From InterAksyon (Jan 6): Laude camp asks DOJ to junk Pemberton petition for review with view to dismiss
The camp of murdered transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude on Tuesday asked Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Leila de Lima to junk the petition for review filed by US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton seeking the dismissal of the murder case against him.
In their comment to Pemberton's petition, Laude's sister, Marilou, said there is no basis to grant the petition as she asked De Lima to uphold the findings of the city prosecutor of Olongapo City charging the US serviceman with murder before Branch 74 of the Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC).
The petition said the prosecutor's findings against Pemberton were backed up by sufficient evidence — both documentary and testimonial in nature — to support his indictment.
"Contrary to the allegations of respondents, the presentation of all pieces of evidence in this case was made in accordance with rules governing preliminary investigation," the petition filed by the family's counsel, Harry Roque Jr. said.
The Laude family said they are fully in accord with the findings of the city prosecutor that the killing of Jennifer was attended by the qualifying, aggravating circumstances of treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty.
Pemberton earlier petitioned De Lima to junk the prosecution's resolution, saying the latter failed to present or show evidence against him other than conjectures and speculations of alleged witnesses.
The Olongapo City RTC has deferred the trial of the controversial case, including the arraignment of Pemberton, citing the petition for review that he filed.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102469/laude-camp-asks-doj-to-junk-pemberton-petition-for-review-with-view-to-dismiss
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Abu Sayyaf leader arrested in Basilan
From InterAksyon (Jan 7): Abu Sayyaf leader arrested in Basilan
Imran Mijal, suspected Abu Sayyaf leader, arrested in Basilan 6 January 2015. RONDA DEL BASILAN/InterAksyon.com
Authorities on Tuesday afternoon arrested a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group in Barangay Marang Marang, Sumisip, Basilan.
Arrested past 5 p.m. was Imran Mijal alias Boh, who is implicated in various crimes, said Col. Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
Among these crimes include bombing, kidnapping, extortion, and killing soldiers and civilians.
He was arrested in his residence, where an M16 rifle, grenades, a .45 caliber pistol, and hundreds of bullets were recovered.
The suspect is currently being treated in a hospital for bullet wounds he sustained in his shoulder when he resisted arrest.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102496/abu-sayyaf-leader-arrested-in-basilan
Imran Mijal, suspected Abu Sayyaf leader, arrested in Basilan 6 January 2015. RONDA DEL BASILAN/InterAksyon.com
Authorities on Tuesday afternoon arrested a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group in Barangay Marang Marang, Sumisip, Basilan.
Arrested past 5 p.m. was Imran Mijal alias Boh, who is implicated in various crimes, said Col. Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion.
Among these crimes include bombing, kidnapping, extortion, and killing soldiers and civilians.
He was arrested in his residence, where an M16 rifle, grenades, a .45 caliber pistol, and hundreds of bullets were recovered.
The suspect is currently being treated in a hospital for bullet wounds he sustained in his shoulder when he resisted arrest.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102496/abu-sayyaf-leader-arrested-in-basilan
Rocket attacks hit Ampatuan houses in Maguindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 7): Rocket attacks hit Ampatuan houses in Maguindanao
A series of rocket attacks that target a powerful political clan has wounded a civilian in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials told The Manila Times on Tuesday.
Officials said the rockets exploded at the back of the house of Akmad Ampatuan, a former mayor of Datu Salibo town; and his son Maroph, the acting mayor of Shariff Aguak town, the clan’s stronghold.
The clan’s patriarch Andal Ampatuan and his sons and other family members are facing multiple murder charges after being implicated in the massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao on 2009.
The attack on the mayor and his father was believed connected to politics after both politicians had turned their back on the Ampatuan patriarch.
The wounded civilian, Ali Dimaludin, was rushed to hospital after being hit by shrapnel from the recent attacks.
Officials, citing intelligence reports, have tagged Tamano Mamalapat, a former rebel commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace accord with Manila last year.
Just last month, gunmen also ambushed Akmad’s convoy and wounding him and two of his bodyguards in Guindulungan town, also in Maguindanao.
Ampatuan’s convoy was heading to Shariff Aguak when gunmen attacked the politician’s vehicle. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but Maguindanao has been the center of violence in recent months following a spate of gun attacks and killings perpetrated by rebels and armed groups actively operating in the troubled province.
Also in December, an unidentified assailant also fired a rifle grenade on the mansion of Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan, who was recently implicated in the massacre. Zahara has denied the charges against her, but has gone into hiding because of threats to her life.
The attack on Zahara’s mansion caused little damage as the grenade exploded on the sprawling compound.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/rocket-attacks-hit-ampatuan-houses-in.html
A series of rocket attacks that target a powerful political clan has wounded a civilian in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials told The Manila Times on Tuesday.
Officials said the rockets exploded at the back of the house of Akmad Ampatuan, a former mayor of Datu Salibo town; and his son Maroph, the acting mayor of Shariff Aguak town, the clan’s stronghold.
The clan’s patriarch Andal Ampatuan and his sons and other family members are facing multiple murder charges after being implicated in the massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao on 2009.
The attack on the mayor and his father was believed connected to politics after both politicians had turned their back on the Ampatuan patriarch.
The wounded civilian, Ali Dimaludin, was rushed to hospital after being hit by shrapnel from the recent attacks.
Officials, citing intelligence reports, have tagged Tamano Mamalapat, a former rebel commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which signed a peace accord with Manila last year.
Just last month, gunmen also ambushed Akmad’s convoy and wounding him and two of his bodyguards in Guindulungan town, also in Maguindanao.
