Court told: Don’t treat rebels as common criminals

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 29): Court told: Don’t treat rebels as common criminals

BOCALA

 

KALIBO, Aklan—Alleged communist rebel leader Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala on Friday pleaded not guilty to a murder case filed 34 years ago.

When asked for her plea during her arraignment at the Kalibo, Aklan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2, Bocala immediately replied: “Not guilty” to Judge Cicero Lampasa.

Lawyer Janne Baterna, lead counsel of the eight-member defense team, said Bocala  is not a common criminal or murderer, but a “rebel or revolutionary.”

 

Bocala is among the accused in the killing of Metodio Inisa on Sept. 17, 1975, in Barangay Panipiason in Madalag town in Aklan.

 

The murder case was filed in 1981 against Bocala and other suspected leaders and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army on Panay Island.

Bocala, who turned 65 on Aug. 26, is allegedly the head of the CPP’s Panay regional committee.

She was arrested in a house in Molo District in Iloilo City on Aug. 1 and carries a P7.8-million bounty on her head.

Baterna, of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, said the defense team would push for the dismissal of the case.

He said the charge against Bocala’s co-accused Ruben Saluta had been dismissed for lack of evidence and witnesses.

Bocala is also facing a rebellion case filed in Antique and separate cases of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition and illegal possession of explosives at the Iloilo RTC.

She has denied the charges, insisting that these were trumped up and the evidence “planted.”

Baterna said defense lawyers also opposed a request of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to transfer Bocala to a detention facility in Iloilo.

The BJMP had said that it lacked resources and personnel to detain a high-risk inmate like Bocala during the duration of her trial.

But Baterna said Bocala should be detained at the BJMP facility in Barangay Nalook in the capital town of Kalibo which is nearer to the court where her case is being heard.

Wearing a yellow prison shirt, a purple shawl, black pants and sneakers with pink trimmings, Bocala arrived nearly an hour early for her arraignment.

Security for her arraignment was tight.

At least 100 policemen, soldiers, jail guards and anti-riot team members guarded the Hall of Justice, where the court is, and areas nearby.

Policemen were also posted on the route of the convoy carrying Bocala, according to Senior Supt. Iver Apellido, Aklan police director.

Court security guards barred journalists from entering the two-story Hall of Justice, citing security reasons.

At least 10 journalists had to wait for about two hours outside the building until the arraignment was concluded.

Baterna briefed the journalists on what transpired in the courtroom.

Bocala was whisked out of the building by her security escorts through a side door avoiding journalists who waited at the main entrance at the front of the building.

Her escorts also prevented journalists, who ran to the side entrance, from getting near the convoy that carried Bocala.

The court set the start of Bocala’s trial in marathon hearings on Oct. 6 and 7, according to Baterna.

 

 http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717299/court-told-dont-treat-rebels-as-common-criminals

Army uses ‘gentle persuasion’ in bid to foil rebellion in Davao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 29): Army uses ‘gentle persuasion’ in bid to foil rebellion in Davao

MALITA, Davao Occidental – The Army here now uses “gentle persuasion” aside from conducting combat operations in a bid to defeat communists in its areas of jurisdiction.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Felix Babac, commander of the 73^rd Infantry Battalion, said that aside from engaging in clashes with the New People’s Army during combat operations, his men were also busy engaging in dialogues with parents and relatives of rebels and village officials in the provinces of Davao Occidental, Sarangani and portions of Davao del Sur.

“During the dialogues, we ask their relatives and village officials to convince them to surrender,” he said.

The use of what he termed as gentle persuasion, alongside combat operation, appeared to have been effective.

Babac said since January, at least 50 NPA rebels had already yielded to his unit.

“We continue to conduct combat operations but our dialogues are also bearing fruits,” he said, adding that NPA Front 75 was now nearly decimated.

Babac said the NPA was also losing support from among the villagers because of abuses and extortion activities.

In July, he said officials of the remote village of Datal Anggas in Alabel, Sarangani passed a resolution formally declaring NPA members as persona non grata.

A copy of the resolution argued that the NPA had committed “deception, extortion and other forms of abuses” against villagers, and that by barring them, officials said they hoped the excesses will stop.

“Tribal chieftains of the village also joined the signing,” he said.

Babac said village officials had told the military they grew tired of the NPA because the rebels would burden even poor residents with “contributions.”

“The little money they earn from communal farming would go to the rebels because if they did not give in to the demands, they would automatically be branded anti-communists,” he said.

Babac also claimed that fed-up villagers were the now the ones helping the military beat the rebels in Datal Angas.

He cited the March clash in the village, which led to the deaths of seven NPA members, including Tolentino Bariquit, the leader of Front 75.

He said villagers were also helping convince NPA members to surrender amid the peace and development efforts of the Army, which included provision of farm implements.

He said the military continues to call on remaining NPA members to yield and avail of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

“We are using gentle persuasion but we do not think twice about using force also if they continue to resist and continue with their abuses against the civilians,” Babac said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717381/army-uses-gentle-persuasion-in-bid-to-foil-rebellion-in-davao

Despite MNLF calls, Nur Misuari arrest warrant stands

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 29): Despite MNLF calls, Nur Misuari arrest warrant stands

Nur Misuari. AP FILE PHOTO

 

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) said it was hopeful that the government would lift the arrest warrant for its leader, Nur Misuari, so he could join the group’s delegation to Manila on September 2 for the tripartite meeting with the government and the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

In its official Facebook page, the MNLF said Misuari and some 80 MNLF officials were included in the list of those attending the meeting, which the OIC had called for, to thresh out problems hounding the erstwhile rebel group.

“We hope the warrant would already be lifted against our beloved leader Prof. Nur Misuari,” the MNLF wrote.

Misuari has been in hiding after warrants of arrest were issued against him for the September 2013 siege here, where at least 300 people were killed and over 120,000 families displaced.

 

He and his followers, who took part in the violence, now face charges on rebellion and violation of international humanitarian law (war crimes).

