Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Rebel leader killed in botched attack against troops in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): Rebel leader killed in botched attack against troops in Bukidnon

A ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader was killed during a botched attack on troopers from 68th Infantry Battalion conducting routine patrol missions in San Fernando town, Bukidnon last Tuesday.

Reports forwarded Thursday by Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the clash took place 10:30 a.m. at forested area of Barangay Kalangangan.

He said that troops were conducting routine patrol missions when four NPA fighters, reportedly from Guerrilla Front 55 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and all aboard a motorcycle, popped out of nowhere and began firing on the patrolling soldiers.

This prompted government troops to return fire, killing one of the rebels, scattering the other three.

Pursuing troopers recovered a 9mm pistol, the motorcycle, and the slain rebel identified as Nardo Manlologpis, vice commander of Guerrilla Front 55's SDG Platoon.

His remains was immediately turned over to the San Fernando Police station for turnover to his relatives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=860695

PAF participation graces 30th EDSA People Power anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): PAF participation graces 30th EDSA People Power anniversary

Military participation, especially the Philippine Air Force (PAF), was very much evident during the 30th anniversary of the EDSA-1 People Power Revolution Thursday morning.

This includes a high-speed opener pass of two FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" light-interim fighter aircraft which took place at 7:46 a.m. as President Benigno S. Aquino III was being given the traditional military honors at the People Power Monument.

This was followed by the dropping of yellow confetti of two UH-IH "Huey" helicopters during the traditional "Salabungan" rites which demonstrated the consolidation of military and civilian sympathizers of the revolt. This took place at 8:33 a.m.

The military contingent was headed by former president Fidel V. Ramos while the civilian re-enactors were led by Bobby Aquino, son of the late senator Butch Aquino, one of the people instrumental in starting the EDSA People Power Revolution.

A Simba armored fighting vehicle, bedecked with yellow flowers, was one of the highlights of the estimated 600 military personnel participating in the "Salubungan" ceremonies.

At 8:43 a.m., a fly-by consisting of 15 SIAI-Marchetti SF-260FH trainer aircraft, trailing red, yellow and blue smokes, passed overhead the skies over the EDSA People Power Shrine followed shortly by three Bell 412 combat utility helicopters and three attack version of the AgustaWestland AW-109 helicopters.

Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the participation of the military's brand-new air asset highlighted the AFP's transformation and capability upgrade.

"The (high-speed opener pass of the FA-50PH) is just to highlight AFP's transformation and capability (upgrade)," he added.

Detoyato said the decision to use the two brand-new jets is to show Filipinos that the AFP Modernization Program is now taking off.

"And while the (FA-50PHs) also made an appearance during the 80th AFP anniversary last Dec. 21, 2015 at Clark Air Base, Pampanga, it had to be repeated so that Filipinos could see and feel that their AFP has (indeed) transformed," the AFP public affairs office chief stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=860667

PCG open to deployment of soon-to-arrive MRRVs at West Phl Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25): PCG open to deployment of soon-to-arrive MRRVs at West Phl Sea

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is open to the possibility of deploying its soon-to-arrive multirole response vessels (MRRVs) in the West Philippine Sea.

This was disclosed by PCG commander Rear Admiral William Melad in an interview after his visit to the "People Power Experiential Museum" at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

The first two 44-meter MRRVs are expected to be delivered this September.

"(The MRRVs can) be deployed anywhere but the (MRRV) project is all about maritime safety improvement, basically its for search-and-rescue and other needs, but if needed to augment (our naval presence) at the West Philippine Sea, it could be deployed there, as it could also be use for security patrols," Melad said in Filipino.

He added that the PCG could do this in line with its law-enforcement functions.

Around 10 MRRVs from Japan are in the pipeline for the PCG. Two are expected for this year, another six in 2017 and the remaining two in 2018.

Keel-laying for the first two MRRVs took place at Yokohama, Japan last February 6.

Keel-laying is the first milestone in vessel construction, which marks the time that steel cutting works are substantially completed and elements are ready for assembly.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=860728

DWDD: 14IB Helps Metrobank Foundation in Giving Bags of Blessings

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 25): 14IB Helps Metrobank Foundation in Giving Bags of Blessings

ORAS, Eastern Samar (DWDD) –14th Infantry (Avenger) Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Ronnie T. Ebarita, Acting Commanding Officer rendered manpower and security assistance to the Metrobank Foundation during the distribution of Bags of Blessings to the four hundred (400) residents of Guiuan, Eastern Samar on February 20, 2016.

The program kicked off with a holy mass followed by the distribution of bags of blessings which is a nationwide event anchored on Metrobank Bank Foundation primary corporate social responsibility with the active participation of the Philippine Army, Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines and other stakeholders.

It can be recalled that in 2013, Guiuan was struck by super typhoon “Yolanda” that brought tragic loss of numerous precious lives and destruction to the properties as well as to local farmer’s agricultural farm products.  The Bags of Blessing is distributed in front of the Guiuan Church and the beneficiaries are very thankful for these philanthropic endeavors.

Lt. Col. Ebarita mentioned that “the Army promotes the safety and well-being and attainment   of a quality and progressive life of Guiuananon. 8DPAO / MCAG





http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/14IB-BAG-2.jpg

DWDD: STRAFING II NPAs Attack Soldiers Conducting Community Peace Dialogue

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): STRAFING II NPAs Attack Soldiers Conducting Community Peace Dialogue

CALINAN DISTRICT, Davao City (DWDD)Series of violent harassments carried out by the NPAs against the Peace and Development Team of 84th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Quibaton, Brgy Dominga, Calinan District, Davao City last February 21, 2016.

The first incident transpired around 9 o’clock in the morning, February 21, when a group of NPAs fired upon the soldiers of 84IB who were coordinating with the populace for a medical and dental mission activity to be held at Sitio Quibaton. It was followed by a second harrasment at about 4:20 in the afternoon, when the same group of NPAs positioned in a row of small houses fired upon the soldiers. On both incidents no casualties were inflicted by the NPAs who immediately fled the area.