Ampatuan’s convoy was heading to Shariff Aguak when gunmen attacked the politician’s vehicle. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but Maguindanao has been the center of violence in recent months following a spate of gun attacks and killings perpetrated by rebels and armed groups actively operating in the troubled province.
Also in December, an unidentified assailant also fired a rifle grenade on the mansion of Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Upam Ampatuan, who was recently implicated in the massacre. Zahara has denied the charges against her, but has gone into hiding because of threats to her life.
The attack on Zahara’s mansion caused little damage as the grenade exploded on the sprawling compound.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/rocket-attacks-hit-ampatuan-houses-in.html
Philippine troops capture BIFF camp, kill 20 rebels
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 7): Philippine troops capture BIFF camp, kill 20 rebels
Troops fire cannons on BIFF targets in Maguindanao province in the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
Troops killed more than a dozen rebels and captured their camp following a firefight in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials said on Tuesday.
Officials said the security forces assaulted the encampment of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the village of Midpandakan in General SK Pendatun town and captured the base used by rebels under Sukarno Sapal as springboard to attack military posts in the province.
"Meron kaming natanggap na reports from our commanders na 20 ang nasawi sa BIFF at this is a big blow on the part of the terror group as they lost is considered one of their main encampments," Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the 6th Infantry Division, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
There were no reports of military casualties, according to Petinglay.
She said the campaign against BIFF started over the weekend and is continuing in Maguindanao, a known stronghold of the rebel group which broke away with the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front that a signed a peace accord with Manila last year.
She said Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, ordered an intensified operation against the BIFF.
“The 6th Infantry Division and the local police force are seriously running after this terrorist group. We assure the public the government will never falter and will continue to look after the welfare of the civilians,” Pangilinan was quoted as saying.
Colonel Melquiadez Feliciano, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the captured camp was also being used by the BIFF as its training base. He said troops fired more than a dozen cannon rounds to the base. He said the rebels were also behind recent attacks in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
There was no immediate statement from the separatist rebel group, but it previously warned of more attacks in the troubled region.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/philippine-troops-capture-biff-camp.html
Troops fire cannons on BIFF targets in Maguindanao province in the restive Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
Troops killed more than a dozen rebels and captured their camp following a firefight in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials said on Tuesday.
Officials said the security forces assaulted the encampment of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the village of Midpandakan in General SK Pendatun town and captured the base used by rebels under Sukarno Sapal as springboard to attack military posts in the province.
"Meron kaming natanggap na reports from our commanders na 20 ang nasawi sa BIFF at this is a big blow on the part of the terror group as they lost is considered one of their main encampments," Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the 6th Infantry Division, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
There were no reports of military casualties, according to Petinglay.
She said the campaign against BIFF started over the weekend and is continuing in Maguindanao, a known stronghold of the rebel group which broke away with the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front that a signed a peace accord with Manila last year.
She said Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, ordered an intensified operation against the BIFF.
“The 6th Infantry Division and the local police force are seriously running after this terrorist group. We assure the public the government will never falter and will continue to look after the welfare of the civilians,” Pangilinan was quoted as saying.
Colonel Melquiadez Feliciano, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade, said the captured camp was also being used by the BIFF as its training base. He said troops fired more than a dozen cannon rounds to the base. He said the rebels were also behind recent attacks in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
There was no immediate statement from the separatist rebel group, but it previously warned of more attacks in the troubled region.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/philippine-troops-capture-biff-camp.html
Why reduced South China Sea tension is possible in 2015
From the Philippine Star (Jan 6): Why reduced South China Sea tension is possible in 2015
The long-standing rivalry over maritime zones in the South China Sea will not be settled but may simmer down this year, analysts say.
Robert Farley, professor at University of Kentucky's Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, believes that the import-oriented trend in the oil industry can affect how rival claimants China and its smaller neighbors such as the Philippines see economic prospects of the key waterway.
"The decline in oil prices may make energy exploration in the South China Sea a less lucrative prospect, and conceivably could contribute to a dialing back of maritime tensions in the region," Farley said in an analysis on The Diplomat.
University of Macau professor Dingding Chen agrees with Farley in his observation on the negative correlation of oil prices and the South China Sea promise.
"One piece of good news ... might be that declining oil prices would make oil exploration in the South China Sea less profitable and thus reduce the likelihood of conflict between concerned countries in the short term," Chen said.
In an analysis released by Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, Chinese foreign policy expert Nicholas Khoo said that a milestone in Philippines-United States relations softened China's assertiveness in the disputed sea.
Khoo said that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, forged in 2014 between the US and its oldest Asian ally immediately preceded a "more positive Chinese stance."
"Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mooted an idea to make 2015 'the year of China-ASEAN maritime Cooperation'," he noted.
"The Philippines' Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has claimed that since EDCA was signed, Chinese naval forces have been deterred from harassing the resupply of a ship deliberately scuttled by the Filipino Navy on Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea," Khoo added.
Khoo pointed out, however, that important questions remain to be answered this year.
The international arbitral tribunal ruling on the Philippines versus China case is expected by late 2015 or early 2016, while a binding Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN may possibly see the light of day this year.
While optimism in the contentious maritime area abounds, the Council on Foreign Relations, another US-based think tank, sees a 50-50 chance of a military clash between China and one or more claimants occuring this year.
The CFR's Center for Preventive Action upgraded from low to moderate the likelihood of territorial and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea escalating into fighting.
On Monday, Beijing state media reported a new supply ship, Sansha I, went on its maiden voyage to help efforts "to defend China blue territory and protecting its interests in the sea."
