From the Business Mirror (Nov 16): WB: CPP-NPA netted P1.6-billion revolutionary tax in East Mindanao
A World Bank senior economist said the communist insurgency collected as much as P1.6 billion in revolutionary tax in eastern Mindanao last year.
The estimate was P300 million higher than an earlier estimate disclosed by the International Alert, a London-based private organization helping foreign and domestic companies operate under socially and environmentally acceptable parameters in their host countries, including the Philippines.
Karl Kendrick Chua, senior country economist at the Philippine office of the World Bank, said the report emanated from the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command. He did not elaborate on the taxation scheme of the National Democratic Front and its main revolutionary organizations. But he said consultations with government agencies like, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of Defense, including guerrillas who have surrendered, would indicate that the communist insurgency “could be addressed on the jobs side.”
“Unlike the Moro insurgency, the [communist insurgency] could be addressed on the economics side,” he said.
Businessman Vicente Lao Jr., president of the Mindanao Business Council, raised the insurgency issue during the board meeting of the World Bank, the Philippine Business for Social Progress and the Mindanao Development Authority on Friday at the Seda Hotel here.
He wanted to inquire if the government has again initiated talks with the National Democratic Font ( NDF), saying that the insurgents’ burning construction equipment and machineries of mining and agriculture companies “may discourage investments and businesses in Mindanao.”
He told the BusinessMirror that he lost P6 million in the guerrilla five attacks on his highway construction projects outside Davao City.
The Davao City-based online news group, Mindanews, said International Alert has appealed to Malacañang to open up new peace negotiations with the NDF, saying that this may contain “economic and human losses.”
It said that its contact organizations in the Philippines estimated the losses to be not less than P1.3 billion in “revolutionary taxes” to communist rebels last year.
The Mindanews quoted its country manager, Francisco J. Lara Jr., as saying that “companies in these provinces are forced to pay millions in revolutionary taxes and have seen many of their facilities and equipment destroyed.”
“Local governments cannot attract investments and tourists that should have boosted the local economy,” he said.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/wb-cpp-npa-netted-p1-6-billion-revolutionary-tax-in-east-mindanao/
Monday, November 16, 2015
AFP supports Cardinal Tagle’s call for dialogue, unity for Lumad issues
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 16): AFP supports Cardinal Tagle’s call for dialogue, unity for Lumad issues
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – AFP supports Tagle’s call for dialogue, unity for Lumad.
Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has expressed support to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle’s call for a dialogue involving all stakeholders in connection with the plight of the Lumad tribe in Mindanao.
“Time is rife to thresh out and listen to all sides of what’s really going on in our Lumad communities. The AFP is always open to dialogue with all stakeholders to end the violence against the Lumads. We deeply appreciate the concerns of Archbishop Tagle and rest assured the AFP will fully cooperate with him and al stakeholders in this endeavour to end the plight of the Lumad people,” Kakilala said.
On Thursday, Tagle personally visited representatives of the Lumad tribe camping at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila where he had patiently listened to their complaints and demands.
Tagle also issued a statement and one of his points was calling on all stakeholders to sit down and talk about and resolve the plight of the Lumad tribe.
“Kinakailangan nating lahat na umupo, mag-usap, at magtulungan upang tunay nating mabigyang lunas ang kalagayan ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo sa Mindanao,” Tagle said.
“Mayroon tayong lahat na naging pagkukulang at kasalanan sa nagyayari ngayon sa ating mga kapatid na Lumad,” he added.
Kakilala said Tagle’s call for dialogue will give the AFP the opportunity to explain its side amid all the accusations hurled by leftist groups blaming the violence and atrocities to the military.
“The real problem is the New People’s Army and their front organizations who have been exploiting Lumads to advance their bloody armed struggle, economic and political interests,” he said.
Kakilala said the NPA should stop making Lumad communities as “laboratories of their senseless protracted war.”
He said that based on the report of the Eastern Mindanao Command, 3 out of 4 NPA armed regulars who surrendered are Lumads and at least 22% of the NPA Lumad surrenderees are minors aged 10 – 17 years old and many of them are recruited from tribal communities.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to dig deeper and understand what is really happening in our Lumad communities. Our soldiers are deployed in these Lumad communities precisely to stop further violence and stop the exploitation of Lumad people, especially the children,” Kakilala added.
He said the AFP supports Tagles suggestions to declare Lumad communities as “peace zones” as one of the mechanism of the Peace negotiations so that there would be smooth delivery of basic government services to Lumad areas which the NPA and their front organizations do not want.
“That’s why the AFP had been for a long time espousing the concept of localized peace tralks with the NPA. In fact, this is the concrete way to having a peace zone,” Kakilala said.
Kakilala lamented that while the AFP is being vilified by leftist organizations such as Karapatan they also refused to even raise a finger or even condemn the violence and atrocities of the NPA against Lumad tribesmen.
“For example, the recent abduction and the brutal execution of Lumad chieftain and Loreto, Agusan Del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his 27-year old son Daryl,” kakilala said.
Kakilala maintained that the AFP will continue to provide security for Lumad communities that are continuously threatened by NPA rebels not only to protect them from armed attack but also to stop the insurgents from recruiting Lumad children to fight for them.
“This is precisely the reason why we are deploying more troops in these areas because we want these killings to stop. We are there to keep the peace,” he said. AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/afp-supports-cardinal-tagles-call-for-dialogue-unity-for-lumad-issues-2/
CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – AFP supports Tagle’s call for dialogue, unity for Lumad.
Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala, commander of the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has expressed support to Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle’s call for a dialogue involving all stakeholders in connection with the plight of the Lumad tribe in Mindanao.
“Time is rife to thresh out and listen to all sides of what’s really going on in our Lumad communities. The AFP is always open to dialogue with all stakeholders to end the violence against the Lumads. We deeply appreciate the concerns of Archbishop Tagle and rest assured the AFP will fully cooperate with him and al stakeholders in this endeavour to end the plight of the Lumad people,” Kakilala said.
On Thursday, Tagle personally visited representatives of the Lumad tribe camping at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila where he had patiently listened to their complaints and demands.
Tagle also issued a statement and one of his points was calling on all stakeholders to sit down and talk about and resolve the plight of the Lumad tribe.
“Kinakailangan nating lahat na umupo, mag-usap, at magtulungan upang tunay nating mabigyang lunas ang kalagayan ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo sa Mindanao,” Tagle said.
“Mayroon tayong lahat na naging pagkukulang at kasalanan sa nagyayari ngayon sa ating mga kapatid na Lumad,” he added.
Kakilala said Tagle’s call for dialogue will give the AFP the opportunity to explain its side amid all the accusations hurled by leftist groups blaming the violence and atrocities to the military.
“The real problem is the New People’s Army and their front organizations who have been exploiting Lumads to advance their bloody armed struggle, economic and political interests,” he said.
Kakilala said the NPA should stop making Lumad communities as “laboratories of their senseless protracted war.”
He said that based on the report of the Eastern Mindanao Command, 3 out of 4 NPA armed regulars who surrendered are Lumads and at least 22% of the NPA Lumad surrenderees are minors aged 10 – 17 years old and many of them are recruited from tribal communities.
“We are calling on all stakeholders to dig deeper and understand what is really happening in our Lumad communities. Our soldiers are deployed in these Lumad communities precisely to stop further violence and stop the exploitation of Lumad people, especially the children,” Kakilala added.
He said the AFP supports Tagles suggestions to declare Lumad communities as “peace zones” as one of the mechanism of the Peace negotiations so that there would be smooth delivery of basic government services to Lumad areas which the NPA and their front organizations do not want.
“That’s why the AFP had been for a long time espousing the concept of localized peace tralks with the NPA. In fact, this is the concrete way to having a peace zone,” Kakilala said.
Kakilala lamented that while the AFP is being vilified by leftist organizations such as Karapatan they also refused to even raise a finger or even condemn the violence and atrocities of the NPA against Lumad tribesmen.
“For example, the recent abduction and the brutal execution of Lumad chieftain and Loreto, Agusan Del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza and his 27-year old son Daryl,” kakilala said.
Kakilala maintained that the AFP will continue to provide security for Lumad communities that are continuously threatened by NPA rebels not only to protect them from armed attack but also to stop the insurgents from recruiting Lumad children to fight for them.
“This is precisely the reason why we are deploying more troops in these areas because we want these killings to stop. We are there to keep the peace,” he said. AES / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/afp-supports-cardinal-tagles-call-for-dialogue-unity-for-lumad-issues-2/
MURDER OF NON-LUMAD // Non-Indigenous Resident Murdered by Unidentified Armed Group
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 16): MURDER OF NON-LUMAD // Non-Indigenous Resident Murdered by Unidentified Armed Group
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – The army units in Surigao del Sur under 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade strongly condemn the murder of a non-lumad by an unidentified armed group at Purok-5, Sitio Haguimitan, Brgy, Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur, dawn of November 12, 2015.