According to Ltc Louie DS Villanueva, Commanding Officer of 84IB, the incident clearly shows that the NPA bandits are trying to isolate and coerce the community not to participate with the programs and social services that are being offered by the government. “The people are being deprive of the basic services that they ought to have. Moreover, the action of the NPAs is a clear manifestation that they do not have really regard to the safety and well-being of the community.” he added. Ltc Villanueva further concluded that the Army will never let any group rule through the use of violence. He vowed that they will continue to protect the people to sustain the peace and development in the area. 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/strafing-ii-npas-attack-soldiers-conducting-community-peace-dialogue/

DWDD: CAPTURED II NPA Bomber in Maragusan, Compostela Valley

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): CAPTURED II NPA Bomber in Maragusan, Compostela Valley

Maragusan, Compostela Valley (DWDD) Elements of Alpha Company of 69IB captured an NPA bomber named Elmer Dagatan aka Ka Eric at Purok Humabon, Barangay New Panay, Maragusan, Compostela Valley Province last February 19, 2016.

NPA 4 IEDs

Recovered from his position were one improvised explosive device, 50 mtrs Electrical Wire, eight pcs Battery, two Blasting Cap, one IED trigger mechanism.

IED attack was averted after a civilian informed the soldiers of his activity which prompted the soldiers to launch an operation. Elmer Dagatan and his comrade were caught by the soldiers in the area but his companion was able to evade leaving Dagatan alone.

Upon verification, he said that they were members of Guerilla Front 27 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committe (SMRC) and that they were tasked to conduct IED attacks against military personnel passing along the road.

Elmer Dagatan, 32, resident of Purok Acacia, Brgy Poblacion of the same municipality joined the NPAs at the age of 23 because he was promised by the NPAs of a monthly allowance worth Php1,000.00 each for his four children and a sack of rice every month.

According to him, the NPA who recruited him also promised him the processing of application for the birth certificates of his children. Dagatan was then turned-over to Maragusan Police Station for proper disposition as he shall face charges against Illegal Possession of Explosives (RA 9561) “We are very thankful to the concern citizen who reported the NPA presence which only shows that masses grown tired of NPA’s terroristic activities in the area. ” said Ltc Macawaris, 69IB commander. 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/captured-ii-npa-bomber-in-maragusan-compostela-valley/

DWDD: 10ID STATEMENT II Wait for BFP Investigation on the Fire in UCCP Haran

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): 10ID STATEMENT II Wait for BFP Investigation on the Fire in UCCP Haran

CGMTY, MAWAB, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE (DWDD)The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division has requested everyone to wait for the results of the investigation being conducted by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) on the fire in United Church of Christ in the Philippines – Haran before making any conclusion.

According to CPT RHYAN B BATCHAR, Chief Public Affairs 10ID, they are similarly awaiting the outcome of the investigation before moving on with any action.

In can be recalled that some parts of the UCCP-Haran, particularly the areas of encampment by some Lumad who were victims of “Bakwit”, caught fire early Tuesday morning (February 22, 2016).

Allegedly, unidentified men poured gasoline on one of the tents before setting it on fire, then when the police and media arrived, an explosion was heard in one of the dormitories.

Militant groups aligned with the CPP-NPA were once again quick to put the blame on the AFP. AES  / MCAG







http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/10id-statement-ii-on-the-fire-in-uccp-haran/

DWDD: FOR PALAPAGNONS II Community-Based Skills and Livelihood Training

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): FOR PALAPAGNONS II Community-Based Skills and Livelihood Training

PALAPAG, Northern Samar (DWDD) The 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, in partnership with TESDA-LNAIS, DepEd-ALS Palapag, and the Local Government Unit of Palapag, launched the community-based skills and livelihood training program for the Palapagnons held at the old Palapag Church on February 22, 2016.

 The activity was further highlighted with a motorcade around Poblacion, Palapag as kick-off of the event followed by signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the partner agencies to institutionalized their commitment for peace, employability, productivity and development.

This is the first livelihood program opened for calendar year 2016 participated in by 154 beneficiaries from the different Barangays of Palapag broken down as follows:  Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC II – 35; Bread and Pastry Production NC II – 34; Housekeeping NC II – 35; Motorcycle Small Engine Repair NC II – 30; and Body Massage – 20. The training will be conducted for the duration of 15 to 30 days.

Present during the activity were: Lt. Col. Hilarion G. Palma, Commanding Officer of 20th Infantry Battalion; Ms. Yolanda A. Pajenado, TESDA Head for Instruction Services; Ms. Sonia Mercader, Principal of Palapag Central School; Hon. Ben C. Gurimbalem, Palapag Municipal Vice-Mayor; Mr. Nelito G. Rebato, ALS Coordinator; and Mr. Roberto V. Udtujan, ALS mobile teacher.

Pajenado mention in his message said that community-based trainings is same standardized modules for those who are unable to attend a school-based program. This will serve as an avenue to uplift their quality of living, and increase the employment rate of Filipinos”.

Gurimbalem, lauded and Philippine Army for choosing Palapag as a recipient of the program with this Palapagnons had the clear opportunity to work both local and abroad.

Meanwhile, Palma motivates the beneficiaries to take advantage of the program and utilize it as a way for social and economic progress”, he added. 8DPAO / MCAG



20IB 2

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/49088-2/

DWDD: COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM II AFP Participates in Multi-lateral Working Group in Cambodia

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): COUNTERING VIOLENT EXTREMISM II AFP Participates in Multi-lateral Working Group in Cambodia



Cambodia — The Armed Forces of the Philippines through the Commander of Civil Relations Service, Brigadier General Joselito E. Kakilala participates at the Multilateral Counter Violent Extremism Working Group (MCVEG) 2016. This event started on February 23 and will end on February 26, 2016.

This three day convention is hosted by the National Counter-Terrorism Committee of Cambodia and the US Special Operations Command. The MCVEWG is an annual activity that talks about counter violent extremism cases and pursue community to work together in radicalism and terrorism related issues.

Every year, MCVEWG tackles the development of support services and consolidate leaders that excel in the field of academia, defense, lay enforcement, penology, and applicable Government agencies for a period of time sufficient to allow the exchange of information, ideas, and best practices for countering violent extremism.

Twelve countries from Southeast Asia, East Asia, and Australia participated in this event.

Also part of the Philippine contingent are LTC Michael T Aquino, Commander, MCAG, CRSAFP, LTC Edgardo Talaroc, Commandant, CMO School AFP, LTC Emmanuel Garcia, Commander, IDG, CRS.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/48982-2/

DWDD: FOILED | NPA Leader Neutralized after Attack

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): FOILED | NPA Leader Neutralized after Attack



SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon (DWDD) – A Certain NPA Commander Bugsong of Front 55 was neutralized when they attacked troops of 68ib conducting Peace and Development Outreach Program in San Fernando, Bukidnon at 10:30AM, February 23.

