Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Nur Misuari behind latest incursion in Sabah

From the Sun Daily (Jul 16): Nur Misuari behind latest incursion in Sabah



KUCHING: Former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari (pix) has been identified as the mastermind behind snatch-and-grab operations in eastern Sabah.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi fingered Nur Misuari as the man responsible for the latest incursion at Pulau Mabul, off Semporna, where a marine police corporal was shot dead while his colleague was abducted on Saturday.

Speaking after breaking fast with police personnel at the state police headquarters yesterday, Ahmad Zahid said investigations reveal that Misuari had been using mercenary groups from south Philippines to carry out kidnap operations along the eastern coast of Sabah.

He said they were carried out to raise funds to revive the front’s military wing, besides trying to re-exert its influence in the southern Philippines.

It is common knowledge, he said, that Nur Misuari is not getting support, and is not involved in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) peace deal signed by the government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to resolve the Mindanao conflict in March.

“We do not have any direct relationship with Nur Misuari, but we believe he has a bigger agenda, and is conspiring with individuals who are said to be part of the Sulu Sultanate, which aims to take over Sabah,” said the minister, adding that Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) officials are sharing intelligence with Philippine security authorities on the issue.

Heavily armed men from a southern Philippines militant group had arrived in two boats and attacked the Smart Water Bungalow Resort at Pulau Mabul about 11pm last Saturday.

Besides M-16 assault rifles, the group reportedly had a M40 heavy machine gun and a rocket launcher.

In a shootout with police who had arrived earlier to patrol the island, the kidnappers gunned down Cpl Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32, before abducting his colleague, marine police constable Zakia Aleip, 26.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar subsequently said Zakia had contacted his 23-year-old wife, Sharifah Erna Benson, on Sunday night and informed her that he was "okay" but was being held by his captors.

Khalid said police strongly believe the gunmen were aided by local moles who provided them with information on their target prior to the attack.

Authorities believe the latest incident was motivated by revenge and anger following intense action against them by Malaysian security forces.

"The intruders wanted revenge because commandos from the Malaysian armed forces and the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) had penetrated their fortress and rescued a Chinese national recently," Ahmad Zahid had been quoted as saying.

Police had last Thursday rescued a Chinese fish farmer abducted by five armed men in Pulau Baik, Lahad Datu on May 6.

Based on the resort's closed-circuit television camera (CCTV) footage, police believe it was the same group that pulled off a robbery at a fish farm at Kampung Bangau-Bangau on July 7.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1113606

Held captive by terror leader

From the Star Online (Jul 16): Held captive by terror leader



Alhabsi Misaya is a drug user who is armed and dangerous - and he is sitting on a huge pile of cash.

A rising leader in the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organisation is suspected to be holding marine policeman Zakiah Aleip in a mountainous jungle hideout in the island of Jolo in southern Philippines.

Filipino intelligence sources identified the sub-commander as Alhabsi Misaya, who is in his 30s. They say he is “loaded with cash” and heavily armed.

Describing Alhabsi as a drug user, a source said: “He is rising fast in the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf leadership because he has made millions of pesos in ransom money. He has huge sums.”

The source said Alhabsi did not commit the abductions. It is the kidnap-for-ransom groups, such as the Mukhtadir brothers, who carried out the task, a fact both Malaysian and Philippine intelligence knew.
The kidnappers then hand over their captives, snatched from the east coast of Sabah, to Abu Sayyaf leaders like Alhabsi who then conduct the ransom negotiations through runners.

The sources said their intelligence indicated that Zakiah might be held captive around the Indanan village, a stronghold of the Alhabsi-led gunmen.

“There have been reports of sightings of 26-year-old Zakiah and the gunmen in Indanan,” said an intelligence source based in Zamboanga City.

According to the sources, Alhabsi was also the captor of Shanghai tourist Gao Huayun and Filipino worker Marcy Dayawan, who were kidnapped from the Singgamata resort on April 2 and later released on May 30.



They said Alhabsi was synonymous with the holding of hostages in Jolo “because he was also responsible for several Filipino hostages, including trader Sugar Dianne Buenviaje”.

Buenviaje, 33, was kidnapped at gunpoint from her shop in Mapun in February.

Although the official word from both the Malaysian and Philippine governments was that no ransom was paid for the release of Gao and Dayawan, the sources said Alhabsi received payment for “board and lodging”.

In the Mabul resort attack, marine policeman Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32, was killed and Zakiah, his colleague, was abducted by eight masked gunmen in military fatigues just before midnight on Saturday.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/16/Held-captive-by-terror-leader-Subcommander-holding-Zakiah-an-upcoming-star-in-Abu-Sayyaf/

Rising Abu Sayyaf leader holding Malaysia policeman kidnapped from Sabah: Sources

From the Straits Times (Jul 16): Rising Abu Sayyaf leader holding Malaysia policeman kidnapped from Sabah: Sources

A rising leader in the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organisation is suspected to be holding marine policeman Zakiah Aleip in a mountainous jungle hideout on the island of Jolo in southern Philippines.

Filipino intelligence sources identified the sub-commander as Alhabsi Misaya, who is in his 30s. They say he is "loaded with cash" and heavily armed.

Describing Alhabsi as a drug user, a source said: "He is rising fast in the ranks of the Abu Sayyaf leadership because he has made millions of pesos in ransom money. He has huge sums."

The source said Alhabsi did not commit the abductions. It is the kidnap-for-ransom groups, such as the Mukhtadir brothers, who carried out the task, a fact both Malaysian and Philippine intelligence knew.

The kidnappers then hand over their captives, snatched from the east coast of Sabah, to Abu Sayyaf leaders like Alhabsi who then conduct the ransom negotiations through runners.

The sources said their intelligence indicated that Zakiah might be held captive around the Indanan village, a stronghold of the Alhabsi-led gunmen.

"There have been reports of sightings of 26-year-old Zakiah and the gunmen in Indanan," said an intelligence source based in Zamboanga City.

According to the sources, Alhabsi was also the captor of Shanghai tourist Gao Huayun and Filipino worker Marcy Dayawan, who were kidnapped from the Singgamata resort on April 2 and later released on May 30.

They said Alhabsi was synonymous with the holding of hostages in Jolo "because he was also responsible for several Filipino hostages, including trader Sugar Dianne Buenviaje". Buenviaje, 33, was kidnapped at gunpoint from her shop in Mapun in February.

Although the official word from both the Malaysian and Philippine governments was that no ransom was paid for the release of Gao and Dayawan, the sources said Alhabsi received payment for "board and lodging".

In the Mabul resort attack, marine policeman Abdul Rajah Jamuan, 32, was killed and his colleague Zakiah was abducted by eight masked gunmen in military fatigues just before midnight on Saturday.

http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/rising-abu-sayyaf-leader-holding-malaysia-policeman-kidnapped-sabah-

CPP: Press hard in struggle to oppose DAP and denounce the Aquino regime

Propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 15): Press hard in struggle to oppose DAP and denounce the Aquino regime

Logo.cpp
Communist Party of the Philippines
 
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) joins the Filipino people in repudiating the July 14 speech of Benigno Aquino III defending his pork barrel system of using public funds under the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

“In defending the DAP, Aquino exhibited an indignant cacique intoxicated with power who is outraged that his prerogatives as the Pork Barrel King is being put to question by the Supreme Court,” said the CPP.