At around 4:30 o’clock in the morning,burst of high-powered firearms were heard by the residents of So Haguimitan. Found later was a slain body of a 53-year old Orlando ARaboca with multiple gunshot wounds just outside his residence. The victim was identified as the president of “Haguimitan Water System Association. Initial report from San Miguel Police Station revealed that Mr Raboca was forcibly taken by an estimated 30 armed men before he was murdered.
Moreover, the investigation team of the PNP recovered 24 fired cartridges of M16 rifle and five fired cartridges of M14 rifles and open letters claiming themselves as Magahat and urging the community not to support the NPA.The crime scene is a remote indigenous community of Brgy Bolhoon with more than 20 kilometer distance from the municipal center. It is populated by 47 families with 207 individuals with mixed Manobo, Bisaya, Ilongo and Ilocano tribal affiliation.
Raboca’s families of five were not lumads of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Mr Raboca belongs to a Mandaya tribe from Brgy Talisay, Gov Generoso, Davao Oriental while his wife is from Marilog District, Davao City. He is not a member of an indigenous Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur.
According to the concerned populace, at around nine o’clock of 12th of November 2015, approximately 60 armed menbelieved to be NPA came across the forested area of Anasagon, Purok-10, Brgy Bolhoon, San Miguel, SDS which is about three kilometers away from the crime scene. They were seen carrying M16, M14 and AK47 riflesand clad in black sweatshirt, assorted pants and rubber boots. Some of them were wearing camouflage uniforms.The armed group ordered them to kneel down and bowdown their heads, then took away the SIM card of their cellular phone.
Meanwhile, the KARAPATAN and other left-leaning organizations had piloted the conduct of disinformation to the public on the killing incident. In a statement excerpt from Gold Star Daily dated November 14, 2015, “This time, the group allegedly killed 23-year old lumad Orlando Rabuca, married and resident of Sitio Hagimitan, Barangay Bulho-on, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur early dawn of Nov. 12”.This information exhibits significant discrepancy about the victim that clearly manipulates public perceptions for disinformation and media mileage favoring left-leaning organizations.
On one hand, the 402nd Brigade propelled its2nd Special Forces Battalion under Lt Colonel Panopio with the PNP’s Provincial Public Safety Company to respond the incident and initiate joint law enforcement operations towards the possible withdrawal area of the perpetrators. A platoon of troops was also deployed in the vicinity of So Haguimitan to track down the armed group and help the PNP in its investigation.
On the other hand, Colonel Isidro L Purisima, the Commander of 402nd Brigade, instructed Lt Colonel Panopio, to closely coordinate with the Local Chief Executive and PNP units in the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He further emphasized that “the CPP-NPA and the left-leaning organizations are dying to link the army to the Magahat group”, we don’t have any knowledge on what Magahat Regional Command. We fully support the PNP law enforcement efforts to disarm and apprehend the culprits. We all want justice” he added.
“We are investigating the angle that the NPAs killed the Lumad since there were witnesses. But the other angle on Magahat is also being investigated since the perpetrators left a note with Magahat on it. However, killers won’t leave behind incriminating documents. Hence, we doubt the authenticity.” Col Purisima concluded.
Tandag City, Surigao del Sur – The army units in Surigao del Sur under 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade strongly condemn the murder of a non-lumad by an unidentified armed group at Purok-5, Sitio Haguimitan, Brgy, Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur, dawn of November 12, 2015.
At around 4:30 o’clock in the morning,burst of high-powered firearms were heard by the residents of So Haguimitan. Found later was a slain body of a 53-year old Orlando ARaboca with multiple gunshot wounds just outside his residence. The victim was identified as the president of “Haguimitan Water System Association. Initial report from San Miguel Police Station revealed that Mr Raboca was forcibly taken by an estimated 30 armed men before he was murdered.
Moreover, the investigation team of the PNP recovered 24 fired cartridges of M16 rifle and five fired cartridges of M14 rifles and open letters claiming themselves as Magahat and urging the community not to support the NPA.The crime scene is a remote indigenous community of Brgy Bolhoon with more than 20 kilometer distance from the municipal center. It is populated by 47 families with 207 individuals with mixed Manobo, Bisaya, Ilongo and Ilocano tribal affiliation.
Raboca’s families of five were not lumads of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. Mr Raboca belongs to a Mandaya tribe from Brgy Talisay, Gov Generoso, Davao Oriental while his wife is from Marilog District, Davao City. He is not a member of an indigenous Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur.
According to the concerned populace, at around nine o’clock of 12th of November 2015, approximately 60 armed menbelieved to be NPA came across the forested area of Anasagon, Purok-10, Brgy Bolhoon, San Miguel, SDS which is about three kilometers away from the crime scene. They were seen carrying M16, M14 and AK47 riflesand clad in black sweatshirt, assorted pants and rubber boots. Some of them were wearing camouflage uniforms.The armed group ordered them to kneel down and bowdown their heads, then took away the SIM card of their cellular phone.
Meanwhile, the KARAPATAN and other left-leaning organizations had piloted the conduct of disinformation to the public on the killing incident. In a statement excerpt from Gold Star Daily dated November 14, 2015, “This time, the group allegedly killed 23-year old lumad Orlando Rabuca, married and resident of Sitio Hagimitan, Barangay Bulho-on, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur early dawn of Nov. 12”.This information exhibits significant discrepancy about the victim that clearly manipulates public perceptions for disinformation and media mileage favoring left-leaning organizations.
On one hand, the 402nd Brigade propelled its2nd Special Forces Battalion under Lt Colonel Panopio with the PNP’s Provincial Public Safety Company to respond the incident and initiate joint law enforcement operations towards the possible withdrawal area of the perpetrators. A platoon of troops was also deployed in the vicinity of So Haguimitan to track down the armed group and help the PNP in its investigation.
On the other hand, Colonel Isidro L Purisima, the Commander of 402nd Brigade, instructed Lt Colonel Panopio, to closely coordinate with the Local Chief Executive and PNP units in the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. He further emphasized that “the CPP-NPA and the left-leaning organizations are dying to link the army to the Magahat group”, we don’t have any knowledge on what Magahat Regional Command. We fully support the PNP law enforcement efforts to disarm and apprehend the culprits. We all want justice” he added.
“We are investigating the angle that the NPAs killed the Lumad since there were witnesses. But the other angle on Magahat is also being investigated since the perpetrators left a note with Magahat on it. However, killers won’t leave behind incriminating documents. Hence, we doubt the authenticity.” Col Purisima concluded.
4ID MSAB PEACE PROGRAMS // Intervention Programs for Communities
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 15): 4ID MSAB PEACE PROGRAMS // Intervention Programs for Communities
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) - The 4th Infantry Division Multi Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) approves resolutions for peace programs during its 3rd meeting at 12 pm today, Nov 13, 2015.
This year, the board approves the motion on recommending to the concerned National Government Agency and Local Government Units the following peace program intervention: Farm-to-market road in Brgy White Kulaman, Bukidnon, livelihood programs, psycho-social activities and community-based projects, including Christmas gift giving at conflict-affected communities in Northern Mindanao.
Further, this meeting aims to evaluate the 4ID Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Strategy and Programs.
MSAB is represented by different sectors of society from church, IP, youth, media, LGU, LGA, NGO, and private sector. Their role is to give inputs and recommendations on Army’s programs in the area and subsequently evaluate the division’s performance measures and targets.
MGen Oscar Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said, “I am happy and thankful that we have a very active MSAB. Each of our partners plays a very important role in our transformation process. Thank You for giving your commitment and support to our peace advocacies. We hope that this will continue for us to fully achieve this goal and for us to attain out mandated task.” 4DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/4id-msab-peace-programs-intervention-programs-for-communities/
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) - The 4th Infantry Division Multi Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) approves resolutions for peace programs during its 3rd meeting at 12 pm today, Nov 13, 2015.
This year, the board approves the motion on recommending to the concerned National Government Agency and Local Government Units the following peace program intervention: Farm-to-market road in Brgy White Kulaman, Bukidnon, livelihood programs, psycho-social activities and community-based projects, including Christmas gift giving at conflict-affected communities in Northern Mindanao.
Further, this meeting aims to evaluate the 4ID Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Strategy and Programs.
MSAB is represented by different sectors of society from church, IP, youth, media, LGU, LGA, NGO, and private sector. Their role is to give inputs and recommendations on Army’s programs in the area and subsequently evaluate the division’s performance measures and targets.