"The Sansha I can cover all of the South China Sea and reach more islets and reefs in the remote Zhongsha and Nansha groups," the report quoted Feng Wenhai, the vice mayor of Sansha, a prefecture China considers to include Philippine-claimed Spratly Island Group.
RELATED: Top US diplomat questions China's construction in disputed sea
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410091/why-reduced-south-china-sea-tension-possible-2015
The long-standing rivalry over maritime zones in the South China Sea will not be settled but may simmer down this year, analysts say.
Robert Farley, professor at University of Kentucky's Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce, believes that the import-oriented trend in the oil industry can affect how rival claimants China and its smaller neighbors such as the Philippines see economic prospects of the key waterway.
"The decline in oil prices may make energy exploration in the South China Sea a less lucrative prospect, and conceivably could contribute to a dialing back of maritime tensions in the region," Farley said in an analysis on The Diplomat.
University of Macau professor Dingding Chen agrees with Farley in his observation on the negative correlation of oil prices and the South China Sea promise.
"One piece of good news ... might be that declining oil prices would make oil exploration in the South China Sea less profitable and thus reduce the likelihood of conflict between concerned countries in the short term," Chen said.
In an analysis released by Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies, Chinese foreign policy expert Nicholas Khoo said that a milestone in Philippines-United States relations softened China's assertiveness in the disputed sea.
Khoo said that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, forged in 2014 between the US and its oldest Asian ally immediately preceded a "more positive Chinese stance."
"Chinese Premier Li Keqiang mooted an idea to make 2015 'the year of China-ASEAN maritime Cooperation'," he noted.
"The Philippines' Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has claimed that since EDCA was signed, Chinese naval forces have been deterred from harassing the resupply of a ship deliberately scuttled by the Filipino Navy on Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea," Khoo added.
Khoo pointed out, however, that important questions remain to be answered this year.
The international arbitral tribunal ruling on the Philippines versus China case is expected by late 2015 or early 2016, while a binding Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN may possibly see the light of day this year.
While optimism in the contentious maritime area abounds, the Council on Foreign Relations, another US-based think tank, sees a 50-50 chance of a military clash between China and one or more claimants occuring this year.
The CFR's Center for Preventive Action upgraded from low to moderate the likelihood of territorial and jurisdictional disputes in the South China Sea escalating into fighting.
On Monday, Beijing state media reported a new supply ship, Sansha I, went on its maiden voyage to help efforts "to defend China blue territory and protecting its interests in the sea."
"The Sansha I can cover all of the South China Sea and reach more islets and reefs in the remote Zhongsha and Nansha groups," the report quoted Feng Wenhai, the vice mayor of Sansha, a prefecture China considers to include Philippine-claimed Spratly Island Group.
RELATED: Top US diplomat questions China's construction in disputed sea
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410091/why-reduced-south-china-sea-tension-possible-2015
At least 20 rebels killed in Maguindanao: military
From the Philippine Star (Jan 6): At least 20 rebels killed in Maguindanao: military
At least 20 members of a renegade Muslim rebel group were reportedly killed as government forces shelled and assaulted their training camp in Maguindanao, the military said today.
Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs officer of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said the military started delivering artillery rounds on the camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ( BIFF) around 6:15 a.m Monday after learning its presence through intelligence tip.
She said the camp serves as the training base of BIFF members who attacked two military detachments in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat last Saturday, leaving a soldier dead and three others wounded.
After the 30-minute shelling, Petinglay said combined soldiers and policemen moved in into the camp, home of the BIFF's 2nd Division. This ensued firefight with about 50 BIFF men that lasted for about two hours.
She said the BIFFs, under one Sukarno Sapal, alias Jok, withdrew after the fighting, dragging with them their 20 fatalities.
Petinglay said they did not recover any enemy body because it is the practice of the group to recover their dead for burial in keeping with Muslim religious tradition.
The BIFF has carried out many deadly attacks in a bid to disrupt the peace negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government.
The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement which broke away from the MILF in 2010 as a result of disagreements over the conduct of peace talks with the government.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410173/least-20-rebels-killed-maguindanao-military
At least 20 members of a renegade Muslim rebel group were reportedly killed as government forces shelled and assaulted their training camp in Maguindanao, the military said today.
Jo-ann Petinglay, public affairs officer of the Army's 6th Infantry Division, said the military started delivering artillery rounds on the camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters ( BIFF) around 6:15 a.m Monday after learning its presence through intelligence tip.
She said the camp serves as the training base of BIFF members who attacked two military detachments in Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat last Saturday, leaving a soldier dead and three others wounded.
After the 30-minute shelling, Petinglay said combined soldiers and policemen moved in into the camp, home of the BIFF's 2nd Division. This ensued firefight with about 50 BIFF men that lasted for about two hours.
She said the BIFFs, under one Sukarno Sapal, alias Jok, withdrew after the fighting, dragging with them their 20 fatalities.
Petinglay said they did not recover any enemy body because it is the practice of the group to recover their dead for burial in keeping with Muslim religious tradition.
The BIFF has carried out many deadly attacks in a bid to disrupt the peace negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government.
The BIFF is the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement which broke away from the MILF in 2010 as a result of disagreements over the conduct of peace talks with the government.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410173/least-20-rebels-killed-maguindanao-military
(UPDATE) Recovered US drone not surveillance equipment: military
From the Philippine Star (Jan 6): (UPDATE) Recovered US drone not surveillance equipment: military
The Philippine military confirmed today that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was recovered by local fishermen off Polilio island in Quezon was owned by the US counterpart.