Last week, the Supreme Court declared the pooling and reallocation of funds under the DAP as unconstitutional. The Supreme Court decision left legal loopholes to give MalacaƱang room for maneuver to sidestep criminal and impeachment proceedings.

“Aquino’s nationwide televised address yesterday was nothing but a rehash of his tired old defense of the DAP as a scheme to push the economy forward by reallocating funds from so-called savings to priority projects,” pointed out the CPP.

“The Filipino people reject Aquino’s claim that the DAP has helped the economy, knowing full well that their socio-economic conditions have continued to worsen over the past three years,” said the CPP.

“Aquino claimed that the DAP is different from the kickback-ridden PDAF scheme in a vain attempt to cover up the fact that the DAP, like the PDAF, are both variants of the pork barrel system of using public funds by the president to perpetuate political patronage through bribery of members of congress and other government officials by allocating funds for their benefit,” pointed out the CPP.

“Aquino made his anal defense of the DAP amid mounting calls for full accounting and auditing of the P140 billion in public funds,” pointed out the CPP.

“Aquino has resorted to demonizing the Supreme Court and portraying it as antipeople and antiprogress for its decision against the DAP followed by veiled threats of impeachment against the magistrates,” said the CPP, referring to Aquino’s statement calling on the “intervention” of his congressional allies.

“Aquino’s bullheaded defense of the DAP indicates how much he dreads losing the privilege of diverting public funds and the power to allocate billions of pesos without prior congressional approval,” said the CPP.

“Aquino’s threats against the Supreme Court indicate how far he is willing to go to defend his privilege and power,” added the CPP. “But his power is now facing serious challenges amid disclosures of widespread corruption and with the people increasingly disillusioned with Aquino’s false promises.”

“Aquino’s stubborn and highhanded defense of the DAP underscores the need for the Filipino people to press hard against the DAP, the entire pork barrel system and the corrupt bureaucrat capitalists system under the regime,” said the CPP. “The clamor for the ouster of Aquino from power continue to mount across the country and overseas.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140715_press-hard-in-struggle-to-oppose-dap-and-denounce-the-aquino-regime

CPP/NPA: All hot air in Gen. Bautista’s so-called legacy as NPA mounts two ambushes vs. 25th IB in Laak

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 15): All hot air in Gen. Bautista’s so-called legacy as NPA mounts two ambushes vs. 25th IB in Laak
Logo.bhb
Aris Francisco
Spokesperson
NPA Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Sub-region Sub-regional Command
 
The military’s criminal and barbaric acts belie the positive legacy of a “transformed” and “world-class military organization” bragged by the retiring AFP Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista. Ongoing military operations in Laak, Compostela Valley and the Red Army’s tenacious battle to preserve its ranks and punish the enemy expose Bautista’s hype and the AFP’s further descent to decay.

To do battle against the rising number of fascist troops and punish them for their atrocities, the New People’s Army Comval North Davao South Agusan Sub-regional command ambushed the 25th Infantry Battalion-10th Infantry Division in two separate incidents July 14 evening in Laak.

At 8:15 pm in Brgy. Mabuhay, five NPA fighters who were positioned five meters away opened fire against an incoming Kennedy military truck. Two of the 10 troops aboard died on the spot and fell from the truck, while three others were also killed.

At 8:16 pm in Brgy. Andap, another NPA team discharged command detonated explosives and damaged the second of two km40 military vehicles bearing troops of the same Army unit who came from its operations in Brgy. Ampawid.

The 25th IB was responsible for arresting and torturing Rodino Diner, a civilian and a resident of Purok 9, Brgy. Mabuhay. On July 13 at 1pm, the troops subjected Diner into prolonged interrogation while his face was swathed in a plastic and a blade hovered at his neck. They released him some 12 hours later.

The Army’s Reengineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) also occupied barangay halls and subjected the masses to intimidation, red-tagging and other forms of psychological warfare since it started operations a month ago. Earlier on July 9, the NPA sniped and wounded one of the RSOT elements.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140715_all-hot-air-in-gen-bautista-s-so-called-legacy-as-npa-mounts-two-ambushes-vs-25th-ib-in-laak

MILF: LGU Upi and SWC jointly conduct Islamic Symposium and Advocacy

From the MILF Website (Jul 16): LGU Upi and SWC jointly conduct Islamic Symposium and Advocacy



The local government of Upi and Social Welfare Committee (SWC) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) jointly conducted Islamic symposium and advocacy on good governance on July 13, 2014. The Municipality is populated mainly by Teduray tribes.
  
The activity was attended by 200 female and 110 male participants comprising students and other sectors of society. The program commenced with a welcome remarks by Honorable Raul Gardose in behalf of the Upi Local Government  Unit.

The event was aired live on the community radio/TV station DXUP Teleradyo.

Shiek Esmael Tuanadatu, talked on leadership in Islam and the significance of Zakat and Sadaqa. 

 “In Islam, poverty is defined based on an individual’s failure to perform his obligations to Allah that is why Muslims leaders are encourage to look after the plight of the poor in their communities”, Sheikh Tuanadatu said. 

“The payment of Zakat on incomes derived from employment, business and agricultural products is obligatory to Muslims as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)”, he further said.

“History proves that zakat is an effective tool to alleviate poverty. During the period of Caliph Umar bin Al Khattab and Umar bin Abdul Aziz poverty was completely eliminated”, Sheikh Tuanadatu also said..

“However, with the fall of Islamic Empire and the increasing European influence during the colonial period, Zakat Institutions have lost their glory”, he continued saying. 

Shiek Kaharudin Dagit, a member of Kutawato Province Da’wah Committee, resource person for Significance of Ramadhan, reminded the participants that Ramadan is month of sacrifice for Muslims where they fast from sunrise to sunset without food, drinks and sexual activity with their spouse.

Shiek Dagit Said: “Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar; a blessed month; the best month in a year, and the month to achieve Jannah (Paradise). Fasting or ”Shawm” during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, pillars are referred as duties.”

Fasting in Islam does not mean only refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire and wrong-doings.

The fast is not merely of the body, but essentially that of the spirit as well. The physical fast is a symbol and outward expression of the real, inner fast.

Director Nasser Pulindao of Information Committee of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, (MILF) gave updates on the GPH-MILF peace process.

Director Pulindao told his audience that the special meeting between the GPH and MILF Peace Panels which started on July 8 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and lasted for 4 days yielded modest progress, as contained in their joint statement. 

In the joint statement issued at the end of the meeting, it said that, “They achieved modest progress and identified consensus language in the light of signed agreements” and “resolved to continue working together to come up with a mutually acceptable draft Bangsamoro Basic Law” (BBL).

“It provided the panels the opportunity to clarify misperceptions and affirm the intent and sincerity of the parties to abide by the signed agreements”, part of the joint statement cited by Pulindao.

