Tuesday, September 22, 2015

MILF sees 'almost zero' chance for BBL passage by yearend

From the Philippine Star (Sep 22): MILF sees 'almost zero' chance for BBL passage by yearend



The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) had drafted the Bangsamoro Bill based on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed in 2012 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.Philstar.com/File photo

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday acknowledged there is “almost zero” possibility now for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to get through the legislative mills of the two chambers of Congress before yearend.

“But we are not losing hope. The President of the Philippines had certified it as an urgent bill,” said the MILF’s chief negotiator, Muhaquer Iqbal.

Iqbal said they now see an “almost zero” chance for the draft BBL to get enacted into law in the coming weeks.

He reiterated the MILF’s rejection of a “watered down BBL,” or any version lesser in essence than the charter of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the Republic Act 9054.

“We have told the government about that,” he said.

The draft BBL, crafted by the Iqbal-led Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), is the enabling measure for the replacement of ARMM with a Bangsamoro entity based on two compacts between the government and the MILF - the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB).

Iqbal said the House of Representatives and the Senate have different revised versions of the bill the BTC drafted based on all agreements between the MILF and the government.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman on Monday night told The STAR, during a fellowship gathering of military officials and journalists at the Army’s Camp Siongco in Maguindanao’s Datu Odin town, he is certain the draft BBL would be enacted into law before yearend.

“We, incumbent regional officials, remain pat in our position to turn over the ARMM, its assets and personnel to the national government and to the MILF once the BBL is approved,” Hataman said.
The Hataman administration is a staunch supporter of the diplomatic dealings of President Benigno Aquino III with the MILF.

Hataman said he has no doubt on the sincerity of President Aquino to uphold government’s responsibility to comply with both the FAB and CAB.

“We are ready to step down and facilitate a transition from ARMM to a new Bangsamoro entity. It is a price we will not hesitate to pay for the sake of peace, lasting peace in our homeland,” Hataman said.

The ARMM covers Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur, which are both in mainland Mindanao, the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and the cities of Lamitan and Marawi.

The ARMM provinces and cities are to become the territorial core of an MILF-led Bangsamoro entity once the draft BBL is approved and ratified via a plebiscite to be administered in its proposed area of coverage.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/09/22/1502744/milf-sees-almost-zero-chance-bbl-passage-yearend

Brazen abduction shakes up quiet, luxurious Philippines island

From the Globe and Mail (Sep 22): Brazen abduction shakes up quiet, luxurious Philippines island

The gunmen arrived hours after sunset, into the darkness of a Philippine island idyll. Moments later, they left with four captives, two of them Canadian, part of a brazen abduction that has underscored the dangers of travel to parts of a country that likes to say, “It’s more fun in the Philippines.”

The unknown assailants – 11 men armed with handguns and M16 assault rifles – came on two boats Monday night to the Holiday Oceanview Marina, a small luxury destination on Samal Island.
 
Samal is a short boat ride from Mindanao, the southern Philippines island plagued by violence from armed Communist groups and Muslim extremists. For nearly two decades, Abu Sayyaf, an al-Qaeda-linked terror group whose leaders recently pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, has kidnapped dozens of foreign tourists, journalists and locals of other religions, demanding ransoms worth millions of dollars.
 
Dressed in T-shirts and their faces uncovered, the gunmen at the marina descended on the outermost yacht on each of the two docks, barging in and pulling out two couples.
 
From one boat came American Steven Tripp and his Japanese wife Kazuko Shibata-Tripp. From the other came Canadian Robert Hall and his Filipina girlfriend, a woman the Associated Press identified as Teresita Flor.
 
The screams of those under attack brought others running. Some were stopped by the assailants, who pointed guns at them and threatened to shoot.
 
Others got closer, including Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian who lived in Vancouver before sailing to Asia, and John Ridsdel, a semi-retired Canadian mining executive.
 
According to police and witnesses, the two men sought to help the Tripps, who fought off the gunmen and managed to escape, bruised and shaken.
 
Mr. Ridsdel and Mr. Sekkingstad were then taken captive with Mr. Hall and Ms. Flor, leaving behind a shaken group of yachters who thought they had found paradise on the Island Garden City of Samal.
 
“They don’t get any typhoons – people are very nice, it’s a nice area,” said one of the foreign yachters who witnessed the scene, but asked not to be identified for fear of being targeted.
 
Though police said the attack appeared targeted, the yachter said the gunmen simply barged on to the two most accessible yachts.
 
On Tuesday, the Philippine navy dispatched ships to block the route to Basilan Island, a stronghold maintained by Abu Sayyaf, and police said it was possible the group was involved.
 
Police also said a resort security guard found a handwritten note that said “Justice for our commander: by NPA.” The New People’s Army is made up of Communist guerrillas and is also considered a terrorist organization.
 
Superintendent Benedicto Faco, the chief of police on Samal, said it was possible Abu Sayyaf was involved. Superintendent Antonio Rivera, the local chief public information officer, cast doubt on the NPA link, saying the note was found “more than 500 metres away from where the incident happened. I don’t think it has a connection.”
 
No group has stepped forward to claim responsibility or demand a ransom.
 
Araceli Ayuste, who owns a nearby resort and serves as an adviser to the Samal City Resort Association, said she suspects “anti-government” forces who “don’t want development” in the area.
 
Developers are quickly turning the once-quiet island into a tourist destination. It was visited by 423,459 people last year, up 25 per cent from the year before, and local leaders have complained about forced evictions.
 
Police, however, cast doubt on that theory. “As far as I know there were no reports of people discontented with the resort owners,” Supt. Rivera said.
 
Nicolas Doire, a spokesman for Canada’s Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, said they were aware of the kidnapping but declined to comment or release information that might compromise rescue efforts or the safety of Canadian citizens.
 
The Holiday Oceanview Marina was built by a powerful local family as part of a larger development that includes construction – not yet complete – of a nearby resort subdivision. The marina is the only one in the area that can accept large motor yachts. Ellen Lee Kwen, a member of that family who was married to Mr. Sekkingstad until she died in 2013, had sought to develop the area into a sailing destination.
 
Mr. Ridsdel, the Canadian mining consultant, works on a part-time basis for Calgary-headquartered TVI Pacific Inc., which has a Philippines-based subsidiary.
 
Shirley Anthony, a spokeswoman for TVI, told Reuters that the company had launched a search for Mr. Ridsdel. “Right now we are actually in the midst of an intense rescue effort for John, a total manhunt,” Ms. Anthony said. “The military is involved as well.”
 
