From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 1): Anti-communist group holds condemnation rally in Bislig City
The anti-communist group called Movement Against Communist Organization gathered on the streets marching along Mangagoy, Bislig City from Saint Vincent Catholic Church, Bus Terminal to Bislig City Central Market on Tuesday, July 29.
Around 200 demonstrators participated in denouncing the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF/CNN) terroristic activities such as arson, extortions, bombings, ambuscades and other atrocities conducted by the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Former Rebel Alias “Tatay Boom” led the activity and addressed over the people about the true color of CNN inside and outside the organization about their terroristic activities.
Accordingly, the linkages of NPA (Red), the Legal Fronts (White) and the mode of recruitment in these people are not fighting for the sake of the poor as what they claimed, but they are extorting money from business sectors, construction companies and mining firms for their own interests. Their existence is not only to paralyze the economy but to gain logistic to extort money.
Meanwhile, the group composed of different sectors from tribal groups, former rebels, army reservists, church members of Philippine Prayer for Peace Inc, and Business sectors urges the people to remain united and continue to fight against these insurgents. The democracy stands strong many years ago and no one can destroy it according to them.
75IB commanding officer LTC Noman Alcovindas said, “the key to peace and development is the concerted efforts of all stakeholders specially the combination of LGU and AFP/PNP.”
Just recently, series of threats had been made by the CNN to all business sectors and construction companies to include the civilian in the area, official said.
Alcovindas further said, “we appeal to the members of NPA to abandon armed struggle and work jointly with the government. We are happy to note, that today there are people now who stand up and fight against the CNN.”
Lt. Col Alcovindas also cited that the manifestation of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP)- Bayanihan was the best approach to fight for insurgency requiring all sectors of society to participate.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1741406859306
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Army chief cites new Agila Brigade commander as “perfect fit”
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 1): Army chief cites new Agila Brigade commander as “perfect fit”
The footsteps of former Philippine Army (PA) 10th Infantry “Agila” Division commanding general is hard to follow, but Philippine Army chief, Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri believes that the new Agila Division commander is equally capable.
Such excellent academic performance paved way for Ano
to specialize on Intelligence, eventually leading him to land as the group
commander of ISAFP and assistant chief of staff for Intelligence of the
Philippine Army.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591406878478
The footsteps of former Philippine Army (PA) 10th Infantry “Agila” Division commanding general is hard to follow, but Philippine Army chief, Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri believes that the new Agila Division commander is equally capable.
In his message during the recently held turning
over ceremony at Camp Manuel Yan in Mawab, Compostela Valley, PA
commanding general Maj. Gen Iriberri described new 10ID commander, Maj. Gen.
Eduardo M. Ano as “experienced” and “perfect fit” replacement for
retired Major Gen. Ariel Bernardo.
He revealed Ano as a “Scout Ranger, intelligence
officer and counter-terrorism specialist” who started his field assignments
with the 36th IB, 4ID in Mindanao after
graduating from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).
Ano had various assignments in the intelligence units before
he became commander of several fighting units and “before he became Chief of
the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP)”.
“His capabilities as an officer are augmented by his
leadership expertise, a result of training and experience, a testament to the
formidable qualities that make Major General Eduardo Manahan Ano a perfect fit
as commander of the 10ID,” Iriberri said.
Iriberri further revealed he and Ano were commanders
of the PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983 and that he had known Ano to have
shown “intellectual prowess” even during their Academy years ,
leading the latter to graduate with honors.
“From then on, he topped all his basic, advanced and Command
and General Staff courses,” Iriberri added.
Though Iriberri had a hard time letting go of Ano who has
become “so valuable in the intelligence community,” Iriberri deemed it
important for a commander like Ano “to sustain the peace” in the area of
responsibility of the 10th ID which covers the entire Davao Region and the
SOCSKSARGEN--- considered as “economically and strategically important regions
of the country”.
Iriberri banked on the experience, intelligence skills and
community mobilization expertise of Ano to be of great use for the 10ID
operation.
Despite his immense trust, Iriberri threw the
challenge for Ano to continue winning peace under the Internal Peace and
Security Plann (IPSP) Bayanihan Framework, to protect and to build upon
the gains made under the leadership of retired Maj. General Bernardo.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591406878478
MILF says it is still taking the path to peace amid delays in BBL
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): MILF says it is still taking the path to peace amid delays in BBL
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Sunday said it is still taking the path to peace despite uncertainties hounding the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
The stance, contained in the editorial of the MILF website, said much has been invested in the almost 18-year peace process aimed at ending the decades-old Moro problem in southernPhilippines
”It is better for the government and the MILF to continue the path of peace, in which they have already invested so much, rather than go back to where they started, which is not only practical but also laden with dangers and uncertainties, the MILF editorial said.
The MILF said the difficulty both peace panels are facing in coming up with an agreed version of the draft BBL is considered temporary.
”If they persevere and remain committed to solving the Bangsamoro Question, no obstacle, God willing, can stop their way,” it said.
The draft prepared by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) was submitted to Malacanang in May for review by the Palace legal team.
As initially agreed, the draft would have been submitted to Congress right after President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
”But this is no reason to give up - rather, there are more to proceed,” the editorial said.
Both peace panels are now meeting at the Waterfront Hotel inDavao City
”It was discussion and not renegotiation on contentious issues,” Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said, adding that after the “agreed version” is reached, the panels will present the same to the Malaysian third party facilitator.
The MILF said the current discussion does not need to be finger-pointing. “But it is not good either to just ignore the cause of the delay. Like the GPH’s 3-for-1 formula, which the MILF outright rejected, as an extraneous effort, the conservative or restrictive interpretation of the Constitution adopted by the Review Team of the Office of the President (OP) and the resort to the use of “concepts, words and terms.”
It said the “concepts, words and terms,” are alien to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its Annexes, explained much of the difficulty.
”While we do not question intention, but the truth is that we do not know the wisdom either,” it said.
Clearly, the MILF is banking on the sincerity of President Aquino to come to terms with the MILF which he repeatedly expressed in his meeting with MILF chief Al Haj Murad, in his SONA and meeting between the government panel, concerned government agency representatives last July 23.
”One can safely say that he (President) is still fully committed to make peace with the MILF as his legacy. His limited reference to the BBL is simply an economy of words appropriate to the true state of the current discussion of the BBL,” the MILF said.
Claiming it understood the position of the President, the MILF said as partners in the peace-making, it is objective in assessing the situation in reference to the difficulty confronting both panels.
”The road ahead still offers some promises,” it said.