The role of women in the family and society were also discussed by a member of SWC Kutawato Province. She said: That every mother must guide her children especially her daughter/s when using new gadgets like mobile phone, because if it is not used properly, it may lead to ”zina” or immoral acts with severe punishment from Allah. Use cellphone as medium of communication by sending the words of Allah   and other important information to family members and friends.

In the open forum, a teacher from Upi Agricultural School, inquired if the school can obtained a copy of the Bangsamoro Basic Law?

Director Pulindao said that the BBL is still in the Office of the President and to be submitted to Congress as urgent bill on or before July 28 and when it resumes its session, the two chambers will deliberate on it, enact into law for the Bangsamoro. After the passage of the BBL and signed by the president, it shall be ratified in a plebiscite in areas mentioned in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1090-lgu-upi-and-swc-jointly-conduct-islamic-symposium-and-advocacy

Rio Hondo site proposed as military reservation

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Jul 14): Rio Hondo site proposed as military reservation

The UP Planades, military sector and the City Rehabilitation team on Friday spearheaded a site inspection of the Rio Hondo and Mariki waterway where the proposed military reservation facility will be constructed as part of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) plan.
 
The UP Planades led by Deputy Team Leader Arch. Requito Bellosillo arrived in the city a day before to discuss on ground the status or development of the proposed military reservation facility. Together with the other stakeholders, the group also made a reassessment of the Rio Hondo and Mariki areas to determine the need for additional facilities or structures including housing sites if possible.
 
Joining the UP Planades team were City Planning and Development Coordinator Engr. Rodrigo Sicat, Col. Arino of the Maritime Police, LLTJG Mark Angge of the Philippine Coast Guard, City Arch. Rodel Falcasantos and representatives from various agencies like National Housing Authority and Department of Public Works and Highways.
 
After the ground inspection, the group met with Mayor Beng Climaco in the afternoon to discuss developments on the road and housing packages as well as identified issues and concerns that impede development for possible elevation to Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, who is the Zamboanga Rehabilitation czar.
 
Mayor Climaco recommended that the group to also tackle in its forthcoming meeting with Sec. Singson in Manila about other issues that include temporary shelters and WASH facilities.
 
She stressed that the projects –both the temporary and permanent solutions should be fast tracked ensure the return of the internally displaced persons to their places of origin the soonest possible time.
 
The mayor a month ago has personally sought the assistance of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to intercede for the expeditious release of remaining funds under the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) Plan as well as the funds needed by the sectors listed in the Post Conflict Needs Assessment (PCNA) document.
 
Mayor Climaco requested the secretary’s assistance for the speedy release of the remaining Z3R funds to agencies concerned for the acquisition, development and construction of military facilities in barangay Rio Hondo.
 
The project component will be jointly implemented by the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
 
The Z3R plan is a P3.5 billion package, as approved by President Noynoy Aquino. Of the total amount, P2.56 billion has been downloaded for shelter, land acquisition, land development, assistance and contingency. Included in the plan is the construction of a military reservation in barangay Rio Hondo with the cost of P143.67 million.
 
The UP Planades has been commissioned by the DPWH to prepare the technical plan for the Z3R.
 

Photo: Engkwentro sa Agusan del Sur

From the Sun Star (Jul 15): Photo: Engkwentro sa Agusan del Sur

DAVAO. Mao kini ang patay'ng lawas sa giingong mga rebelde nga napatay atol sa engkwentro sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Martes. (Ben O. Tesirona/James Paul MascariƱas)

DAVAO. Mao kini ang patay'ng lawas sa giingong mga rebelde nga napatay atol sa engkwentro sa Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Martes. (Ben O. Tesirona/James Paul MascariƱas)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/media/2014/07/15/engkwentro-sa-agusan-del-sur-354005

Photo: NPA rebel killed in clash

From the Sun Star (Jul 15): Photo: NPA rebel killed in clash

DAVAO. A soldier checks on the body of an NPA guerilla, one of 13 rebels killed in a series of clashes in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. (Contributed photo)

DAVAO. A soldier checks on the body of an NPA guerilla, one of 13 rebels killed in a series of clashes in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur on Tuesday, July 15, 2014. (Contributed photo)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/media/2014/07/15/npa-rebel-killed-clash-354078

‘Pamana benefits our communities’ – MNLF leaders

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 15): ‘Pamana benefits our communities’ – MNLF leaders

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Tawi-Tawi are asserting that projects under the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) program have benefited their communities.

“Pamana brings progress to our communities,” Phaysal Aral, an MNLF commander who went by the name Omar Shariff at the height of the Moro revolution in the 1970s, said in the vernacular.

In a statement emailed to the Manila Bulletin yesterday, Aral pointed out: “I was part of the team that helped build additional classrooms at the Yusoph Dais Elementary School in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.”

Aral recalled that “at the height of Martial Law, entire barangay of Sanga-Sanga was razed to the ground in a major battle (between government troops and MNLF forces).”

“We need more developmental projects like these. We see the need for more school buildings because our population is growing,” Mohamadnoe Jamaluddin, another MNLF commander said.

Aside from classrooms, Jamaluddin said, Pamana also built the lone health center in their village where even residents outside Sanga-Sanga availed of services.

He said the Pamana program also funded the Pakias-Karungdong road project, which he claimed to have eased movement of residents and the transport of their farm produce. The road was a narrow footpath, he said.

Other MNLF commanders in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Sulu, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao, all in ARMM, said the Pamana program also funded potable water systems, peace centers and agricultural infrastructures.

Pamana was launched after President Aquino assumed office in 2010 purposely to spur reconstruction efforts in conflict-affected communities, especially those inhabited by MNLF people.

http://www.mb.com.ph/pamana-benefits-our-communities-mnlf-leaders/

Military to settle in Rio Hondo

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 15): Military to settle in Rio Hondo

Zamboanga City — A military reservation facility is now being highly considered to be constructed at the Rio Hondo and Mariki waterway as part of the Zamboanga City Roadmap to Recovery and Reconstruction (Z3R) plan.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco said the University of the Philippines Planning and Development Research Foundation, Inc., the military and the City Rehabilitation Team conducted a site inspection of the Rio Hondo and Mariki waterway recently.

Climaco said the construction of a military reservation will need a budget of P143.67 million.

This will be drawn from the P3.5-billion package allotted for the development of the five ravaged villages in this city during the September 2013 siege.

Of the P3.5 billion,P2.56 billion has been programmed for shelter, land acquisition, land development, assistance and contingency under the Z3R plan.

http://www.mb.com.ph/military-to-settle-in-rio-hondo/

China tells US to stay out of South China Sea disputes

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 16): China tells US to stay out of South China Sea disputes

China told the United States on Tuesday to stay out of disputes over the South China Sea and leave countries in the region to resolve problems themselves, after Washington said it wanted a freeze on stoking tension.

Michael Fuchs, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Strategy and Multilateral Affairs, said no country was solely responsible for escalating tension in the region. But he reiterated the US view that “provocative and unilateral” behavior by China had raised questions about its willingness to abide by international law.