She said she did not believe there had yet been any contact with the kidnappers, but that “the people who have abducted him are professional kidnappers for ransom.”
 
Samal is located a short boat trip from Davao City, a thriving urban centre that is itself considered largely safe, the product in part of a mayor who has all but endorsed vigilante action against criminals. But the Canadian government warns against travel to large parts of the broader region, including Davao del Norte, the province that includes Samal, “due to the serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping.”
 
In 2001, Abu Sayyaf – its name means “bearer of the sword” – was blamed for a hostage-taking attempt at Pearl Farm Beach Resort, also on Samal Island. But local authorities subsequently suggested that attack, which left two security guards dead, may actually have been an accidental run-in with a gunrunning group that got lost.
 
The Samal region “is not [the] real area of operations” of Abu Sayyaf, said Zachary Abuza, a professor at the National War College in Washington, who has studied the group.
 
Other militant groups are more active in the area, Prof. Abuza said, although Abu Sayyaf has also “been in moneymaking mode,” and has recently conducted a spate of kidnappings. The group, formed in 1991, has an estimated 400 fighters and “swings wildly” from attacking security forces to kidnapping for ransom.
 
“This [region] is a stretch for them,” he added, but the incentive for kidnapping foreigners would be a potentially bigger ransom. “Kidnapping some Basilans, or local Filipinos, doesn’t get headlines and they get very small ransom. Kidnapping a foreigner from a Malaysian or Philippine dive resort gets attention,” he said.
 

In Photos: Armed kidnappers force two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina from their Philippine Island resort

From the Globe and Mail (Sep 22): In Photos: Armed kidnappers force two Canadians, a Norwegian and a Filipina from their Philippine Island resort

Philippine National Police have released security video of the abduction of Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians John Ridsdel and Robert Hall and his Filipina girlfriend. About eleven armed men forced them from their yachts at Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort on the northern tip of Samal Island off Davao City.

A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats. (Philippine National Police Service)

A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats.
(Philippine National Police Service)


A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats. (Philippine National Police Service)

A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats.
(Philippine National Police Service)


A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats. (Philippine National Police Service)

A security CCTV video frame grab shows the kidnappers forcing the hostages away from their boats.
(Philippine National Police Service)


An armed kidnapper is the last one to leave the resort. (Philippine National Police Service)

An armed kidnapper is the last one to leave the resort.
(Philippine National Police Service)


The compound of Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort is shown a day after unidentified gunmen abducted the four guests. (Manuel Cayon/Associated Press)

The compound of Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort is shown a day after unidentified gunmen abducted the four guests.  (Manuel Cayon/Associated Press)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/armed-kidnappers-force-two-canadians-a-norwegian-and-a-filipina-from-their-philippine-island-resort/article26472496/?from=26468651

Army trooper killed in Agusan del Sur skirmish

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22): Army trooper killed in Agusan del Sur skirmish

An Army soldier was killed while a militiaman was wounded when a gunbattle erupted Monday between government security forces and communist insurgents at Barangay Nuevo Trabajo, in San Luis, town, Agusan del Sur province, a sketchy report reaching this city yesterday said.

A flash report reaching the regional headquarters of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO-13) based at Camp Rafael C. Rodriguez here also stated that an undetermined number of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels was also believed killed or wounded during the fire fight.

Identities of the slain and wounded militiaman were not immediately known as of press time.

Initial report also stated that troops from the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26th IB) were conducting pursuit operations in relation to the abduction of Cpl. Adriano Dela Pena Bingil when engaged undetermined number of NPAs, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Bingil was part of a team of soldiers deployed for a peace outreach mission in nearby Barangay Mahagsay, also of that same town.

The gunbattle occurred at 7 a.m., and lasted for almost 15 minutes, field report said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-trooper-killed-in-agusan-del-sur-skirmish/

Indonesian, Malaysian among Abu leaders being hunted down in Sulu

Posted to the Manila Bulletin (Sep 22): Indonesian, Malaysian among Abu leaders being hunted down in Sulu

The Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) has launched simultaneous focused military operations (FMO) on Tuesday targeting the senior Abu Sayyaf brigand leaders and their foreign cohorts in Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, JTGS commander, said the concentration of the field military operation (FMO) under Oplan Castigation 17-15 were in the towns of Indanan, Parang, Patikul and Talipao where the Abu Sayyaf brigands are believed based.

Arrojado named the targeted senior Abu Sayyaf leaders as Radulan Sahiron, Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, Yasser Igasan, Mohammad Said alias Amah Maas, Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, Jamiri Jaong Jawhari, and Hairulla Asbang.

Arrojado said the foreign cohorts of the Abu Sayyaf brigands included Indonesian and Malaysian nationals and three of them were identified as Mohammad Najib Bin Husen with aliases Abraham and Anas, Mujammad Joraimee Bin Awang Raimee alias Abu Nur and Mahmud Bin Amad with aliases Doctor and Abu Handzalah.

He said the simultaneous FMO was also aimed at rescuing kidnap victims, who were still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf brigands in Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits are believed to be holding more than 10 people including some foreigners as well as Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Adana was seized while she was with relatives and friends in her residence in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga, last April 6.

http://www.mb.com.ph/indonesian-malaysian-among-abu-leaders-being-hunted-down-in-sulu/

Australian PM urges Beijing to ease island building in South China Sea

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 23): Australian PM urges Beijing to ease island building in South China Sea
 
Australia’s new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has advised China to ease off on island construction in the South China Sea if it wants a reduced US presence in the region.

Beijing claims almost the whole of the sea and over the past year has been converting reefs into artificial islands, with military facilities, sparking regional concern and warnings from Washington.

“There clearly are some tensions with the islands in the South China Sea, the reefs I should say, shoals,” Turnbull told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation late Monday.

China would be better advised, in its own interest frankly, not to be pushing the envelope there,” Turnbull said in an interview a week after he grabbed power in an internal Liberal Party coup.

“What we need to ensure is that the rise of China…  is… conducted in a manner that does not disturb the security and the relative harmony of the region upon which China’s prosperity depends.

“The pushing the envelope in the South China Sea has had exactly the reverse consequence of what China would seek to achieve.”

Turnbull stressed Australia enjoyed “very good relations” with China, but described Beijing’s South China Sea foreign policy as “counter-productive.”

“You would think that what China would seek to achieve is to create a sufficient feeling of trust and confidence among its neighbors that they no longer felt the need to have the US fleet and a strong US presence in the western Pacific.