The MILF cited the reason for its optimism amid delays.
”One good determining factor is that both Parties have expressed willingness to travel the extra miles to be able to produce a mutually agreed version of the BBL,” the MILF said.
”All what is needed is a little time more; and more importantly, both sides must be truthful and faithful to the FAB and its Annexes, which is the basis of the BBL,” the editorial said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=669060
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Sunday said it is still taking the path to peace despite uncertainties hounding the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
The stance, contained in the editorial of the MILF website, said much has been invested in the almost 18-year peace process aimed at ending the decades-old Moro problem in southern
”It is better for the government and the MILF to continue the path of peace, in which they have already invested so much, rather than go back to where they started, which is not only practical but also laden with dangers and uncertainties, the MILF editorial said.
The MILF said the difficulty both peace panels are facing in coming up with an agreed version of the draft BBL is considered temporary.
”If they persevere and remain committed to solving the Bangsamoro Question, no obstacle, God willing, can stop their way,” it said.
The draft prepared by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) was submitted to Malacanang in May for review by the Palace legal team.
As initially agreed, the draft would have been submitted to Congress right after President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).
”But this is no reason to give up - rather, there are more to proceed,” the editorial said.
Both peace panels are now meeting at the Waterfront Hotel in
”It was discussion and not renegotiation on contentious issues,” Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator, said, adding that after the “agreed version” is reached, the panels will present the same to the Malaysian third party facilitator.
The MILF said the current discussion does not need to be finger-pointing. “But it is not good either to just ignore the cause of the delay. Like the GPH’s 3-for-1 formula, which the MILF outright rejected, as an extraneous effort, the conservative or restrictive interpretation of the Constitution adopted by the Review Team of the Office of the President (OP) and the resort to the use of “concepts, words and terms.”
It said the “concepts, words and terms,” are alien to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its Annexes, explained much of the difficulty.
”While we do not question intention, but the truth is that we do not know the wisdom either,” it said.
Clearly, the MILF is banking on the sincerity of President Aquino to come to terms with the MILF which he repeatedly expressed in his meeting with MILF chief Al Haj Murad, in his SONA and meeting between the government panel, concerned government agency representatives last July 23.
”One can safely say that he (President) is still fully committed to make peace with the MILF as his legacy. His limited reference to the BBL is simply an economy of words appropriate to the true state of the current discussion of the BBL,” the MILF said.
Claiming it understood the position of the President, the MILF said as partners in the peace-making, it is objective in assessing the situation in reference to the difficulty confronting both panels.
”The road ahead still offers some promises,” it said.
The MILF cited the reason for its optimism amid delays.
”One good determining factor is that both Parties have expressed willingness to travel the extra miles to be able to produce a mutually agreed version of the BBL,” the MILF said.
”All what is needed is a little time more; and more importantly, both sides must be truthful and faithful to the FAB and its Annexes, which is the basis of the BBL,” the editorial said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=669060
NPA rebels strafed army patrol base in Zamboanga Sur
From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 3): NPA rebels strafed army patrol base in Zamboanga Sur
Suspected communist rebels strafed an army detachment before dawn Sunday in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, but police said there were no reports of casualties.
Police said the attack was believed carried out by the New People’s Army which is fighting for a separate Maoist state.
It said the gunmen strafed the detachment in the village of Libayoy in Tigbao town used as patrol base by members of the 10th CAAC of the army.
“The enemy approximately prepositioned at more or less a distance of three hundred meters away direction from the said patrol base particularly at the bridge situated at said place.”
“The strafing incident lasted for about two minutes. The AFP troops detailed in the area deployed at their respective sector of fire and observed the enemy’s location whereby the enemy withdrew towards unknown direction. There was no reported killed or wounded during said incident,” police said.
Just recently, one soldier was also wounded in a rebel attack in the village of Tuburan, also in Tigbao town, a known stronghold of the NPA in the province.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20140803091303
Suspected communist rebels strafed an army detachment before dawn Sunday in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Sur, but police said there were no reports of casualties.
Police said the attack was believed carried out by the New People’s Army which is fighting for a separate Maoist state.
It said the gunmen strafed the detachment in the village of Libayoy in Tigbao town used as patrol base by members of the 10th CAAC of the army.
“The enemy approximately prepositioned at more or less a distance of three hundred meters away direction from the said patrol base particularly at the bridge situated at said place.”
“The strafing incident lasted for about two minutes. The AFP troops detailed in the area deployed at their respective sector of fire and observed the enemy’s location whereby the enemy withdrew towards unknown direction. There was no reported killed or wounded during said incident,” police said.
Just recently, one soldier was also wounded in a rebel attack in the village of Tuburan, also in Tigbao town, a known stronghold of the NPA in the province.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20140803091303
Abu Sayyaf strikes again in Sulu, seizes two women
From InterAksyon (Aug 3): Abu Sayyaf strikes again in Sulu, seizes two women
Just days after the government gave assurances that the security in Sulu province has been beefed up following the killing of 20 civilians, suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group snatched two women Sunday afternoon in a remote village in Patikul town, police reported.
Initial reports reaching the PNP national operations center in Camp Crame identified only one of the victims, Nursalyn Ahamadon; the other remains unidentified at press time.
The women were riding a motorcycle enroute to Taglibe town from Jolo when an unknown number of men blocked them around 2:40 pm at Barangay Kaunayan, Patikul, Sulu and seized them at gunpoint.
The ASG bandits then sped off with the women towards the southern portion of Barangay Kaunayan also of the same town.
Last week, some Abu Sayyaf men ambushed a group of civilians enroute to a celebration of Eid-al Ftr and killed more than 20 people and wounded 16 others.
The ambush led the military and police to beef up their forces in Sulu province.
The al-Qaeda linked ASG is the smallest terror group in the Southern Philippines, but it is the most ruthless, having killed several victims before and beheading them, as well as government troops it waylaid. Dozens of foreigners have fallen victim to its kidnap-for-ransom activities.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/92522/abu-sayyaf-strikes-again-in-sulu-seizes-two-women
Just days after the government gave assurances that the security in Sulu province has been beefed up following the killing of 20 civilians, suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group snatched two women Sunday afternoon in a remote village in Patikul town, police reported.
Initial reports reaching the PNP national operations center in Camp Crame identified only one of the victims, Nursalyn Ahamadon; the other remains unidentified at press time.
The women were riding a motorcycle enroute to Taglibe town from Jolo when an unknown number of men blocked them around 2:40 pm at Barangay Kaunayan, Patikul, Sulu and seized them at gunpoint.