However, a spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was immediate in saying that the US Navy aerial target drone recovered last Sunday was not a surveillance equipment.
Harold Cabunoc, military's public affairs office chief, said that the AFP sought explanation from the US regarding the drone.
He said the drone with serial number BQ55079 is a Northrop BQM- 74E Chukar that is used to simulate enemy missiles and aircraft during naval exercises.
"This was used during US Navy exercises in the Pacific around the area of Guam and washed to our shores by the ocean's currents and tides," Cabunoc said.
Currently, he said there are no bilateral military exercises between the Philippines and the United States that employ this type of training equipment.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410243/update-recovered-us-drone-not-surveillance-equipment-military
The Philippine military confirmed today that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was recovered by local fishermen off Polilio island in Quezon was owned by the US counterpart.
However, a spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was immediate in saying that the US Navy aerial target drone recovered last Sunday was not a surveillance equipment.
Harold Cabunoc, military's public affairs office chief, said that the AFP sought explanation from the US regarding the drone.
He said the drone with serial number BQ55079 is a Northrop BQM- 74E Chukar that is used to simulate enemy missiles and aircraft during naval exercises.
"This was used during US Navy exercises in the Pacific around the area of Guam and washed to our shores by the ocean's currents and tides," Cabunoc said.
Currently, he said there are no bilateral military exercises between the Philippines and the United States that employ this type of training equipment.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/06/1410243/update-recovered-us-drone-not-surveillance-equipment-military
Government open to CPP-NPA demands
From the Manila Times (Jan 6): Government open to CPP-NPA demands
THE government is willing to negotiate with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and may consider the release of at least five rebel leaders for the sake of peace, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Tuesday.
The government, Gazmin stressed, is serious in its desire to talk peace with the communist leadership. Negotiations are ongoing for the possible resumption of peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“Yan naman ay under negotiation, pwedeng pag-usapan, pwedeng ibigay, pwedeng hindi. Depende yan sa usapan but ang importante rito both parties are amenable to sitting down and talk to each other,” Gazmin said.
“We will have to weigh the options if it is fair or will it accomplish our objective, then we will do it,” he added.
The CPP-NPA-NDF has earlier demanded the unconditional release of rebel leaders, including Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma and Allan Jasminez.
NDF head Luis Jalandoni claimed that the Tiamzons have immunity from arrest as provided under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee for the duration of the peace negotiations.
But the Armed Forces of the Philippines had said the NDF had repeatedly demanded the release of political prisoners but later on abandoned peace negotiations.
The military however said that even if it is against the release of detained communist leaders, the decision rests with the President.
http://www.manilatimes.net/government-open-cpp-npa-demands/153578/
THE government is willing to negotiate with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and may consider the release of at least five rebel leaders for the sake of peace, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Tuesday.
The government, Gazmin stressed, is serious in its desire to talk peace with the communist leadership. Negotiations are ongoing for the possible resumption of peace talks between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF.
“Yan naman ay under negotiation, pwedeng pag-usapan, pwedeng ibigay, pwedeng hindi. Depende yan sa usapan but ang importante rito both parties are amenable to sitting down and talk to each other,” Gazmin said.
“We will have to weigh the options if it is fair or will it accomplish our objective, then we will do it,” he added.
The CPP-NPA-NDF has earlier demanded the unconditional release of rebel leaders, including Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma and Allan Jasminez.
NDF head Luis Jalandoni claimed that the Tiamzons have immunity from arrest as provided under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee for the duration of the peace negotiations.
But the Armed Forces of the Philippines had said the NDF had repeatedly demanded the release of political prisoners but later on abandoned peace negotiations.
The military however said that even if it is against the release of detained communist leaders, the decision rests with the President.
http://www.manilatimes.net/government-open-cpp-npa-demands/153578/
Kin of cops held by NPA want troop pullout for safe release of captives
From MindaNews (Jan 6): Kin of cops held by NPA want troop pullout for safe release of captives
The wives and relatives of three policemen who were snatched by the New People’s Army in Surigao del Norte almost two months ago on Monday asked the military for a troop pullout from the province’s hinterlands to facilitate the safe release of their loved ones.
“I’m asking the military to abide by the Suspension of Military Operations for the quick and safe release of our husbands because news reports said military operations are still ongoing. We’re afraid that our loved ones would be endangered and this (operation) is preventing the release of the captives,” Matosalem L. Polvorosa, wife of PO3 Democrito Polvorosa Jr. said in Cebuano.
PO1 Jonry Amper’s wife, Christine, and relatives of PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo, another captive policeman, aired a similar appeal.
Amper was taken in Malimono town last Nov. 12 while Polvorosa and Contemplo were seized in Alegria town last Nov. 16.
Amper was driving his XRM Honda motorbike in Barangay Bunyasan in Malimono town at 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 12 when he was flagged down by at least eight heavily armed suspected NPA members. He was believed to have been brought to the mountainous part of Barangay Tinago, also in Malimono.
The rookie cop was conducting discreet surveillance on reports that unidentified armed men were roaming in Bunyasan.
Four days after, Polvorosa and Contemplo were abducted on the way to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car supposedly for a meeting with personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local residents for the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program.
In an email sent to MindaNews on December 21, National Democratic Front-Mindanao said they will release all the nine “prisoners of war” they were holding at the time.
Of the nine captives, only the three police officers from Surigao del Norte have remained in the hands of the NPA, said Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of NDF-Mindanao.
Madlos told MindaNews during the 46th Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26 in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur that military operations in Surigao del Norte continued despite the SOMO declaration preventing the release of the remaining captives.