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to contain oil and gas deposits and has rich fishery resources. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Taiwan also lay claim to parts of the sea, where about $5 trillion of ship-borne trade passes every year.

China’s Foreign Ministry repeated that it had irrefutable sovereignty over the Spratly Islands, where most of the competing claims overlap, and China continues to demand the immediate withdrawal of personnel and equipment of countries which were “illegally occupying” China’s islands.

China “hopes that countries outside the region strictly maintain their neutrality, clearly distinguish right from wrong, and earnestly respect the joint efforts of countries in the region to maintain regional peace and stability,” it added, in reference to the United States.

Recent months have seen flare-ups in disputes over rival offshore claims.
Anti-Chinese riots erupted in Vietnam in May after China’s state oil company CNOOC deployed an oil rig in waters also claimed by Hanoi.

Relations between China and the Philippines have also been tested in recent months by their dispute over a different area. A Foreign Ministry spokesman in Manila said the Philippines strongly supported the US call for all sides to stop aggravating the tension.

The United States wants the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to have “a real and substantive discussion” to flesh out a call for self-restraint contained in a Declaration of Conduct they agreed to in 2002, with a view to signing a formal maritime Code of Conduct, Fuchs said.

MILITARY CONFLICT FEARED

China’s neighbors are increasingly anxious that Beijing’s maritime disputes with countries like Vietnam and the Philippines will lead to military conflict, a US research group said in findings released Monday.

Even in China itself, polling showed that 62 percent of the public worried that territorial disputes between China and its neighbors could lead to an armed conflict, according to a broad study conducted in 44 countries by the Pew Research Center.

“This year in all 11 Asian nations polled, roughly half or more say they are concerned that territorial disputes between China and its neighbors will lead to a military conflict,” the study found.

At 93 percent, Filipinos were most concerned, followed by the Japanese at 85 percent, Vietnamese at 84 percent, and South Koreans at 83 percent, according to Pew.

Beijing and Hanoi in particular are embroiled in an increasingly heated territorial row, the latest chapter of which was sparked by China’s positioning of a major oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam.

But the Asian giant has also seen tensions rise with Japan and the Philippines, both of which claim Beijing has taken inappropriate steps in the East and South China Seas, where claims of several island chains are under dispute.

According to the report, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam see China as the greatest threat, while China as well as Malaysia and Pakistan list the United States as the biggest threat.

Every other Asian nation surveyed, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Thailand, see the United States as their greatest ally – although Indonesia also sees America as its greatest threat.

Among citizens of the 44 nations surveyed, 40 percent said they believe the United States was the world’s present-day superpower, compared to 49 percent who said so in 2008.

The number who considered China the leading superpower, meanwhile, rose from 19 percent six years ago to 31 percent today.

Fifty percent of respondents said China would eventually replace or has already replaced the United States in that role, compared to just 32 percent who said China would never do so.

Across the nations surveyed, excluding China, 49 percent of people expressed a favorable opinion of China, compared to 32 percent unfavorable.

CHINA’S ‘ISLAND BUILDING’

The international community should seriously consider the short- and medium-term implications of China’s large-scale “island building” in the disputed South China Sea as it could trigger an arms race with rival claimants fortifying areas under their respective control with sand, structures, and ships, according to Dr. Andrew S. Erickson, an associate professor in the Strategic Research Department at the United States Naval War College and a founding member of the department’s China Maritime Studies Institute (CMSI).

“Island building” will eventually support permanent civilian and military infrastructure, he warned.

This will enable China to diversify its strategy for asserting territorial claims in South China Sea, Erickson said in a new article he coauthored entitled “Pandora’s Box” published by multiplatform media organization Foreign Affairs.

Some of the structures in question lie within the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) claimed by the Philippines, and are situated just 300 to 400 kilometers from the Philippines and Vietnam.

Chinese efforts center on Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef) which is also claimed by the Philippines. This reportedly serves as a base for China’s reclamation efforts and already boasts an eight-square-kilometer artificial structure with a wharf, helipad, coastal artillery, and garrisoned marines.

Erickson noted that China, currently rumored to be in the process of adding an airstrip and enlarging the harbor, may eventually transform Kagitingan Reef into a military base twice the size of Diego Garcia, a key United States military base in the Indian Ocean. He said it could become a command-and-control center for the Chinese navy and might anchor a Chinese air defense identification zone (ADIZ) similar to the one it announced over the East China Sea in 2013.

http://www.mb.com.ph/china-tells-us-to-stay-out-of-south-china-sea-disputes/

MNLF, MILF vow greater cooperation

From the Manila Times (Jul 15): MNLF, MILF vow greater cooperation

Leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to further their cooperation for them to be able to better address concerns of the Bangsamoro people in southern Philippines.

The agreement was made during a recent meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, among Iyad Madani, newly installed secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC); Jimmy Labawan, vice chairman of the MNLF Central Committee; and Mohager Iqbal, chief negotiator for the MILF in peace talks with the Aquino administration.

Labawan, during a news briefing in Davao City on Tuesday, said the MNLF and the MILF reported their respective engagements with the Philippine government as they agreed to activate the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum and utilize the same as venue for tackling common grounds and exploring collaborative efforts at addressing concerns of each party; and to continue to engage specific issues including establishment of working groups to discuss legal and technical issues involving the two Muslim fronts.

The fronts thanked Madani and the OIC for their continued support for the Bangsamoro people and the facilitation of the meeting in Jeddah.

Also during the meeting, according to Labawan, the OIC welcomed the MILF’s acceptance of autonomy as the solution to the Bangsamoro problem even as it expressed reservations on provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the MILF and the Aquino administration that it had deemed inconsistent with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the 1996 Jakarta Peace Agreement.

Labawan, during the news briefing in Davao City, called on the Philippine government to consider the Bangsamoro people’s demand for holding a plebiscite outside the existing autonomous region to finally determine territorial boundaries of the autonomous government in Mindanao in accordance with the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.

According to him, also during the Jedddah meeting, the MNLF and MILF leaders agreed to affirm their support for the leadership of Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman, who supposedly is backed by the OIC.

http://www.manilatimes.net/mnlf-milf-vow-greater-cooperation/111686/

Rebel killed, guns seized in

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 15): Rebel killed, guns seized in
Binalbagan encounters

 
A suspected member of the New People's Army was killed, while eight firearms were recovered after a series of encounters between Army soldiers and a group of armed men believed to be rebels in Sitio Mainit, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, yesterday.
 
Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11 th Infantry Battalion commander, said nine persons, who were at the encounter sites, some of whom had firearms, were also taken into custody, for investigation, and to determine if they are, indeed, rebels.
 
Idul said the running gunbattle the between 11 th IB soldiers and about 20 rebels, lasted from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m.
 
While scouring the encounter sites, the cadaver of a suspected rebel was found apparently left behind by his fleeing comrades. His identity, however, has not been established yet, Idul said.
 