The ASG bandits then sped off with the women towards the southern portion of Barangay Kaunayan also of the same town.
Last week, some Abu Sayyaf men ambushed a group of civilians enroute to a celebration of Eid-al Ftr and killed more than 20 people and wounded 16 others.
The ambush led the military and police to beef up their forces in Sulu province.
The al-Qaeda linked ASG is the smallest terror group in the Southern Philippines, but it is the most ruthless, having killed several victims before and beheading them, as well as government troops it waylaid. Dozens of foreigners have fallen victim to its kidnap-for-ransom activities.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/92522/abu-sayyaf-strikes-again-in-sulu-seizes-two-women
MILF/MCPA: President BS Aquino’s peace negotiation with the MILF conducted in bad faith
Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 3): President BS Aquino’s peace negotiation with the MILF conducted in bad faith
(Editor’s note) This is a full text of Moro Christians Peoples Alliance (MCPA) statement on the current status of the peace process between the GPH and MILF Peace Panels re: BBL draft published in MindaNews on July 28, 2014)
The BS Aquino government’s peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is ‘insincere, dishonest, and deceptive. Pres. BS Aquino cannot flaunt in his 5th State of the Nation Address the success of the GPH-MILF peace talks.
Two months after the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Malacanang, Aquino failed to certify and submit the draft as an urgent bill to Congress. Instead, Aquino’s legal team mangled the BBL draft. The MILF declared as unacceptable the ‘diluted Malacanang version’ of the BBL.
The BBL was crafted based on the agreed and signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four annexes, and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by both the GPH and MILF panels. Both the FAB and CAB were signed in grand fashion and personally witnessed by Pres.BS Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ibrahim. These agreements were hailed as milestones in the GPH-MILF peace negotiations. After Pres. BS Aquino conjured the illusion that peace now reigns in the Bangsamoro homeland, now considers the BBL as unconstitutional that need major revisions.
The Aquino regime will not enter into any agreement that is contrary to the Philippine Constitution which guarantees and protects the current social system. More so, if the agreement concedes even limited power and benefit for the Moro people. Aquino’s rejection of the BBL is beyond the question of constitutionality. Aquino’s main objective is to preserve the interests of the ruling elite.
Until now, the people are kept blind to the contents of the BBL and Malacanang’s revisions. It is to Malacanang’s interests that the contents of the BBL remain confidential to conceal its deception, dishonesty and insincerity in negotiating peace.
BS Aquino also conducted his peace negotiation in bad faith. In the midst of the GPH-MILF peace negotiations, Pres. Aquino publicly declared the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) a failed experiment that has to be abolished and replaced with the Bangsamoro in 2016. In spite of this declaration, Pres. Aquino used more than Php8B from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) to resurrect the failed experiment.
The shameless admission of OPAPP Secretary Deles and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman that the “much-awaited” reforms in the ARMM were made possible by the billions of stimulus fund from the highly criticized and Supreme Court-declared unconstitutional DAP, exposes Aquino’s hypocrisy and dishonesty in the GPH-MILF peace negotiation.
This is a political ploy. “Reforming” the ARMM is Aquino’s strategy to strengthen the central government’s control and influence in the region beyond its abolition in 2016. The move is to consolidate political patronage in the resource-rich and vote-rich Muslim Mindanao. Aquino is preparing the current local government officials and loyal allies to challenge the MILF leadership and candidates in the 2016 elections for the Bangsamoro National Assembly. This is the highest form of treachery against the Moro people.
It appears that the objective of the Aquino regime in entering the peace process is merely to pacify and quell the people’s armed resistance instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict. The MILF and the National Democratic Front share the same experience.
With the way BS Aquino conducts his peace initiative, genuine and lasting peace remains elusive in the Bangsamoro homeland and the nation.
Moro Christian People's Alliance
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1123-president-bs-aquino’s-peace-negotiation-with-the-milf-conducted-in-bad-faith
(Editor’s note) This is a full text of Moro Christians Peoples Alliance (MCPA) statement on the current status of the peace process between the GPH and MILF Peace Panels re: BBL draft published in MindaNews on July 28, 2014)
The BS Aquino government’s peace negotiation with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is ‘insincere, dishonest, and deceptive. Pres. BS Aquino cannot flaunt in his 5th State of the Nation Address the success of the GPH-MILF peace talks.
Two months after the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Malacanang, Aquino failed to certify and submit the draft as an urgent bill to Congress. Instead, Aquino’s legal team mangled the BBL draft. The MILF declared as unacceptable the ‘diluted Malacanang version’ of the BBL.
The BBL was crafted based on the agreed and signed Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four annexes, and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) by both the GPH and MILF panels. Both the FAB and CAB were signed in grand fashion and personally witnessed by Pres.BS Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ibrahim. These agreements were hailed as milestones in the GPH-MILF peace negotiations. After Pres. BS Aquino conjured the illusion that peace now reigns in the Bangsamoro homeland, now considers the BBL as unconstitutional that need major revisions.
The Aquino regime will not enter into any agreement that is contrary to the Philippine Constitution which guarantees and protects the current social system. More so, if the agreement concedes even limited power and benefit for the Moro people. Aquino’s rejection of the BBL is beyond the question of constitutionality. Aquino’s main objective is to preserve the interests of the ruling elite.
Until now, the people are kept blind to the contents of the BBL and Malacanang’s revisions. It is to Malacanang’s interests that the contents of the BBL remain confidential to conceal its deception, dishonesty and insincerity in negotiating peace.
BS Aquino also conducted his peace negotiation in bad faith. In the midst of the GPH-MILF peace negotiations, Pres. Aquino publicly declared the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) a failed experiment that has to be abolished and replaced with the Bangsamoro in 2016. In spite of this declaration, Pres. Aquino used more than Php8B from the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) to resurrect the failed experiment.
The shameless admission of OPAPP Secretary Deles and ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman that the “much-awaited” reforms in the ARMM were made possible by the billions of stimulus fund from the highly criticized and Supreme Court-declared unconstitutional DAP, exposes Aquino’s hypocrisy and dishonesty in the GPH-MILF peace negotiation.
This is a political ploy. “Reforming” the ARMM is Aquino’s strategy to strengthen the central government’s control and influence in the region beyond its abolition in 2016. The move is to consolidate political patronage in the resource-rich and vote-rich Muslim Mindanao. Aquino is preparing the current local government officials and loyal allies to challenge the MILF leadership and candidates in the 2016 elections for the Bangsamoro National Assembly. This is the highest form of treachery against the Moro people.