Troops recovered a Cal.45 Pistol, several rounds of ammunition and a TMX motorcycle which they used for the attack.

The remains of said NPA leader was turned over to San Fernando Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/neutralized-ii-npa-leader/

DWDD: JOIN THE AFP | Army opens opportunity for aspiring candidate soldiers, officers

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): JOIN THE AFP | Army opens opportunity for aspiring candidate soldiers, officers



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division is once again opening an opportunity for the Filipino youth who dreams to become soldiers or officers and to proudly serve the people and secure the land.

The Philippine Army Recruitment Center Office for Visayas will facilitate the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test to qualified applicants for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Candidate Soldier Course (CSC).

Schedule and venue of examinations are the following: February 26, 2016 at St. Anthony’s College, San Jose, Antique; February 27, 2016 at Iloilo Science and Technology University, Lapaz, Iloilo City; February 28, 2016 at Guimaras State College, Buenavista, Guimaras; February 29, 2016 at Capiz State University, Roxas City, Capiz; March 1, 2016 at Headquarters, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz and March 2, 2016 at the Northwestern Visayan Colleges, Kalibo, Aklan.

Qualified to take the examinations are the following:

Officer Candidate Course- Natural born Filipino citizen; Baccalaureate Degree Holder; 21 to 29 years old; must have completed at least one term or three years continuous active military service (for EP); single/never been married and has no legal obligation to support a child; at least 5 feet for both male and female; physically and mentally fit and has no pending case in any court of law.

The OCC is a one-year course which prepares a candidate mentally, physically, and emotionally to become an army officer. Upon graduation, the individual will be commissioned as an Army 2nd Lieutenant into the Regular Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Officer Preparatory Course- Natural born Filipino citizen; Baccalaureate Degree Holder; Inactive Commissioned Reserved Officer who were commissioned in the Philippine Army under Circular 4 Group I and Group II; must not be over 31 years old on the date of Call to Active Duty (CAD); must have completed at least one term or three years continuous active military service (for EP); single/never been married and has no legal obligation to support a child; at least 5 feet for both male and female; physically and mentally fit and has no pending case in any court of law.

Candidate Soldiers Course- Natural born Filipino citizen; single/never been married and has no legal obligation to support a child; preferably those who have 72 units in college; 18 to 26 years old but must not be 27 years old at the convening date; at least 5 feet for both male and female; physically and mentally fit and has no pending case in any court of law.

If the applicant is only a High School graduate, s/he should possess special skills needed by the AFP or Philippine Army. Proof of such skills must be shown.

The CSC will undergo three months basic military training and forty-five days Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operation Course (JWMOC) with rigid combat training to be enlisted into the regular force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the rank of private in the term of three years.

Applicants shall bring the following at the examination center: NSO copy of Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records, Original Diploma with Form 137-A (for High School graduate), Valid ID, Ball pen and #2 pencil and long folder.

Interested applicants may contact Major Marvin delos Santos at mobile number 0917-308-0641 or SSg Ronie Cornelio at mobile number 0916-640-5919.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/48974-2/

DWDD: NPAs DWINDLING | 5 Rebels Surrender in Davao Sur and Sarangani

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 24): NPAs DWINDLING | 5 Rebels Surrender in Davao Sur and Sarangani

BRGY FELIS, Malita, Davao Del Sur (DWDD) Five (5) former rebels surrendered to 73rd Infantry “Neutralizer” Battalion through the effort of the barangay officials in the area of responsibility of 73IB.

On February 5, 2016, while the troops of 73IB were conducting community patrol in the boundary of Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur and Glan,Sarangani Province, @ Borjack and @ Pablo were found to be in the area near a creek and approached the troops and voluntarily surrendered. Ka Pablo is 21 years old while @ Borjack is 18 years old, they are both members of Platoon South, Guerrilla Front 71 and resident of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Del Sur.  @ Borjack did not experience of going to school because of hardship thus he is illiterate. @Pablo on the other hand only finished grade 3.

Three days after February 8, 2016, @ Pastor, also a member of Platoon South, GF71,was accompanied by his brother who is a barangay councilman to Jose Abad Santos Police Station and Bravo Company, 73IB Command Post. Meanwhile on February 15, 2015 @ King a member of Platoon North, GF 71 surrendered to 73IB thru the effort of Barangay Captain Lente Salway of Barangay Pag-asa, Alabel, Sarangani Province. Another effort of a barangay official led to surrender of another member of NPAs GF71. Barangay Captain Modesto Aban, Barangay Captain of Barangay Tamban, Malungon, Sarangani Province help in the surrender of @ Alex, 19 years old, member of Platoon North, GF71 on February 17, 2016, a resident of Barangay DatuDanwata, Malita, Davao Del Sur.

The former rebels all claim that the leadership of the NPA failed its promise of financial support when they were recruited. Accordingly, their family to be left behind once they join will receive an amount of P2,000.00 per month. But after staying in the movement for months, not a single peso was received by their family. They realized that they were deceived by their recruiters. The hardship, lack of food and the trauma due to series of encounters contributed to their decision of surrendering. They also revealed that they felt envious to their former comrades who already started a new life with their families and have invested their livelihood assistance given by the government to them to farm animals and livestock raising. Furthermore, they revealed that many of them who were allowed to visit their families last Christmas season did not anymore return, making their ranks already severely depleted.

LTC RONNIE B BABAC GSC PA, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, congratulated them of their wise decision on going back to the folds of the law. “They can now live in peace together with their families. The 73rd IB, PSWDO, PNP and the Provincial Local Government Unit of Sarangani Province and Davao Del Sur are willing to help them avail the Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government which provides cash and livelihood assistance to Former Rebels. With the surrender of these five rebels, a total of 72 members of rebels have already rejoined the mainstream society through the effort of 73IB and its stakeholders. This excludes those who were unfortunately killed in the encounters and who went on lie low but did not formally surrender to the government. He further urges the active members of the NPA to follow the steps of their former comrades and avail the program of the government.”

