldiers hurt in encounter with rebels in Quezon town
GEN. NAKAR, Quezon -- Two government soldiers were wounded in an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) early Saturday morning at Sitio Malatunglansan, Barangay Marcelino of this town.
According to police reports, a military platoon belonging to the 1st Infantry Battalion was conducting combat operations when they were fired upon by about 20 NPA rebels.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately rushed to a military hospital.
The military and police forces led by Police Senior Inspector Reden Romasanta, chief of police here, identified the wounded soldiers as Private First Class Domericar Gepitulan and Jose Aquino, both operative of the 1st IB, Alpha Company.
Meanwhile, Quezon Police Director Senior Supt. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan has ordered his troops to be more vigilant because of the attack that occurred inAlgeria
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662150
GEN. NAKAR, Quezon -- Two government soldiers were wounded in an encounter with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) early Saturday morning at Sitio Malatunglansan, Barangay Marcelino of this town.
According to police reports, a military platoon belonging to the 1st Infantry Battalion was conducting combat operations when they were fired upon by about 20 NPA rebels.
Two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds and were immediately rushed to a military hospital.
The military and police forces led by Police Senior Inspector Reden Romasanta, chief of police here, identified the wounded soldiers as Private First Class Domericar Gepitulan and Jose Aquino, both operative of the 1st IB, Alpha Company.
Meanwhile, Quezon Police Director Senior Supt. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan has ordered his troops to be more vigilant because of the attack that occurred in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662150
Malacanang acknowledges U.S. Senate Resolution that promotes peaceful settlement of maritime disputes
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Malacanang acknowledges U.S. Senate Resolution that promotes peaceful settlement of maritime disputes
Malacanang acknowledged on Sunday the United States Senate Resolution No. 412 that promotes peaceful settlement of international territorial and maritime disputes in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a press briefing over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters that the Palace welcomes this U.S. Senate Resolution.
The U.S. Senate Resolution No. 412 is entitled “Reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for the freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes.”
Coloma said the Palace noted the U.S. Senate Resolution acknowledges thePhilippines ’ effort to resolve the maritime
dispute in the West Philippine Sea in a
peaceful manner.
The U.S. Senate Resolution No. 412 states “the Republic of thePhilippines
Manila and Beijing
have a long-standing maritime dispute over islands, shoals, and reefs in the West Philippine Sea .
On March 30, thePhilippines
filed a memorial at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)
against China
“This Resolution affirms the long-standing strategic partnership between thePhilippines and the United States
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662142
Malacanang acknowledged on Sunday the United States Senate Resolution No. 412 that promotes peaceful settlement of international territorial and maritime disputes in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a press briefing over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told reporters that the Palace welcomes this U.S. Senate Resolution.
The U.S. Senate Resolution No. 412 is entitled “Reaffirming the strong support of the United States Government for the freedom of navigation and other internationally lawful uses of sea and airspace in the Asia-Pacific region, and for the peaceful diplomatic resolution of outstanding territorial and maritime claims and disputes.”
Coloma said the Palace noted the U.S. Senate Resolution acknowledges the
The U.S. Senate Resolution No. 412 states “the Republic of the
On March 30, the
“This Resolution affirms the long-standing strategic partnership between the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662142
PA's 8th Infantry Division conducts trail run for its 26th anniversary
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): PA's 8th Infantry Division conducts trail run for its 26th anniversary
As part of its 26th founding anniversary on Aug. 1, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division conducted its “Stormtroopers Trail Run” last Saturday.
According to Major Amado Gutierrez, the unit spokesperson, this is but a prelude to a series of activities they will be conducting in celebration of their 26th founding anniversary.
He said that the 9.1-kilometer trail run circuit was designed along the trails and ridges passing along the hills adjacent to the 8th Infantry Division headquarters inCatbalogan
City
A total of 163 runners participated in the challenging event. They were composed of running enthusiasts fromCatbalogan
City
The trail run started at exactly 5:30 a.m. and the first finisher clocked-in at 48 minutes.
The following were the top five male and female participants:
For the male category -- McAllan Latoja, 1st place; Capt. Albert P. Guloy, 2nd; Richard O. Oblino, 3rd; Cpl. Rolando Villa, 4th; and Pfc. Ranny Rodrigito, 5th.