It appears that the objective of the Aquino regime in entering the peace process is merely to pacify and quell the people’s armed resistance instead of addressing the root causes of the conflict. The MILF and the National Democratic Front share the same experience.
With the way BS Aquino conducts his peace initiative, genuine and lasting peace remains elusive in the Bangsamoro homeland and the nation.
Moro Christian People's Alliance
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1123-president-bs-aquino’s-peace-negotiation-with-the-milf-conducted-in-bad-faith
AFP: Filipino soldiers in Liberia safe
From the Sun Star (Aug 3): AFP: Filipino soldiers in Liberia safe
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the families of the 115 soldiers deployed in the United Nations (UN) mission in Liberia that they are in good condition and their safety is being closely monitored by the UN peacekeeping operation center, a military official said.
AFP public affairs chief Ramon Zagala said the troops, staying in a compound together with other soldiers from other countries, were ordered to limit their movements particularly their contact or communication with each other as well as with the people "from the outside" to avoid the spread of the virus.
"Routine meeting with local communities should be suspended unless determined relevant to the chain of command all off duty movements are to be ceased," the military spokesperson said, noting the Department of Health (DOH) has issued an advisory to Filipino soldiers in Liberia, which is one of the countries affected by the outbreak.
He added that none of the 115 Filipino soldiers are affected by the virus.
Zagala said the Filipino troops in Liberia were also refrained from keeping fruit bats and monkeys as pets as well as eating their meat since it can also be a source of the virus.
"We would like to assure them all (families of the soldiers) that health and safety precautions are being done and led by the UN to ensure na safety and health nila (soldiers) will not be compromised," he said.
The Filipino soldiers have been in the African country since December 2013 and they are expected to finish their peacekeeping duties by September or October.
Ebola virus is an extremely contagious disease, which can be spread from close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected organism — both human and animal. There is no known available cure for the disease.
The incubation period for the virus is 2-21 days and the virus becomes contagious when the affected person already exhibits symptoms such as fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains and sore throat.
The virus can also impair kidney and liver function and cause external and internal bleeding.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/08/03/afp-filipino-soldiers-liberia-safe-357487
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the families of the 115 soldiers deployed in the United Nations (UN) mission in Liberia that they are in good condition and their safety is being closely monitored by the UN peacekeeping operation center, a military official said.
AFP public affairs chief Ramon Zagala said the troops, staying in a compound together with other soldiers from other countries, were ordered to limit their movements particularly their contact or communication with each other as well as with the people "from the outside" to avoid the spread of the virus.
"Routine meeting with local communities should be suspended unless determined relevant to the chain of command all off duty movements are to be ceased," the military spokesperson said, noting the Department of Health (DOH) has issued an advisory to Filipino soldiers in Liberia, which is one of the countries affected by the outbreak.
He added that none of the 115 Filipino soldiers are affected by the virus.
Zagala said the Filipino troops in Liberia were also refrained from keeping fruit bats and monkeys as pets as well as eating their meat since it can also be a source of the virus.
"We would like to assure them all (families of the soldiers) that health and safety precautions are being done and led by the UN to ensure na safety and health nila (soldiers) will not be compromised," he said.
The Filipino soldiers have been in the African country since December 2013 and they are expected to finish their peacekeeping duties by September or October.
Ebola virus is an extremely contagious disease, which can be spread from close contact with the bodily fluids of an infected organism — both human and animal. There is no known available cure for the disease.
The incubation period for the virus is 2-21 days and the virus becomes contagious when the affected person already exhibits symptoms such as fever, headache, intense weakness, joint and muscle pains and sore throat.
The virus can also impair kidney and liver function and cause external and internal bleeding.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/08/03/afp-filipino-soldiers-liberia-safe-357487
NPA rebels attack army outpost
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 3): NPA rebels attack army outpost
THE New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have failed to inflict casualties when they briefly attacked a military outpost in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Sunday.
Zamboanga del Sur police director Senior Superintendent Sofronio Ecaldre said the incident took place around 12:35 a.m. Sunday in the village of Libayoy, Tigbao municipality.
The attack came two days after a soldier was wounded in a clash with NPA rebels in the nearby village of Tuburan of the same town.
However, Ecaldre said no one among the troops stationed at the patrol base were either killed or wounded during the volley of fires unleashed by the NPA rebels.
Ecaldre said the NPA rebels positioned themselves at a bridge 300 meters away from the outpost and opened fire.
Ecaldre said the troops remained in their positions and were just waiting for the NPA rebels to advance. The NPA rebels have fled instead.
The attackers were believed to be from the NPA’s Front Committee Kara, whose members are on the run as combined soldiers and policemen are continuously pursuing them, Ecaldre said.
Last week, the government forces have overrun a camp of the NPA rebels in the village of Tuburan in the same town.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/08/03/npa-rebels-attack-army-outpost-357527
THE New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have failed to inflict casualties when they briefly attacked a military outpost in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, an official said Sunday.
Zamboanga del Sur police director Senior Superintendent Sofronio Ecaldre said the incident took place around 12:35 a.m. Sunday in the village of Libayoy, Tigbao municipality.
The attack came two days after a soldier was wounded in a clash with NPA rebels in the nearby village of Tuburan of the same town.
However, Ecaldre said no one among the troops stationed at the patrol base were either killed or wounded during the volley of fires unleashed by the NPA rebels.
Ecaldre said the NPA rebels positioned themselves at a bridge 300 meters away from the outpost and opened fire.
Ecaldre said the troops remained in their positions and were just waiting for the NPA rebels to advance. The NPA rebels have fled instead.
The attackers were believed to be from the NPA’s Front Committee Kara, whose members are on the run as combined soldiers and policemen are continuously pursuing them, Ecaldre said.
Last week, the government forces have overrun a camp of the NPA rebels in the village of Tuburan in the same town.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2014/08/03/npa-rebels-attack-army-outpost-357527
Rights group wants killings of 2 suspected NPA men probed
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 3): Rights group wants killings of 2 suspected NPA men probed
Human rights group Karapatan reiterated its call for an investigation into the recent killing of two civilians in Malita, Davao Occidental, by armed men believed to be soldiers who had accused the victims of being communist rebels or New People’s Army supporters.
Pastor Sadrach Sabella of Karapatan said the involvement of “elements of the state” in the deaths of Tony Bago and Arnel Tanduya was confirmed during the two-day fact-finding mission they conducted in the middle of July.