Despite being in hiding, Misuari maintains close contact with the MNLF faction that he heads.

On July 26, 2015, a photo of him with MNLF delegates from Central Mindanao was posted on social media. The photo was supposedly taken in Sulu.

Regional State Prosecutor Peter Medalle said they have not received any information that Misuari’s warrant would be lifted and that the former rebel leader-turned-politician could still be arrested on sight.

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said as far as they were concerned, Misuari remains to be a fugitive.

“We continue to search for him, we will arrest him. He has a standing warrant,” Guerrero said.

However, Guerrero admitted that while there had been reports of MNLF movements in Sulu, Misuari’s whereabouts remain unclear.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/717389/despite-mnlf-calls-nur-misuari-arrest-warrant-stands

Torn between the negotiators

From The Star Online (Aug 29): Torn between the negotiators

I have seen groups claiming credit for releases for which they were not responsible, and groups marking up the ransom so that they could take a cut.



Family members holding up a photo of Thien (left) and Bernard Then who were abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen from the Ocean King Restaurant in Sandakan on May 14.

THE threat of beheading hangs over the head of Malaysian hostage Bernard Then, held on the notorious Jolo island in southern Philippines.

The 39-year-old Sarawakian’s Abu Sayyaf captors have threatened to behead him if their millions of ringgit ransom is not paid.

On Aug 22, about 100 days since Then and 50-year-old restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun were abducted by Abu Sayyaf-linked gunmen from a floating restaurant in Sandakan, about 333km west of Jolo, Then’s 40-year-old wife Chan Wai See received a chilling call.

Chan had switched off her mobile phone for months as the police advised her not to be in contact with the gunmen.

However, on Aug 21, she switched it on after reading media reports about the beheading of a Filipino hostage.

The next day she received a call from the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo at about 5pm. Her husband spoke to her for less than a minute.

“He said he was next in line to be beheaded.

“The kidnappers then snatched the phone from him and told me they would behead him if the ransom was not paid quickly.

“The line then got cut off,” said Chan, who was on holiday in Sandakan with her husband when he was abducted.

She said the line was very bad and that the gunman on the other end of the phone spoke in Malay.

After the abrupt call, Chan felt her heart sink and she slumped onto a chair in her house. Numbness took over when she realised that the line was cut before she could even think of what to ask or say.

“Reality sank in ... and I realised time is not what I have. I’m helpless.

“I fear for my husband’s life. I was so afraid and sobbed uncontrollably,” the technical executive told me via WhatsApp on Thursday.

“What kind of people would do such things to a fellow human being? There are no nights for me without nightmares and cold sweat.

“I hope no one will ever go through what I am going through. It is just such a terrifying situation.”

“Do you think your husband will be released?” I asked.

“I’m praying very hard and I believe that Bernard will be released if our Government helps him,” she said.

The Government, she said, had told her to be patient as it was working hard to secure the release of the two Malaysians.

“Do you have any idea of the negotiation process to release the hostages?” I asked.

“I don’t know anything about the negotiation.

“The authorities have told me repeatedly to be calm, patient and to trust them to bring both hostages home safely,” she said.

If Chan had asked me, I would have told her that negotiating to secure the release of the hostages is usually filled with double-dealings and double-crosses.

I had an insight into kidnap negotiations when I was in Zamboanga City and Jolo to cover the Sipadan kidnapping.

On Easter Sunday in 2000, 21 people – nine Sabahans, two Filipinos and 10 tourists from Europe, South Africa and Lebanon – were abducted from Sipadan in Sabah.

There were at least 10 Malaysian groups represented by politicians, businessmen and conmen who were trying to impress the then Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that they could secure the release of the Sabahans.

I saw how some groups claimed credit for releases for which they were not responsible. I also saw that some groups marked up the ransom so that they could take a cut.

Fifteen years later, my intelligence sources have told me that the situation has not changed.

A Philippine intelligence source told me that a group of Malaysian/Filipino negotiators, that secured the release of most of the hostages held in Jolo after they were abducted from the east coast of Sabah, had received a commitment from the Abu Sayyaf gunmen to release Then and Thien for a certain manageable amount.

According to the intelligence source, if the powers-that-be ordered for the money to be paid to buy the freedom of the two Malaysians, they would be released as soon as possible.

However, the Filipino source said he had received intelligence reports that there was another Malaysian/Filipino group trying to negotiate for the release of the two Malaysians.

“This group is not negotiating directly with the Abu Sayyaf gunmen as they have not established trust with them.

“They will go through (a warlord on Jolo island) and the ransom will be higher than what the other group had negotiated.

“This is because the warlord will be asking for a cut as he needs to build his war chest for the Philippine elections in 2016,” he said.

“If the powers-that-be decide that the second group will negotiate for the Malaysians, I’m worried that the ransom would be higher and it will be too expensive to buy the hostages’ freedom,” said the source.

“What are the chances that the second group will be able to bargain for the release of the hostages?” I asked.

“I doubt it. I hate to bring back a dead body, the stench,” said the Filipino intelligence source, referring to 34-year-old Malaysian Tung Wee Wei, who died of illness while the Abu Sayyaf gunmen held him hostage in 2013.

Internal rivalry among spy masters might put the lives of the Malaysian hostages in danger.

http://www.thestar.com.my/Opinion/Columnists/One-Mans-Meat/Profile/Articles/2015/08/29/Torn-between-the-negotiators/

3 Islamic militants killed in Sulu military clash

From Rappler (Aug 28): 3 Islamic militants killed in Sulu military clash

The clash leaves 10 soldiers wounded   



SULU ISLAND COMMANDER. Colonel Allan Arrojado of the Philippine Army

Three Islamic militants were killed after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday, August 28, launched a second attempt in 2 weeks to rescue hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf rebels, the army said.

About 300 Abu Sayyaf fighters retreated after the hour-long firefight in the jungles of the remote southern island of Jolo, said Brigadier-General Alan Arrojado, the military commander in the area.

However, the military did not say if any of the hostages were freed or injured in the clashes, or how many hostage were believed to have been held at the rebel camp.