“We see to it that our dismayed brothers and sisters will go back to the mainstream society. We are still hoping that this Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) will serve as an eye opener to other NPA rebels who are still in the movementbut wanted to go back the mainstream society and live in normal life with their families” COL RONALD VILLANUEVA MNSA PA, Brigade Commander, 1002nd  Infantry Brigade said.

MGENRAFAEL C VALENCIA AFP, Commander 10th Infantry “Agila” Division also added “The solution to insurgency  problem is for all the stakeholders including the armed group to come together in the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan and work on our commonalities to attain peace and development.” CMO 73IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/npas-dwindling-ii-5-rebels-surrender-in-davao-sur-and-sarangani/

MILF: Editorial -- Presidential candidates should take stand on BBL

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Feb 23): Editorial -- Presidential candidates should take stand on BBL

We were expecting that all the five candidates for the presidency were asked of their stand on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during their first debate held in Cagayan de Oro City last February 21. But it did not happen, except two, Senator Grace Poe and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who have expressed their initial thoughts on the issue.

Frankly, we find Senator Poe’s answer very rhetorical. She merely reiterated the need for transparent, inclusive, sustainable negotiation, and in implementation if there is an agreement already.  We expect a more categorical commitment from her during the second and third debates, which are already in the pipeline. On the other hand, Vice Mayor Duterte brushed aside any need for the BBL and batted again for federalism in this country. While he spoke clearly for the need to address the “legitimate grievances” of the Moros, but a shift to federalism in this country is harder to realize than just passing a law, which is the BBL.

Obviously, many people including lawmakers failed to appreciate the fact that real negotiations have been terminated already with both the MNLF and MILF. The MNLF had already signed with the government the GRP-MNLF Final Agreement in September 1996 and with the MILF the FAB in March 2014. There is nothing more for the Parties to discuss substantially.

On the issue of being inclusive in negotiation by inviting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the so-called Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) and its armed component, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), any new government may or can try it. But both groups have completely shunned negotiations. All previous attempts ended in vain; or they were not tried at all. The case of the Ansar al-Khalifah is worse. It is more extremist in orientations than the ASG and BIFM.

We would like to see in the next debate that all the five candidates especially Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Miriam Santiago, and Secretary Mar Roxas, should also make known their stand on BBL, and asked of the same question, one after the other, so that everybody knows where they stand on the issue. Definitely, we do not want the Moro voters to vote for someone who is not committed to solve the armed conflict in Mindanao. The question calls for a yes or no answer. Any other answer would mean their policy of government is just to manage the conflict in Mindanao, or they want other options, say an all-out war. They should also state their positions on other hard or controversial issues, such as death penalty, gays, lesbians, transgender, same-sex marriages, going to war with China, divorce, Sabah claim, etc. We disdain leaders who always play safe on the side of conveniences. The real test of principled leader is if he or she can make a stand even on unpopular but compelling questions or issues.  Leaders have to make decisions no matter how difficult.

This conflict must be settled now and rested. This must be the choice; lest it might become part of a larger global conflict, signs of it are already underway in Mindanao. The government should rein-in the biases, prejudices, hatred, fear --- and selfishness --- of the vested interests groups which collaborated and conspired to defeat the BBL in Congress.

For this reason, the BBL, which is a legal instrument and is designed to implement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) must one of the priority piece of legislation of whoever is the next sitting president in Malacañang. This is the way forward!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/25-january-16-23/574-presidential-candidates-should-take-stand-on-bbl

MILF: The aborted BBL is a “milestone law”: Moro traditional leader

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 23): The aborted BBL is a “milestone law”: Moro traditional leader



Expressing disappointment over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) a Maguindanaon traditional leader hoped the measure was passed because it is a “milestone law” that could lead toward a peaceful and developed Bangsamoro region.

“Personally, I was disappointed that the BBL was not calendared as a priority law” Sultan Tungko Saikol, Sultan Dikaya sa Kabuntalan, said in his message during the 42nd Regional Qur’an Reading Competition-Socsargen Area, held in General Santos City on February 20, 2016.

“The BBL is a very important piece of legislation we all looked forward to having been passed…for me it’s a milestone law,” he pointed out.

Sultan Saikol pointed out “If only it was passed, that would be a remarkable achievement of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).”

The BBL is the legal translation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which is the summary of all the agreements between the GPH and MILF.

The proposed law was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, a 15-man body created by the Aquino Administration.

The MILF conveyed in its official statement issued on February 18 that there is “deep disappointment and grave dismay” in the entire membership of the organization over the non-passage of measure in the Houses of Congress the Philippine government.

The House of Representatives adjourned sessions early this month without passing the proposed law.
Despite the stalled legislation of the draft BBL, the GPH and the MILF peace panels said they will continue to pursue the peace process and preserve the gains of the 17 years peace negotiations.

Sultan Saikol suggests, “It should be calendared as a priority law so that we will have a law that will bring realization to the desire of the Bangsamoro people for self- determination.”

MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal hinted that either the BBL can be re-filed in the next Congress or a basic law that is faithful to “letters and spirit of the CAB” will be crafted by the BTC.

Sultan Saikol is one of the active traditional leaders of Region 12 who has been supportive to civic, cultural and religious activities of Bangsamoro people in the Socsargen area. 

He serves as the Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 12.
Expressing disappointment over the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) a Maguindanaon traditional leader hoped the measure was passed because it is a “milestone law” that could lead toward a peaceful and developed Bangsamoro region.
“Personally, I was disappointed that the BBL was not calendared as a priority law” Sultan Tungko Saikol, Sultan Dikaya sa Kabuntalan, said in his message during the 42nd Regional Qur’an Reading Competition-Socsargen Area, held in General Santos City on February 20, 2016.

“The BBL is a very important piece of legislation we all looked forward to having been passed…for me it’s a milestone law,” he pointed out.

Sultan Saikol pointed out “If only it was passed, that would be a remarkable achievement of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).”

The BBL is the legal translation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) which is the summary of all the agreements between the GPH and MILF.

The proposed law was drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, a 15-man body created by the Aquino Administration.

The MILF conveyed in its official statement issued on February 18 that there is “deep disappointment and grave dismay” in the entire membership of the organization over the non-passage of measure in the Houses of Congress the Philippine government.

The House of Representatives adjourned sessions early this month without passing the proposed law.
Despite the stalled legislation of the draft BBL, the GPH and the MILF peace panels said they will continue to pursue the peace process and preserve the gains of the 17 years peace negotiations.