“Now what the island construction and all of the activity in the South China Sea has done has resulted in the smaller countries surrounding that area turning to the United States even more than they did before.”

Turnbull gave as an example Vietnam, which despite “a very different history with the United States, is now seeking its support.”

Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei all have rival claims to the waters, which incorporate strategic shipping lanes and may hold oil and gas deposits.

The Pentagon has warned that China’s activities are changing the status quo and has weighed sending warships and surveillance aircraft within 12 nautical miles – the normal territorial zone around natural land – of the new artificial islands.

Beijing said in August it had finished the land reclamation work but a Washington think-tank last week said China may be building its third airstrip in the area.

China insists its facilities are intended for civilian as well as military purposes and has stressed it is committed to maintaining peace and assuring freedom of navigation in the area.

http://www.mb.com.ph/australian-pm-urges-beijing-to-ease-island-building-in-south-china-sea/

Palace to verify US rejection of Aquino aid plea

From the Manila Times (Sep 22): Palace to verify US rejection of Aquino aid plea

Malacañang on Tuesday said the government will verify a report that the US government rejected the supposed $300 million military aid requested by the Aquino administration.

The New York Times report published over the weekend said the Aquino government had private talks with the US to press for the military aid.

According to the report, the Obama administration “worries about corruption and the Philippines’ capacity to handle such an influx of resources.”

“Wala tayong tuwirang information tungkol diyan at kailangan muna nating alamin kung ano ang isinasaad ng ulat na ‘yan at berepikahin kung merong batayan (We have no direct information on that and we need to find out if that report is true),” Coloma told reporters.

He also refuted the same New York Times report for claiming that the Philippines may invite the US to reopen a naval base in Subic, Zambales amid China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

He said it was illogical for the Aquino government to consider the reopening of US military bases because it is banned by the Constitution.

“Hindi naman makatwiran ang paratang na iyan. Dahil labag sa Konstitusyon ‘yung pagkakaroon ng mga foreign military troops. At kahit kailanman ay hindi gumagawa ng labag sa Konstitusyon o batas ang ating pamahalaan,” Coloma said. “Makatwiran lamang na magpakita sila ng kongkretong katibayan at yaman din lamang [na] sila ang nagbabato ng akusasyon, responsibilidad nilang panindigan iyon at patunayan iyon. At kami naman ay handang magbigay ng paliwanag kung maipapakita na may katwiran ‘yung isinasaad ng kanilang posisyon (That claim is ridiculous. The government will not violate the Constitution. Those who are claiming that should present proof, since they’re he ones who are making these allegations),” he added.

The Philippines and the US forged the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement last year to advance the implementation of the decades-old Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

The new accord will increase the presence of US troops and military equipment in the Philippines, a move seen to counter China’s activities in disputed territories.

http://www.manilatimes.net/palace-to-verify-us-rejection-of-aquino-aid-plea/220165/

MILF: Amendments are on the way to forge acceptable BBL version: Palace

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 22): Amendments are on the way to forge acceptable BBL version: Palace

Amendments are on the way to forge acceptable BBL version: Palace


On Saturday, September 19, Malacañan said that “amendments are on the way to forge a version of Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that is acceptable by everyone”. The statement came after Mohagher Iqbal, Chief Negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said that the version of the proposed BBL from the Senate and the House of Representatives is "unacceptable". 

Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Edwin Lacierda in an interview on state-run dzRB said the concerns of all the stakeholders are being considered.

It requires the legislative mill to take its course, and the concerns of the MILF, the concerns of all the stakeholders—whatever they are—they have to be discussed because we are going through the legislative process, which is the role of the legislative branch,” he said.

“So, kung may concerns ang MILF, mayroon na kaming mga suggested amendment po na ginagawa. All that will have to be threshed out in the plenary, in the Senate and in the House floor. So let’s allow the debates to happen so that we can come up with a workable, operational, and a BBL that will be acceptable to all,” he added.

Iqbal made the statement during a forum on Friday where the Government and MILF panels discussed the status of the BBL, with only eight months left for President Benigno Aquino III's administration.

Iqbal also said during the forum that it was better to have no BBL than have a “bad” version of it.

"The issue on natural resources is the number one... Autonomy without access to revenues from natural resources is a joke," he said referring to provisions deleted by the House of Representatives.

Still, he said the MILF is counting on the Congress and the Aquino administration to pass the BBL.

“As a negotiator for more than 10 years, we've been in the rough and tumble. Whatever confronts us, we try to overcome it... We're open for improvement and enhancement. But we hope the essential components of an autonomous government is retained,” he said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/582-amendments-are-on-the-way-to-forge-acceptable-bbl-version-palace

CPP/NDF/NPA: NPA checkpoint arrests 26IB Sergeant Bengil in Agusan del Sur

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 23): NPA checkpoint arrests 26IB Sergeant Bengil in Agusan del Sur

Logo.ndfp
NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines
 
Media Statement
September 23, 2015

Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur (NPA WANAS) Sub-regional Command successfully arrests and takes Sergeant Adriano Delapeña Bengil (Serial Number: 831966) as prisoner-of-war (POW) after a checkpoint in Km.16, Brgy. Policarpo, San Luis, Agusan del Sur last Septembre 19, 2015, at around 10:45 o’clock in the morning. He is 34 years old, married and has two children, a resident of Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City. He is team leader to the Peace and Development Team (PDT) under 26th Infantry Battalion which conducts their Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) activities in Mahagsay, Agusan del Sur. At that day, he rode from Mahagsay (Km. 33) to San Luis town in order to send money to his family.

He is now under NPA costudy as isip prisoner of war. His NPA costudial unit ensures humane treatment according to the rules of engagement, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), and the three rules and eight points of discipline of the NPA regarding the humanitarian treatment of prisoners of war.

On September 20, at around 4:30 in the morning, another NPA unit hits using a command-detonated explosive (CDX) a platoon of 26th IB which pursued Sgt. Bengil’s arresting unit. It occurred near Km.13 of the same barangay. Two regular troops and a Civilian Armed Auxilliary (CAA) got killed while four suffered wounds in the incident.

On September 21, at around 6:45 in the morning, an NPA team harassed another column of 26IB troops in the mountainous part of Kamingawan, Brgy. Balit, San Luis. Five died and an undetermined number of reactionary soldiers got wounded in the harassment.