Ten soldiers were wounded in the fighting, Arrojado added.

"The bandits positioned their hostages in the back (of the rebel camp), they don't want another escape," Captain Antonio Bulao, a military spokesman in Jolo, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Last week two Philippine coast guard men, who were among 11 hostages held by Abu Sayyaf, escaped during fierce clashes which erupted after elite military forces launched a risky rescue operation, leaving 15 Abu Sayyaf men dead on Jolo.

The militants have since split into smaller groups, each holding some hostages, Bulao added.

The military rescue attempt came after the decapitated remains of a 12th hostage, Rodolfo Boligao, were found on a deserted Jolo highway.

Impoverished Jolo is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990s with seed money from the Al-Qaeda network of Osama Bin Laden.

The group engages in kidnappings to finance operations, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransoms are not paid.

It has also been blamed for the worst bomb attacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/104062-3-islamic-militants-killed-sulu-military-clash

Bicol-wide protests held to condemn killing of human rights advocate and other extra-judicial killings under Oplan Bayanihan

From the often pro-CPP Bicol Today (Aug 25): Bicol-wide protests held to condemn killing of human rights advocate and other extra-judicial killings under Oplan Bayanihan



Protesters in Sorsogon, in indignation rally over the killing of human rights journalist Teodoro “Todoy” Escanilla, pile up mock coffins of victims of extra-judicial killings infront of police provincial headquarters to dramatize police failure in solving the killings and arrest of the killers. The protesters lambast at the Aquino administration for the worsening poverty and economic woes in the country. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

Condemning on latest killing of Sorsogon human rights advocate, Bicol’s progressive organizations held chained protest and caravan against massive series of extra-judicial killings under counter-insurgency campaign of Aquino Administration.

Hundreds of activists and supporters from Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and from Albay massed at Daraga Cover Court and marched to Camp General Simeon A Ola, Legazpi City to signify their indignation and protest on the killing of one of their progressive leaders, Teodoro “Ka Tudoy” Escanilla.

Their program at Camp Ola continued despite the loud music of the camp.

Counter-Insurgency campaign “Oplan Bayanihan” in the region led by 9th Infantry Division of Philippine Army is being used by the administration to reinforce brutality according to Karapatan.

“State Forces are the ones harassing and silencing the members of the progressive organizations who criticize, denouncing and exposing human rights abuses committed by the military,” Karapatan spokesperson Rev. Pastor Dan San Andres said.

The protest continued in Sorsogon parading 15 paper-made black coffins from Provincial Capitol to PNP camp along Magsaysay Street.

Coffins represented the 15 victims of extra-judicial killings in Sorsogon alone under Aquino regime.

Maximizing the units of AFP and PNP, protestors believe 9th ID continues to operate their active death squad to divert extra-judicial killings off their hands.

The indignation rally in Sorsogon was held while state forces were conducting case conference on Escanilla’s death. Coffins were left in front of the camp gate.



Protesters in Sorsogon, in indignation rally over the killing of human rights journalist Teodoro “Todoy” Escanilla, pile up mock coffins of victims of extra-judicial killings infront of police provincial headquarters to dramatize police failure in solving the killings and arrest of the killers.The protesters lambast at the Aquino administration for the worsening poverty and economic woes in the country. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

Slain Sorsogon human rights spokesperson Karapatan-Bikol said 31st Infantry Battalion (IB), under the arm of 9th ID, is responsible for the killing of its Sorsogon Spokesperson Tay Tudoy last week.

Escanilla had been warned before that he was in the “hit list” of the state military due to his expose’ of human rights abuses inflicted on civilians in a radio program “Pamana ng Lahi” at radio DZMS for 10 years.

However, Ka Todoy continued his advocacy in human rights.

Six men silenced the victim.

Ka Tudoy sustained gunshot wounds all over his body on Wednesday midnight of August 19 at past 11pm in his unfinished wooden house in Brgy. Tagdon, Barcelona, Sorsogon. was brought to Sorsogon Medical Mission Group Hospital and Health Services (SORDOC) for medical treatment but eventually died while being treated.

Recovered at the crime scene were five cartridge cases for M 16 rifle and three fired cartridges cases from Cal. 45 pistol.

According to Eden Escanilla, wife of Ka Tudoy, she went outside their house and talked to men wearing black sweater with black cloth covering their face. She asked the man who introduced himself as Alex about their purpose.

“I asked again [their purpose and] who are they looking for and he [Alex] said its for lot purposes,” Eden said in a statement. “Suddenly a man came in our backyard with long gun”. The gun which was a M 16 rifle started to release its bullets while her husband was looking by the window.

Their neighbor saw two men running towards Brgy. Luneta while 4 men run towards different direction.

On the day of the incident, residents in the area saw three motorcycles and a tricycle parked in front of the house of Ka Tudoy’s relative in Brgy. Luneta.

Since April of 2012 elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) had been harassing and threatening Tay Tudoy according to Rev. Pastor Dan San Andres.

The Peace and Development Team (PDT) of the 31st IBPA arrived in their barangay in October 2014 according to data gathered by Karapatan.

The said PDT engaged in population survey and interrogation of select residents whom they suspected of either being members, supporters or sympathizers of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In November 2014, a civilian who was tortured by the same military unit said that he was asked during the course of interrogation if he knew Tudoy, to which he answered, yes, and so he was offered a gun and P50,000 to kill Tudoy but declined the offer.

“PDT of 31st IBPA based in Rangas, Juban, Sorsogon has the only motive and orientation of Oplan Bayanihan to execute the killing of Ka Tudoy,” Karapatan Sorsogon said.

The brutal Oplan Bayanihan of the 9th ID must put to an end according to San Andres.

“It’s time to end the brutality and abuses against the people, long live the progressive leaders of the region,” San Andres concluded.



BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO



BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO



Protesters in Sorsogon, in indignation rally over the killing of human rights journalist Teodoro “Todoy” Escanilla, pile up mock coffins of victims of extra-judicial killings infront of police provincial headquarters to dramatize police failure in solving the killings and arrest of the killers. The protesters lambast at the Aquino administration for the worsening poverty and economic woes in the country. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO



Protesters in Sorsogon, in indignation rally over the killing of human rights journalist Teodoro “Todoy” Escanilla, pile up mock coffins of victims of extra-judicial killings infront of police provincial headquarters to dramatize police failure in solving the killings and arrest of the killers.The protesters lambast at the Aquino administration for the worsening poverty and economic woes in the country. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/25/bicol-wide-protests-held-to-condemn-killing-of-human-rights-advocate-and-other-extra-judicial-killings-under-oplan-bayanihan/

State security checkpoints sow fear on mourners of Escanilla burial

From the often pro-CPP Bicol Today (Aug 28): State security checkpoints sow fear on mourners of Escanilla burial



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

State security forces in Sorsogon Province were under state of paranoia of unexplained and imaginary fear Wednesday during the burial of slain human rights journalist Teodoro “Tudoy” Escanilla.

For reasons only known to them, several checkpoints were set-up along the highways to inspect vehicles and passengers.

As Escanilla was being laid to rest Wednesday, police and Army units set-up several checkpoints that sow fear in mourners from proceeding to the church and cemetery for the final burial rites.

Battle-ready policemen set-up 6 checkpoints along the highway from Barcelona, Sorsogon to Albay province.

Checkpoints were also positioned at highway chokepoint areas at Irosin, Casiguran and Juban towns.

Human rights activists from Albay, Masbate, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte, joined the funeral march while many others, on their way early Wednesday morning, were forced to turn back in fear upon seeing the hostile checkpoints,

Sorsogon Province in past months has been rocked by series of State-sanctioned killings of civilians tagged as involved in rebel activities. Escanilla was shot dead Wednesday midnight last week by gunmen suspected as belonging to State security forces. (See related article)

Human rights groups led by KARAPATAN vowed to press hard on the Aquino administration to surrender the perpetrators to face justice.

International human rights and media groups have looked with special concern over the killing of the human rights journalist who was an old man at age of 63.



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/27/state-security-checkpoints-sow-fear-on-mourners-of-escanilla-burial/

More human rights killings worry HR watchers

From the often pro-CPP Bicol Today (Aug 28): More human rights killings worry HR watchers



Protesters in Sorsogon, in indignation rally over the killing of human rights journalist Teodoro “Todoy” Escanilla, pile up mock coffins of victims of extra-judicial killings infront of police provincial headquarters to dramatize police failure in solving the killings and arrest of the killers. The protesters lambast at the Aquino administration for the worsening poverty and economic woes in the country. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO - See more at: http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/28/more-human-rights-killings-worry-hr-watchers/#sthash.h0XXE3nV.dpuf

No end in sight on spate of human rights abuses and killings, the body counts will continue to pile up.

Human rights watchers are worrying that more state-sanctioned killings of dissenters will add more to the body count as the State pounds hard on the armed rebellion in the countryside.

This serious concern was expressed by Marie Hilao-Enriquez, who has pioneered the human rights movement for 30 years in the country.

Hilao-Enriquez attended Wednesday the burial of assassinated human rights journalist Teodoro “Ka Tudoy” Escanilla in Barcelona, Sorsogon.

International human rights watchers are closely monitoring the Philippine human rights environment as the Aquino administration has failed to place the military under strict discipline and control to observed respect for human rights and dissent.



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

The US government has also expressed concern over human rights abuses that it has sworn to cut down US military assistance aid credits if the Philippines fails to curb human rights abuses.

Oplan Bayanihan, Aquino’s counter-insurgency program, has used US-supplied war material and equipment in attempt to destroy local communist insurgency and Muslim armed separatist groups.

The US has doled out war materiel which are surplus second-hand inventories as form of US military assistance under joint US-Phil war exercise Oplan Bayanihan.

As of 2015, more body counts of civilians getting killed arising from military operations are being reported.

The State Judiciary system has turned a blind eye in arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators belonging to State security forces.

“Human rights abuses will never stop and more will add to the body count,” a right watcher said. “A united citizenry, in common stand, can fight off these military abuses,” the HR group said.



Hundreds of supporters, family friends pay last respect to slain human rights journalist Teodoro ‘Ka Tudoy’ Escanilla during funeral rites in Barcelona, Sorsogon. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/28/more-human-rights-killings-worry-hr-watchers/

Army to spend P4.9-M for tank spare parts

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 29): Army to spend P4.9-M for tank spare parts

The Army will spend P4.9-million to buy 10 brand new transmission assemblies for its armored personnel carriers (APC).

A transmission assembly provides mobility to the APC, which is used to transport troops and provide close fire support during security operations.

The procurement will be done through the Philippine International Trading Corp. (PITC), a state-run firm formed to secure cost-effective procurement deals.

The bidding for the project would be held next month, a notice published Thursday in The STAR showed. The notice served as a formal invitation to prospective suppliers.

The bidding is open to local and foreign suppliers, distributors, dealers or resellers of transmission assemblies. Foreign firms, however, must be represented by a Philippine-based company to be qualified.

The acquisition will be done through open competitive bidding.

Potential suppliers should have completed within the last five years from the date of submission and receipt of bids at least one similar contract worth at least 50 percent of the approved budget of the project.

The term “similar contract” is defined as a deal involving the purchase of APC spare parts.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/29/15/army-spend-p49-m-tank-spare-parts

Three barangay officials killed in ambush

From ABS-CBN (Aug 28): Three barangay officials killed in ambush

Three barangay officials were shot to death by unidentified gunmen in Tanghal Bridge, SK Pendatun Avenue in Barangay Mother Bagua, Cotabato City Friday afternoon.

The victims were identified as Misuari Karim, Mamanta Kalim and Theng Wahab.

Karim was a barangay kagawad of Barangay Mother Bagua, while both Kalim and Wahab were part of the barangay police force.

All three victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

Omar Abo, who was also with the victims, was wounded in the incident. He is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital in the city.