MGen Oscar Lactao, Commander of 4th Infantry Division said, “I am happy and thankful that we have a very active MSAB. Each of our partners plays a very important role in our transformation process. Thank You for giving your commitment and support to our peace advocacies. We hope that this will continue for us to fully achieve this goal and for us to attain out mandated task.” 4DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/4id-msab-peace-programs-intervention-programs-for-communities/
NPAs DID IT // Says Former NPA Commander, to Generate Funds
Posted to DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 15): NPAs DID IT // Says Former NPA Commander, to Generate Funds
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – Mr Julieto Canoy, a former NPA Guerilla Front and Finance Secretary, whose area of operation covers the whole Municipality of Sibagat and Northern portion of Agusan del Sur says his former comrades burned the teacher’s cottage.
Canoy said that his contacts in Sibagat saw the NPA led by Ka Batic Campoz together with Jazon Flores and Arsenio Mandag went to Sitio Bolonbon, Brgy Padiay, Sibagat the night before they burned down the teacher’s cottage.
He said, “NPA allied organization immediately blamed the Army about the burning. This is our usual strategy to destroy the soldier’s image and also to generate fund. We have to create a condition that the soldiers are violators of Human Rights and are attacking the Lumads. This unfortunate situation of the IPs will attract attention of foreign NGOs. NPA cohorts will now use this situation to solicit support from these foreign NGOs.”
Meanwhile, witnesses disclosed during the joint investigation conducted by the PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection today, November 14, 2015, that they saw six (6) unidentified men wearing long-sleeves, pants and rain boots burned down the teacher’s cottage at around 2am last November 12, 2015.
Further, the witnesses also said that the school was already abandoned since September 2015. This contradicts the statement of Inday Espina-Varona that there are 24 students and 10 teachers in the said school. It can be recalled that the witnesses reported the incident to the barangay officials at around 6am on Nov 12.
However, Inday Varona immediately released information at around 8:30 am accusing the soldiers the same day even without proper investigation.
Col Alexander Macario, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade said, “This brings everyone to a question on where she gets information. Aside from the witnesses, the only persons who can give this information are the perpetrators. It seems that this incident is planned and orchestrated.”
“The NPA and their allied militant organization are the ones who can greatly benefit from this incident by using it as propaganda against the military. Hence, there is no doubt that they are behind it.
They have tried it in Brgy White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon when they burned houses and tried to blame it on the military but was belied by residents led by Brgy Capt Felipe Cabugnason. They also attempted to burn the MISFI School in the same barangay but were averted by the residents.” Col Macario concluded CMO402 IBde / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/npas-did-it-says-former-npa-commander-to-generate-funds/
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – Mr Julieto Canoy, a former NPA Guerilla Front and Finance Secretary, whose area of operation covers the whole Municipality of Sibagat and Northern portion of Agusan del Sur says his former comrades burned the teacher’s cottage.
Canoy said that his contacts in Sibagat saw the NPA led by Ka Batic Campoz together with Jazon Flores and Arsenio Mandag went to Sitio Bolonbon, Brgy Padiay, Sibagat the night before they burned down the teacher’s cottage.
He said, “NPA allied organization immediately blamed the Army about the burning. This is our usual strategy to destroy the soldier’s image and also to generate fund. We have to create a condition that the soldiers are violators of Human Rights and are attacking the Lumads. This unfortunate situation of the IPs will attract attention of foreign NGOs. NPA cohorts will now use this situation to solicit support from these foreign NGOs.”
Meanwhile, witnesses disclosed during the joint investigation conducted by the PNP and Bureau of Fire Protection today, November 14, 2015, that they saw six (6) unidentified men wearing long-sleeves, pants and rain boots burned down the teacher’s cottage at around 2am last November 12, 2015.
Further, the witnesses also said that the school was already abandoned since September 2015. This contradicts the statement of Inday Espina-Varona that there are 24 students and 10 teachers in the said school. It can be recalled that the witnesses reported the incident to the barangay officials at around 6am on Nov 12.
However, Inday Varona immediately released information at around 8:30 am accusing the soldiers the same day even without proper investigation.
Col Alexander Macario, Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade said, “This brings everyone to a question on where she gets information. Aside from the witnesses, the only persons who can give this information are the perpetrators. It seems that this incident is planned and orchestrated.”
“The NPA and their allied militant organization are the ones who can greatly benefit from this incident by using it as propaganda against the military. Hence, there is no doubt that they are behind it.
They have tried it in Brgy White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon when they burned houses and tried to blame it on the military but was belied by residents led by Brgy Capt Felipe Cabugnason. They also attempted to burn the MISFI School in the same barangay but were averted by the residents.” Col Macario concluded CMO402 IBde / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/npas-did-it-says-former-npa-commander-to-generate-funds/
HEARTLESS // NPA Murders Civilian in Surigao Del Sur
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 15): HEARTLESS // NPA Murders Civilian in Surigao Del Sur
TANDAG, Surigao Del Sur (DWDD) - The peace loving populace of Surigao del Sur were stunned by the shooting incident that transpired in So Hagimitan, Brgy, Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur, 12 November 2015 at around 4:00 o’clock in the morning.
A certainMr. Orlando RabacaArayan, 53 years old, married and a former president of Hagimitan Water System Association (HAWASAN) was shot to death by the members of the New People’s Army believed to be under the Guerilla Front Committee 19B of the North Eastern Regional Committee, alarming the civil populace in the said municipality.Accordingly, MrArayanwas forcibly taken by more or less 30 armed NPA membersthen was shot outside of his residence sustaining multiple gunshot wounds that resulted to his instantaneous death.
The Philippine National Police in the Municipality of San Miguel is on the process of their investigation to find out the true motive and the identity of the NPA members.
They were gatheringtestimonies of the reported witnesses to aid the on-going investigation of the assassination. As of today there was no official result yet published by the investigating team.
The left-leaning organization like the KARAPATAN has been reportedly conducting disinformation to the public as part of their propaganda to gain media mileage. As expected, this group will spread lies and twisted truth to discredit the government security forces in order to support their on-going MANILAKBAYAN activity.
The army units in the Province of Surigao del Sur under 402nd Infantry Brigade convey their deepest condolence to the family and loved ones of the late Mr Orlando RabacaArayan.
The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade will continue to conduct security operations in partnership with the Philippine National Police. Meanwhile, Colonel Isidro L Purisima, the Commander of 402nd Brigade, instructed Lt Colonel Panopio,the Battalion Commander of 2nd Special Forces Battalion, to closely coordinate with the Local Chief Executive and PNP in the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. “We empathize on his loss and we all want justice,”according to Colonel Purisima.
He further said that “we fully support the law enforcement efforts. We urged the peace-loving Surigaonons to be vigilantand actively support the peace and development efforts of the government to put an end to such atrocities so that peace and development will thrive in the Province of Surigao del Sur.” CMO 402nd Bde / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/heartless-npa-murders-civilian-in-suriago-del-sur/
TANDAG, Surigao Del Sur (DWDD) - The peace loving populace of Surigao del Sur were stunned by the shooting incident that transpired in So Hagimitan, Brgy, Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur, 12 November 2015 at around 4:00 o’clock in the morning.
A certainMr. Orlando RabacaArayan, 53 years old, married and a former president of Hagimitan Water System Association (HAWASAN) was shot to death by the members of the New People’s Army believed to be under the Guerilla Front Committee 19B of the North Eastern Regional Committee, alarming the civil populace in the said municipality.Accordingly, MrArayanwas forcibly taken by more or less 30 armed NPA membersthen was shot outside of his residence sustaining multiple gunshot wounds that resulted to his instantaneous death.
The Philippine National Police in the Municipality of San Miguel is on the process of their investigation to find out the true motive and the identity of the NPA members.
They were gatheringtestimonies of the reported witnesses to aid the on-going investigation of the assassination. As of today there was no official result yet published by the investigating team.
The left-leaning organization like the KARAPATAN has been reportedly conducting disinformation to the public as part of their propaganda to gain media mileage. As expected, this group will spread lies and twisted truth to discredit the government security forces in order to support their on-going MANILAKBAYAN activity.
The army units in the Province of Surigao del Sur under 402nd Infantry Brigade convey their deepest condolence to the family and loved ones of the late Mr Orlando RabacaArayan.
The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade will continue to conduct security operations in partnership with the Philippine National Police. Meanwhile, Colonel Isidro L Purisima, the Commander of 402nd Brigade, instructed Lt Colonel Panopio,the Battalion Commander of 2nd Special Forces Battalion, to closely coordinate with the Local Chief Executive and PNP in the municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. “We empathize on his loss and we all want justice,”according to Colonel Purisima.