Sultan Saikol suggests, “It should be calendared as a priority law so that we will have a law that will bring realization to the desire of the Bangsamoro people for self- determination.”

MILF Peace Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal hinted that either the BBL can be re-filed in the next Congress or a basic law that is faithful to “letters and spirit of the CAB” will be crafted by the BTC.

Sultan Saikol is one of the active traditional leaders of Region 12 who has been supportive to civic, cultural and religious activities of Bangsamoro people in the Socsargen area. 

He serves as the Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Region 12.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/575-the-aborted-bbl-is-a-milestone-law-moro-traditional-leader

MILF: SWC holds General Assembly, gives awards to outstanding committees

Posted to the MILF Website (Feb 24): SWC holds General Assembly, gives awards to outstanding committees



The Social Welfare Committee of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (SWC-MILF) held its General Assembly at Dungguan, M’lang, North Cotabato last February 21 attended by about 700 women across North Cotabato who witnessed the awarding ceremony of outstanding municipalities. Representatives from the MILF Central Committee also attended and delivered their respective messages.

Kabacan I bagged the Most Outstanding Report award followed by M’lang on the second spot and Matalam landed on the third place.

Matalam made its way up as it grabbed the first place in monthly fee collection with M’lang and Kabacan I landed on the second and third spots, respectively.

M’lang did not lose hope as it seized the first place in Widow and Rehabilitation committees for Best in Performance while Matalam grabbed the second spot in Widow Committee followed by Kabacan I on the third place.

Kabacan I boosted its self-esteem as it took the second place in Best in Performance for Rehabilitation and Kidapawan got the third place.

The crowd made way for Matalam as it was declared best in Tarbiyyah and Da’wah followed by Mlang and Kabacan II as second bests in Tarbiyyah and Gaunan as second place winner in Da’wah.

A turning-over of duties and responsibilities followed with the incumbent chairperson who served the committee for 10 years handing over her position to the newly elected chairperson.

An ‘aleema’ ( a learned Muslim woman) from the  Da’wah National Committee discussed “Asbabul Najah”, while another officer of Tarbiyyah National Committee emphasized three things to obey and another three to disobey.

“Asbabul Najah” refers to the guidelines on how to pass the tests when a person wants to enter “jannah” or paradise.

Many other speakers highlighted the program. They were from the Rehabilitation committee and Health Committee

Barangay Captain of Dungguan, Mohammad Sagadan, showed his support as he welcomed the participants.

SWC is a social working committee of Bangsamoro Women with the following functions: Executive, Tarbiyyah, Da’wah, Rehabilitation, Home Economics, Health, Widow, Census and Survey and Human Resources Development.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/576-swc-holds-general-assembly-gives-awards-to-outstanding-committees

MILF: IAG, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung conduct Training on Political Party Development

From the MILF Website (Feb 25): IAG, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung conduct Training on Political Party Development



A 3-day training on Political Party Development was conducted by Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), Konrad Adenauer Stiftung through the Democratic Party Development (DEPAdev) Bangsamoro with the support from the European Union (EU) from February 22-24, 2016 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel, Davao City.

United Bangsamoro Justice Party Women members who came all the way from Island Provinces of Sulu and Palawan and from mainland Mindanao actively participated in the program.

Widows of pioneering members and organizers of the Front (then MNLF) were also in attendance.

Welcome messages were delivered by Atty Benedicto Bacani, IAG Executive Director,  Mr. Benedikt Seemann, KAS Country Representative, and Sammy Al-Mansour, UBJP Interim Secretary General. DEPAdev Project Overview-Hendrik Mollenhauer, DEPAdev Project Manager gave DEPAdev Project Overview. Ms. Irene Santiago on Women in Politics.  Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah on Women and Politics.



Resource speakers presented varied subject/areas related to party formation, its development; the challenges facing the movement on its transformation from a revolutionary movement to a political party.

 Mr. Lambert Ramirez lectured on “From Movement to Party”: Creating the Political Party Structure and Organization, Ms. Jobelle Joan Domingo gave lecture on Crafting Political Party's Platform, while Ms April De la Cruz lectured on Political Party, Membership, Recruitment, Party Financing. 

Ustadz Abdulkadir Abdullah on Women and Politics: Islamic Perspective



Haja Juckra Abdulmalik shared about Women's Participation and Role in Politics, citing Malaysia's United Malays National Organization (UMNO)-Women Wing. Narciso Jover Jr, DEPAdev Training Expert, acted as facilitator.

Comm. Raisa Jajurie gave the closing remarks who also updated the participants on BBL,  gave inspiring thoughts on pushing the peace process.

The Secretary General himself Sammy Al Mansour was there thru out the duration of the training, giving his support, and sharing his ideas and knowledge about the subjects being discussed/presented.

The UBJP is a political party formed by the MILF that will participate in regional elections once a new Bangsamoro Region is in place.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/22-davao-region/578-iag-konrad-adenauer-stiftung-conduct-training-on-political-party-development

MILF: BDA-CenMin Family welcomes new Regional Manager

From the MILF Website (Feb 25): BDA-CenMin Family welcomes new Regional Manager



 
Pursuant to the certification issued by the Central Committee (CC) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) dated 21 January 2016, Sheikh Abdulrasheed Ambil has been confirmed as newly appointed Regional Manager of BDA-CenMin effective February 1, 2016.

Further, his appointment was issued by the CC-MILF simultaneously with other BDA Regional Managers and Provincial Managers on a provisional basis to gauge their skills, capacity and performance in discharging effectively and efficiently the functions and responsibilities inherent to their positions.  

Abiding with the certification by MILF-CC, the Bangsamoro Development Agency-Central Management Office (BDA-CenMin) welcomed the official appointment of its new Regional Manager last February 1, 2016. 
 
The welcome ceremony was held by the BDA-CenMin Family spearheaded by the Regional Management Office (RMO) of the agency in CenMin along with the strong cooperation of its Provincial Management Offices (PMO) as sign of strong unity and solidarity. 
 
During the activity, all Development Catalysts (DC), staff and volunteers from RMO to PMO unanimously expressed their commitment of support with prayer, at least for a better if not best success of the new management.
 