1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11 th Infantry Battalion Civil Military Operations, said the series of encounters resulted in the recovery of eight firearms, including four shotguns with seven live ammunition, two 357 caliber magnum revolvers with 15 ammunition, a .45 caliber pistol with 18 live ammunition, and an improvised M-14 rifle (single shot), with five ammunition.
 
Idul said that some of the recovered firearms were taken from the nine persons.
 
There were reports that some of the nine persons at the encounter site are members of the Barangay Defense System, who were harvesting their crops, while the running gunbattle was raging.
 
Idul said they will be released as soon their identities have been verified.
 
He added that the encounter took place as his troops were on clearing operations, following deployment of 11IB Bayanihan Team members in the area.
 

Former MILF ceasefire comittee head dies of heart attack

From the Philippine Star (Jul 15): Former MILF ceasefire comittee head dies of heart attack

An official of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who trained recruits on guerilla warfare succumbed to cardiac arrest July 13, just as he had wished to die on the same day Imam Salamat Hashim passed away.

The 64-year-old Benjie Midtimbang died at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center here, where he was rushed by relatives after having Monday night’s iftar, the first meal after a day-long fast, when he complained of chest pain.

Midtimbang was the training director for about a decade of the MILF’s now defunct Abdurahman Bedis Memorial Military Academy in Camp Abubakar, the rebel group's original main bastion in Maguindanao, which fell on July 9, 2000 after three weeks of military ground and artillery offensives.

He had also served as chairman of the MILF’s Coordinating Committee on Cessation of Hostilities for about four years.

While with the MILF’s ceasefire committee, Midtimbang worked closely with the government’s senior liaison with the rebel group, then Army Major Dickson Hermoso, who is now a colonel serving both as spokesman and inspector-general of the 6th Infantry Division on concurrent basis.

Relatives of Midtimbang, born on Dec. 8, 1950, said it was his wish to die on the same day Salamat, founder of the MILF, passed away.

An ethnic Maguindanaon, Salamat, who studied Islamic theology at the secular Al-Azzar University in the Egyptian capital Cairo, died of a heart ailment on July 13, 2003 in Lanao del Sur’s hinterland Butig town.

Salamat died about five months after the military’s takeover of his hideout at the Buliok area in the border of Pagalungan, Maguindanao and Pikit, North Cotabato.

Midtimbang was observing the Islamic Ramadhan atonement season, where Muslims fast from dawn to dusk for one lunar cycle, about 28-29 days, at the time of his death.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/15/1346520/former-milf-ceasefire-comittee-head-dies-heart-attack

Malaysian official links Misuari followers to Sabah abductions — report

From GMA News (Jul 16): Malaysian official links Misuari followers to Sabah abductions — report

A Malaysian official has linked Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari and his followers to recent intrusions and abductions by armed men into Sabah.

Malaysia's Bernama news agency quoted Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as saying the abductions sought to raise funds to revive the front's military wing.

"We do not have any direct relationship with Nur Misuari, but we believe he has a bigger agenda, is conspiring with individuals who are said to be part of the Sulu Sultanate, which aims to take over Sabah," he said.

Zahid was also quoted as saying the abductions sought to exert the group's influence in the southern Philippines.

He said Misuari appeared to be confident that Sabah could be taken over by the Sulu Sultanate and wanted to get involved.

But he said the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) will thwart intruders.

Misuari and his group had been linked to last year's attempted occupation and standoff in Zamboanga City.

In past months, armed men had entered Sabah and abducted several people.

Last Saturday, gunmen attacked a resort on Pulau Mabul, Sabah. The attack killed marine police corporal Ab Rajah Jamuan, 32, while the men abducted Constable Zakia Aleip.

Zahid said the Philippines and Malaysia are working closely in facing threats from "militants from the southern Philippines."

"We are cooperating very well, in terms of their navy and coast guard, they are giving us their fullest cooperation," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/370433/news/nation/malaysian-official-links-misuari-followers-to-sabah-abductions-report

13 rebel guns captured, one NPA fighter killed, 3 others surrender to 3rd Infantry Division units

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15): 13 rebel guns captured, one NPA fighter killed, 3 others surrender to 3rd Infantry Division units

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division said on Tuesday that it captured 13 rebel firearms, killed one New People's Army (NPA) fighter and caused three others to surrender during a series of operations which ended Monday morning.

Troops of the 11th Infantry Battalion figured in an encounter with the NPA rebels at Sitio Mainit, Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental at 6:15 a.m. Monday.

Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, unit commander, said that his troops were conducting security operations in the locality when they were fired upon by more or less 20 lawless armed elements believed to be members of the Central Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (CNF, KR-N) of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

He added that his men quickly returned fire and in the course of a three-hour long battle, a rebel was killed while his companions retreated into different directions

Idul identified the slain NPA as a certain Jerry Dorillo, a member of the Sandatahang Platoon Pampropaganda 1 (SPP1) of CNF, KR-Negros.

Recovered in the encounter area were eight firearms consisting of one improvised M-14 single shot rifle, four shotguns, two .357 caliber revolver and one .45 caliber pistol along with several rounds of ammunition.

It was also reported that nine suspected NPA rebels were captured during the encounter.

After some inquiry, two of them were released and turned over to the local officials of Santol.

In cooperation with the barangay officials of Santol headed by chairman Eugene Ogatis, the seven other suspected rebels were turned over together with the assorted firearms and ammunition to Binalbagan Municipal Police Station for medical check-up, investigation and proper disposition.

In observance of human rights and the rule of law, the suspected rebels were treated humanely and apprised of their constitutional rights.

They were released by Binalbagan PNP to the barangay chairman of Santol after the investigation and custodial debriefing.

Meanwhile, three Yunit Militiamen in Binalbagan surrendered recently to the Philippine Army and traded five firearms in the name of peace.

Last July 9, a certain "Johnny" and "TimTim" turned themselves over to the personnel of 11th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Karanawan, Barangay Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

"TimTim" voluntarily turned over an M-2 carbine, one 12-gauge shotgun and one .38 caliber revolver along with several live ammunition.

On July 10, a certain "Greg" of the same barangay in Binalbagan also voluntarily turned over himself to the Philippine Army together with one .357 caliber revolver and one .38 caliber revolver, all fully loaded with live ammunition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662634

PHL welcomes US Senate Resolution rejecting China's unilateral actions in West Philippine Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15): PHL welcomes US Senate Resolution rejecting China's unilateral actions in West Philippine Sea

The Philippines welcomed a United States Senate resolution urging Beijing and other parties to the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea not to undertake new unilateral attempts to change the status quo prevailing in the disputed areas since 2002.

In a statement from Washington DC, Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia on Tuesday said Resolution 412, which was passed by the Senate last Thursday, also reaffirmed Washington’s strong support for freedom of sea navigation and overflights in the South China Sea.

The resolution came a few weeks after Manila protested the reclamation activities being undertaken by China in other disputed areas in the South China Sea.

It was introduced by Sen. Robert Menendez (D, New Jersey), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and co-sponsored by Senators Marco Rubio (R, Florida), Ben Cardin (D, Maryland), John McCain (R, Arizona), James Risch (R, Idaho), and Patrick Leahy (D, Vermont).