He further said that “we fully support the law enforcement efforts. We urged the peace-loving Surigaonons to be vigilantand actively support the peace and development efforts of the government to put an end to such atrocities so that peace and development will thrive in the Province of Surigao del Sur.” CMO 402nd Bde / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/heartless-npa-murders-civilian-in-suriago-del-sur/
MILF: Iqbal’s opening statement in Osaka University
Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 15): Iqbal’s opening statement in Osaka University
Negotiating an agreement is difficult but implementing it is much harder
Negotiating an agreement is difficult but implementing it is much harder
(A
Paper Read by Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Panel and Bangsamoro
Transition Commission, in a Forum Sponsored by Osaka University , Japan
One
of the hardest lessons learned in our peace process with the Government of the
Philippines (GPH) is that it is difficult to negotiate an agreement but the
implementation of the agreement is much harder to realize. Agreements are
pieces of paper and they will not implement themselves, but implementation
involves definitive and corresponding actions and programs for the Parties, as
part of their commitments and obligations, including legal process on the part
of the government. Besides, there are already so many players of varied
orientations, approaches, and motivations.
The
two concluding agreements, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and
the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), which are political
documents that seek to create a genuine autonomy for the Moros, cannot be
implemented unless an internal legal process through the enactment of a law, in
this case, the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), will be passed by Congress. This
legal process is a unilateral responsibility of the government, which the MILF
has no direct or official participation. I will discuss this in more details,
as follows:
Let
us discuss negotiation first. Negotiation, as the word implies, is not an easy
matter. Getting people to compromise is usually not a wholesome offer. An idea
you think will work will not click to others. The challenge is rendered more
difficult if the agenda of the negotiation is not about simple matters, like
changing rules in an office or doing some adjustments on the salary scales of
employees, but, in the GPH-MILF peace negotiation, it is about solving the
Bangsamoro Problem or Question, which is about the “historic injustice”
committed against the Bangsamoro people. This is practically a centuries-old
conflict which is complex and complicated, encompassing political, military,
religious, social, cultural, economic, etc.
In
this engagement, it took the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) seventeen long and harsh years of negotiation,
11 government and four MILF negotiators, virtually involving five Philippine
presidents, and interspersed with three major wars, before they were able to
sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27,
2014.
To
illustrate one instance of this prolonged hard negotiation is the case of the
botched Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was first
tabled for deliberation in December 2004 and only to be initialled on July 27,
2008. It took the Parties three years and eight months before they agreed on
the final text of the document. But their efforts did not pay-off,
because the Philippine Supreme Court subsequently declared it unconstitutional.
As a result, war ensued that displaced around one million people.
Our
negotiation with the government passed through difficult processes and bitter
experiences, such as impasses, withdrawals, cancellations, delays, walkouts,
shouting matches, no-showups, proximity engagements, back-channelling, etc.
Even the choice of negotiators and the personality of the facilitators were not
totally left to the discretion of the concerned party. Worse, sometimes, while
we were facing each other in the negotiating table, the armies of both Parties
were already engaged in battles in many frontlines in Mindanao .
From 1997 up to the remaining period of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in
2010, the ceasefire agreement was more breached rather than honoured, and, as
expected, the violations were mainly at the instances of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines (AFP) and its allies, the Police and paramilitary forces.
Now,
let me deal with the harder part of the peace process in Mindanao :
The implementation of the agreements. Since we started the peace
negotiation in 1997, the government and the MILF had signed more or less 100
agreements or documents, which culminated in the signing of the two most
important ones namely, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) in 2012
and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014. All these
agreements including the FAB and CAB are political documents and therefore, as
far as the establishment of the autonomous Bangsamoro is concerned, as proposed
in the FAB and CAB, a legal instrument, in the form of a law, hence, the
proposed BBL, will have to be enacted into law by Congress. This legal process
is a sole responsibility of the government. The MILF has no direct role.
Up
to now, the BBL is still languishing in the halls of Congress and under the
mercy of lawmakers, and oftentimes, tyrannized by anti-Moro lawmakers through
their endless and sometimes pointless interpellations. Clearly, some of them
are already filibustering the passage of the BBL.
Let
me further explain in details this difficulty, especially in term of the legal
process, as part of the implementation of the political agreements. Here is the
road map of that legal process:
1.The
15-man Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) was created through an Executive
Order signed by President Benigno Aquino III in December 2012. Its tasks, among
others, is to draft the proposed BBL, which will be the governing law for the
Bangsamoro political entity;
2.The
BBL was submitted to the Office of the President (OP), which, after two months,
revised about 60 percent of the original draft; returned it to the BTC, which
in turn elevated it to the MILF and GPH peace panels to settle the outstanding
differences; and like the BTC, the peace panels have attempted but in vain to
fix the differences. Subsequently, the OP headed by the Executive Secretary and
the Chair of the BTC and MILF peace panel assumed the discussion. After four
meetings, two in Davao City and another two in Manila, they have settled all,
except seven, items which were elevated to President Aquino and Chairman Murad
to settle, which they did in September 2014;
3.On
September 10, 2014, in a formal ceremony in Malacañan Palace, President Aquino,
together with the Chair of the BTC and other high government officials,
officially turned over the BBL to the leaders of Congress, both the Senate and
the Lower House. This signalled the official legislative process to enact the
BBL into, but until now Congress is still deliberating on BBL with very little
hope of passing it soon. November-December is the fourth and probably the last
deadline Congress can still do it before President Aquino leaves office on June
30, 2016;
4.Granting
the BBL will pass in Congress and signed into law by the President, this will
still be subject for ratification by the people of the proposed autonomy. If
they ratify it, then it becomes a law; if not, then the law is dead;
5.Upon
ratification of the BBL, immediately the BTC will be phased out and the
Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is vested with legislative and
executive powers, will be organized, which will act as the government, during
the transition period. Similarly, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) will also be abolished; and
6.The
BTA will exit immediately after the election for the regular Bangsamoro
Government takes place.
The
status of the BBL, as pointed out earlier, is clouded with uncertainty. We do
not know whether it will pass Congress or not or whether a bad BBL is in the
offing. The main reason for this, citing the statement of Cardinal Orlando
Quevedo, is the fears, hatred, prejudice, and paranoia of the majority
Christian populations against the Moros which are shared by many if not most
lawmakers. They feared that once Moros are given powers and access to
resources, they will secede from the Philippines
In
the House, it is plagued with continuous lack of quorum. Sometimes, out of more
than 240 members only 12 or 30 appeared in sessions. In the Senate, several
senators asked so many questions, some of which were very basic and should not
be asked at all.
If
the BBL does not pass, the political settlement of the armed conflict in Mindanao will also be put on hold. Consequently,
frustrations of the people especially Moros will also rise up which can lead to
many uncertainties.
Of
course, both Parties are expected to pursue the path of peace and maintain the
ceasefire on the ground, but the legal process will not take place immediately
after the new president gets into office in July 1, 2016. The new president
might change policy that is radically different from his or her predecessor.
The
MILF’s clout and legitimacy will also be put into question. Frankly, the
decision of the MILF to enter into negotiation with the government is not a
universal consensus. Many viewed the government as “enemy” and therefore cannot
be trusted. Expectedly, the so-called radicals and foes of the MILF will take
advantage of this situation to denounce the government of insincerity and the
MILF for adopting a wrong approach in settling the conflict in Mindanao .
Thank
you very much and good day to all!
MILF: “Negotiating an agreement is difficult but implementing it is much harder”: Iqbal tells in a forum at Japan
Posted to the MILF Website (Nov 16): “Negotiating an agreement is difficult but implementing it is much harder”: Iqbal tells in a forum at Japan
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/678-negotiating-an-agreement-is-difficult-but-implementing-it-is-much-harder-iqbal-tells-in-a-forum-at-japan
“One of the
hardest lessons learned in our peace process with the Government of the
Philippines (GPH) is that it is difficult to negotiate an agreement but the
implementation of the agreement is much harder to realize,” Bangsamoro
Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Mohagher Iqbal said in a peace forum held at Rikkyo University ,
Tokyo , Japan
Iqbal, also
chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel, said,
“Agreements are pieces of paper and they will not implement themselves, but
implementation involves definitive and corresponding actions and programs for
the Parties, as part of their commitments and obligations, including legal process
on the part of the government.”
He
elucidated that unless the Congress pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a
unilateral obligation of the state, the two concluding agreements, the
Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on
the Bangsamoro (CAB) cannot be implemented.
“GPH-MILF
peace negotiation, it is about solving the Bangsamoro Problem or Question,
which is about the “historic injustice” committed against the Bangsamoro
people. This is practically a centuries-old conflict which is complex and
complicated, encompassing political, military, religious, social, cultural,
economic, etc.,” the BTC chair narrated.
Iqbal
related that the peace process took 17 years of long and harsh negotiation
handled by 11 government and four MILF negotiators, “virtually involving five
Philippine presidents, and interspersed with three major wars, before they were
able to sign the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27,
2014.”
Before
inking the FAB and CAB, the two negotiating panels have signed more or less 100
agreements or documents.
“Our
negotiation with the government passed through difficult processes and bitter
experiences, such as impasses, withdrawals, cancellations, delays, walkouts,
shouting matches, no-showups, proximity engagements, back-channelling, etc.”