BDA-CenMin Family believes that the success of management of the agency in this region is among the main determinants of success of its development interventions in order to attain "an enlightened, self-sustaining and healthy Bangsamoro communities living in harmony, dignity, justice, security and peace." 
 
Hashim B. Manticayan, former Regional Manager (RM) of BDA-CenMin also expressed his commitment and strong support to the agency particularly to the new management.
 
He conveyed his message to all development catalysts, staff and volunteers to continue their commitment of support in time of ease and hardships and make it stronger than how they supported his leadership to even surpass the accomplishments and achievements of the agency during his term of office.
 
As manifestation of continued commitment of strong support, RM Manticayan formally and officially made the turn-over of his position as RM along with its duties and functions including the assets and liabilities of the office to Sheikh Ambil as new RM.
 
Sheikh Ambil had been serving the BDA since 2004 as one of the pioneering volunteers and, the same time development catalysts where he was given Loyalty Award in recognition for his continuing service to the agency.
 
Said award was given to him by BDA through the Word Bank (WB) administered Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTFRDP) at Davao City last July 2015.
 
The warm welcome and smooth turn-over shows clear manifestation of strong allegiance to the Central Committee (CC) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
 
Further, the activity manifested that the BDA-CenMin Family is prepared, with strong recognition at all times, to act with allegiance to the leadership of CC-MILF.
 
Affording allegiance to the CC-MILF is also part of supporting the Peace Process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) while sustaining its gains.
 
With this, RM Ambil with humbleness expressed his strong commitment of loyalty and sincerity to exert utmost efforts in performing his duties and functions as new regional manager of BDA-CenMin.
 
Ambil also emphasized that being a Regional Manager is neither an opportunity nor an easy task but a heavy responsibility to assume and a great accountability not just to the Bangsamoro but above all is Almighty Allah, the Supreme Creator. 
 
Further, he likewise expressed his deep sense of thanks and gratitude to the entire BDA-CenMin Family for the act of warm welcome with continued commitment of strong support.
 
Furthermore, he then faithfully thanked Hashim B. Manticayal for the act of formal and official turn-over with commitment of continued strong support. 
 

1 State troop dead in Gubat, Sorsogon clash

From the Bicol Today (Feb 24): 1 State troop dead in Gubat, Sorsogon clash

SORSOGON CITY, 24Feb2016 – State troops in Gubat, Sorsogon Province chanced upon a group of 10 NPA rebels Wednesday noon, and engaged them in a firefight, resulting in the death of a state trooper, but the troops seized several items in the encounter site after the rebels retreated.

According to Busina News, killed in the firefight was PFC Reynante Diesta, intelligence operative of the 31st IB.

There was a report of a second casualty, but it cannot be verified.

The gunfight lasted 45 minutes.

There was no report of casualty in the rebel side.

As of presstime, state troops were still scouring the nearby areas, searching for rebels.

Additional troops were sent as reinforcement to augment the soldiers. 

http://bicoltoday.com/2016/02/24/1-state-troop-dead-in-gubat-sorsogon-clash/

Military begins removing explosives in abandoned BIFF lair

From ABS-CBN (Feb 24): Military begins removing explosives in abandoned BIFF lair

DATU SALIBO, Maguindanao - The Philippine Army's Explosive and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team has started clearing landmines left by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tee in this town.

Additional EOD personnel were sent to Barangay Tee to conduct paneling or a search for improvised explosive devices (IEDs) believed to be planted by fleeing members of the BIFF.

Most of the operating troops who were injured in the encounter against the BIFF got hurt from IEDs that went off in the area.

An official from the EOD team said paneling is a risky activity as they do not know where the explosives are placed.

The EOD official said that based on the accounts they got from the troops injured from the IEDs that went off in Barangay Tee, some are pressure-type while others are command-detonated bombs.

They also discovered some wires that can trigger an explosion when stepped on.

Lt. Col. Warlito Limet, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion commander, said the area has been quiet for three days now but the village remains under the threat of explosions, which is why more EOD personnel were sent to check and recover the IEDs planted by the rebels.

Clearing the village of landmines might take a month, according to the EOD official, but they will double their efforts to make Barangay Tee free from all sorts of explosives before displaced residents can go back to their homes.

IED

The EOD team will use metal detectors and other equipment in their paneling activity. The area will also be cordoned off.

Meantime, since the firefight erupted last February 5, the EOD team has recovered about 20 IEDs within and in the peripheries of the village.

Most of the recovered items were IEDs made out of flash powder and concrete nails.

Flash powder IEDs are considered as low-order bombs while the mortar-types are of a higher category.

The EOD official said that they used to recover IEDs fashioned out of mortars or military ordnance.

He said IEDs made out of flash powder seems new in Central Mindanao and can be easily purchased and are cheaper than mortars.

The EOD team warned the public against anyone frequently purchasing of flash powder, concrete nails and 9-volt batteries usually used in IEDs.

FOXHOLES

As the clearing operations continue, residents remain worried about their safety.

Residents of Sambolawan, a village in the poblacion of Datu Salibo, have dug up foxholes beside their shanties so they can jump and hide inside these every time there will be heavy exchange of gunfire.

Some of them are also helping locate planted IEDs. The BIFF earlier said it did not leave IEDs in Barangay Tee and that this was possibly the handiwork of the military.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/02/24/16/military-begins-removing-explosives-in-abandoned-biff-lair

Pacific partners practice humanitarian assistance during Cope North

From the US Air Force Website (Feb 23): Pacific partners practice humanitarian assistance during Cope North

Capt. Melissa Cadorette, a flight nurse with the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, listens to crew communications aboard a C-130 Hercules Feb. 15, 2016, during an expeditionary medical support exercise on the island of Rota. Exercise Cope North 16 enhances humanitarian assistance and disaster relief crisis response capabilities between six nations and lays the foundation for regional cooperation during real-world contingencies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel)

Capt. Melissa Cadorette, a flight nurse with the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, listens to crew communications aboard a C-130 Hercules Feb. 15, 2016, during an expeditionary medical support exercise on the island of Rota. Exercise Cope North 16 enhances humanitarian assistance and disaster relief crisis response capabilities between six nations and lays the foundation for regional cooperation during real-world contingencies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel)

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS (AFNS) -- Military members from six nations joined together for a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief deployment throughout the region of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Feb. 14-18.