Based on investigation, the victims were patrolling in the barangay when unidentified gunmen fired at them using an M-16 rifle, a caliber .45 pistol, a 9-millimeter pistol and an AK-47 rifle.

''Nasa loob sila ng barangay vehicle sa tabi ng outpost ng mga tanod, hindi sila mobile then dumaan yung mga suspek na nakasakay sa multicab at motor saka sila pinagbabaril," Senior Inspector Alex Lanestosa, station 4 commander said.

The suspects and their motive are yet to be identified by the city police.

A day before the incident, four separate shooting incidents were recorded by the police, killing three of the victims.

Investigation on the incident is ongoing.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/28/15/three-barangay-officials-killed-ambush

JIs sighted with Abus in Sulu

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 29): JIs sighted with Abus in Sulu

At least four Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militants were sighted with Abu Sayyaf bandits during an encounter with Marines in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said Amin Bacu, with aliases of Abu Jihad and Khalid; Muhamad Mahmud; a certain Muhamad Ali; and an unidentified JI bomber were spotted in the clash with around 300 militants in the vicinity of Mt. Awak in Barangay Latih at 6:29 a.m.

Bacu is said to be a henchman of Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan, who was killed in an operation by the police Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindao on Jan. 25.

Arrojado said there was no report if any of the spotted JI militants were wounded in the clash.

3 Abus killed

Three Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and five other bandits and 10 Marines were wounded in the encounter.

The slain bandits were identified as Umaali Jaarmani, Aljimar Barin and Ardam Muhajili, all residents of Patikul, according to military intelligence sources.

Arrojado said the bandits fled toward Barangay Maligay and Sitio Kanjimao in Barangay Buhanginan after the troops launched mortar attacks.

The wounded soldiers were brought to a trauma hospital at Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo for treatment.

Arrojado said two of the wounded militants were identified as Sueb and Anas. The militants were led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Muammar Askali, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok, a certain Almuktar and an unidentified henchman of Yasser Igasan.

The military has intensified its operations to rescue the remaining captives of the Abu Sayyaf, including six foreigners.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/08/29/15/jis-sighted-abus-sulu

"BBL economic provisions just enough", says GPH peace panel member

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): "BBL economic provisions just enough", says GPH peace panel member

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel defended the forrmula for the annual financial grant for the proposed Bangsamoro government mandated by the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

GPH peace panel member Senen C. Bacani on Friday said the appropriation for the said territory is comparable to the amount currently received by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

According to the draft of the BBL, the formula for the annual block grant is four percent of the net national internal revenue collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue less the internal revenue allocation of local government units. The bill also stipulates that the computation should be based from the actual collections from the third fiscal year preceding the current fiscal year.

Bacani made the statement in response to Senate committee on local government chair Ferdinand Marcos Jr., comment stating the formula for the said grant seems to be got from thin air.

The GPH peace panel member defended the formula for the Bangsamoro's annual block grant, commenting that the four (4) percent used in the formula is an approximation of what the ARMM currently receives.

For the current fiscal year, PhP25.2 billion is the subsidy of the national government to the ARMM. Using the formula in the proposed BBL, the Bangsamoro government can expect to receive PhP27 billion for its initial year of operation, just a slight increase from its current budget of 25.2 billion.

The former agriculture secretary added that the increase which is coupled with the other revenue generation and wealth-sharing arrangements, was “just enough for the Bangsamoro to provide basic social services and to catch-up with the rest of the country.

The government peace panel member noted that unlike in the rest of the country that is served by the Department of Education, the cost of public primary and secondary education is shouldered by the autonomous region, along with the delivery of all other devolved social and economic functions.

"The formula was based on a thorough review of the current and anticipated requirements of the region, and takes into account the fact that the region will be responsible for financing the salaries of teachers and health workers, among others," said Bacani.

Special Development Fund, power to contract loans scrapped

Among the numerous stipulations removed by Senator Marcos is the Bangsamoro provision for a Special Development Fund (SDF).

According to the original version of the BBL drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), a total of PhP17 billion will be released by the national government to the Bangsamoro “for rehabilitation and development purposes”.

Of this amount, PhP7 billion will be released following the ratification of the law while the remaining PhP10 billion will be paid out over five years at the rate of PhP2 billion per year. Part of the SDF was supposed to finance a women’s peace fund “in support of gender as a cross-cutting concern.”‎ The SDF demonstrates the Philippine government's commitment to fund the rehabilitation and development of the Bangsamoro and can be used as counterpart funds for grants coming from donor institutions or countries. This leveraging can result to 3 or 4 times more than the amount in the SDF thus maximizing the benefit to the country.

Another provision deleted by Marcos was the Bangsamoro’s power to contract loans, credits, and other forms of indebtedness.

Bacani said, however, that local governments already have the authority to contract domestic loans on their own, including foreign or non-peso denominated loans with the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

He commented that should be clarified by the lawmakers as contracting loans is an essential part of fiscal management.

“Contracting indebtedness is being done all over the world by all kinds of entities and enterprises. Loaning does not automatically mean you are losing money. For instance, the Philippines as a country is both a creditor and a debtor. It is just a means to manage fiscal responsibilities,” Bacani explained.

The former agriculture secretary added that “the purpose of the SDF is for the immediate takeoff of the Bangsamoro, and the loans may come handy in generating economic activity especially during the autonomous government’s initial years.”

In his sponsorship speech on the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR) filed as Senate Bill No. 2894, Sen. Marcos failed to provide an explanation on why the aforementioned fiscal provisions have been deleted.

Bangsamoro’s power on economic zones undermined

Republic Act No. 9054, the implementing law of the ARMM, allows for the establishment of a Regional Economic Zone Authority (REZA) tasked to “encourage, promote, and support the establishment of economic zones, industrial centers, ports in strategic areas, and growth centers to attract local and foreign investments and business enterprises.”