As we have done with the POW off last year and the captured member of 58th IB last July in Alagatan, Gingoog City, we are ready to do away with the normal process of investigation and revolutionary judicial process to Sgt. Bengil and will then formally release him as another gesture of goodwill and sincerity in seeking the resumption of peacetalks with the Aquino regime. We assure the family of Sgt. Bengil and the general public that he is in being treated well and will be able to return as soon as conditions allow his safe and orderly release. What could add as threat to his safety are the rescue operations of his comrades from the AFP. We would also notify the public that the money for his family is in the NPA’s good hands and we will find a way that it could reach his family.

Once again, we salute NPA-WANAS in their series of successful tactical offensives against 26th IB and we thank all the people who aided and inspired this action. With the firm unity of the NPA with the oppressed and exploited people, and with the guidance of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the US-Aquino regime’s Oplan Bayanihan is clearly being frustrated and the revolutionary movement will surely advance further and achieve more victories in the national democratic revolution with a socialist perspective.

Signed,

Ka Allan Juanito
Spokesperson
New People’s Army
North Central Mindanao Regional Command

CPP/NDF-Ang Bayan: Paigtingin ang digmang bayan sa harap ng pasistang brutalidad ni Aquino

From the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan (Sep 21): Paigtingin ang digmang bayan sa harap ng pasistang brutalidad ni Aquino (Intensify the people's war in the face of Aquino's fascist brutality)
Logo.ndfp
NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines
 
Ang Bayan
21 Sept 2015 issue
Tagalog

May bagong antas ng sidhi at brutalidad ang magkakasunod na armadong pagsupil ng rehimeng Aquino nitong nagdaang mga buwan laban sa mga aktibista, lider-masa at buu-buong komunidad. Please click here to read more

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150921_ang-bayan-21-sept-2015-issue-paigtingin-ang-digmang-bayan-sa-harap-ng-pasistang-brutalidad-ni-aquino

CPP/NDF/NPA: Ang Kamatuoran sa Panghitabo sa Kamatayon sa Duha ka Myembro sa Bolo Batalyon sa Lilingayon, Valencia City

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 20): Ang Kamatuoran sa Panghitabo sa Kamatayon sa Duha ka Myembro sa Bolo Batalyon sa Lilingayon, Valencia City (The True Story About the Death of Two Members of Bolo Battalion Lilingayon, Valencia City)


Logo.ndfp
NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines
 
Pamahayag sa Media Setyembre 20, 2015

Usa ka wala damha nga armadong panagsangka ang natigayon tali sa us aka tim sa BHB ilalom sa Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Operational Command ug sa mag-isguong Licanay nga parehong myembro sa Bolo Batalyon kaniadtong Setyembre 13 sa Sityo Tandacul, Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City. Namatay sa maong panagsangka ang duha. Sumala sa taho sa tim sa BHB, nasugatan nila ang managsuon sa lasangong bahin sa ibabaw sa Tandakol-Mintolod mga alas 8 sa buntag. Apan pagsaylo gamay og pila ka lakang, namusil ang membro sa Bolo Batalyon gamit ang ilang mugbo nga armas. Nakabalos dayun ang tim sa BHB.

Sukwahi sa gipamahayag sa media sa amahan sa duha nga si Junie Licanay, walay nahitabo nga pagpamun-og ug pagpahubo sa iyang mga anak nga namatay. Hugot nga nagasunod ang BHB sa mga internasyunal nga balaod sa gubat ug CARHRIHL nga amo nang napamatud-an sa taas na nga panahon.

Dili ikatingala kung ang bersyon ni Junie Licanay mao ang pagdaut sa NPA tungod kay publikong kasayuran na sa lugar nga siya dugay nang ahente sa 8th IB, iladong kriminal ug may taas nga rekord sa pagka-kawatan nga dugay nang nakahasol sa mga baryohanon.

Mao na ni ang tirada sa Oplan Bayanihan karon – ang pagligalisa sa mga criminal nga armadong grupo sama ni Licanay aron maoy ibatok sa rebolusyonaryong kalihukan. Gigamit ang grupong Licanay sa AFP sa Bukidnon ug sa 4ID pinaagi sa ilang tigpamaba nga si Capt. Martinez sa ilang paningkamot nga matabonan ang ilang tulubagon sa masaker sa pamilyang Samia ug Somina sa Mendis, Pangantucan kaniadtong Agosto 18. Hangtud karon, padayon pa nga nagasinggit og hustisya ang pamilya ug nagpaabot sila sa resulta sa congressional inquiry ug pagpasang-at sa kaso mismo kang Pinoy sa pagduso sa mga Lumad nga organisasyon, sa mga human rights advocates ug mismo sa CBCP.

Pinirmahan,
Mamerto Bagani
Tigpamaba
Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Operational Command

2 Chinese jets dangerously intercept US spy plane over Yellow Sea

From InterAksyon (Sep 23): 2 Chinese jets dangerously intercept US spy plane over Yellow Sea



US F-35 stealth fighter jet. FILE PHOTO

Two Chinese fighter jets passed dangerously close to an American spy plane in international airspace over the Yellow Sea, a US official said Tuesday.

News of the close encounter came as Chinese President Xi Jinping began a state visit to the United States.

The incident occurred September 15 when the Chinese planes intercepted an American RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft and crossed directly in front of it, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook declined to give specifics about what happened but confirmed an incident had taken place.

"The pilot reported that he felt like the aircraft passed in front of his nose in an unsafe fashion," Cook told reporters.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117889/2-chinese-jets-dangerously-intercept-us-spy-plane-over-yellow-sea

NPAs burn firm’s heavy equipment in Masbate; non-payment of revolutionary tax

From the Bicol Today (Sep 22): NPAs burn firm’s heavy equipment in Masbate; non-payment of revolutionary tax

 Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

For allegedly failing to pay revolutionary tax, New People’s Army (NPA) members on early Monday morning set on fire four heavy equipment of a company at its construction site in a village in Mandaon town, Masbate, a police officer said Tuesday.

Police Senior Insp. Malu Calubaquib, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol spokesperson, said a group of 50 communist dissidents raided at about 4 a.m. Monday the equipment compound of the Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. in Barangay (village) Tagpu, Mandaon town.

The construction firm is reportedly owned by Legazpi City-based businessman Elizaldy Co.

The communist rebels burned two dump trucks, a backhoe and a truck cement mixer of the construction firm by pouring gasoline and setting these on fire.

The police report could not yet determine the cost of damage brought by the incident and could not say if there were employees at the site when the raid took place, Calubaquib said.

She said the heavy equipment were being used in constructing a barangay road in the vicinity of barangays Alas and Tagpu in Mandaon town. Police investigators theorized that the motive for the attack was the failure of the construction firm to pay extortion money demanded by the rebels.