He said government forces were still deployed in Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag, Placer, Tubod and Alegria towns and some parts of Agusan del Norte.
The government issued a unilateral declaration of ceasefire from the Christmas season to the visit of Pope Francis this month.
The NDF on the other hand declared a shorter truce, from Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 1 and Jan. 15-19.
“We ask the government to be sincere in their declaration of suspension of military operations and the suspension of police operations from December 18, 2014 to January 19, 2015 to pave the way for the safe release of the captives in as soon as possible,” Madlos said.
On Tuesday, MindaNews called Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural, commanding officer of 30th Infantry Battalion based in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte but he failed to answer the call.
Sadural also did not reply to a text on the alleged presence of troops in the mountains around Surigao del Norte.
Bishop Rhee Timbang, of the Philippine Independent Church in Surigao del Norte said his group also called on the military higher-ups for a troop pullout.
Timbang heads the third party facilitators that successfully negotiated for the release of four policemen abducted by the NPA also in Alegria town in July last year.
“We made this call since the military itself admitted its continued presence in mountain communities for its Community Organizing for Peace and Development program,” he said.
Minutes after he said this, a military official from of the 4th Infantry Division called the bishop via his mobile phone to assure there would be no movements of troops.
The bishop responded that he and his group would look into it.
Other personalities also called for a troop pullout in the area for the safe release of the captives.
Former Surigao del Norte provincial board member Atty. Victor Bernal said had the military suspended their operations and had the Provincial Crisis Management Committee acted decisively, the captives would have been long released.
“In short, the Provincial Crisis Management Committee and the military which is always pursuing the captors are the ones who don’t want the release [of the captives]. If possible, Governor [Sol] Matugas should ask the Philippine Army in Bad-as to stop the military operations,” Bernal said in Cebuano.
He urged Matugas to convene the committee to convince the military to stop their operations.
The governor did not reply when asked by MindaNews through text to comment on Bernal’s statements.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/06/kin-of-cops-held-by-npa-want-troop-pullout-for-safe-release-of-captives/
The wives and relatives of three policemen who were snatched by the New People’s Army in Surigao del Norte almost two months ago on Monday asked the military for a troop pullout from the province’s hinterlands to facilitate the safe release of their loved ones.
“I’m asking the military to abide by the Suspension of Military Operations for the quick and safe release of our husbands because news reports said military operations are still ongoing. We’re afraid that our loved ones would be endangered and this (operation) is preventing the release of the captives,” Matosalem L. Polvorosa, wife of PO3 Democrito Polvorosa Jr. said in Cebuano.
PO1 Jonry Amper’s wife, Christine, and relatives of PO1 Marichel Unclara Contemplo, another captive policeman, aired a similar appeal.
Amper was taken in Malimono town last Nov. 12 while Polvorosa and Contemplo were seized in Alegria town last Nov. 16.
Amper was driving his XRM Honda motorbike in Barangay Bunyasan in Malimono town at 9:45 a.m. on Nov. 12 when he was flagged down by at least eight heavily armed suspected NPA members. He was believed to have been brought to the mountainous part of Barangay Tinago, also in Malimono.
The rookie cop was conducting discreet surveillance on reports that unidentified armed men were roaming in Bunyasan.
Four days after, Polvorosa and Contemplo were abducted on the way to Barangay Pungtod aboard a patrol car supposedly for a meeting with personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local residents for the Pantawid Pampamilyang Pilipino Program.
In an email sent to MindaNews on December 21, National Democratic Front-Mindanao said they will release all the nine “prisoners of war” they were holding at the time.
Of the nine captives, only the three police officers from Surigao del Norte have remained in the hands of the NPA, said Jorge “Ka Oris” Madlos, spokesperson of NDF-Mindanao.
Madlos told MindaNews during the 46th Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on December 26 in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur that military operations in Surigao del Norte continued despite the SOMO declaration preventing the release of the remaining captives.
He said government forces were still deployed in Claver, Gigaquit, Bacuag, Placer, Tubod and Alegria towns and some parts of Agusan del Norte.
The government issued a unilateral declaration of ceasefire from the Christmas season to the visit of Pope Francis this month.
The NDF on the other hand declared a shorter truce, from Dec. 24-26, Dec. 31-Jan. 1 and Jan. 15-19.
“We ask the government to be sincere in their declaration of suspension of military operations and the suspension of police operations from December 18, 2014 to January 19, 2015 to pave the way for the safe release of the captives in as soon as possible,” Madlos said.
On Tuesday, MindaNews called Lt. Col. Arsenio Sadural, commanding officer of 30th Infantry Battalion based in Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte but he failed to answer the call.
Sadural also did not reply to a text on the alleged presence of troops in the mountains around Surigao del Norte.
Bishop Rhee Timbang, of the Philippine Independent Church in Surigao del Norte said his group also called on the military higher-ups for a troop pullout.
Timbang heads the third party facilitators that successfully negotiated for the release of four policemen abducted by the NPA also in Alegria town in July last year.
“We made this call since the military itself admitted its continued presence in mountain communities for its Community Organizing for Peace and Development program,” he said.
Minutes after he said this, a military official from of the 4th Infantry Division called the bishop via his mobile phone to assure there would be no movements of troops.
The bishop responded that he and his group would look into it.
Other personalities also called for a troop pullout in the area for the safe release of the captives.
Former Surigao del Norte provincial board member Atty. Victor Bernal said had the military suspended their operations and had the Provincial Crisis Management Committee acted decisively, the captives would have been long released.