The ARMM implementing law also clearly stipulates that once the REZA is created, “the Philippine Export Zone Authority shall no longer authorize any other economic zone within the autonomous region” and that “any corporation, firm, or entity established within the autonomous region… be placed under the jurisdiction of the REZA.”

However, Bacani noted that the Senate substitute bill now stipulated that the Bangsamoro government must apply with the PEZA before it is able to establish economic zones, industrial estates, and free ports.

Earlier, Marcos said the annual block grant as it is proposed in the Bangsamoro Basic Law is a good one. However,he decided to retain it so that it can be brought up for public discussion.(

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798003

Comelec, PAF conducts voters registration, biometrics validation

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 29): Comelec, PAF conducts voters registration, biometrics validation

In line with its efforts to ensure that all qualified individuals can cast their ballots in the coming 2016 national elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Philippine Air Force conducted a voters registration and biometrics validation last Aug. 27.

Statements forwarded by PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya Saturday said the activity was held at Agunod Hall, Col. Jose Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

He added that 115 PAF officers, 364 enlisted personnel, 51 civilian employees, 60 dependents and 27 others, or a total of 599 persons, took part in the voters registration and biometrics validation activity.

"Comelec’s initiative of visiting the PAF paved the way to every airmen, civilian employees and dependents for easy and fast registration and validation without taking too much of their time," Canaya said.

The purpose of voters registration and biometrics validation is to ensure the legality of the voting process and to determine the capability of the voter to vote and not to vote.

This also prevents voters from fraud, fly voting and voting twice. Finally, secures true and valid votes for elected people and to the voters as well.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=798385

Australia, wary of regional instability, eyes closer US security ties

Posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 28): Australia, wary of regional instability, eyes closer US security ties

Australia will seek to broaden and deepen its security alliance with the United States in the decades ahead as the rise of China and other Asia-Pacific powers risks fueling instability in the region, Australia's defense minister said on Thursday.

Foreshadowing a strategic defense white paper due later this year, Kevin Andrews said world economic and military power was shifting to the Asia-Pacific.

"But growth in the region will be uneven and competition to exert more influence could generate instability," he told U.S. and Australian business leaders in Canberra.

"Also competing claims for territory and natural resources in the South China Sea will continue to be a source of tension in the region. Combined with growth in military capability, this backdrop therefore has the potential to destabilize the region and threaten Australia's interests."

China has been increasingly assertive in the South China Sea, reclaiming land on islands and reefs under its control. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims in the seas, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.

U.S. President Barack Obama unveiled a strategic "pivot" to the Asia-Pacific in 2011, a move that was welcomed by Australia caused consternation in China, its top trading partner.

Australia recognized that the U.S. alliance "will remain fundamental to our security and defense planning and the highest priority of our international cooperation", Andrews said.

The defense white paper would also flesh out plans to purchase billions of dollars of weaponry, much of it from the United States.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/08/27/15/australia-wary-regional-instability-eyes-closer-us-security-ties

China conducts drills in East China Sea

Posted to ABS-CBN (Aug 28): China conducts drills in East China Sea

China conducted large-scale air and sea exercises in the East China Sea on Thursday, state news agency Xinhua said, the third time in the last two months it has carried out such live-fire maritime drills.

The training involved more than 100 ships, dozens of aircraft, information warfare units as well the firing of close to 100 missiles, Xinhua said.

It did not specify where exactly the exercises took place.

China and Japan are involved in an increasingly bitter dispute over ownership of a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea, called the Senkaku by Tokyo and Diaoyu by Beijing.

China has in the last two months held similar exercises in the Yellow Sea, and also the disputed waters of the South China Sea.

China claims most of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, and rejects the rival claims of Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan.

Separately, China's Defence Ministry said China will hold joint military drills next month with Malaysia in the strategic Strait of Malacca, and will also hold training exercises with Australia and the United States in Australia.

China's rapidly modernising armed forces have been increasing their global reach and carrying out exercises in ever more distant locations, as the government seeks to protect its interests around the world.

But China has jangled nerves, especially in its territorial disputes in the South and East China Seas with a growing assertiveness.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/08/27/15/china-conducts-drills-east-china-sea

Quorum lack stymies BBL’s passage

From The Standard (Aug 28): Quorum lack stymies BBL’s passage

SPEAKER Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Thursday the perennial problem of securing a quorum in the House of Representatives was delaying the passage of the Palace-backed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Even if the House of Representatives was able to muster a quorum in the past three session days this week, Belmonte said, he was disappointed that the House had failed to resume its plenary debates and discussions on the measure.

                                  Romualdez

“To be very frank, I am a little disappointed that the BBL was not given a chance to be taken up,” Belmonte told reporters.

He made his statement even as Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez backed the passage of a proposed law allowing the live broadcast of all House proceedings in state-owned PTV Channel 4 to promote further transparency.

Romualdez was referring to House Bill 4049 filed by Rep. Lito Atienza, who wants the public to witness how their representatives are performing in the chamber.

“This is a very laudable proposal. The public must witness how members of the House are performing and responding to the call of their legislative duties,” Romualdez said.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was bracing for the expected intense debates on the grants to the Bangsamoro government, which is expected to reach billions of pesos, when the deliberations on the BBL resumes next week.

Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile hoped he would be the last to interpellate Marcos on his substitute bill that he was still studying following his release from detention.

Meanwhile, Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao appealed to lawmakers to restore the salient provisions in the original BBL while Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said he was uncertain about the fate of the draft law.

However, MILF leaders were convinced the BBL was still alive and remained hopeful.

Hataman issued his appeal as the Senate and House prepared to resume the deliberations on the draft law which, he said, was replaced by an entirely different version.

Belmonte said the quorum problem would be solved by simply reminding the House members to attend the sessions.

“I think reminding them is enough,” Belmonte said, even as he remained optimistic that the House leadership would be able to meet its deadline in passing a BBL that is “Constitution-compliant.”
“We can’t be divisive,” Belmonte said.

“The majority has five groups and the minority has two groups. They have the capacity to stand on their own. It is a better strategy to work in harmony.”