“We welcome the passage of Senate Resolution 412 and express our gratitude to Chairman Menendez and his colleagues in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their support of the Philippine position,” Cuisia said.

The envoy said the resolution demonstrates the US’ long standing commitment to its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines, a 1951 accord that compels the United States to come to its Asian ally’s defense if attacked by a foreign force.

In that resolution, the Senate calls on all parties “to refrain from engaging in destabilizing activities, including illegal occupation or efforts to unlawfully assert administration over disputed claims and ensure that disputes are managed without intimidation, coercion, or force.”

It also noted that Manila properly exercised its rights to peaceful settlement mechanisms in filing an arbitration case against China and expressed hope that Beijing abides by the ruling.

China maintains indisputable ownership of 90 percent of the waters, home to group of islands, islets, rocks and reefs where undersea oil and gas deposits have been discovered. The South China Sea is also a major trading route.

China and Association of South East Asian nations, which groups the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar, signed a non-aggression pact in 2002 to prevent armed conflict in the troubled waters. Of the 10 ASEAN members, four are claimants to the resource-rich territories – Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662649

PAF prepares aircraft, troops for possible HADR missions as 'Glenda' approaches PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15): PAF prepares aircraft, troops for possible HADR missions as 'Glenda' approaches PHL

With Typhoon "Glenda" fast approaching and now beginning to batter large parts of the country, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday announced that all of its available aircraft and troops are being readied for possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions.

Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesperson, said that 11 teams with about 150 trained personnel are now already assembled and on stand-by at the gymnasium in Col. Jesus Villamor Air Base in Pasay City for possible HADR missions.

They will be equipped with M-35 trucks, rubber boats and ambulance.

Canaya added that another 12 teams composed of around 400 trained personnel with equipment located at Clark Air base, Pampanga; Fernando Air Base, Lipa City; Basa Air Base, Pampanga; Antonio Bautista Air Base, Palawan; Brig. Gen. Benito Ebuan Air Base, Cebu, Edwin Andrews Air Base, Zamboanga and in different areas in the country were directed to ready their disaster response capability as early as Monday.

As this develops, the PAF spokesperson said that all of its aircraft are now sheltered inside various hangars to protect them from damage caused by flying debris.

Air Force hangars can withstand a maximum wind of 250 kph.

However, as soon as it will be safe to fly, these PAF assets will be rolled out of the hangars and perform missions in support to humanitarian assistance and disaster response, recovery efforts, search and rescue and other missions as directed by higher headquarters.

Aircraft expected to perform these missions include the W-3 Sokol, S-76 Air Ambulance, Huey II helicopters of the 505th Search and Rescue Group, UH-1Hs of 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing and C-130s of the 220th Airlift Wing.

The Northern Luzon Command and Southern Luzon Command have two UH-1Hs each at their disposition but were also currently secured inside a hangar in their respective area of responsibility.

Canaya said that this is line with the directive of PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey F. Delgado AFP which seeks to enhance to capability of the Air Force in HADR missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662732

(Update) 18 killed in botched rebel attack in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine Star (Jul 15): (Update) 18 killed in botched rebel attack in Agusan del Sur

Eighteen people, 13 of them rebels, four security guards, and a soldier, were killed after a botched New People's Army (NPA) attack against the home of a mining company owner in Prosperidad City, Agusan Del Sur Tuesday morning.

Also wounded in the series of encounters was one soldier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

The assault against the home of Datu Calpito Egua, a mining firm owner and known anti-insurgency advocate took place around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Sta. Irine, Prosperidad City.

An estimated 70 rebels took part in the attack which lasted for two hours, Zagala stated.

In the course of the fighting, an initial 12 rebels were killed along with four of Egua's Manobo security guards.

Responding government troops prompted the NPA band to left behind the body of their dead along with seven high-powered firearms.

In the attack, Egua was slightly wounded.

Blocking operations were launched 6:30 a.m. in Barangay Awa also in Prosperidad. Ensuing encounters with the rebel band resulted in the death of a soldier while another was wounded.

Aside from this, reinforcement troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion encountered an undetermined number of NPA rebels in Barangay Hamugaway, three kilometers east of Bayugan City.

One NPA was killed and a high-powered firearm was recovered shortly after the clash.

Zagala said the rebels flagged down passenger buses and used them to block the Bayugan and Panaytay Highway.

Sta. Irine is already cleared by government troops while firefight is on-going in Bayugan and Panaytay boundary.

A report from civilians rescued by soldiers mentioned that they were held hostage by the NPA rebels and taken to Bayugan One Hamugaway as human shields.

4th Infantry Division Commander MGen Ricardo Visaya said that the joint military and police elements in the area are in control.

“We are still undertaking combat and pursuit operations to ensure that both Bayugan and Panaytay and nearby areas are cleared of attacking communist rebels,” he said.

Meanwhile, another encounter occurred in Zapantay Valley, Barangay Bangayan, Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte when elements of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion figured against NPA rebels that raided the Municipal Police Station in Alegria.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662751

100 soldiers, 10 vehicles to be deployed for HADR missions in NCR

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15): 100 soldiers, 10 vehicles to be deployed for HADR missions in NCR

With Metro Manila threatened by Typhoon "Glenda", the 7th Civil Relations Group announced that it is deploying 100 soldiers and 10 vehicles to help in possible humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions should the need arises.

"The CRG (Civil Relations Group) is (also) tasked on information dissemination and monitoring of the event. We are part of the operating units of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) which are alerted for this," unit commander Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said.

He added that their disaster response units are JTF-NCR include the Army's Search-and-Rescue Unit, the Rescue Teams of Civil Military Affairs Brigade, 51st Engineering Brigade and the naval units as well.

Cabuboc said that one officer was designated as liaison officer of the JTF-NCR to Metro Manila Development Authorityfor easier coordination during rescue efforts.

He added that JTF-NCR commander Brig. Gen. Manuel Gonzales has directed all disaster response units under his command to prepositioned themselves strategic areas where flooding normally occurs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=662819

Civilian armed auxiliary surrenders following gun-slay of detachment commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 15): Civilian armed auxiliary surrenders following gun-slay of detachment commander

A civilian armed auxiliary (CAA) of the Philippine Army has surrendered to the police after he allegedly shot dead his detachment commander Monday evening in the hinterlands of Owacan, Jimalalud in northern Negros Oriental.

A police report identified the suspect as CAA Rayan Cataluna, of legal age and staying at Majanlud, Jimalalud and assigned to the detachment of the Delta Company, 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Owacan.

CAA Cataluna allegedly shot his detachment commander, T/Sgt. Cilito Abindan, around 9:32 p.m. Monday with the use of the suspect’s government-issued M-14 rifle.

Abindan took two rounds on his back and died instantly, the police report said.

Cataluna fled afterwards with his rifle but on Tuesday voluntarily surrendered to the Jimalalud police.