The MILF
chief negotiator lamented the slow progress of the deliberation of the proposed
measure, “Up to now, the BBL is still languishing in the halls of Congress and
under the mercy of lawmakers.”
“And
oftentimes, tyrannized by anti-Moro lawmakers through their endless and
sometimes pointless interpellations. Clearly, some of them are already
filibustering the passage of the BBL,” he said.
Iqbal
related the turn-over of the draft BBL on September 10, 2014 at Malacañan to
the leaders of Congress which signaled the officials legislative process, “but
until now Congress is still deliberating on BBL with very little hope of
passing it soon.”
“November-December
is the fourth and probably the last deadline Congress can still do it before
President Aquino leaves office on June 30, 2016,” the BTC chair said.
He noted
the “continuous lack of quorum” plaguing the Lower House and “In the Senate,
several senators asked so many questions, some of which were very basic and
should not be asked at all.”
“If the BBL
does not pass, the political settlement of the armed conflict in Mindanao will also be put on hold. Consequently,
frustrations of the people especially Moros will also rise up which can lead to
many uncertainties,” Iqbal said.
Iqbal,
however, is confident that the two parties are expected to pursue the path of
peace and maintain the ceasefire on the ground, “but the legal process will not
take place immediately after the new president gets into office in July 1,
2016,” he said.
The forum
was attended by Japanese students, academicians, Moro youth scholars studying
in Japan
BTC
Commissioner Abdullah Camlian, and lawyer Salma Rasul of Philippine Council for
Islam and Democracy were the other resource persons of the forum.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/678-negotiating-an-agreement-is-difficult-but-implementing-it-is-much-harder-iqbal-tells-in-a-forum-at-japan
Star reporter, int'l agency receive citation for peace advocacy
From the Philippine Star (Nov 17): Star reporter, int'l agency receive citation for peace advocacy
Clarissa Echavez-Rendon of the United States Agency for International Development-Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) entity and Philippine Star writer John (inset) received separate awards from Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat of the 1st Marine Brigade last Saturday. Philippine Marine Corps
The 1st Marine Brigade awarded on Saturday night with separate special citations Philippine Star reporter John Unson and a foreign-assisted, pro-peace outfit for supporting the unit’s peace-building activities.
The awarding rite, held in a seaside Marine encampment at Barangay Tibpuan in Lebak town in Central Mindanao’s Sultan Kudarat province, was personally facilitated by Marine Brigadier Gen. Emmanuel Salamat.
Salamat is commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, which covers Maguindanao’s North Upi, South Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat towns and the municipalities of Lebak, Kalamansig, Ninoy Aquino and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.
Besides Unson, who is covering for The STAR a third of the Mindanao area, the brigade also gave special citation to the Cotabato City-based United States Agency for International Development-Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) entity.
Salamat said the award for the USAID-ENGAGE, received by one of its executives, Clarissa Echavez-Rendon, was in recognition of its active involvement in promoting peace and political stability through governance interventions in coastal towns being secured by his brigade.
“We are very grateful to the USAID-ENGAGE,” Salamat said.
The USAID-ENGAGE also has projects in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Sulu, all component provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
It is focused on promoting good governance and accountability practices by local government units via its continuing interventions and capacity-building engagements.
The awarding ceremony at the headquarters of the 1st Marine Brigade capped off the unit’s celebration of the 65th founding anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).
Salamat told guests of the program that Unson deserved the award owing to his continuing prompt, in-depth and extensive reporting of their security and diplomatic initiatives complementing the Mindanao peace process.
“He has been helping drumbeat our programs, with an adage `building communities to build peace,’ thereby helping educate the public on the importance of interfaith and cross-section cooperation in propagating the culture of peace in Southern Mindanao,” Salamat said.
The award Unson received last Saturday from a Marine unit was his fourth in 15 years. He thrice received similar awards from the 2nd Marine Brigade and from the PMC headquarters during the period.
Unson, who can speak seven southern dialects, had received 31 career-related awards from units of the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police, from offices of foreign-funded projects involved in peace advocacy initiatives and from various government agencies since he became staff writer of The STAR on April 1, 2000.
He joined The STAR as correspondent in 1998 and was made regular reporter owing to his non-stop coverage of his areas of assignment, which include all the provinces in Region 12, the ARMM, parts of Lanao del Sur, and the cities of Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong and Koronadal.
The STAR also has two other embedded staff writers in Mindanao, Roel Pareño and Edith Regalado, who are covering the Southern island provinces and the Zamboanga peninsula and the Davao, Cagayan areas and the cities in Regions 10 and 11, respectively.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/11/17/1522889/star-reporter-intl-agency-receive-citation-peace-advocacy
Clarissa Echavez-Rendon of the United States Agency for International Development-Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) entity and Philippine Star writer John (inset) received separate awards from Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat of the 1st Marine Brigade last Saturday. Philippine Marine Corps
The 1st Marine Brigade awarded on Saturday night with separate special citations Philippine Star reporter John Unson and a foreign-assisted, pro-peace outfit for supporting the unit’s peace-building activities.
The awarding rite, held in a seaside Marine encampment at Barangay Tibpuan in Lebak town in Central Mindanao’s Sultan Kudarat province, was personally facilitated by Marine Brigadier Gen. Emmanuel Salamat.
Salamat is commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, which covers Maguindanao’s North Upi, South Upi and Datu Blah Sinsuat towns and the municipalities of Lebak, Kalamansig, Ninoy Aquino and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.
Besides Unson, who is covering for The STAR a third of the Mindanao area, the brigade also gave special citation to the Cotabato City-based United States Agency for International Development-Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (USAID-ENGAGE) entity.
Salamat said the award for the USAID-ENGAGE, received by one of its executives, Clarissa Echavez-Rendon, was in recognition of its active involvement in promoting peace and political stability through governance interventions in coastal towns being secured by his brigade.
“We are very grateful to the USAID-ENGAGE,” Salamat said.
The USAID-ENGAGE also has projects in Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan and Sulu, all component provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
It is focused on promoting good governance and accountability practices by local government units via its continuing interventions and capacity-building engagements.
The awarding ceremony at the headquarters of the 1st Marine Brigade capped off the unit’s celebration of the 65th founding anniversary of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC).
Salamat told guests of the program that Unson deserved the award owing to his continuing prompt, in-depth and extensive reporting of their security and diplomatic initiatives complementing the Mindanao peace process.
“He has been helping drumbeat our programs, with an adage `building communities to build peace,’ thereby helping educate the public on the importance of interfaith and cross-section cooperation in propagating the culture of peace in Southern Mindanao,” Salamat said.
The award Unson received last Saturday from a Marine unit was his fourth in 15 years. He thrice received similar awards from the 2nd Marine Brigade and from the PMC headquarters during the period.
Unson, who can speak seven southern dialects, had received 31 career-related awards from units of the Armed Forces, the Philippine National Police, from offices of foreign-funded projects involved in peace advocacy initiatives and from various government agencies since he became staff writer of The STAR on April 1, 2000.
He joined The STAR as correspondent in 1998 and was made regular reporter owing to his non-stop coverage of his areas of assignment, which include all the provinces in Region 12, the ARMM, parts of Lanao del Sur, and the cities of Kidapawan, Cotabato, Tacurong and Koronadal.
The STAR also has two other embedded staff writers in Mindanao, Roel Pareño and Edith Regalado, who are covering the Southern island provinces and the Zamboanga peninsula and the Davao, Cagayan areas and the cities in Regions 10 and 11, respectively.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/11/17/1522889/star-reporter-intl-agency-receive-citation-peace-advocacy
Troops, cops foil Cotabato bomb plot
From the Philippine Star (Nov 16): Troops, cops foil Cotabato bomb plot
Army and police bomb disposal teams deactivated a grenade found along a busy thoroughfare in Cotabato City. Google Earth
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Bomb experts deactivated Sunday night a grenade found along a busy thoroughfare in the city, not far from the scene of an explosion a day before that injured two soldiers and a bystander.
The fragmentation grenade was first found by passersby near the entrance of a roadside online Bingo outlet, enabling Army and police bomb disposal teams to promptly take it out using a calibrated explosive disruptor.
“There was a need to use a bomb disruptor to set if off because it was already bereft of safety pin and lever,” said the city’s police director, Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter.
Supiter said probers had initially theorized the fragmentation grenade was hurled from a distance, but failed to explode.
He said they are yet to determine if the bungled attempt to set the grenade off was related to the bombing Saturday night, just two blocks away along the same thoroughfare, that left two soldiers and a bystander wounded.
The grenade exploded between two vehicles, a light truck and an Army 4x4 vehicle full of soldiers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/11/16/1522504/troops-cops-foil-cotabato-bomb-plot
Army and police bomb disposal teams deactivated a grenade found along a busy thoroughfare in Cotabato City. Google Earth
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Bomb experts deactivated Sunday night a grenade found along a busy thoroughfare in the city, not far from the scene of an explosion a day before that injured two soldiers and a bystander.