The deployment is part of Cope North 16, a multilateral exercise, including the U.S. Air Force and air forces from across the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Col. Brian Toth, the CN16 lead for the U.S. Air Force, said the HA/DR portion enhances regional capabilities to respond to crises and lays the foundation for the expansion of regional cooperation in the face of real-world contingencies.

“Humanitarian assistance and disaster response is an awesome capability we can provide,” Toth said. “The ability to have our forces train together allows us to understand what each part brings to the response and what we can provide together to provide the aid any country in the region may ask for.

“It demonstrates our commitment to working together with our coalition partner countries across the Pacific,” he continued. “We work well together and provide a strong presence — and we know we can rely on each other in a time of need.”

Members from the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard -- partnered with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Australian Air Force, South Korean air force, Royal New Zealand Air Force and Philippine Air Force -- reacted to a fictional, yet realistic, disaster scenario that was said to affect the Marianas region.

“What we’re focusing on is interoperability, learning from one another how to better respond to disaster situations,” said Sharon Rohde, the CN16 HA/DR lead planner. “It’s about overcoming not only language barriers but differences to how we do business, whether that’s regulatory in nature or based on our understanding of the situation. We open up communication and derive lessons learned to be better prepared in response to disaster.”

The exercise scenario posed a severe impact from a typhoon traversing between the islands of Tinian and Rota, prompting Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to issue a simulated request for immediate assistance to Guam’s neighboring islands. During the HA/DR response, Guam acted as the hub for all aid efforts. From Guam, crews traveled to two deployed operation centers on “spoke” locations on Rota and Tinian.

Upon notification of the emergency, coalition units responded in a phased approach based on real-world response plans by deploying Royal Australian Air Force combat controllers and Andersen AFB’s 36th Contingency Response Group teams to the islands to survey airfield conditions and establish security for incoming aid flights.

The notional disaster tested the main training objectives of airfield assessment team insertion and substandard airfield operation. Bringing together Airmen from varying Air Force specialties, multilateral contingency teams demonstrated their ability to assess and operate previously inaccessible airfields within 12 hours of notification.

“Contingency response of this type is one of our major functions,” said Lt. Col. Glenn Rineheart, the 36th Mobility Response Squadron commander and exercise mission commander on Rota. “Cope North provides the ability for our Airmen to respond to a foreign location and operate only with those assets which were brought in order to surmount challenges with equipment and personnel and the environment. There is a lot to be gained from operating away from main base.”

After declaring the airfields as safe, contingency teams provided continued communications and aerial port support to allow aircrews to deliver aid. Within hours of the airfield opening, coalition teams began set up of an expeditionary medical support health response team mobile hospital, which stands ready on Guam to deploy to real-world disasters.

Expeditionary medical teams deploy to save lives

From emergency resuscitation to life-preserving surgery, the teams are well-equipped and trained to handle a large variety of possible ailments, yet the priority for medics and nurses lies with triage and initial stabilization of patients.

“The EMEDS-HRT is the first-line response package in the region,” said Staff Sgt. Carlos Rance, a 36th Medical Group medical logistics contracting officer. “We set up the ER tent first, and within a 12-hour period we have a fully operational medical facility that allows our teams to treat more than 300 patients. During this exercise we get the opportunity to not only complete a full setup, from the box up, but doctors and medics also get valuable hands-on experience on what it’s like to operate exclusive with the equipment we carry.”

Receiving a steady stream of typhoon victims who were hypothetically transported from Tinian for medical care, medical technicians and military doctors practiced real-time care procedures on simulated injuries ranging from burn wounds and open fractures to psychological distress and child delivery.

Focused on the patient

When patient condition required a higher echelon of care, a team or flight nurses and medical administrators ensured expedient aeromedical evacuation to a location with a fully functioning hospital.

“The focus of this whole exercise is the patient,” said Australian Flight Lt. Emma J. Dingle, a Royal Australian Air Force flight nurse and CN16 aeromedical evacuation liaison. “It is really important for us to understand how each country functions, so that when we do have to come together for joint disaster responses, we can do it smoothly and effectively and have the best outcome for the people who are in need of help.”

The aeromedical evacuation exercises culminated with a joint rescue event Feb. 17. Coalition search and rescue aviators located simulated downed aircrew in open waters off the coast of Guam and performed a subsequent rotary wing evacuation by U.S. Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25.

Planning success through past lessons learned

For the first time, international HA/DR mission planners gathered during a two-day subject matter exchange and tabletop exercise before kickoff. Airmen from three nations shared their experiences, failures and successes during responses as far ranging as the 2011 tsunami in Japan and the 2015 earthquakes in Nepal.

“This year we added a tabletop exercise, which allowed participants to collaborate before exercising,” Rhode said. “This facilitated discussion about actual disasters that occurred in the Pacific and to hear that firsthand experience from somebody who was actually there and could speak to specific issues that occurred.”

Experts also discussed the integration with civilian agencies that would take important roles in real disaster response situations, such as international civic aviation authorities and USAID coordinators.

“Typically the civilian response agencies can handle most emergencies, even large once,” said Scott Aronson, the senior USAID humanitarian assistance adviser to U.S. Pacific Command. “But the U.S. military has unique abilities that either no one else has or nobody can deploy as quickly. We know, for instance, the CRGs capabilities during an HA/DR event are likely one of the unique abilities we might call on.

“As the lead federal agency for disaster response, we participated to make sure the exercise is realistic from our perspective and to have that face-to-face time with the people and agencies we will see in the field,” Aronson continued. “The biggest challenge is understanding each other’s capabilities and Cope North allows both sides to see what the other brings to the table and how those things work together. Maintaining those relationships is essential.”

Following the tabletop exchange, the teams practiced multinational interoperability during the stressful team building required during mission planning.

“The planning group this year was incredible to see,” said Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Chris O’Byrne, the Australian HA/DR scenario planning lead and exercise mission commander on Tinian. “When you see service members come together and realize that they’re talking about the same thing, while calling it by a different name, and we notice that all the time; it’s an amazing thing to see.”

International interest rises

Because of the resounding successes of HA/DR exercises in the past, an increased number of medical subject matter experts from Bangladesh, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malasia and Thailand visited the HA/DR portion as observers this year to witness operations firsthand and gather information on how to improve or establish their own contingency programs.