Early investigation showed that the suspect allegedly shot his detachment commander after learning that he was going to be transferred.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, 11th IB commander, in a telephone interview, confirmed the incident and said that Cataluna also surrendered his M-14 rifle to the Jimalalud police.

While the Owacan detachment is under the operational control of the 11th IB, administrative matters involving Cataluna and the shooting to death of Abindan are being handled by the 12th IB, headed by Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=662788

NPA declares 4 captured cops as POWs

From Rappler (Jul 15): NPA declares 4 captured cops as POWs

The NPA says the 4 Surigao del Norte cops 'will be punished' if proven that they have participated in 'anti-people and counterrevolutionary' activities

Days after communist rebels attacked a police station in Surigao del Norte and took 4 cops with them in their retreat, the New People’s Army declared the captured policemen as “prisoners of war (POWs).”

The NPA identified their prisoners as Police Officer 3 Vic Calubag Concon, Police Officer 1 Rey O’niel Morales, Police Officer 1 Joen Zabala and Police Officer 1 Edito Roquino.

Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Northeastern Mindanao Region, said a rebel blocking force captured the cops while they were on their way to respond to the besieged police station in Alegria town.

Malaya said that the cops will be investigated and will be released if proven innocent of participating in any “anti-people and counterrevolutionary” activities, but added that will be "punished" if proven otherwise.

“The 4 POWs will undergo the process of investigation if they ever participated in criminal activities against the people and the revolutionary movement, and they will be released if they are innocent but will be punished by the revolutionary court of the revolutionary movement if they are found guilty,” Malaya said.

Malaya said military and the police pursuit operations should be temporarily halted to expedite the "investigation" of the 4 captives.

She said the policemen are "in good health aside from their difficulties in adjusting to the guerrilla lifestyle" and assured their families that the captives "will be treated fairly in accordance to the policies of the NPA and in accordance to the international protocols and laws of war."

PNP Surigao del Norte spokesperson Police Inspector Elsa Montenegro confirmed that the NPA had captured 4 of their personnel.

Concon and Morales are from the Alegria Municipal Police Station while Zabala and RoquiƱo are from the Provincial Public Safety Company, Montenegro said.

About 60 NPA members attacked the police station on July 10. Two rebels were killed and two cops were wounded in the incident.

The military and the police have denounced the attack and are conducting pursuit operations in the area.

The Surigao del Norte mountains are known as strongholds of the communist movement in the country.

Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF) remains at a standstill, after a string of incidents, including the arrest of NDF "consultants" such as Benito and Wilma Tiamzon who are supposedly covered by the Joint Agreement on Immuninity and Safety Guarantees (Jasig). 

The list if NDF consultants are in a file kept for safekeeping by a third party, but a verification process scheduled in 2012 failed as the file had been corrupted and could not be decrypted.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63340-npa-cops-pow

18 dead in Agusan del Sur clashes

From Rappler (Jul 15): 18 dead in Agusan del Sur clashes

New People's Army rebels attack the house of a certain Datu Calpit in Prosperidad town



  DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) - At least 13 communist guerrillas, 4 other armed men, and a soldier were killed in a series of clashes in the province of Agusan del Sur Tuesday morning, July 15.

Major Christian Uy, spokesman of the military's 4th Infantry Division, said an undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels attacked the house of a certain Calpito "Datu Calpit" Egua in the village of Sta Irene, Prosperidad town at around 5:30 am.

A fierce firefight followed and lasted for more than 2 hours, Uy said.

The military said the NPA retreated and left behind 12 dead bodies of their comrades while 4 of Egua's armed followers were also killed in the firefight.

Egua, who is believed to be involved in mining, was also wounded in the encounter, Uy said.

About 7 firearms, including 3 M16 rifles and 4 AK47 rifles, were recovered in the scene of the firefight.

Barricade

Government forces from the Army's 401st brigade immediately deployed troops and clashed with the blocking forces of the rebels in Barangay Awa.

The rebels used buses and trucks to barricade the national highway. The highway was eventually opened to commuters.

A soldier was killed while another soldier was injured in the gun battle.

Meanwhile, a separate unit from the military's Special Forces clashed with a different blocking force of the NPA in Barangay Hamogaway in Bayugan City, killing one rebel.

The Philippine Information Agency reported that classes in all levels in Bayugan City and Prosperidad were suspended because of the recent hostilities.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63382-agusan-del-sur-clashes

Ratify UNCLOS, Philippines' lawyer tells US

From Rappler (Jul 15): Ratify UNCLOS, Philippines' lawyer tells US

Ratifying it will 'remove China's excuse' for not following UNCLOS, says the Philippines' lawyer in its case against China, Paul Reichler

The Philippines' lead counsel in its case against China, Washington-based Paul Reichler, challenged the United States to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to pressure China to heed it.

In a forum organized by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on Friday, July 11, Reichler said it is a “disgrace” that the US has not ratified the so-called Constitution for the Oceans, even as the US, one of the UNCLOS' "main architects," postures itself as a key player in the disputed waters.

Reichler, who handles Manila's historic arbitration case against Beijing, said China makes a “somewhat sympathetic political argument” in disregarding the UNCLOS despite having ratified it in 1996.

For China to heed the UNCLOS is important for Reichler's client, the Philippines, because the Southeast Asian country accuses China of disregarding the UNCLOS by asserting its 9-dash line, a non-UNCLOS-based demarcation to claim virtually the entire South China Sea.

Explaining the Chinese point-of-view, Reichler said: “Why should they be bound by the convention; why should they have to comply with it, when the United States – which is a great power and asserts important strategic interests in the South China Sea, and has pivoted in that direction – when the United States is free of it, and doesn't have to comply with it? Why should China be subject to different rules than the United States?”

“I said that's a political argument, not a legal one,” the lawyer said. “China's bound by the convention because they're a party. But why shouldn't the United States engage in that argument?”

Reichler: 'Mystifying, anomalous'

An international lawyer for more than 25 years, he said: “Why shouldn't the United States remove China's excuse, and why shouldn't the United States ratify the convention? More than 180 states had done it. Every other great power is a party to it. It's really mystifying. It's anomalous, and frankly it's a disgrace that the United States has not ratified the convention.”

Reichler's arguments find basis in the views of Bing Bing Jia, an international law professor at Tsinghua University in China, who co-authored a book designed to explain China's arguments to the arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which is hearing the Philippines' case. (READ: China's strategy vs PH: Trial by publicity)

Speaking at the CSIS forum, Jia downplayed the UNCLOS by pointing out that many countries, for one, have not ratified this convention.

“The Law of the Sea Convention cannot cover everything in international law, isn't it? You cannot deal with, for instance, the use of force in Iraq or Syria. You cannot expect too much from very specialized conventions such as this. That says one thing,” Jia said.

He explained: “The Law of the Sea Convention is one treaty. It parallels customary international law in many areas. That's why in the preamble of the convention, it states very clearly: For all the matters unregulated in this convention, customary international law will help, will aid, will regulate. If it is not so, how can you explain there are so many countries standing outside the Law of the Sea Convention?”

The Chinese government itself has said the South China Sea dispute is none of America's business because the US “is not a party concerned,” and “has not ratified the UNCLOS either.”