The fragmentation grenade was first found by passersby near the entrance of a roadside online Bingo outlet, enabling Army and police bomb disposal teams to promptly take it out using a calibrated explosive disruptor.
“There was a need to use a bomb disruptor to set if off because it was already bereft of safety pin and lever,” said the city’s police director, Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter.
Supiter said probers had initially theorized the fragmentation grenade was hurled from a distance, but failed to explode.
He said they are yet to determine if the bungled attempt to set the grenade off was related to the bombing Saturday night, just two blocks away along the same thoroughfare, that left two soldiers and a bystander wounded.
The grenade exploded between two vehicles, a light truck and an Army 4x4 vehicle full of soldiers.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/11/16/1522504/troops-cops-foil-cotabato-bomb-plot
Full alert up in Davao province
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 17): Full alert up in Davao province
DAVAO CITY – Authorities are in full alert in Davao region following the deadly attack in Paris, France, and the series of bombings that hit Cotabato City in Maguindanao and Kabacan town in North Cotabato, a senior official of the Philippine National Police in the region said.
Police Supt. Antonio Rivera, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) told the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that all police units in Davao region were placed under full alert condition since Saturday last week.
“Hindi lamang dahil sa Paris attack kundi pati na rin sa mga bombings na nangyari sa Cotabato City at sa Kabacan, North Cotabato,” Rivera pointed out.
The order of full alert status as issued by PNP-11 director Chief Supt. Wendy Rosario was aimed to ensure the operational readiness of the police in case of emergency.
Rivera added that strong presence of police personnel through mobile and foot patrols and putting up of check points are meant to elevate the highest level of pre-emptive measures to ensure the safety of the constituents in the region.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz also told the Manila Bulletin that they are closely monitoring the city.
“We are currently watching vital installations in the city that include the airport, seaports, the overland terminal and areas where people converge,” Driz said.
Meanwhile, Captain Alberto Caber, chief information officer of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said the command is also on red alert status following a nationwide order from the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in line with the hosting of APEC 2015 in the country and the recent bombing in Paris.
“All privileges of our personnel were already cancelled to ensure our operational readiness,” Caber said, adding that the measure will allow Eastmincom to allocate forces for deployment in times of emergencies.
The status is simultaneously being implemented in the areas of the 10th Infantry Division and 4th Infantry Division in Mindanao, Caber said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/full-alert-up-in-davao-province/
Police Supt. Antonio Rivera, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Davao Region (PRO-11) told the Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that all police units in Davao region were placed under full alert condition since Saturday last week.
“Hindi lamang dahil sa Paris attack kundi pati na rin sa mga bombings na nangyari sa Cotabato City at sa Kabacan, North Cotabato,” Rivera pointed out.
Rivera added that strong presence of police personnel through mobile and foot patrols and putting up of check points are meant to elevate the highest level of pre-emptive measures to ensure the safety of the constituents in the region.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz also told the Manila Bulletin that they are closely monitoring the city.
Meanwhile, Captain Alberto Caber, chief information officer of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said the command is also on red alert status following a nationwide order from the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in line with the hosting of APEC 2015 in the country and the recent bombing in Paris.
The status is simultaneously being implemented in the areas of the 10th Infantry Division and 4th Infantry Division in Mindanao, Caber said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/full-alert-up-in-davao-province/
2 NPA killed, soldier hurt in clashes
From Tempo (Nov 17): 2 NPA killed, soldier hurt in clashes
CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were killed while an Army soldier was wounded in a series of fierce gun battles on Sunday at the hinterland area of Pang-uwayan, Zapanta Valley, in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, the military said d yesterday.
Initial report said troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29th IB) under the command of Lt. Col. Ariel Orio seized some war materials, including an AK-47 rifle from the slain rebels who were members of the Front Committee 16-A and Front Committee 21-A of the CPP/NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Patrolling troops of 29th IB and heavily armed NPA fighters engaged in almost 30-minute clash at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, wounding an Army soldier.
The second gunbattle took place at 8:30 a.m. at Pang-uwayan area where two NPA rebels were killed and scores of others critically wounded.
“This time operating troops of Bravo Company (29th IB) captured an AK 47 rifle and undetermined number of live bullets from the running rebels,” Col. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of 4th Civil Military Operations (4th CMO) based here said.
On the same day at 10:40 a.m., elements of Bravo Company in nearby Jabonga area engaged members of Front Committee 21-A in a firefight.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/11/17/2-npa-killed-soldier-hurt-in-clashes/
Initial report said troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29th IB) under the command of Lt. Col. Ariel Orio seized some war materials, including an AK-47 rifle from the slain rebels who were members of the Front Committee 16-A and Front Committee 21-A of the CPP/NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
Patrolling troops of 29th IB and heavily armed NPA fighters engaged in almost 30-minute clash at about 6:40 a.m. on Sunday, wounding an Army soldier.
The second gunbattle took place at 8:30 a.m. at Pang-uwayan area where two NPA rebels were killed and scores of others critically wounded.
“This time operating troops of Bravo Company (29th IB) captured an AK 47 rifle and undetermined number of live bullets from the running rebels,” Col. Rey Pasco, commanding officer of 4th Civil Military Operations (4th CMO) based here said.
On the same day at 10:40 a.m., elements of Bravo Company in nearby Jabonga area engaged members of Front Committee 21-A in a firefight.
http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/11/17/2-npa-killed-soldier-hurt-in-clashes/
2 NPAs killed in latest skirmish with AFP in Agusan del Norte
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 16): 2 NPAs killed in latest skirmish with AFP in Agusan del Norte
Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were reportedly killed while an Army soldier was wounded in a series of gun battles on Sunday at the hinterland area of Pang-uwayan, Zapanta Valley, in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, a sketchy report reaching the advance command post (ACP) of the Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) here yesterday stated.
Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were reportedly killed while an Army soldier was wounded in a series of gun battles on Sunday at the hinterland area of Pang-uwayan, Zapanta Valley, in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, a sketchy report reaching the advance command post (ACP) of the Fourth Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID) here yesterday stated.
An initial flash
report received here also stated that combat maneuvering troops of the 29th
Infantry Battalion (29th IB) under the command of Lt. Col. Ariel Orio, already
captured some war materiel, including an AK 47 rifle from the slain rebels.
According to
initial report, the encountered NPAs were members of Front Committee 16-A and
Front Committee 21-A, both of the CPP/NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.
The initial
engagement between patrolling troops of “Bravo Coy” of 29th IB and an
undetermined number of heavily armed member from Front Committee 16-A occurred
at 6:40 a.m. on Sunday where an Army soldier was wounded after an almost
30-minute gunfight.
The Army has
withheld the identity of the wounded soldier until proper notification of his
kin.
The next fierce
gunbattle took place at 8:30 a.m. still at Pang-uwayan area where the two NPA
rebels were killed while an undetermined number of other rebels were also
critically wounded.
“This time,
operating troops of Bravo Company (29th IB) captured an AK 47 rifle and
undetermined number of live bullets from the running rebels,” Col. Rey Pasco,
commanding officer of 4th Civil Military Operations (4th CMO) based here, told
Manila Bulletin yesterday.
Then about two
hours later, elements of the same battalion engaged members of Front Committee
21-A in nearby Jabonga area.
By that time,
reinforcements from other NPA commands were believed to have already reinforce
their beleaguered comrades in Pang-uwayan area, the 4th CMO commander said, in
an exclusive interview with Manila Bulletin.
As of press time,
pursuit operations were already being undertaken against the NPAs in the Zapanta Valley
Two attack helicopter
gunships from the Philippine Air Forces (PAF) Strike Wing/Tactical Operations
Group (TOG) have also been deployed to extend air support to the pursuing
troops in Zapanta
Valley
Col. Alexander
Macario, commanding officer of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in Awa, New
Leyte, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, has also mobilized more combat maneuvering
troops to reinforce pursuing troops.
Prosecutors seek new venue for trial of Panay rebel leader
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): Prosecutors seek new venue for trial of Panay rebel leader
Iliolo City: Citing security reasons, government prosecutors have asked the Supreme Court to transfer to this city the trial venues of criminal cases filed against alleged rebel leader Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala in neighboring Antique and Aklan provinces.
Bocala, 65, alleged head of the Panay regional committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was arrested in a rented house in Molo District here on Aug. 1. A P7.8-million bounty had been placed for her arrest.
In a 10-page joint petition filed on Oct. 22, the Offices of the Provincial Prosecutor of Aklan and Antique cited Bocala’s alleged position as head of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, in Panay and as a member of the CPP’s Central Committee which placed her as a “high security risk person of interest.”