“In short, the Provincial Crisis Management Committee and the military which is always pursuing the captors are the ones who don’t want the release [of the captives]. If possible, Governor [Sol] Matugas should ask the Philippine Army in Bad-as to stop the military operations,” Bernal said in Cebuano.
He urged Matugas to convene the committee to convince the military to stop their operations.
The governor did not reply when asked by MindaNews through text to comment on Bernal’s statements.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/01/06/kin-of-cops-held-by-npa-want-troop-pullout-for-safe-release-of-captives/
3 cops still captives of NPA as Surigao Norte gov, AFP reject ceasefire, troop pullout
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 6): 3 cops still captives of NPA as Surigao Norte gov, AFP reject ceasefire, troop pullout
SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – The hardline stance taken by Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas and the military top brass has set back the scheduled release of three policemen who, for almost two months now, have been held captive by New People’s Army rebels.
Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, one of the third-party negotiators, said the refusal of Matugas and the military to give in to the rebel’s demand for a troop pullout and ceasefire were to be blamed for the “long overdue” release of the policemen.
Timbang, who with members of the negotiating team, met with the wives and relatives of the captives on Monday here, said the ball has been thrown into the court of Matugas, chair of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee, and the military as the rebels have agreed to release its captives.
But judging from the pronouncements of Matugas and troop movements on the ground, Timbang said prospects for the release have become bleak.
“We already made a breakthrough for the release yet the governor and military are taking a hardline stance,” Timbang said.
On Monday, National Democratic Front Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos issued a statement saying the military and Matugas should get their act together or else the NPA would hold the captives further and subject them to revolutionary investigations.
Madlos said no release would ever take place if the military would refuse the NPA conditions.
“We had suspended our investigation against the Prisoners of War. The revolutionary movement has no other pre-conditions except for troop pullout and implementation of ceasefire,” Madlos said.
According to Madlos , the NDF leadership already signed last month an order granting the immediate release from its custody of PO1 Jonry Amper, PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Contemplo.
The three were separately snatched by communist rebels on November 2 and 16 in 2014 in Malimo and Alegria towns.
However, heavy military presence and continued rescue attempts in five towns where the release was supposed to take place led the rebels to cancel the scheduled release on December 23 .
Matosalem, wife of Polvorosa, aired her appeal to Matugas to concede and not to allow the military to dictate the negotiations, saying the safety and lives of her husband and that of other captives were at stake.
“Please don’t prolong our agony. I cant wait to see my husband again,” she said, sobbing in tears while being shown a three-minute video clip of her husband under rebel custody.
Timbang said he and the members of the negotiating team were not losing hope the government would change its mind and break the deadlock.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662619/3-cops-still-captives-of-npa-as-surigao-norte-gov-afp-reject-ceasefire-troop-pullout
SURIGAO CITY, Philippines – The hardline stance taken by Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas and the military top brass has set back the scheduled release of three policemen who, for almost two months now, have been held captive by New People’s Army rebels.
Bishop Rhee Timbang of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente, one of the third-party negotiators, said the refusal of Matugas and the military to give in to the rebel’s demand for a troop pullout and ceasefire were to be blamed for the “long overdue” release of the policemen.
Timbang, who with members of the negotiating team, met with the wives and relatives of the captives on Monday here, said the ball has been thrown into the court of Matugas, chair of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee, and the military as the rebels have agreed to release its captives.
But judging from the pronouncements of Matugas and troop movements on the ground, Timbang said prospects for the release have become bleak.
“We already made a breakthrough for the release yet the governor and military are taking a hardline stance,” Timbang said.
On Monday, National Democratic Front Mindanao spokesperson Jorge Madlos issued a statement saying the military and Matugas should get their act together or else the NPA would hold the captives further and subject them to revolutionary investigations.
Madlos said no release would ever take place if the military would refuse the NPA conditions.
“We had suspended our investigation against the Prisoners of War. The revolutionary movement has no other pre-conditions except for troop pullout and implementation of ceasefire,” Madlos said.
According to Madlos , the NDF leadership already signed last month an order granting the immediate release from its custody of PO1 Jonry Amper, PO3 Democrito Polvorosa and PO1 Marichel Contemplo.
The three were separately snatched by communist rebels on November 2 and 16 in 2014 in Malimo and Alegria towns.
However, heavy military presence and continued rescue attempts in five towns where the release was supposed to take place led the rebels to cancel the scheduled release on December 23 .
Matosalem, wife of Polvorosa, aired her appeal to Matugas to concede and not to allow the military to dictate the negotiations, saying the safety and lives of her husband and that of other captives were at stake.
“Please don’t prolong our agony. I cant wait to see my husband again,” she said, sobbing in tears while being shown a three-minute video clip of her husband under rebel custody.
Timbang said he and the members of the negotiating team were not losing hope the government would change its mind and break the deadlock.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662619/3-cops-still-captives-of-npa-as-surigao-norte-gov-afp-reject-ceasefire-troop-pullout
CPP: US drone in Quezon indicates US surveillance and intervention—CPP
Anti-US propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jan 6): US drone in Quezon indicates US surveillance and intervention—CPP
US: Drone from Guam war games; CPP: It’s a spy plane
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 7): US: Drone from Guam war games; CPP: It’s a spy plane
The Communist Party
of the Philippines (CPP)
yesterday said the recovery off the coast of Quezon of a drone which the United States Navy claimed it owns was a clear indication
of the continuing US
The drone, recovered by fishermen in Patnanungan, Quezon
last Jan. 4, has property markings of the US Navy. It is similar to a drone
recovered by fishermen off the coast of Masbate
in 2013.