Obama: 'That's not leadership'

The Obama administration, for its part, has said it wants the UNCLOS ratified.

Michael Fuchs, US deputy assistant secretary of state for Strategy and Multilateral Affairs at the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said US officials “have made our views very clear on the need to ratify UNCLOS.”

US President Barack Obama, in fact, in a commencement speech at the US Military Academy at West Point, New York on May 28, stressed the need to ratify the UNCLOS.

“You see, American influence is always stronger when we lead by example. We cannot exempt ourselves from the rules that apply to everyone else,” Obama said.

He added: “We can’t try to resolve problems in the South China Sea when we have refused to make sure that the Law of the Sea Convention is ratified by the United States Senate, despite the fact that our top military leaders say the treaty advances our national security. That’s not leadership. That’s retreat. That’s not strength; that’s weakness.”

It is not enough to say all these, however, according to Reichler.

“If everyone supports it, why isn't it a priority to get it done? It's not enough to say that we support it, to pay lip service to it. What's required is to make it a priority,” Reichler said.

He explained: “Now in the South China Sea, we see why it is a priority, and why it should have been a priority over the last 30 years. But it's not too late. There is this crisis, and there will be others. And we need to be a party to the convention so that we, with moral and political authority, can encourage with greater prospects of success, compliance with the rule of the law in international relations.”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/63390-ratify-unclos-philippines-lawyer-reichler-us

UPDATED: 13 NPAs killed in Agusan Sur attack – military

From MindaNews (Jul 15): UPDATED: 13 NPAs killed in Agusan Sur attack – military

Suspected New People’s rebels attacked the compound of a Manobo chieftain in Prosperidad town, Agusan del Sur Tuesday morning but his followers fought back killing 13 of the attackers, the military said.

Maj. Christian Uy, public information officer of the Army 4th Infantry Division said two Manobo fighters also died in the two-hour gun battle in Barangay Sta. Irene in Prosperidad.

Uy said the Manobo chieftain identified as Calpito Egua or Datu Calpit was wounded.

He said responding soldiers caught up with the retreating rebels killing one of them in Barangay Hamogaway, Bayugan City.

“The rebels left behind 13 bodies and these were tallied by body count. This is a major defeat for them,” he said.

 
The official said four M16 rifles including an M203 grenade launcher and four AK47 rifles were recovered from the slain rebels.

A photo circulating in Facebook showed residents milling around three bodies of rebels in the yard of the house of Datu Calpit, a kilometer from the Butuan-San Francisco National Highway.

Another photo showed a dead rebel lying under a truck loaded with logs at the garage of Datu Calpit.

Uy said Datu Calpit is a holder of a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title and runs a small-scale mining operation in the area.

“The NPA rebels tried to extort money from the chieftain but he refused to pay up. So they attacked him,” he said.

On-site information obtained by MindaNews revealed that the brother of Datu Calpit and three of his security personnel, two of whom were relatives, were also killed in the attack.

The attackers used a pick-up truck to ram the gate of Egua’s compound but left behind the vehicle during their retreat.

The rebels withdrew onboard another vehicle, although some fled on foot toward different directions, people who saw the incident said.

Some of the residents said the rebels probably sustained more casualties, as they were carrying along many of their comrades who suffered wounds when they retreated.

NPA offensives were observed to have increased recently. On July 10, NPA rebels attacked the police station of Alegria town in Surigao del Norte and carted away a number of firearms. Two rebels died in the attack.

The NPA also admitted having taken captive four police personnel who were intercepted by a rebel blocking force.

In a text message to MindaNews, Francis Paredes, a teacher at Alegria National High School in Alegria, Surigao del Norte said classes were cut short on Tuesday afternoon after they heard gunshots coming from barangay Mahayahay in neighboring Kitcharao town in Agusan del Norte.

Paredes said the students have been traumatized, referring to the effect of the attack on the police station in Alegria on July 10.

In a statement Tuesday, the NPA Comval North Davao South Agusan Sub-regional command said they staged two separate ambushes against the 25th Infantry Battalion on Monday evening in Laak, Compostela Valley.

The rebel group claimed that five soldiers died in the attack in Barangay Mabuhay, while the ambush in Barangay Andap destroyed a military vehicle.

Earlier, on July 2, rebels ambushed Mayor Mario Okinlay of Impasugong, Bukidnon on his way home from a visit to a remote barangay.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/07/15/updated-13-npas-killed-in-agusan-sur-attack-military/

Abducted Malaysian cop phones wife, hunt for kidnappers launch in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 15): Abducted Malaysian cop phones wife, hunt for kidnappers launch in Southern Philippines

A Malaysian police officer abducted by gunmen has contacted his family by phone to say that he is alright, but is being held by an armed group, reports said Tuesday.

The Malaysian’s Star Online quoted Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar as saying that  Kons Zakiah Aleip has phoned his wife Sharifah Erna Berson, but it was unknown whether the officer is being held in Sabah or southern Philippines, although authorities believed the Abu Sayyaf could be behind the abduction.

The Abu Sayyaf has been tagged as behind at least 6 kidnappings in Sabah since last year.

So far there have been no demands for ransom and Malaysian security officials have been working closely with their Filipino counterparts to track down Zakiah, who was snatched July 12 by eight masked gunmen who also shot dead a Malaysian policeman Kpl Abdul Rajah in a failed raid on Mabul Water Bungalows off Pulau Sipadan.

The armed men where on a speedboat, engaged policemen guarding dive resorts located in the area. 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 freed 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.

Militants have freed several foreigners kidnapped in Sabah in recent months in exchange for huge ransoms. 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/abducted-malaysian-cop-phones-wife-hunt.html

NPA rebels storm Philippine town

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 15): NPA rebels storm Philippine town



Security forces clashed with communist rebels on Tuesday that left at least 19 people dead in the southern Philippine province of Agusan del Sur.

The New People’s Army rebels attacked an enclave of a private armed group in Santa Irene they accused as behind illegal activities and killings of civilians in Prosperidad town. The rebel group said only two of its fighters were killed in clashes after security forces engaged the rebels in a running gun battle.

The highway connecting the town from other areas had been closed by authorities for several hours because of the fierce fighting which also erupted in nearby areas.

At least 19 bodies had been recovered in the area and most of them in military uniform. One body was still slumped inside a pick-up truck parked in front of a house when policemen and troops arrived in the village. At least 14 of the bodies were believed to be members of the NPA and four others belonged to the private army in the village.

The 4th Infantry Division said it was still collating reports from ground commanders before it can release an official statement. The Eastern Mindanao Command also did not release any statement about the daring rebel assault.

Just recently, NPA rebels also raided the police headquarters in Surigao del Norte's Alegria town, sparking a firefight. Two rebels were killed in the clash that also wounded two policemen, but the NPA captured four other officers - PO3 Vic Concon, PO1 Rey Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala and PO1 Edito RoquiƱo - and are being held as prisoners of war.

The NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been waging a secessionist war for decades now.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/npa-rebels-storm-philippine-town.html