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/09/22/npas-burn-firms-heavy-equipment-in-masbate-non-payment-of-revolutionary-tax/

AFP resumes operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From ABS-CBN (Sep 22): AFP resumes operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday morning resumed its operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu province.

The commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, said they received information that about 200 members and commanders of the Abu Sayyaf will convene in certain areas in Sulu within the week.

He said the AFP immediately deployed troops in the municipalities of Indanan, Patikul and Talipao, where the bandits have reportedly converged.

The bandits are headed by their senior leader Radullan Sahiron, who is considered as a high-value target by the military. The United States has offered a $1-million reward for Sahiron's capture.

Arrojado said other sub-commanders of the Abu Sayyaf are also expected to convene in Sulu: Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan, Mohammad Said, Muammar Askali, Jamiri Jaong Jawhari and Hairulla Asbang.

Six foreign terrorists were also sighted with the group. Three of them were identified as Mohammad Najib Bin Husen, Muhammad Joraimee Bin Awang Raimee and Mahmud Bin Ahmad, who are linked to Jemaah Islamiyah and believed to be well-trained in bomb making.

Arrojado said these foreign bomb experts have been sharing to members of the Abu Sayyaf their knowledge in making improvised explosive devices.

The resumption of the law enforcement operation in Sulu is also targeted to rescue some of kidnap victims, such as the mayor of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Gemma Adana, who was abducted last April, and foreign nationals including the Malaysian couple snatched in a restaurant in Sabah last May.

Arrojado also asked the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the province not to support the Abu Sayyaf Group.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/22/15/afp-resumes-operations-vs-abu-sayyaf-sulu

‘Reds collect P1.3B revolutionary taxes in Eastern Mindanao’

From MindaNews (Sep 22): ‘Reds collect P1.3B revolutionary taxes in Eastern Mindanao’

An international peace group has revealed that businesses in Eastern Mindanao alone, a region with a strong mining industry, have allegedly lost at least P1.3 billion in “revolutionary taxes” to communist rebels last year.

International Alert, citing confidential sources, disclosed the figure on Saturday on the heels of the group’s call for the government to restart peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to avoid further economic as well as human losses.

Judy Gulane, International Alert Philippines communication specialist, said: “We continue to work with the UP (University of the Philippines) School of Economics in coming up with an estimate of the economic cost of the communist insurgency, then we will present this to the government,” she said.

In Davao City last week, International Alert called on the government to quickly reopen peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, CCP’s political wing, noting that businesses and local government units caught in the conflict have reported mounting economic and human losses.

“The government, together with those sectors directly affected by the conflict should work hand in hand to end the communist insurgency at the soonest possible time,” Francisco J. Lara Jr., country manager of International Alert, said in a statement.

This should be pursued even as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front had struck a political settlement, he added.

Lara said the communist insurgency in the country, considered as the longest running communist insurgency in Asia, is exacting a higher toll than the Moro rebellion.

The communist rebellion ran longer and is affecting more provinces in the country, he said, stressing that in Mindanao, “it is a scourge in the Caraga Region, the Davao provinces and Compostela Valley.”

“Companies in these provinces are forced to pay millions in “revolutionary taxes” and have seen many of their facilities and equipment destroyed,” Lara said.

He added that “local governments cannot attract investments and tourists that should have boosted the local economy,” apparently due to the security risk posed by the communist insurgency.

The Aquino government has made several attempts since 2010 to restart peace negotiations with the communist rebels.

Informal talks last year were aimed at resuming formal negotiations but these eventually collapsed.

By focusing attention on the impact of the communist insurgency on business and local communities, International Alert said it hopes the government will exert more vigor and urgency in reviving talks with the communist rebels.

Local government officials and executives from agribusiness, mining and other industrial companies operating in the region attended the Davao forum last week.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/22/reds-collect-p1-3b-revolutionary-taxes-in-eastern-mindanao/

President of mining firm among 3 foreigners kidnapped in Samal

From MindaNews (Sep 22): President of mining firm among 3 foreigners kidnapped in Samal

Armed men on board two pumpboats stormed a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte late Monday night, abducted a Filipina and three foreigners, including the president of a mining firm, and sped off towards the direction of Pantukan in Compostela Valley, authorities said.

Abducted at around 11:30 p.m. Monday from the Holiday Oceanview Samal Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak district in Samal, the prime tourist destination of Davao del Norte, were Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56, a Norwegian, and Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68 and Robert Hall, 50, and Hall’s Filipina partner identified as Tess.

Ridsdel is President of TVI Minerals Processing, Inc., a firm providing mineral mining services, with main office in Pasig City but with business interests in Mindanao.

Courtesy of EastMinCom

Photo courtesy of EastMinCom[/caption]

The Government of Canada, in a statement e-mailed Monday night to MindaNews by Nicolas Doire, spokesperson of the Media Relations Office of the Public Affairs Branch of the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development department, said it is “aware of reports that Canadian citizens were kidnapped in the Philippines” and that it is “pursuing all appropriate channels to seek further information.”

“The Government of Canada will not comment or release any information which may compromise ongoing efforts and risk endangering the safety of Canadian citizens abroad,” the statement read.

Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Commander Rafael Mariano was quoted as saying the kidnappers’ boats was headed towards the direction of Pantukan in Compostela Valley.

“More or less 11 armed men”
Samal Chief of Police Benedicto Frias Faco, quoting a spot report said that at 11:45 p.m. Monday, Cheena Jala Canencia, the officer-in-charge of Holiday Oceanview Resort, personally appeared at the police station and reported the forcible abduction of foreigner-guests of the resort.

The report noted that initial police investigation showed that at around 11:23 p.m. Monday night, “more or less 11 men, wearing civilian attire with backpack and bandolier, armed with two long firearms and short firearms, on board two motorized bancas docked at the resort.”

An ABS-CBN report Monday night showed CCTV footage of unmasked armed men as they were forcing their victims to board the boats. The report also quoted a police official as saying the armed men spoke “fluent English and Tagalog.”

Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said the suspects on board two boats docked at the resort and forcibly took the victims.

Rivera said some of the armed men even barged into the yacht of the couple Steven and Kazuka Tripp but the two fought back and managed to escape.

The couple was rushed to Davao del Norte Hospital-Samal Zone after sustaining head injuries.

Photo courtesy of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) police

Photo courtesy of Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) police[/caption]

Rivera also said that the resort security, Alfie Monoy recovered at around 4 a.m. a handwritten note at the entrance gate some 500 meters away from the docking area that allegedly stated, “katarungan ng aming commander by: NPA” (Justice of our commander by: New Peoples’ Army).