For the female category -- Leonila Tan, 1st; Mary Grace Solarte, 2nd; Marilyn Solobayba, 3rd; Ethyl Marie Cailo, 4th; and Cpl. Dally Lagawad, 5th.
Gutierrez said the top five male and female participants were given trophies as top finishers of the competition by no less than 8th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jet B. Velarmino in a simple awarding ceremony at the finish line.
For most of the participants who experienced the trail run for the first time, the excitement was the challenge of the terrain and the experience of enjoying the joy of running with Mother Nature.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662160
As part of its 26th founding anniversary on Aug. 1, the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division conducted its “Stormtroopers Trail Run” last Saturday.
According to Major Amado Gutierrez, the unit spokesperson, this is but a prelude to a series of activities they will be conducting in celebration of their 26th founding anniversary.
He said that the 9.1-kilometer trail run circuit was designed along the trails and ridges passing along the hills adjacent to the 8th Infantry Division headquarters in
A total of 163 runners participated in the challenging event. They were composed of running enthusiasts from
The trail run started at exactly 5:30 a.m. and the first finisher clocked-in at 48 minutes.
The following were the top five male and female participants:
For the male category -- McAllan Latoja, 1st place; Capt. Albert P. Guloy, 2nd; Richard O. Oblino, 3rd; Cpl. Rolando Villa, 4th; and Pfc. Ranny Rodrigito, 5th.
For the female category -- Leonila Tan, 1st; Mary Grace Solarte, 2nd; Marilyn Solobayba, 3rd; Ethyl Marie Cailo, 4th; and Cpl. Dally Lagawad, 5th.
Gutierrez said the top five male and female participants were given trophies as top finishers of the competition by no less than 8th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jet B. Velarmino in a simple awarding ceremony at the finish line.
For most of the participants who experienced the trail run for the first time, the excitement was the challenge of the terrain and the experience of enjoying the joy of running with Mother Nature.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662160
All systems go for ADAS 2014
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): All systems go for ADAS 2014
ThePhilippines
The event will be held at theWorld
Trade Center
in Pasay City
Organizers of ADAS 2014 announced that President Benigno S. Aquino will be the guest-of-honor.
Other VIP guests include Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Defense Undersecretary Honorio S. Azcueta and senior government and military officials.
ADAS 2014 is the first defense and security exhibition to be held in thePhilippines
The Philippine government and the AFP have structured a 15-year defense program to provide a modern and effective military capability as a deterrent and to defendnational interests.
The AFP Modernization Act is currently in the first five-year phase of activity and already significant progress has been made in acquiring new aircraft, naval vessels, helicopters and armored vehicles.
It should be noted that ADAS 2014 is more than just a defense exhibition, its scope is far broader.
This reflects the deep government interest in such critical areas as security, civil defense, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
The ADAS 2014 exhibition features 130 international companies from 16 different countries including theUnited States ,
the UK , Canada , France ,
Germany , Italy , Spain ,
Sweden , the Republic of Korea ,
Israel , Turkey , Brazil ,
Czech Republic ,
Lithuania , Malaysia and Belarus
There is also a substantial local presence, including the Government Arsenal and local companies such as Propmech and Stone of David.
Additionally the local media and the international defense press will also be in attendance.
The Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy will use ADAS 2014 to showcase their skills and capabilities to a national and international audience.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662162
The
The event will be held at the
Organizers of ADAS 2014 announced that President Benigno S. Aquino will be the guest-of-honor.
Other VIP guests include Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, Defense Undersecretary Honorio S. Azcueta and senior government and military officials.
ADAS 2014 is the first defense and security exhibition to be held in the
The Philippine government and the AFP have structured a 15-year defense program to provide a modern and effective military capability as a deterrent and to defendnational interests.
The AFP Modernization Act is currently in the first five-year phase of activity and already significant progress has been made in acquiring new aircraft, naval vessels, helicopters and armored vehicles.
It should be noted that ADAS 2014 is more than just a defense exhibition, its scope is far broader.
This reflects the deep government interest in such critical areas as security, civil defense, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.
The ADAS 2014 exhibition features 130 international companies from 16 different countries including the
There is also a substantial local presence, including the Government Arsenal and local companies such as Propmech and Stone of David.
Additionally the local media and the international defense press will also be in attendance.
The Philippine Army, the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy will use ADAS 2014 to showcase their skills and capabilities to a national and international audience.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662162