Bago, a fish vendor was killed last June 21 by two men wearing ski-masks in Barangay (village) Lagumit in Malita. Prior to the killing, the victim was summoned twice by soldiers of the Philippine Army for interrogation and persuaded him to convince his son, who has allegedly become a communist rebel, to surrender, he said over the weekend.
Bago, Sabella added, was also accused of being an NPA supporter and had received threats before he was gunned down.
He said Tanduyan was also accused by soldiers of being an NPA supporter before he was killed on May 7.
“The victim had received report that he was one of the targets of the military,” Sabella said.
Davao del Sur Gov. Claude Bautista, who still has supervision over Davao Occidental, said he has ordered an investigation into the claims of Karapatan as soon as possible.
“But I also want the killing of an alleged military asset by suspected rebels probed,” he said, citing the July 17 killing of Henry Dasal in Barangay Palian in Malita.
Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria, Davao del Sur police chief, said Dasal was brutally murdered — with his face mutilated — and his relatives were supposedly informed by the NPA that rebels were behind his death.
Efren Aksasato, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao, had earlier admitted that the NPA had “arrested” a Henry Dasal, a 50-year-old, resident of Barangay Pinalpalan in Malita on June 15.
“We want justice for all victims regardless of their supposed affiliation. We hope to establish the exact identities of the perpetrators so that we could file charges against them in court,” Bautista told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625943/rights-group-wants-killings-of-2-suspected-npa-men-probed
Human rights group Karapatan reiterated its call for an investigation into the recent killing of two civilians in Malita, Davao Occidental, by armed men believed to be soldiers who had accused the victims of being communist rebels or New People’s Army supporters.
Pastor Sadrach Sabella of Karapatan said the involvement of “elements of the state” in the deaths of Tony Bago and Arnel Tanduya was confirmed during the two-day fact-finding mission they conducted in the middle of July.
Bago, a fish vendor was killed last June 21 by two men wearing ski-masks in Barangay (village) Lagumit in Malita. Prior to the killing, the victim was summoned twice by soldiers of the Philippine Army for interrogation and persuaded him to convince his son, who has allegedly become a communist rebel, to surrender, he said over the weekend.
Bago, Sabella added, was also accused of being an NPA supporter and had received threats before he was gunned down.
He said Tanduyan was also accused by soldiers of being an NPA supporter before he was killed on May 7.
“The victim had received report that he was one of the targets of the military,” Sabella said.
Davao del Sur Gov. Claude Bautista, who still has supervision over Davao Occidental, said he has ordered an investigation into the claims of Karapatan as soon as possible.
“But I also want the killing of an alleged military asset by suspected rebels probed,” he said, citing the July 17 killing of Henry Dasal in Barangay Palian in Malita.
Senior Supt. Michael John Dubria, Davao del Sur police chief, said Dasal was brutally murdered — with his face mutilated — and his relatives were supposedly informed by the NPA that rebels were behind his death.
Efren Aksasato, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao, had earlier admitted that the NPA had “arrested” a Henry Dasal, a 50-year-old, resident of Barangay Pinalpalan in Malita on June 15.
“We want justice for all victims regardless of their supposed affiliation. We hope to establish the exact identities of the perpetrators so that we could file charges against them in court,” Bautista told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/625943/rights-group-wants-killings-of-2-suspected-npa-men-probed
AFP actively trying to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages – Western Mindanao Command
From GMA News (Aug 2): AFP actively trying to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages – Western Mindanao Command
The Philippine Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, said Saturday that security forces were actively trying to rescue all the hostages taken by the Abu Sayyaf group.
“There's a continuing effort jointly conducted by the AFP and the Philippine National Police. In fact we have had several engagements or encounters in Sulu [due to our efforts],” Guerrero said during a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City.
Currently, rescue operations are active in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi - areas were the Abu Sayyaf is knwon to operate.
Guerrero, however, admitted that they were having difficulties as the hostages were being used as human shields. “Very careful po 'yung ating tropa na hindi po masaktan ang ating mga nire-rescue na kidnap victims,” he explained.
Meantime, Guerrero called on the locals to provide information on the bandit group and their hostages. “Mape-prevent po ito kung lahat ay makikipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno, especially the police and the military,” he said.
In February 2012, Dutch national Elwold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra along with Ivan Sarenas from Davao were abducted in Tawi-Tawi by five gunmen.
Last May, two German nationals went missing in the seas between Palawan and Sabah. They are now believed to have been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373140/news/regions/afp-actively-trying-to-rescue-abu-sayyaf-hostages-western-mindanao-command
The Philippine Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, said Saturday that security forces were actively trying to rescue all the hostages taken by the Abu Sayyaf group.
“There's a continuing effort jointly conducted by the AFP and the Philippine National Police. In fact we have had several engagements or encounters in Sulu [due to our efforts],” Guerrero said during a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City.
Currently, rescue operations are active in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi - areas were the Abu Sayyaf is knwon to operate.
Guerrero, however, admitted that they were having difficulties as the hostages were being used as human shields. “Very careful po 'yung ating tropa na hindi po masaktan ang ating mga nire-rescue na kidnap victims,” he explained.
Meantime, Guerrero called on the locals to provide information on the bandit group and their hostages. “Mape-prevent po ito kung lahat ay makikipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno, especially the police and the military,” he said.
In February 2012, Dutch national Elwold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra along with Ivan Sarenas from Davao were abducted in Tawi-Tawi by five gunmen.
Last May, two German nationals went missing in the seas between Palawan and Sabah. They are now believed to have been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373140/news/regions/afp-actively-trying-to-rescue-abu-sayyaf-hostages-western-mindanao-command
Rido fear prompts 1,083 to flee homes in Basilan — NDRRMC
From GMA News (Aug 3): Rido fear prompts 1,083 to flee homes in Basilan — NDRRMC
Fear of a firefight caused by a rido (family feud) prompted more than 1,000 residents to flee their homes in Basilan, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said late Saturday.
In a report posted on its website early Sunday, the NDRRMC said the residents were from Barangay Languyan in Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan.
Some 261 families or 1,083 people sought refuge with relatives in Barangay Tuburan Proper and Basakan for fear of a rido at 11 p.m. last Thursday, July 31.
While the families returned to continue their livelihood the next day, they fled anew Friday evening "for fear that at any time the rival families will engage in a firefight."
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, the NDRRMC said there had been no casualties or damage, while the affected families had not received any relief assistance.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is coordinating with the local disaster management councils in Basilan on the possible rido.