Her comrades may attempt to rescue her, especially while in transit from Iloilo to Aklan and Antique to attend the trials, they said, enumerating previous cases of detained rebel leaders who had escaped in other parts of the country.
Bocala, who is being held at the Special Intensive Care Area of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology district jail in Barangay Nanga in Pototan town, has been charged with murder at the Kalibo Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2 in Aklan. She is among the accused in the killing of Metudio Inesa on Sept. 18, 1975, in Sitio Agbanuod, Barangay Panipiason in Madalag town, Aklan.
She is also facing a rebellion charge before the Culasi Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Antique.
Police have filed separate charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and of illegal possession of explosives before the Iloilo RTC.
Bocala has repeatedly denied the accusations, while her lawyers have condemned the filing of the criminal cases for political offenses.
She has insisted on her immunity from arrest and prosecution as a Visayas consultant of the CPP-led National Democratic Front in peace negotiations with the government. This has been denied by the government peace panel.
The prosecutors said transferring the trial venues would also protect prosecutors and witnesses from possible threats and harassment.
The petition was signed by Aklan provincial prosecutor Ma. Maya Bien Mayor-Tolentino and assistant provincial prosecutors Jobert Martelino and Flosemer Chris Gonzales, and Antique provincial prosecutor Michael Villavert and assistant provincial prosecutor Ricardo Huele. Prosecutor General Claro Arellano conformed with the joint petition.
Bocala’s lawyers led by Janne Baterna said they would oppose the petition as another cause of delay in the resolution of the cases. Baterna earlier said they would push for the dismissal of the cases, pointing out that the murder charge against her coaccused, Ruben Saluta, was dismissed for lack of evidence and witnesses.
The prosecutors also asked the high court to order the deferment of proceedings of the cases in Aklan and Antique, pending the resolution of their joint petition.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/740236/prosecutors-seek-new-venue-for-trial-of-panay-rebel-leader
Iliolo City: Citing security reasons, government prosecutors have asked the Supreme Court to transfer to this city the trial venues of criminal cases filed against alleged rebel leader Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala in neighboring Antique and Aklan provinces.
Bocala, 65, alleged head of the Panay regional committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), was arrested in a rented house in Molo District here on Aug. 1. A P7.8-million bounty had been placed for her arrest.
In a 10-page joint petition filed on Oct. 22, the Offices of the Provincial Prosecutor of Aklan and Antique cited Bocala’s alleged position as head of the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, in Panay and as a member of the CPP’s Central Committee which placed her as a “high security risk person of interest.”
Her comrades may attempt to rescue her, especially while in transit from Iloilo to Aklan and Antique to attend the trials, they said, enumerating previous cases of detained rebel leaders who had escaped in other parts of the country.
Bocala, who is being held at the Special Intensive Care Area of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology district jail in Barangay Nanga in Pototan town, has been charged with murder at the Kalibo Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2 in Aklan. She is among the accused in the killing of Metudio Inesa on Sept. 18, 1975, in Sitio Agbanuod, Barangay Panipiason in Madalag town, Aklan.
She is also facing a rebellion charge before the Culasi Regional Trial Court Branch 13 in Antique.
Police have filed separate charges of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and of illegal possession of explosives before the Iloilo RTC.
Bocala has repeatedly denied the accusations, while her lawyers have condemned the filing of the criminal cases for political offenses.
She has insisted on her immunity from arrest and prosecution as a Visayas consultant of the CPP-led National Democratic Front in peace negotiations with the government. This has been denied by the government peace panel.
The prosecutors said transferring the trial venues would also protect prosecutors and witnesses from possible threats and harassment.
The petition was signed by Aklan provincial prosecutor Ma. Maya Bien Mayor-Tolentino and assistant provincial prosecutors Jobert Martelino and Flosemer Chris Gonzales, and Antique provincial prosecutor Michael Villavert and assistant provincial prosecutor Ricardo Huele. Prosecutor General Claro Arellano conformed with the joint petition.
Bocala’s lawyers led by Janne Baterna said they would oppose the petition as another cause of delay in the resolution of the cases. Baterna earlier said they would push for the dismissal of the cases, pointing out that the murder charge against her coaccused, Ruben Saluta, was dismissed for lack of evidence and witnesses.
The prosecutors also asked the high court to order the deferment of proceedings of the cases in Aklan and Antique, pending the resolution of their joint petition.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/740236/prosecutors-seek-new-venue-for-trial-of-panay-rebel-leader
Islamic State threatens Philippines in wake of Paris attacks
From UCA News (Nov 17): Islamic State threatens Philippines in wake of Paris attacks
Hours after the deadly attacks inParis
on Nov. 13, a video of what appeared to be masked gunmen standing in front of
an Islamic State group flag appeared online, threatening an imminent attack on
the Philippines
Philippines
http://www.ucanews.com/news/islamic-state-threatens-philippines-in-wake-of-paris-attacks/74619
Hours after the deadly attacks in
The Philippines
is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit that will
bring together many world leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, in Manila
"The dark days are coming to you ... We will terrorize
you even in your sleep. We will kill you and defeat you," the video
message said.
The video, which was addressed to the Philippine government,
warned that an attack would happen "soon."
Attack threats from Islamist groups in the Philippines
In 2002, the United States
declared the southern Philippine region of Mindanao
as its "second front" in the "war on terrorism" after a
series of attacks launched by the Abu Sayyaf Group, an al-Qaida-linked
organization.
Security analyst Rommel Banlaoi, director of the Center for
Intelligence and National Security Studies, said Filipinos "should not be
complacent about the threat posed by (the Islamic State group)."
He said there are at least six self-proclaimed Islamic State
groups in the Philippines
"Right now (the Islamic State group) is very aggressive
in recruiting followers through social media ... They don't need to send actual
organizers to go to the Philippines
He said the Philippines is vulnerable to the radical ideas
of the Islamic State group because of "underlying conditions"
especially in poor Muslim communities in the southern part of the country.
Philippine officials on Monday assured the public that this
week's APEC summit in Manila would not be
affected by the attacks in Paris
"Based on our monitoring, there is no serious threat
monitored in the conduct of the APEC summit," said military spokesman Col.
Restituto Padilla.
"We’re looking forward to a safe, secure, peaceful and
successful summit," he said.
Philippine authorities have already issued a "red
alert" around Manila in the wake of the Paris
Padilla downplayed a possible attack on the country despite
reports that the terror group Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters in Mindanao have already pledged
allegiance to the Islamic State group.
"The possibility of an (Islamic State) presence
here is very remote," said Padilla.
Volatile situation in Mindanao
Even before the rise of the Islamic State in 2014, the
southern Philippine region of Mindanao has
been on the radar of international security observers due to a series of bomb
attacks and kidnappings committed by the Abu Sayyaf Group.
In September this year, Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of
Cagayan de Oro warned of a rise of Islamic extremism in Mindanao
especially if the Philippine government fails to address the clamor of Muslim
Filipinos for an autonomous region in the southern part of the country.
"A failed (peace process) will favor the growth of
extremism, fundamentalism, terrorism in Mindanao .
It will not help solve the conflict," Ledesma told ucanews.com.
Muslim rebel groups, however, condemned the attacks in Paris
In a statement issued on Nov. 14, the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front, or MILF, said the "blind, indiscriminate acts of
violence deserve nothing but condemnation."
"This is unacceptable. The MILF rejects acts of terror
against humanity and all peace-loving peoples," the group said.
In another statement, the Moro National Liberation Front
said the attacks are "stupid and crazy," adding that the attackers
"have twisted ideology, which they masquerade to have Islamic
content."
The Islamic State group, the statement read, "does not
and will never represent Islam and Muslims. They twist and misrepresent the
teachings of Islam to suit their evil agenda."
Church reaction
Church leaders in Manila have
urged the faithful to pray not only for the victims of the Paris
"There is no place for terrorism in a civilized
society," said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic
bishops' conference. "Causing the death of anyone is a sin against God and
a crime against humanity," said the prelate on Nov. 15.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, archbishop of Manila
"We cannot isolate ourselves from what is happening in
different parts of the world," he said, adding that the Catholic church
joins the whole world in "sadness and in shock."
Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Episcopal Commission
on Migrants and Itinerant People, said that what happened in France
http://www.ucanews.com/news/islamic-state-threatens-philippines-in-wake-of-paris-attacks/74619
US Navy guided missile destroyer visits Manila for APEC 'support mission'
From GMA News (Nov 16): US Navy guided missile destroyer visits Manila for APEC 'support mission'
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/544575/news/nation/us-navy-guided-missile-destroyer-visits-manila-for-apec-support-mission
The USS Fitzgerald, a guided missle destroyer of the US Navy, arrived Monday at Manila Bay on "a five-day support mission" for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit, the US embassy in Manila said in a news release.
The US embassy also said the USS Fitzgerald's mission is "in conjunction with its routine patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations."