Belmonte also said he favored the proposal of Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. for the House leadership to come up with rules and regulations to address the quorum problem, such as penalties or suspension for absentee congressmen.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/28/quorum-lack-stymies-bbl-s-passage/

Philippines, Thailand leaders strengthen defense cooperation: Discuss West PHL Sea

From Ang Malaya (Aug 28): Philippines, Thailand leaders strengthen defense cooperation: Discuss West PHL Sea

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand General Prayut Chan-o-cha made an official visit to the Republic of The Philippines on August 27-28, 2015. The visit is the leader’s first visit to Philippines since he assumed office in August 2014. “Prime Minister Prayut expressed appreciation to President Aquino and the Government of the Republic of The Philippines for the warm welcome and highly accorded hospitality extended to him and his delegation during this visit,” says in the joint press release after a meeting with President Aquino.

“The two Leaders updated each other on the political developments and national reforms in Thailand and The Philippines. Prime Minister Prayut congratulated President Aquino on the successful implementation of the vision “Straight Path” and the continued high economic growth rate for the past five years,” says in the joint statement.

Aquino and his counterpart are looking forward to the inaugural meetings of the Joint Committee on Military Cooperation (JCMC) and the Joint Trade Commission (JTC) in Manila later this year. Thailand also expressed readiness to host the First Meeting on Technical Cooperation between Thailand and The Philippines on 24-25 September 2015.

“The two Leaders expressed satisfaction on the signing of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Philippine Army (PA) and Royal Thai Army (RTA) Working Group in April 2015. The TOR aims to develop guidelines and rules of procedure on army-related activities between the two armies,” the statement said.

Aquino said in his speech said that “the Prime Minister was instrumental in strengthening the partnership between our Armed Forces during his time as Chief of the Royal Thai Army, so too does he continue to work with us in order to forge the kind of defense relations that enables us to serve our peoples in a more holistic manner.”

During the engagement, Thailand committed to cooperate with Philippines and fellow ASEAN countries in fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea and the expeditious conclusion of Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea.

“They also exchanged views on the maritime disputes in the South China Sea. President Aquino apprised Prime Minister Prayut on the latest developments on The Philippines’ arbitration case before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague,” states in the joint statement.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/08/28/12939-philippines-thailand-leaders-strengthen-defense-cooperation-discuss-west-phl-sea

FULL TEXT: Transcript of oral arguments on Philippines vs China arbitration case

From the Philippine Star (Aug 28): FULL TEXT: Transcript of oral arguments on Philippines vs China arbitration case

          

The Peace Palace at the Hague, the Netherlands is the seat of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which has the tribunal hearing the case filed by the Philippines against China's territorial claims. Wikimedia Commons/Yeu Ninje/International Court of Justice

The Arbitral Tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration at The Hague, Netherlands released the full transcript of the oral hearings on the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea as requested by the Philippines.

Last July, the Philippines sent a delegation composed of top executives from the three government branches as the United Nations arbitral tribunal opened the arbitration court proceedings on the sea dispute.

READ: IN PHOTOS: Philippine delegation in South China Sea arbitration

The Philippines filed a case against China's excessive maritime claims over the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, being the first country to challenge its nine-dash line claim.

The arbitral tribunal is set to rule on the case against China over the territorial disputes within the year.

A copy of the full transcript of the three-day hearing on jurisdiction and admissibility can be viewed below.

[Copy of 106 page document attached to article]

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/28/1493261/full-text-transcript-oral-arguments-philippines-vs-china-arbitration

3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine Star (Aug 28): 3 Abu Sayyaf members killed in Sulu clash

Three members of the Abu Sayyaf group were killed while 15 were wounded, including ten Marines and five Abu Sayyaf bandits, in an encounter Friday morning in the mountain of Patikul town, Sulu, a senior military ground official said.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said the troops encountered about 300 followers from the combined groups of at least five Abu Sayyaf leaders about 6:29 a.m. in the vicinity of Mt. Awak in Barangay Latih.

The Marines composed of Special Operations Platoon 2 from the 2nd Marine Company and 32nd Marine Company were on focused military operations when they engaged the followers in combat of Abu Sayyaf leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Muamar Askali alias “Abu Ramy,” Almuktar, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and an unidentified henchman of Yasser Igasan.

Arrojado said supporting Marine forces launched heavy artillery shelling towards the Abu Sayyaf positions that prompted the group to retreat.
The encounter resulted to the death of three Abu Sayyaf members, identified as Umaili Jarmaani alias "Nidil," Aljimar Barin and Ardam Muhajili, all natives of Patikul, according to military intelligence sources. Two of the five wounded Abu Sayyaf bandits were identified as Sueb and Anas. 
“At least 10 Marines were wounded during the encounter,” Arrojado said. “The wounded soldiers were in stable condition.”
The wounded soldiers were identified as Sgt. Rey Addatu, Cpls. Elmer de Jesus Jr., Francisco Masanda III, Jomar Ballad, Private 1st Class Reygie Gapuz, Denmark Wanasen, Joseph Accad, Private Dionisio Lava Jr., Ronwaldo Dalayday and Paul Julius Calamay.
According to Arrojado, they relentlessly pursue the bandits who withdrew heading towards Barangay Maligay and Sitio Kanjimao, Barangay Buhanginan, all in Patikul town.
The military also launched joint ground artillery towards the withdrawal routes of the militants while others sealed the possible location of the Abu Sayyaf group to prevent them from escaping.
The military has intensified the operation to rescue the remaining hostages from the Abu Sayyaf group following threats of harming the captives.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/08/28/1493299/3-abu-sayyaf-members-killed-sulu-clash

Lumad decry airborne 'abduction' of 14 in Bukidnon but military says operation targeted 'NPA'

From InterAksyon (Aug 28): Lumad decry airborne 'abduction' of 14 in Bukidnon but military says operation targeted 'NPA'

Indigenous people’s organizations in Bukidnon decried what they called the “abduction” of 14 of their leaders and members from a hinterland village of Kitao-tao town even as northern Mindanao media reported a massive military operation that netted suspected members of the New People’s Army.