For their part, the police and military are on heightened alert for the possible eruption of violence.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373151/news/regions/rido-fear-prompts-1-083-to-flee-homes-in-basilan-ndrrmc
Fear of a firefight caused by a rido (family feud) prompted more than 1,000 residents to flee their homes in Basilan, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said late Saturday.
In a report posted on its website early Sunday, the NDRRMC said the residents were from Barangay Languyan in Hadji Mohammad Ajul in Basilan.
Some 261 families or 1,083 people sought refuge with relatives in Barangay Tuburan Proper and Basakan for fear of a rido at 11 p.m. last Thursday, July 31.
While the families returned to continue their livelihood the next day, they fled anew Friday evening "for fear that at any time the rival families will engage in a firefight."
As of 1 p.m. Saturday, the NDRRMC said there had been no casualties or damage, while the affected families had not received any relief assistance.
The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is coordinating with the local disaster management councils in Basilan on the possible rido.
For their part, the police and military are on heightened alert for the possible eruption of violence.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373151/news/regions/rido-fear-prompts-1-083-to-flee-homes-in-basilan-ndrrmc
Catapang confirms changes in key AFP commands
From GMA News (Aug 3): Catapang confirms changes in key AFP commands
Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang on Saturday confirmed that there would be changes in command in some of the defense forces' top posts as several commanders are set to retire.
In a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, Catapang said the following AFP officials would retire:
“Of course upon their retirement they will be replaced. We're looking into some reorganization to make... the Armed Forces more effective in addressing new threats,” Catapang explained.
Although replacements have yet to be chosen, the AFP chief said the new commanders have to be attuned to global trends such as territorial defense and terrorism.
“You know we are just about to finish the internal security problem and then we have to shift to territorial defense,” he said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373145/news/nation/catapang-confirms-changes-in-key-afp-commands
Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Catapang on Saturday confirmed that there would be changes in command in some of the defense forces' top posts as several commanders are set to retire.
In a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City, Catapang said the following AFP officials would retire:
- Western Command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda (August)
- Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III (September)
- Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo (September)
“Of course upon their retirement they will be replaced. We're looking into some reorganization to make... the Armed Forces more effective in addressing new threats,” Catapang explained.
Although replacements have yet to be chosen, the AFP chief said the new commanders have to be attuned to global trends such as territorial defense and terrorism.
“You know we are just about to finish the internal security problem and then we have to shift to territorial defense,” he said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373145/news/nation/catapang-confirms-changes-in-key-afp-commands
AFP mulls use of military camps as evacuation centers
From the Daily Tribune (Aug 3): AFP mulls use of military camps as evacuation centers
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership is mulling over the use of military camps around the country as evacuation centers.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., who opened the doors of the military’s Northern Luzon Command to evacuees during his time as Nolcom commander, said he intends to do the same in other camps.
Catapang, however, maintained that he needs to consult first with his area commanders regarding the move.
The AFP chief also said that he will be coordinating closely with other government agencies regarding his intention.
“I will consult first with the area commanders but I intend to do that…in coordination with other government agencies,” Catapang said in text message.
Immediately after the onslaught of typhoon “Santi” in Northern Luzon areas, Catapang, then commander of Tarlac City-based Nolcom, ordered the designation of portions of military camps under Nolcom as evacuation centers.
Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, commander of the 1st Civil Relations Group (CRG) in-charged of Northern Luzon, said that since there was no more destructive typhoon that came after Santi, no evacuation to military camps happened.
Garcia doused concerns that the use of military camps as evacuation centers may lead to security nightmare.
“Proposed evacuation centers inside military camps will be situated on locations that will provide maximum access to evacuees and their families but will not compromise security as well,” Garcia said.
“This is part of our enhanced HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) efforts,” he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-mulls-use-of-military-camps-as-evacuation-centers
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leadership is mulling over the use of military camps around the country as evacuation centers.
AFP chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., who opened the doors of the military’s Northern Luzon Command to evacuees during his time as Nolcom commander, said he intends to do the same in other camps.
Catapang, however, maintained that he needs to consult first with his area commanders regarding the move.
The AFP chief also said that he will be coordinating closely with other government agencies regarding his intention.
“I will consult first with the area commanders but I intend to do that…in coordination with other government agencies,” Catapang said in text message.
Immediately after the onslaught of typhoon “Santi” in Northern Luzon areas, Catapang, then commander of Tarlac City-based Nolcom, ordered the designation of portions of military camps under Nolcom as evacuation centers.
Maj. Emmanuel Garcia, commander of the 1st Civil Relations Group (CRG) in-charged of Northern Luzon, said that since there was no more destructive typhoon that came after Santi, no evacuation to military camps happened.
Garcia doused concerns that the use of military camps as evacuation centers may lead to security nightmare.
“Proposed evacuation centers inside military camps will be situated on locations that will provide maximum access to evacuees and their families but will not compromise security as well,” Garcia said.
“This is part of our enhanced HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster response) efforts,” he added.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/afp-mulls-use-of-military-camps-as-evacuation-centers
Gov’t, MILF trying to fix contentious issues in BBL
From the Daily Tribune (Aug 3): Gov’t, MILF trying to fix contentious issues in BBL
Top peace panel leaders yeterday were optimistic on the third round of meetings between government and Moro rebel peace negotiators aimed at establishing a “meeting of the minds” in Davao City.
“While there are disagreements, the meeting is important to establish meeting of the minds on issues that we deemed necessary to clarify,” chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in an interview by DXMS Radyo Bida in Cotabato City yesterday.
She said both sides are trying to fix contentious issues that may put the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in jeopardy once it reaches the scrutiny of Philippine Congress.
“We ought to have a mutually accepted version of the draft BBL,” Ferrer said, adding that she remained hopeful the week-long review of the draft will produce good results.
The draft, crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), was submitted to Malacañang early May for review by the Palace legal team.
The MILF claimed after two months of review, the government came up with a diluted version.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, said the diluted version alarms the MILF.
But Ferrer denied the draft was diluted, much less overhauled as some sectors have been claiming.
Ferrer said the draft BBL is still within the roadmap of peace by the Aquino administration.
Iqbal appealed to the stakeholders in Mindanao to remain patience as both panels are very much into the peace process.
“We are moving forward but I now the task ahead is very tough,” he said in the same radio interview.
Both Ferrer and Iqbal separately said that the Davao meeting will be the last before both panels bring the agreed draft version to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to formalize and finalize the decision. Malaysia is serving as the third party facilitator.