The American ownership of the drone was confirmed in a
statement by the US Embassy in Manila
“(The drone found) is an expended BQM-74E Aerial Target that
was launched during naval exercise Valiant Shield 2014 which took place Sept.
15-23 in the waters off Guam ,” the statement
added.
The aerial target does not carry weapons and is not used for
surveillance, the statement claimed. “The BQM-74E Aerial Target is used by
surface ships and aircraft during exercises to help train our sailors in a
realistic environment that provides the best possible training,” the US Embassy
said.
“During the exercise, all aerial operations were conducted
in international airspace or with appropriate coordination and approval in Guam airspace,” the statement went.
The drone is now under the custody Patnanungan Municipal
Police Station.
It was the second incident involving the recovery of a US
Navy drone in Philippine territory.
In January 2013, a similar aircraft was recovered by the
Philippine Navy in Sitio Tacdugan, San Jacinto, Masbate .
The CPP said that
the US , in connivance with
the Armed Forces of the Philippines
“The US military, in
connivance with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has been flying and
operating surveillance drones in the Philippines for more than ten years now,
in clear and outright violation of Philippine sovereign airspace,” said the
CPP.
“US
The CPP said that
similar crash landings of US drones have occurred over the past several years.
“The Filipino people
condemn US military
intervention in counter-guerrilla operations in the Philippines US
“The US-designed and
-directed Oplan Bayanihan of the AFP and the Aquino regime have brought great
hardships to millions of Filipinos who have borne the brunt of militarization
in the countryside and widespread abuses of human rights,” it added.
The US
Partylist Rep. Terry
Ridon of Kabataan suggested that the
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the US
Ridon said the drone was recovered by local officials in the
island town of Patnanungan
The lawmaker
claimed Washington
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier confirmed
that US Navy surveillance planes are conducting routine maritime patrol in the
contested areas of the West Philippine Sea .
However, Quezon is nowhere near the West
Philippine Sea , Ridon argued.
“These revelations
may constitute serious breaches in both local and international law and
severely lambasts our national sovereignty. Even citing the Visiting Forces
Agreement as justification would be a stretch,” he added.
“We fear that the US military is exploiting the growing tension in
the Philippine Sea to deploy spy planes and
warships in our territory. In the guise of protecting the Philippine claim over
the disputed shoals and reefs, the US military may in fact be surveying the
area to assess the value of its oil and mineral reserves which their country
surely has interest in,” Ridon explained.
“While there is a need for us to strengthen our hold over
territories that China has systematically grabbed from us, we should be wary of
other foreign countries intervening in the conflict, particularly the US – a
country that has aggressively pursued economic and political supremacy in
Asia-Pacific in recent years,” he noted.
The youth
legislator has called on Washington to account
for the deployment of surveillance drones in the Philippines
“This issue should
not pass unnoticed. This is our national sovereignty being trampled right under
our noses. Foreign military operations in our seas and skies, even in the guise
of support, should be condemned rather than tolerated,” Ridon said.
The discovery of the US
spy plane also reignited the issue of US
spy operations in the Philippines
Leaked documents from National Security Agency (NSA)
contractor and whistleblower Edward Snowden last year exposed the existence of
Mystic, a spying program developed by the NSA for surveillance operations in
several countries, which include the Bahamas ,
Mexico , Kenya , the Philippines
According to the website The Intercept, which published the
documents provided by Snowden, Mystic was “established in 2009 by the NSA’s
Special Source Operations division, which works with corporate partners to
conduct surveillance.”
Documents in the Snowden archive describe it as a “program
for embedded collection systems overtly installed on target networks,
predominantly for the collection and processing of wireless/mobile
communications networks.”
One of the leaked documents that pertain to Mystic revealed
that the program serves as “legitimate commercial services for telcos” while
covertly doing “signal intelligence,” thus leading to speculations that the
National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is involved in its operation.
Ridon has earlier filed House Resolution No. 1164, which
urged the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Committee on Information and
Communications Technology to conduct a joint congressional inquiry to
investigate and ascertain the scope of Mystic and “other similar spying
programs that have yet to be exposed.”
“The mere existence of a large-scale spy program that
monitors the content of text messages in the Philippines
reveals the US
“While the US continually peddles lopsided agreements such
as the newly-inked Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as a way to
supposedly boost the Philippines’ national defense, the US government is at the
same time covertly expanding its web of intelligence through aerial and mobile
snooping – a move that is inimical to the Philippines’ very own national
security,” he added.
“In no instance can surveillance by a foreign power over
another sovereign state be justified. Congress must not only demand an
explanation from the US
government with regard to surveillance programs like Mystic, but also compel US
officials to disclose the real scope and breadth of Washington
Air cover, sniper teams to be posted along Pope Francis' arrival route --AFP chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): Air cover, sniper teams to be posted along Pope Francis' arrival route --AFP chief
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722105
As part of measures to secure Pope Francis during his Jan.
15-19 Apostolic Visit to the country, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said that air cover and sniper
teams will be posted along Roxas Blvd. on the day of his arrival.
He made this statement during Tuesday's New Year Call by key
military officials at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
Catapang said the airspace along the stretch of Roxas Blvd.
The Pontiff is scheduled to arrive late in the afternoon of
Jan. 15 at Villamor Air Base, Pasay
City
He and his convoy will proceed to Roxas Blvd. Manila
Catapang said sniper teams will be posted on six or eight
high-rise buildings along the path of the Pontiff's entourage.