The NPA, historically, does not leave behind handwritten notes but issues formal statements and sends these to media outlets to announce or deny it perpetrated an act.

Task Group Oceanview
The Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office has set up Special Investigation Task Group Oceanview to conduct an in-depth investigation on the incident.

In a separate phone interview Tuesday, Capt. Alberto Caber, chief of the Public Information Office (PIO) and spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), told MindaNews joint forces from the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao. Philippine Coast Guard and 10th Infantry Division have already been deployed to investigate and conduct pursuit operations to assist the local police.

In a text message sent to the media, Samal mayor Aniano Antalan urged beach resort owners in Samal to beef up security measures to ensure the safety of the visitors, encouraging them to install high definition closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) and equip their security guards.

After the kidnapping, Antalan said there is a need to improve the security measures in the island city.

Araceli Ayuste, president of the Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism Council emphasized the need for resort operators to put in place a communication network as part of the security mitigating measures during crisis situations.

2nd in 14 years

Ridsdel, according to his linked in account, is President of the TVI Minerals Processing, Inc., a firm that provides mineral mining services. According to BloombergBusiness’ website, the company, a subsidiary of TVI International Marketing Limited, engages in mining of Copper, Silver, Zinc, Gold, and other minerals.

The company is based in Pasig City. Before that, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Executive officer of the TVI Resource Development from August 2008 to April 2011. TVIRD, which first operated a gold and silver mine in Canatuan, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, is the Philippine affiliate of TVI Pacific, Inc., a publicly listed Canadian mining company focused on the exploration and production of precious and base metals from district-scale, large-system, high-margin projects located in the Philippines.

It was the second abduction incident in 14 years in Samal, but the first, in May 2011 at the Pearl Farm resort, was foiled by alert security guards. The attack was allegedly perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf Group. Two employees were killed while three others were injured.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/09/22/president-of-mining-firm-among-3-foreigners-kidnapped-in-samal/

Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for insurgency-free province

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Surigao Norte LGU inks MOA with 4ID, PA for insurgency-free province

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the declaration of Siargao Islands as ‘insurgency-free’ and Surigao del Norte as ‘conflict manageable and ready for further development’ is signed on Sunday in General Luna, Siargao between the provincial government of Surigao del Norte led by Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) chairperson and governor Sol Matugas and Task Force Diamond, 4th Infantry Division (4ID), Philippine Army (PA) represented by Col. Henry Dar.

According to Gov. Matugas, the signing ceremony in the declaration of the island as insurgency-free is history in the making wherein said areas are given the proof of reality that indeed stable and habitable. " Such feat is never easy to achieve. I would like to attribute this to the disciplined and loving people of Siargao and Surigao del Norte who painstakingly perpetuate and preserved the time learned values of respect, love, pride of place, solidarity, generosity, and most of all religiousity. I also commend and recognize the Army forces for their best efforts in planting the seed of peace in the island of Siargao where east meets west,” underscored Matugas.

In a provision as contained in the MOA, Siargao Island has never been influenced by the CCP/NPA/NDF (CNN) as its politico-military infrastructure does not exist. The insurgent’s armed group has ceased to exist and there has been no record of terroristic and NPA initiated violent incident for the past years. Likewise, lawless criminal activities have come to a very manageable level which the PNP can ably address.

“The leadership of the Philippine Army (PA) through MGen Oscar Lactao and the Philippne National Police (PNP) through PCSupt Vert Chavez and their officers and staff have made a big difference in the province. Today, we stand with pride here in the island as we celebrate the recognition you accorded to this world gem of beauty and adventure – Siargao, an insurgency-free island,” articulated Matugas.

It can be recalled that a Joint Recommendation Report (Declaration of Siargao Island as Insurgency-Free Province) dated September 20, 2015 was passed and approved by the SDN-PPOC. It aims to build confidence among the people and the stakeholders in order to create an environment that is conducive to socio-economic, political and cultural development, free of CNN influence.

“Thank you to the Phil. Army, PNP and Department of Interior and Local Government for the job well done and for working with us in sustaining peace and security in Caraga region," said Gov. Matugas.

Along with the inking of MOA, all other local government officials of said areas also affix their signatures on the board of pledge as a manifesto of their unrelenting support by providing quality service, and ensuring the preservation of peace in homes/communities and environmental possessions abound its province.

Caraga tribal chieftains sign manifesto for peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Caraga tribal chieftains sign manifesto for peace

Tribal chieftains of Caraga region unanimously sign the manifesto for peace last Friday, September 18 at the 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division's (4ID's) Advance Command Post, Brgy. Bancasi, this city.
 
The manifesto aims to strengthen the Indigenous Political Structure in accordance with the Indigenous Knowledge, Systems and Practices; and to express commitment of support for the peace and development government programs.

According to Sultan Julius Mabandos, chairperson of Indigenous Peoples Economic Union, the manifesto is just one of the steps of the chieftains to attain sustainable peace and development in the indigenous cultural communities in Caraga and also their commitment to help the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to fight against violence.

Moreover, 4ID spokesperson Captain Joe Patrick Martinez said the military in coordination with the PNP is also exerting unified effort for law enforcement operations.

“The Army and the police force are here for unity, peacekeeping and protection of our people,” Martinez added.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3021442799798/caraga-tribal-chieftains-sign-manifesto-for-peace

1st CAV Squadron bags Best Battalion award for 2015

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): 1st CAV Squadron bags Best Battalion award for 2015

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army bagged two (2) awards from the Army Governance Pathway during the 9th Activation Anniversary at Camp O’Donnel,  Capas, Tarlac recently.

Lt.Col. Charlemagne F. Batayola, Jr., commanding officer of the 1st CAV received the awards as Best Cavalry Squadron for 2015 and the Governance Strategy Management Office (GSMO) award for being the only battalion who implemented the first stage of the Philippine Army’s Performance governance system (PGS) particularly, the initiated stage.

The PGS is a performance management tool that assesses government agencies.

Batayola received the plaque of recognition from LtGen. Eduardo Ano, commanding general of the Philippine Army, for having demonstrated the commitment to pursue genuine transformation and reform as manifested by its exemplary progress to governance and strategy management.

The award was bestowed by 1st Mechanized Infantry Division commander MGen Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz and assisted by Engr. Fernando Limbitco, chairman of the Multi-Stakeholders Advisory Board (MSAB) and city administrator of San Fernando.  