Once the draft law hurdles Congress, it will be subjected to plebiscite in areas to determine the political composition of the new political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/gov-t-milf-trying-to-fix-contentious-issues-in-bbl
Top peace panel leaders yeterday were optimistic on the third round of meetings between government and Moro rebel peace negotiators aimed at establishing a “meeting of the minds” in Davao City.
“While there are disagreements, the meeting is important to establish meeting of the minds on issues that we deemed necessary to clarify,” chief government negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in an interview by DXMS Radyo Bida in Cotabato City yesterday.
She said both sides are trying to fix contentious issues that may put the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in jeopardy once it reaches the scrutiny of Philippine Congress.
“We ought to have a mutually accepted version of the draft BBL,” Ferrer said, adding that she remained hopeful the week-long review of the draft will produce good results.
The draft, crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), was submitted to Malacañang early May for review by the Palace legal team.
The MILF claimed after two months of review, the government came up with a diluted version.
Mohaqher Iqbal, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, said the diluted version alarms the MILF.
But Ferrer denied the draft was diluted, much less overhauled as some sectors have been claiming.
Ferrer said the draft BBL is still within the roadmap of peace by the Aquino administration.
Iqbal appealed to the stakeholders in Mindanao to remain patience as both panels are very much into the peace process.
“We are moving forward but I now the task ahead is very tough,” he said in the same radio interview.
Both Ferrer and Iqbal separately said that the Davao meeting will be the last before both panels bring the agreed draft version to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia to formalize and finalize the decision. Malaysia is serving as the third party facilitator.
Once the draft law hurdles Congress, it will be subjected to plebiscite in areas to determine the political composition of the new political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/gov-t-milf-trying-to-fix-contentious-issues-in-bbl
AFP, MILF hold dialogue on Bangsamoro law
From ABS-CBN (Aug 3): AFP, MILF hold dialogue on Bangsamoro law
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are holding a dialogue with their Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) counterpart amid delays in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will establish a new political entity in Mindanao.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said military commanders are asking for patience and understanding from the MILF about the delay in the submission of the law to Congress.
Earlier reports said MILF commanders are growing impatient over the delay, and that some are even feeling betrayed by the Aquino administration after a final peace agreement was signed last March.
The Bangsamoro Transition Committee submitted to Malacanang the draft law in April for review prior to submission to Congress.
Malacanang returned the document two months later.
Government and MILF peace negotiators convened a 10-day meeting starting Friday in Davao City to come up with a revised version of the law as the original version reportedly has "contentious" issues.
Zagala said military commanders have assured the MILF of their full support of the BBL.
On the possibility that this may develop into a security problem, Zagala said: "We want to stay positive. That (violence) is the last thing we want. What we really want is for the BBL to succeed."
"We don't want to talk anything about it (violence), about it being negative, or contingencies or whatsoever because we are really fixed on this (success of the BBL and peace process). The last thing we want is that our MILF brothers will think that we are not supportive," Zagala added.
Meanwhile, MILF vice chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar declined to comment on the BBL.
"It's better for the government and the MILF to continue the path of peace, which they have already invested so much, rather than go back to where they started,," MILF said on its website.
"If they persevere and remain committed to solve the Bangsamoro question, no obstacle -- God willing -- can stop their way. 'If there is a will', said an old adage, 'there is a way'," it added.
It stressed that there is no reason to give up after the timetable to submit the BBL was not met. Malacanang initially said it was targeting to submit the BBL to Congress shortly after President Aquino's State of the Nation last July 27.
In his address, Aquino asked for Congress' understanding, noting that if the BBL can be legislated before the end of the year and hold the necessary plebiscite, this would give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority one-and-a-half years to show positive change.
"His (Aquino) limited reference to the BBL is simply an economy of words appropriate to the true state of the current discussion of the BBL. Of course, not everybody was happy about the President’s limited reference to the BBL and how it could become a reality," the MILF said.
"We understand their positions, because most are coming from other standpoints. But as partners in the peace-making, the MILF has to be very objective in assessing the situation in reference to the difficulty confronting the Parties. We cannot ask for more from the President regarding BBL in his SONA," it said.
The MILF said the "road ahead still offers some promises" and "one good determining factor is that both parties have expressed willingness to travel the extra miles to be able to produce a mutually agreed version of the BBL."
"All what is needed is a little time more; and more importantly, both sides must be truthful and faithful to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes, which is the basis of the BBL," the MILF also said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/03/14/afp-milf-hold-dialogue-bangsamoro-law
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are holding a dialogue with their Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) counterpart amid delays in the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which will establish a new political entity in Mindanao.
AFP Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said military commanders are asking for patience and understanding from the MILF about the delay in the submission of the law to Congress.
Earlier reports said MILF commanders are growing impatient over the delay, and that some are even feeling betrayed by the Aquino administration after a final peace agreement was signed last March.
The Bangsamoro Transition Committee submitted to Malacanang the draft law in April for review prior to submission to Congress.
Malacanang returned the document two months later.
Government and MILF peace negotiators convened a 10-day meeting starting Friday in Davao City to come up with a revised version of the law as the original version reportedly has "contentious" issues.
Zagala said military commanders have assured the MILF of their full support of the BBL.
On the possibility that this may develop into a security problem, Zagala said: "We want to stay positive. That (violence) is the last thing we want. What we really want is for the BBL to succeed."
"We don't want to talk anything about it (violence), about it being negative, or contingencies or whatsoever because we are really fixed on this (success of the BBL and peace process). The last thing we want is that our MILF brothers will think that we are not supportive," Zagala added.
Meanwhile, MILF vice chairman for Political Affairs Ghadzali Jaafar declined to comment on the BBL.
"It's better for the government and the MILF to continue the path of peace, which they have already invested so much, rather than go back to where they started,," MILF said on its website.
"If they persevere and remain committed to solve the Bangsamoro question, no obstacle -- God willing -- can stop their way. 'If there is a will', said an old adage, 'there is a way'," it added.
It stressed that there is no reason to give up after the timetable to submit the BBL was not met. Malacanang initially said it was targeting to submit the BBL to Congress shortly after President Aquino's State of the Nation last July 27.
In his address, Aquino asked for Congress' understanding, noting that if the BBL can be legislated before the end of the year and hold the necessary plebiscite, this would give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority one-and-a-half years to show positive change.
"His (Aquino) limited reference to the BBL is simply an economy of words appropriate to the true state of the current discussion of the BBL. Of course, not everybody was happy about the President’s limited reference to the BBL and how it could become a reality," the MILF said.