The AFP chief said that these sniper teams will monitor the
area for possible threats and if needed, to neutralize them.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722105
AFP to deploy 6,000 to 7,000 troops to secure Pope Francis
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): AFP to deploy 6,000 to 7,000 troops to secure Pope Francis
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722119
The Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) will deploy 6,000
to 7,000 soldiers to secure Pope Francis during his stay and visit to Manila , Tacloban and Palo in Leyte
from Jan. 15 to 19.
This is aside from the peacekeeping contingents from the
Golan Heights, Liberia and Haiti
AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang during
Tuesday's New Year's Call at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club in Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City, however, clarified that they are yet to detect any
security threat for the Pontiff's visit, adding that their greatest concern is
the so-called "people surge" or the attempt of the public to get near
or personally see Pope Francis at close range.
"(That's why) we are putting up barricades (in the
areas he will visit), hopefully, the people will understand that they will all
have a chance to get a glimpse of the Pope," Catapang said.
He also reminded the public to avoid putting Pope Francis,
who is known to break security protocol to interact with the people, in any
"difficult situation."
Despite the lack of security threats, Catapang said that
they are looking at every possibility.
"In the military, we call this 'wargaming'," the
AFP chief stressed.
Catapang also expressed confidence that the AFP, along with
the Philippine National Police, will be able to successfully hurdle the
security challenge posed by the Pontiff's visit.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722119
PAF recommends 'no-fly zone' for Manila, Tacloban, Palo during Pope Francis visit
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): PAF recommends 'no-fly zone' for Manila, Tacloban, Palo during Pope Francis visit
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722133
In line with efforts to secure Pope Francis during his Jan.
15 to 19 visit in the country, Philippine Air Force (PAF) chief Lt. Gen.
Jeffrey Delgado on Tuesday said that they will recommend to President Benigno
S. Aquino III that a "no-fly zone" be implemented on the airspaces of
Manila , Tacloban and Palo, Leyte .
Essentially, this means that no aircraft can be allowed to
fly above these cities as long as activities involving Pope Francis are
ongoing.
"So far (this) is our position, to ensure the safety
and security of the Pope," Delgado said.
He added that approval of the "no-fly zone" will
come from the Chief Executive.
Delgado stressed that all available air assets in Manila
Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines
chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said that air cover will be provided
to the Pontiff and his convoy while trekking the estimated 10 kilometer
distance from Villamor Air Base, Pasay
City to the Apostolic Nunciature in
Malate, Manila
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=722133
US admits to owning target drone found in Quezon
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): US admits to owning target drone found in Quezon
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722196
The drone found off the coast of Patnanungan
Islet , Quezon last Jan. 4 belongs to the US Navy.
This was confirmed by the US Embassy in Manila
"(The drone found) is an expended BQM-74E Aerial Target
that was launched during naval exercise Valiant Shield 2014 which took place
Sept. 15-23 in the waters off Guam ," it
added.
The aerial target does not carry weapons and is not used for
surveillance.
"The BQM-74E Aerial Target is used by surface ships and
aircraft during exercises to help train our sailors in a realistic environment
that provides the best possible training," the US Embassy said.
"During the exercise, all aerial operations were
conducted in international airspace or with appropriate coordination and
approval in Guam airspace.
The drone was initially sighted by a barangay official of
the locality but due to bad weather condition, they could not reach the area at
once.
The drone is now under the custody Patnanungan Municipal
Police Station.
It was the second incident involving the recovery of a US
Navy drone in Philippine territory.
In January 2013, a similar aircraft was recovered by the
Philippine Navy in Sitio Tacdugan, San Jacinto, Masbate .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722196
DND vows to boost HADR capabilities in 2015
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): DND vows to boost HADR capabilities in 2015
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722188
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin on Tuesday vowed to boost their humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief capabilities (HADR) this year.
This is to ensure that the country will have the capability
to safeguard its citizens during the onslaught of natural and man-made
calamities.
"We must likewise continuously re-assess and strengthen
our protective and survival techniques and strategies, to ensure that our
citizens are kept from harm during the onslaught of natural disasters and
calamities," Gazmin stressed during New Year's Call in Camp Aguinaldo ,
Quezon City
The order is very timely considering that the DND and its
attached agencies, like the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), are the
primary responders in any calamities.
And in anticipation of the forthcoming national elections in
May 2016, Gazmin reminded all military personnel to strictly abide with their
constitutional mandate that they should not be involved in partisan politics.
"Rest assured that, as you do your job, the national
leadership will ensure the welfare of our soldiers through congressional
initiatives that would grant them additional benefits. Recently, our soldiers
were granted increase in their subsistence allowance from Php90 to Php150,"
he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722188
3rd Infantry Division deploys unit to Leyte to help secure papal visit
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6): 3rd Infantry Division deploys unit to Leyte to help secure papal visit
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722382
The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division has deployed a unit
consisting of nine officers and 257 enlisted personnel to help in the ongoing
security preparations for Pope Francis' visit to Leyte
on Jan. 17.
Lt. Col. Jonathan Gayas, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson,
said the contingent is headed by Lt. Col. Marion Sison.
He added that these troops shall serve as augmentation to
the Joint Task Force “Pope” created by the Central Command to conduct security
operations and assist in the maintenance of peace and order and ensure the
safety and successful visit of Pope Francis in Tacloban and Palo, Leyte .
The Pontiff and his entourage will be in the Philippines
"As the only predominantly Catholic country in Asia , Filipino devotees are very eager to meet and see
the Pope in person. During his stay in the country, the Pope will also visit
the victims of super typhoon 'Yolanda' in Tacloban
City and Palo, Leyte ,"
Gayas said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=722382