A statement from the Kahugpongan sa Mag-uuma sa Kitao-tao (KMK, Kitao-tao Farmers’ Organization) said the military has also threatened to burn down the tribal school and a health center run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. in Barangay White Culaman.

Controversy has hounded the tribal schools, mostly set up and run by religious groups in lumad communities that used to have no access to basic education, which the military and even some local education officials have accused of advocating support for communist rebels.

Recent incidents of lumad evacuations, including hundreds of Manobo from Davao del Norte and Bukidnon who have sought refuge at a Protestant church in Davao City, have been blamed on the military’s occupation of their communities and tribal schools, a fact noted by United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Chaloka Beyani when he visited the country last month.

The military has maintained the refugees are “manipulated” and victims of “trafficking,” even using excerpts from Beyani’s exit brief for security officials to bolster its claims but earning a sharp rebuke from the UN expert who called the move a “gross distortion” of his observations.

But Colonel Jesse Alvarez, commander of the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, was quoted in news reports as saying the “law enforcement operation,” which involved around 200 soldiers and police personnel, was covered by a search warrant issued by a regional trial court and, aside from the alleged rebels, also led to the seizure of “sacks” of weapons and improvised explosive devices.

The suspects were flown by helicopter to the headquarters of the 8th Infantry Battalion in Maramag town, the military said.

The reports also quoted a government prosecutor and a freelance journalist who the military brought along as saying the operation was in order and people’s rights were respected.

But KMK claimed the purported evidence had been “planted” by hundreds of soldiers from the 8th and 23rd IBs who, it said, had arrived and deployed to the White Culaman sitios of Midsayap, Dibisyon, Hindangan, Sagasaan Malinaw, Dao and Poblacion on August 22.

On the evening of August 25, the organization said, troops occupied the barangay hall, health center and stage and, early the next day began searching houses and rounding up the suspects who KMK identified as its chairperson, Elen Manlibaas; Camilo Asunan, council member of the lumad organization Tinananon Kulamanon Lumadnong Panaghiusa sa Arakan; Rudolfo Tambog, council member of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Barangay White Culaman; and members of the organizations Felizardo Labadan, Jun Pillisar, Noyda Manlumaray, Lolok Manlipay, Selmo Manlumaray, Ariel Manlumaray, Josie Labaninay,  Lucenio Labadan, Ar-ar Manlumaray, Dieno Manlibaas and Loling Maasin. 

KMK said the hands of the 14, who included a few minors, were bound with plastic twine and they were detained overnight at the daycare center before being flown out on Thursday as the military called a village assembly. It was during the assembly, the group said, that the alleged plan to torch the school and health center was supposedly raised. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/116732/lumad-decry-airborne-abduction-of-14-in-bukidnon-but-military-says-operation-targeted-npa

Zambo, USAID launch E-Peso program

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Zambo, USAID launch E-Peso program

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar and officials of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formally launched on Thursday afternoon the E-Peso ecosystem to jumpstart the implementation of cashless transactions in the local government.

Roger Carlson, USAID Acting deputy mission director, saidthat the launching activity was a very important step in a series of initiatives underway to implement the partnership for growth established a few years back between the Philippines and the United States.

Carlson said the E-Peso program is designed to support the Philippines commitment “to achieve a 20-fold increase in electronic payment usage and the development of an economic infrastructure that will enable Filipinos to access new financial products.”

“It will provide wide range of financial services that can help Filipinos build assets and participate in the formal economy which is a key to achieving inclusive growth and in the long run hoping to eliminate extreme poverty,” Carlson said.

He said the program will make the payment of taxes, permits and other transactions easier and more accessible to all.

“E-payments can be made right at the convenience of your home or office, saving you time from physically queuing or traveling just to settle obligations,” he said.

Salazar thanked the USAID for considering this city as a very vital place by helping and rolling out millions of dollars for projects that will usher growth and development.

“The lesson we want to learn is how to capacitate Zamboanga City so we can have opportunities for growth and development through the utilization and embracing new challenges through the use of electronic payments,” Salazar said.

Salazar expressed deep gratitude to the USAID for what she termed as a fruitful beginning stressing that with USAID’s guidance and support, this city will grow not only from rank 74 to 15 in the cities competitiveness ranking but will make a dent, make a ripple and make a way not only within the city but within Basilan, Sulu and the peninsula.

Edwin To, a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce, thanked Salazar for leading the way in the implementation of cashless transactions in this city stressing that “this is a manifestation of your dynamic leadership.”

The highlight of the launching program was a presentation of the E-Peso activity by USAID-E-PESO Chief of Party, the formal handover of the Executive Order 129-2015 creating the local government unit (LGU) E-Peso counterpart team by Salazar to Carlson and the signing of the Wall of Support.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798034

14 wounded as troops clash with ASG brigands, JI militants in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): 14 wounded as troops clash with ASG brigands, JI militants in Sulu

Fourteen people, including four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members, were wounded in an hour-long firefight Friday in the hinterlands of Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the firefight broke out around 6:29 a.m. Friday in Mount Awak, Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the firefight broke out when the marine forces encountered about 300 ASG members while conducting focus military operation.

Arrojado said the ground troops have sighted four Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militants, who were together with the ASG members during the clash.

He said the wounded soldiers belong to the 32nd Marine Company of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-2 (MBLT-2).

Arrojado said the Fire Base Santol pounded the positions of the enemy forces with 81-mm mortar shells while another platoon reinforced the engaged troops forcing the JIs and brigands to scamper to different directions.

He said the wounded troops were taken to the Trauma Hospital in Camp General Teodulfo Bautista and later to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.

He said that two of the wounded ASG brigands were identified as a certain Sueb and a certain Anas based on the reports from the ground troops.

He said the ASG brigands that figured in the firefight against the troops are led by Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, Muamar Askali, Almuktar Suddung, Namiel Ahajari, Basaron Arok and Yasser Igasan.

He said the troops are still conducting clearing operation at the clash site.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=798066