"During its short visit, there will be no scheduled liberty for US Sailors aboard," the embassy added.
The USS Fitzgerald is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned in October 1995 and has its home port in San Diego, California.
It is the same ship on which then US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario "signed the Manila Declaration calling for multilateral talks to resolve maritime disputes," the US Navy noted on its webpage for the USS Fitzgerald.
That Manila Declaration helped mark the 60th anniversary of the RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty in 2011.
The USS Fitzgerald has participated in anti-submarine warfare exercises and intelligence gathering missions, according to the US Navy.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/544575/news/nation/us-navy-guided-missile-destroyer-visits-manila-for-apec-support-mission
Photo: Mustering of troops
From The Standard (Nov 17): Photo: Mustering of troops
Army Scout Rangers stand at ease as they take part in the mustering of troops prior to their immediate deployment to their assigned tasks in different venues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s summit meetings. FRANCISCO TUYAY
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-news-in-photos/192107/mustering-of-troops.html
Army Scout Rangers stand at ease as they take part in the mustering of troops prior to their immediate deployment to their assigned tasks in different venues of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation’s summit meetings. FRANCISCO TUYAY
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-news-in-photos/192107/mustering-of-troops.html
Obama heads to Asia with 'pivot' again stymied
From Rappler (Nov 17): Obama heads to Asia with 'pivot' again stymied
Obama will touch down in Manila with the world's focus on the murderous attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group and soul searching about how to counter it in Syria and Iraq
US President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2015 in New York. AFP PHOTO/KENA BETANCUR
US President Barack Obama arrives in the Philippines Tuesday, November 17, with his much-vaunted "pivot to Asia" again overshadowed by events in Europe, the Middle East and politics at home.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/112986-obama-asia-pivot-stymied-apec
Obama will touch down in Manila with the world's focus on the murderous attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group and soul searching about how to counter it in Syria and Iraq
US President Barack Obama speaks at the opening session of the 70th Session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 28, 2015 in New York. AFP PHOTO/KENA BETANCUR
US President Barack Obama arrives in the Philippines Tuesday, November 17, with his much-vaunted "pivot to Asia" again overshadowed by events in Europe, the Middle East and politics at home.
Obama will touch
down in Manila with the world's focus on the murderous
attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State
group and soul searching about how to counter it in Syria
and Iraq
The long-planned
Asia trip had been designed to underscore America
"When we're
not at the table, we're on the menu," said senior foreign policy aide Ben
Rhodes half-jokingly, explaining the administration's policy.
Before the Paris attacks, National Security Advisor Susan Rice
previewed Obama's trip as an opportunity to herald a vast trans-Pacific trade
deal and efforts to promote a "rules-based order" amid tensions in
the South China Sea .
But Obama has
spent the last few days talking about Syria ,
Iraq
That focus may
actually sit well with some Asian nations, according to Ernest Bower of Washington
"Countries
such as Indonesia , Malaysia , Singapore
and Brunei - have real and
immediate concerns about citizens who have left to fight in Syria and Iraq
"After Paris , most Asian countries will be looking to the US US
For his part,
Obama may point to majority Muslim nations in Southeast
Asia as examples of how economic development can put a lid on
radicalism.
Still, another
sidetracked trip to the region is a far cry from early in Obama's term when the
Hawaii-born commander-in-chief confidently declared himself "America
Throughout his
administration, key aides have been frustrated at events in Iraq , Syria
In their view,
populous and fast-growing Asia has, as a
result, not always received the attention it deserves.
All politics
is local
But events in
Europe and the Middle East are not the only things holding Obama back as he
arrives in Manila
The White House
faces an uphill battle to pass the Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade deal --
which would spur trade between 12 Pacific rim
nations representing 40 percent of the world's economy -- through Congress.
Sources on
Capitol Hill say the agreement may not be ratified until after US elections in
November, 2016, or until a new president has taken office in early 2017.
Top Democrats,
including Obama's would-be successor, Hillary Clinton, have opposed the deal,
while Republicans are loathe to give Obama a major policy victory.
The White House
is pressing its case hard, insisting there is no reason to make US
Before leaving
for Asia , Obama assembled some of the most
prominent foreign policy thinkers from past Democratic and Republican
administrations to sell the geo-political case for the agreement.
The deal is seen
by some as a counterbalance to growing Chinese economic clout in the region. Beijing
"Economically,
the Asia-Pacific region is the most dynamic, the most populous and
fastest-growing region of the world," Obama said flanked by luminaries
Madeleine Albright, James Baker, Henry Kissinger and Colin Powell.
"And
strategically, it is a region that's absolutely vital to our economic and
national security interests in the 21st century."
Congress has also
thwarted White House efforts to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea (UNCLOS), which experts say could strengthen Washington
The accord
provides the ground rules for maritime claims and passage, just as China is moving to assert greater control in the
hotly contested South China Sea .
The Philippines has filed a case against China 's claims to nearly all of the South China Sea , using UNCLOS as its legal foundation.
"The
president strongly supports ratification," a senior administration
official told AFP, referring to the agreement that has been signed, but not yet
ratified by the US Senate.
Bill Bishop,
author of the Asia-focused Sinocism newsletter, said the United States
Bishop said the United States was currently only using a
"blunt instrument" of military posturing, pointing to a US
"It would be
much better for the entire region if the US
http://www.rappler.com/nation/112986-obama-asia-pivot-stymied-apec
Army to assist North Cotabato PNP in pursuing suspects in massacre of 4
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Army to assist North Cotabato PNP in pursuing suspects in massacre of 4
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=827951
Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry
Division, has directed the military's 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen, North Cotabato to provide full support and assistance to
the local police following a massacre of a family four Monday night.
Pangilinan directed newly promoted Brig. Gen. Noel Clement,
602nd brigade chief, to assist the Carmen PNP in pursuing the gunmen who killed
four and injured three others in the village
of Ugalingan
Unidentified gunmen strafed the house of Agal family in the
village, killing Ibrahim Agal, 50, his children Mustafa, 12, Pama, 10 and
Sarah, 9, all residents of the Barangay Ugalingan.
Chief Inspector Julius Malcontento, Carmen PNP chief, said
the early evening attack also injured Ibrahim's other children, identified as
Nashrudin, 9, Mokamad, 18 and brother Jerry, 42.
Citing initial investigation report, police said the victims
were all inside the Agal compound in Barangay Ugalingan when gunmen arrived on
motorbikes and opened fire, using high caliber firearms.
Malcontento said two of the victims died instantly while
others expired at the North Cotabato provincial hospital in Kidapawan City
Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato
police provincial director, said the incident could have been triggered by a
long standing family feud involving Agal family and an unidentified clan in the
village.
Following the incident, joint police and Army personnel have
established more checkpoints on all the entry and exit points of town which
borders North Cotabato and Bukidnon.
Witnesses said the victims migrated to Barangay Ugalingan
from another village, also in Carmen, due to clan war.
Manhunt operation is still going on.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=827951
PNP-12 releases cash grants to 16 ex-NPA men
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): PNP-12 releases cash grants to 16 ex-NPA men
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 has released some
Php160,000 in cash grants to 16 former New People’s Army (NPA) members who
surrendered late last month in Sultan Kudarat province.
Supt. Romeo Galgo, PRO-12 public information officer, said
Tuesday they handed out Php10,000 each to the returnees as part of an
assistance package for their surrender and for yielding firearms in the
process.
He said they released the grants during the regular
flag-raising ceremony on Monday at the regional police headquarters here.
“The financial assistance is part of the thrusts of PRO-12
to address the immediate needs of our returnees,” he said.
The official said the move is also in line with their mandate
as well as mission and vision as deliverers of peace and order.
Galgo said the 16 returnees separately yielded to PRO-12
personnel last Oct. 27 and 28 in Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat.
He said the former rebels were previously under a field unit
of the NPA’s Front 72, which is operating in the hinterlands of Sultan Kudarat
and South Cotabato provinces.
Chief Supt. Manolito Labador, acting Region 12 police
director, said they pushed for the release of the cash assistance to help the
former rebels cope with various burdens as they try to lead normal lives with
their families.
“These assistance would give the returnees a chance to
breathe in a better atmosphere, thereby making them feel totally free,” he said
in a statement.
He reiterated that PRO-12 remains committed to the advocacy
of freedom and respect for human rights, especially in the campaign against
insurgency.
“We’re not treating our returnees as enemies of the
government but as victims of wrong ideologies,” Labador stressed.
The 16 returnees are currently undergoing evaluation for
their inclusion in the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program
(CLIP).
CLIP reintegrates former rebels into the social mainstream
and uplifts their socio-economic conditions to enable them to become active
partners in the local development.
The program also seeks to contribute towards the achievement
of the goal of permanent peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state
armed groups.
Under the program, rebel returnees could avail of livelihood
assistance ranging from P5,000 to Php50,000.