It is the second time that the 1st Cavalry Squadron received the award as Best Cavalry Squadron, the first was in September 2013.

Batayola said the Army Governance Pathway lauded the overall operational readiness of the unit saying that the armor personnel are more capable and responsive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ needs and are operationally ready to perform its mission.

He added that under the Army Transformation Roadmap, the 18-year transformation and governance program, all line units are mandated to implement four (4) stages of PGS, namely: initiated, compliant, proficient, and institutionalized.

Asked if the unit can sustain the next stages of PGS, Batayola said the armor personnel were more inspired and motivated to perform their duties and responsibilities to attain its goal to become a more credible, dynamic, responsive, capable and professional Army by 2028.

“Our collective efforts and hard work as members of the Tagapanguna team has finally paid off,” Batayola proudly said, as he congratulated them.

He said the awards they received will serve as a challenge for them to do more and perform better in the fulfillment of their duties and responsibilities of serving the people and securing the land.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371442732780/1st-cav-squadron-bags-best-battalion-award-for-2015

701st Brigade Celebrates 7th Reactivation Anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): 701st Brigade Celebrates 7th Reactivation Anniversary

Mati City, Davao Oriental — The 701st Infantry (KAGITINGAN) Brigade celebrated its 7th Reactivation Anniversary last September 15, 2015 at the 701st Headquarters, Sitio Magay, Don Martin Marundan, Mati City Davao Oriental.

The activity was attended by no less than the Provincial Governor, Honorable Corazon N Malanyaon and the Congressman of 2nd Dictrict, Honorable Nelson “Boy” Dayanghirang.

There were about 200 visitors who joined this momentous occasion coming from the different sectors of the society. From the uniformed men, Colonel Casiano Monilla, the newly installed Assistant Division Commander of the 10th Infantry Division heads the contingent, Police Senior Superintendent Joseph Sepulchre of Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office, and Director III Adzhar Albani of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency of Region 11.

Also, present are the Youth for Peace Movement-Davao Oriental who had their variety show and the students from Mati Elementary School Special Education Center who showcased their talents by giving a doxology performance.  There were also visitors and personalities from the different municipalities of Davao Oriental who warmly celebrated the anniversary.

Awards were given to the different deserving personalities both from the uniformed services and from the civilian sectors. To mention a few, Gawad sa Kaunlaran, Plaque of Recognition and Appreciation, and Combat Excellence Award. Also, the launching of the 701st Brigade hymn entitled “TROPA NG KAGITINGAN” culminated the activity. The hymn was composed by Mr. Dioscoro Vicentino and was sung by the Provincial Capitol Choir together with the personnel of the Brigade. Indeed, the occasion was graced with different performances from the different sectors and uniformed partners in peace and development.

As what Governor Malanyaon said “I am a strong advocate of convergence and made it as one of my development strategies. You brought us honor through being the outstanding Brigade of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division. I am sure that with the remarkable change in the military image, people who were once skeptical, and resentful of military presence and doubtful of military motives to help depressed communities would realize the military’s sincerity and commitment and would see the benefit working together to bring about change towards peace and development.”

“This Brigade has attained its lofty status because of pride and prestige. It will continue to perform well for it has a vision and mission well defined and understood by every member of Team Kagitingan. Now it has a hymn and a rallying point. 701st Infantry (KAGITINGAN) Brigade will always be your peacekeepers and defenders of freedom and democracy. Help us attain our goals and make this province a bastion of peace and development. Least we forget, KAGITINGAN stands for bravery, valor, sincerity, candor, truthfulness and desire to fulfill its mission, goal and objectives”, Col Datuin Jr said on his message.(4th Civil Military Operations Company, Public Affairs Office, PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591442801824/701st-brigade-celebrates-7th-reactivation-anniversary

Note points to NPAs as kidnappers of Samal tourists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 22): Note points to NPAs as kidnappers of Samal tourists

Davao del Norte - - KATARUNGAN NG AMING COMMANDER by: NPA
 
A note with the said inscription was seen at about 4:00AM this morning (September 22) at the entrance gate of Holiday Oceanview Resort, Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) just 500 meters away where the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina happened last night.

Davao del Norte Provincial Police Director PSSupt. Samuel Gadingan stressed that even if the note was found near the incident area, the police is still investigating as to who is behind the kidnapping.

Police Director Gadingan also emphasized that the note can be one of their leads but they are also looking into other armed groups that might be using the note as distraction to their investigation.

At about 11:23PM, more or less 11 armed men onboard two motorized banca abducted the resort’s operation manager and Norwegian National Kjartan Sekkinstad (56), along with Canadian Nationals John Ridsdel (68) and Robert Hall (50) and his Filipina live-in partner identified as Tess (40).

IGACOS Police Station Chief PSupt Benedicto Frias Faco indicated in the spot report that they are coordinating with the PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Task Group Samal for follow-up operations.

The police station is set to organize a special investigation task group to conduct in-depth investigation of the incident.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2871442907669/note-points-to-npas-as-kidnappers-of-samal-tourists

Military foils Abu Sayyaf's bombing attempt in Patikul, Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Military foils Abu Sayyaf's bombing attempt in Patikul, Sulu

Government authorities have foiled early Tuesday a bombing attempt by the Abu Sayyaf rebels in Patikul, Sulu, a top military official disclosed.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said this came after the barangay officials have discovered an improvised bomb fashioned out as a landmine at Kilometer 6, Barangay Sandah, Patikul.

Arrojado said the officials were on the way to the barangay hall around 9:50 a.m. on Tuesday when they discovered the improvised bomb and reported it to the military troops.

Arrojado said the explosive ordnance demolition and K9 team immediately conducted “a paneling and clearing in the area” that led to the safe recovery of the improvised bomb.

He said that several and innocent people could have either been killed or wounded had the improvised bomb was not discovered since it was placed along the trail commonly used by the residents of Sandah.

He said the placement of the improvised bomb maybe a part of the harassment against the residents of Barangay Sandah for their refusal to provide sanctuary to the rebel group.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits on Monday afternoon harassed the residents of Barangay Sandah that resulted to the death of an imam (Muslim preacher) of the place.

He said the rebels were irked by the insistence of the residents in the area to push through with the concreting of the circumferential road linking the barangay of Sandah to Tugas, Patikul.

The rebel group opposes the concreting of the Sandah-Tugas portion of the circumferential road.