"We understand their positions, because most are coming from other standpoints. But as partners in the peace-making, the MILF has to be very objective in assessing the situation in reference to the difficulty confronting the Parties. We cannot ask for more from the President regarding BBL in his SONA," it said.
The MILF said the "road ahead still offers some promises" and "one good determining factor is that both parties have expressed willingness to travel the extra miles to be able to produce a mutually agreed version of the BBL."
"All what is needed is a little time more; and more importantly, both sides must be truthful and faithful to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes, which is the basis of the BBL," the MILF also said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/03/14/afp-milf-hold-dialogue-bangsamoro-law
LRPA to be fitted with a variety of weapons, sensor systems --DND
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): LRPA to be fitted with a variety of weapons, sensor systems --DND
To ensure the maximum capability of the two long range patrol aircraft (LRPA) it is acquiring for P5.9 billion, the Department of National Defense (DND) has said the planes will be fitted with a variety of "hard points" which will allow them to carry a variety of weapons and sensor systems.
In its supplemental bid bulletin, posted for the benefit of prospective bidders, the DND states that "functional multiplicity dictates that the aircraft be able to carry a wide array of external stores."
This can be in the form of search and rescue pods, marker and flare pods, spray pods, gun pods, rockets, and anti-ship missiles.
Having these systems installed in the LRPA will allow thePhilippines
The DND added that control for external stores will be via a stores management system.
"Moreover, unobstructed 360-degree radar coverage must be provided even with external stores. Provision for the deployment of search and rescue kits, sea markers, and flares must be provided since these are items necessary for search and rescue and resource protection missions," it said.
DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair, earlier said bid opening and submission is slated for Aug. 11.
It will be held at the Bidding Awards Committee Conference Room, DND building,Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
Money for the long-range patrol aircraft project will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund.
The contract includes sensors, sensor integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistic support, Manalo said.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the aircraft within 1,035 calendar days upon receipt of the notice to proceed.
Manalo said that participants must have completed a similar project within the last 10 years.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=668939
To ensure the maximum capability of the two long range patrol aircraft (LRPA) it is acquiring for P5.9 billion, the Department of National Defense (DND) has said the planes will be fitted with a variety of "hard points" which will allow them to carry a variety of weapons and sensor systems.
In its supplemental bid bulletin, posted for the benefit of prospective bidders, the DND states that "functional multiplicity dictates that the aircraft be able to carry a wide array of external stores."
This can be in the form of search and rescue pods, marker and flare pods, spray pods, gun pods, rockets, and anti-ship missiles.
Having these systems installed in the LRPA will allow the
The DND added that control for external stores will be via a stores management system.
"Moreover, unobstructed 360-degree radar coverage must be provided even with external stores. Provision for the deployment of search and rescue kits, sea markers, and flares must be provided since these are items necessary for search and rescue and resource protection missions," it said.
DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair, earlier said bid opening and submission is slated for Aug. 11.
It will be held at the Bidding Awards Committee Conference Room, DND building,
Money for the long-range patrol aircraft project will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund.
The contract includes sensors, sensor integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistic support, Manalo said.
Winning bidders are required to deliver the aircraft within 1,035 calendar days upon receipt of the notice to proceed.
Manalo said that participants must have completed a similar project within the last 10 years.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=668939
Bid opening, submission for DND CAS project reset to Oct. 3
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): Bid opening, submission for DND CAS project reset to Oct. 3
Bid opening and submission for the Department of National Defense (DND)'s Php4,968,000,000 million close-air support (CAS) project has been reset anew to Oct. 3.
Bid submission was originally slated Aug. 11.
No reasons were given for the reset, which was posted on the supplemental bid bulletin at the DND website.
In connection with this, DND Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that a second pre-bid conference will be held this coming Sept. 15.
This will be held at DND Bidding and Awards Committee conference room, basement right wing,DND Building , Camp
Aguinaldo , Quezon City
Bid opening and submission will also take place at the said place.
The DND is planning to acquire six CAS aircraft to replace or beef up the Air Force's existing Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" turboprop attack planes.
CAS refers to capability to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.
Funding for this weapon system will be sourced from the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Manalo earlier said that the contract includes integrated logistic support system.
Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 540 calendar days from contract effectivity.
Participants in the DND's CAS project must have completed a similar program within the last 10 years.
Manalo added that the CAS aircraft must be used by the countries offering and manufacturing them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=668971
Bid opening and submission for the Department of National Defense (DND)'s Php4,968,000,000 million close-air support (CAS) project has been reset anew to Oct. 3.
Bid submission was originally slated Aug. 11.
No reasons were given for the reset, which was posted on the supplemental bid bulletin at the DND website.
In connection with this, DND Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 chair Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said that a second pre-bid conference will be held this coming Sept. 15.
This will be held at DND Bidding and Awards Committee conference room, basement right wing,
Bid opening and submission will also take place at the said place.
The DND is planning to acquire six CAS aircraft to replace or beef up the Air Force's existing Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" turboprop attack planes.
CAS refers to capability to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.
Funding for this weapon system will be sourced from the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.
Manalo earlier said that the contract includes integrated logistic support system.
Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 540 calendar days from contract effectivity.
Participants in the DND's CAS project must have completed a similar program within the last 10 years.
Manalo added that the CAS aircraft must be used by the countries offering and manufacturing them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=668971
Suspected rebel extortionists torch heavy equipment in Compostela Valley town
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): Suspected rebel extortionists torch heavy equipment in Compostela Valley town
Troopers from the 10th Infantry Division are conducting pursuit operations against two unidentified men, believed to be rebel extortionists, who burned two units of heavy equipment in Purok 2, Barangay Baylo, Monkayo town,Compostela Valley
Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, reported that the destroyed equipment consisted of one backhoe and one mini-roller owned by LC Ting Construction which is based inButuan City
He said that two unidentified men, aboard an unmarked motorcycle, approached the construction equipment and set them afire after dousing them with gasoline at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday.
The suspects then fled aboard the motorcycle toward Trento town,Agusan Del
Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=669007
Troopers from the 10th Infantry Division are conducting pursuit operations against two unidentified men, believed to be rebel extortionists, who burned two units of heavy equipment in Purok 2, Barangay Baylo, Monkayo town,
Capt. Ernest Carolina, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, reported that the destroyed equipment consisted of one backhoe and one mini-roller owned by LC Ting Construction which is based in
He said that two unidentified men, aboard an unmarked motorcycle, approached the construction equipment and set them afire after dousing them with gasoline at about 11:45 p.m. Saturday.
The suspects then fled aboard the motorcycle toward Trento town,
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=669007
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