Likewise, Arrojado said, the proliferation of improvised bomb could be the result of the bomb-making trainings conducted by the group for foreign terrorists in the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806734

Troops clash with Abu Sayyaf brigands in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Troops clash with Abu Sayyaf brigands in Sulu

The government forces have clashed with a group of Abu Sayyaf brigands barely almost two hours after launching a focused military operations (FMO) Tuesday in the province of Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the clash ensued around 8:55 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the clash ensued as troops from the Bravo Company of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion chanced upon a group of 30 Abu Sayyaf brigands led by Guro Ibrahim while conducting FMO.

Arrojado, who is also the commander of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade, said the Abu Sayyaf brigands were “on the process of laying IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices)” when chanced upon by the troops.

He said the brigands were believed to have suffered casualties as one of the IEDs they were carrying prematurely exploded.

He said the firefight lasted for about 35 minutes after which the Abu Sayyaf brigands fled as the troops pounded their positions with artillery fires.

He said the Alpha Company troops of the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion linked up with the Bravo Company personnel during the firefight.

He added that the troops from the Army’s 32nd Infantry Battalion, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and 2nd Marine Brigade conducted blocking positions to contain the movements of the Abu Sayyaf brigands as the FMO continues.

The Joint Task Group Sulu launched the FMO effective Tuesday targeting the senior Abu Sayyaf brigand leaders and their foreign cohorts in Sulu.

Arrojado disclosed the brigands’ foreign cohorts included Malaysian and Indonesian nationals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806760

For alleged failure to pay revolutionary tax, NPA men burn firm's heavy equipment in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): For alleged failure to pay revolutionary tax, NPA men burn firm's heavy equipment in Masbate

For allegedly failing to pay revolutionary tax, New People’s Army (NPA) members on early Monday morning set on fire four heavy equipment of a company at its construction site in a village in Mandaon town, Masbate, a police officer said Tuesday.

Police Senior Insp. Malu Calubaquib, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol spokesperson, said a group of 50 communist dissidents raided at about 4 a.m. Monday the equipment compound of the Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. in Barangay (village) Tagpu, Mandaon town.

The construction firm is reportedly owned by Legazpi City-based businessman Elizaldy Co.

The communist rebels burned two dump trucks, a backhoe and a truck cement mixer of the construction firm by pouring gasoline and setting these on fire.

The police report could not yet determine the cost of damage brought by the incident and could not say if there were employees at the site when the raid took place, Calubaquib said.

She said the heavy equipment were being used in constructing a barangay road in the vicinity of barangays Alas and Tagpu in Mandaon town.

Police investigators theorized that the motive for the attack was the failure of the construction firm to pay extortion money demanded by the rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806765

4 more NPA men yield in South Cotabato, Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): 4 more NPA men yield in South Cotabato, Sarangani

Four more members of a New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in the hinterlands of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces have surrendered to government troops following informal negotiations.

Lt. Col Ronald Jess Alcudia, commander of the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion, said Tuesday the rebels separately yielded over the weekend in T’boli town in South Cotabato and Kiamba in Sarangani Province.

He said the returnees were all members of field units under the NPA’s Front 73, which operates in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

“These are disgruntled NPA members. They mainly decided to surrender and lead normal lives due to the uncertainty of their cause,” he said in a radio interview.

Alcudia said one of the two rebels who surrendered in T’boli, South Cotabato brought along a high-powered firearm.

Citing his initial discussions with the returnees, he said they were encouraged to join the rebel group due to promises of regular salaries and other benefits.

Some of them were promised monthly pay, which reportedly starts at Php5,000, and a sack of rice for their families.

“These were all empty promises and they eventually realized that,” Alcudia said.

The Army official said the returnees, who he refused to name due to security reasons, are now undergoing the required evaluation for the granting of initial relief assistance.

He said they will later enroll the four former rebels into the Comprehensive Local Integration Program so they could available of other socio-economic and livelihood assistance.

“We’ve been receiving surrender feelers from the other rebels so we expect some of them to also yield soon,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806809

‘Tabak’ division sets 2-day seminar on Army Transformation Roadmap for media practitioners

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): ‘Tabak’ division sets 2-day seminar on Army Transformation Roadmap for media practitioners

The Philippine Army has scheduled the conduct of a two-day orientation seminar about the Army’s Transformation Roadmap (ATR) for the media practitioners of this province.

The seminar is scheduled to be held from Thursday until Friday at the officers’ clubhouse of the Army’s 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division in Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Invited to attend the two-day seminar are the members of the Misamis Occidental Army-PNP Press Corps (MOAPHIL).

Lt. Col. Audie Mongao, 1st Infantry Division public affairs officer, said the orientation-seminar is intended to develop a pool of media practitioners to advocate the Army’s Transformation Roadmap.

Mongao said that Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, 1st Infantry Division commander, will tackle his administration’s performance measures and target; stakeholders support perspective; finance and logistics perspective; internal process prospective; human resource perspective; and, constituency perspective.

He said the resource speakers in the two-day seminar will include from the Army Governance Strategic Management Office (AGSMO) and from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.
 

PNP-12 deploys 149 more cops enhance counter-insurgency operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): PNP-12 deploys 149 more cops enhance counter-insurgency operations

The Police Regional Office (PRO)-12 is set to deploy an additional 149 police personnel to augment its counter-insurgency operations in parts of the region.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Martin Gonzales, PRO-12 public information officer, said Tuesday the regional police is currently finalizing the arrangements for the movement of the police personnel to strategic areas within the region’s four provinces and five cities.

Also known as Soccsksargen, the region comprises the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, North Cotabato and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.

“These are police personnel who were especially trained for counter-insurgency operations,” he said.

He was referring to the Philippine National Police’s modified Special Counter Insurgency Operations Unit Training (SCOUT).

Gonzales said the 149 policemen comprise the latest graduates of the 45-day SCOUT course that was facilitated by the PRO-12’s Regional Training School based in this city.

Also known as modified SCOUT 46-2015 “Kamagong” class, the new police scouts received their certificates of completion and pins in a simple ceremony held the PRO-12 headquarters in Barangay Tambler here on Monday.

The police official said the SCOUT course is considered as one of the “toughest trainings a police officer could ever experience.”

He said the training covers modules on internal security operations and counter-insurgency strategies.

It comprise rope courses; close quarter battle; first aid; terrain modelling; immediate action drill; water/seaborne tactics; survival and field training exercises; and, community immersion, he said.

“The training also puts premium on combat skills development, jungle fighting and survival techniques,” Gonzales said.

Along with the skills enhancement, he added that the SCOUT course teaches trainees how to think and act fast as well as withstand operational pressures.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806813