“Natural disasters are the ‘when’ not the ‘if’ of contingency scenarios and HA/DR is becoming more and more important and recognized as a critical capability, which is why our partner nations have sent their observers to the tabletop and field training exercises,” O’Byrne said. “During the conduct of the field training, the observers saw the U.S.-led CRG in Rota and the Australian Contingency Response Squadron on Tinian, which will allow them to see how different agencies would react.”

Success in numbers and increased interoperability

Through effective use of its hub-and-spoke relief plan, the coalition teams successfully evacuated approximately 40 patients, moving more than 180 passengers, conducting 30 airdrops and transporting more than 438,600 pounds of cargo from island to island, Rhode said.

“Each year, this exercise has been getting more advanced,” she said. “We are learning more about what types of cargo can go on what types of aircraft or what type of communication capability each country uses. We learn it in the exercise and then when things really kick off, we are not starting from square one. We’re working in the interest of saving lives and no one country can do it all themselves, so it’s a lot easier to get on board and figure out the problem together.”

Currently ongoing, this year marks the 87th iteration of exercise Cope North, which includes a long-standing, multinational HA/DR event designed to increase interoperability and develop a synergistic disaster response capability between the U.S. Air Force, Japan Air-Self Defense Force and Royal Australian Air Force. The second half of Cope North will shift the focus to air combat training, which will include air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and large force employment training.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Flowers, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, performs simulated CPR aboard a C-130 Hercules Feb. 15, 2016, during an expeditionary medical support exercise above the Pacific Ocean near Guam. Exercise Cope North 16 enhances humanitarian assistance and disaster relief crisis response capabilities between six nations and lays the foundation for regional cooperation during real-world contingencies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel)

Staff Sgt. Matthew Flowers, an aeromedical evacuation technician with the 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, performs simulated CPR aboard a C-130 Hercules Feb. 15, 2016, during an expeditionary medical support exercise above the Pacific Ocean near Guam. Exercise Cope North 16 enhances humanitarian assistance and disaster relief crisis response capabilities between six nations and lays the foundation for regional cooperation during real-world contingencies in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Riedel)

http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/671624/pacific-partners-practice-humanitarian-assistance-during-cope-north.aspx

AFP asks brave Cordillerans: list up & take Air Force exams

From the Baguio Midland Courier (Feb 24): AFP asks brave Cordillerans: list up & take Air Force exams

Cordillerans aspiring to be a soldier or an officer of the Philippine Air Force will have a chance to fulfill their dreams when they pass the examination to be held at the PAF Tactical Operations Group 1 at the Baguio Loakan Airport on Feb. 26 and 27.

Under the PAF recruitment program, all applicants must be natural born Filipino citizen, single with no legal obligation to support a child or children; must be 152.5 centimeters or 5 feet for both male and female.

The recruitment has two categories which is the enlisted personnel and officer.

Applicants for officer status must be a baccalaureate degree holder and aged 21 to 29 or born from Aug. 1, 1987 to Aug. 1, 1995 upon admission for training on Aug. 1, 2016.

Those applying as enlisted personnel must have completed at least 72 units in college, must be 18 years old but not more than 23 years old upon the date of enlistment on March 18, 2017. They are those born between March 17, 1993 to March 18, 1999.

Applicants must also be physically and mentally fit for military training and with good moral character.

Applicants must also submit accomplished application form, a photocopy of birth certificate authenticated by the National Statistics Office, and a photocopy of transcript of records.

Applicants are advised to bring the original copies of the said requirements for further verification.

Attached in the application form is a latest 2x2 ID photo which must be front, facial close-up, white background with name and signature of the applicant at the back of the photo.

Application form for officer’s status and enlisted personnel can be downloaded at www.paf.mil.ph. Walk-in applicants will be accepted.

Physical defects such as tattoo, obesity, pierced ear/s for males and extra piercing for females, crossed eyedness, bow leggedness and excess or lacking finger would demerit or disqualify the application.

Applicants are also required to be in white t-shirt, maong pants and rubber shoes and must bring with them one black and blue ballpen and pencil with eraser and to be at the examination area before 7 a.m.

As in the past, candidate soldiers, while on training, will receive P14,295 as allowance and P20,494 after graduation. He will be designated as airman. Officer candidates on the other hand will receive P30,455 allowance while on training as P2Lt. and P35,785 as 2Lt.

For inquiries, call PAF TOG1 at Loakan Airport at (075) 447-3545; 0923-737-1055; 0917-800-1594 and 0939-902-0896. They may also inquire through email at opnstog1@gmail.com.

http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/region.asp?mode=%20archives/2016/february/2-21-2016/reg1.txt

Duterte orders probe into fire that hit lumad’s temporary shelter

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 24): Duterte orders probe into fire that hit lumad’s temporary shelter

DAVAO CITY—Presidential aspirant and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a thorough probe into the fire that attempted to burn the evacuation site of lumad inside the Haran compound of the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) but succeeded only in razing down two student dormitory buildings also inside the compound on Wednesday dawn.

Peter Laviña, Duterte’s spokesperson, said the mayor has tasked the Davao City police to determine whether or not the fire that hurt five lumad, including two children at the evacuation site, and razed down two student dormitories, was a case of arson.

Haran has been the temporary shelter of lumad who have fled their homes in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, because of the relentless presence in their communities of soldiers who have accused them of being sympathizers of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).
 
“Duterte also called on the Davaoeños to stay calm as he assured them that the city government is on top of the situation,” Laviña said.

“Duterte sympathizes with the plight of the lumad and joins the call by peace-loving people of Davao for respect for their right to self-determination, their right over their ancestral land, cultural integrity, and for a meaningful economic growth and justice,” he added.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/768098/duterte-orders-probe-into-fire-that-hit-lumads-temporary-shelter

Sarangani, Davao Occ communities lauded for helping in surrender of 5 NPA rebels

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 24): Sarangani, Davao Occ communities lauded for helping in surrender of 5 NPA rebels
The military on Wednesday credited “community efforts” in the recent surrender of at least five communist rebels in Sarangani and Davao Occidental.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion based in Malita, Davao Occidental, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, that village officials played a vital role in the surrender of the five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels this month.

“Five rebels surrendered to 73rd Infantry Battalion through the effort of the barangay officials in our area of responsibility,” Babac said.

The latest to surrender was 19-year-old “Alex,” a member of the Front 71, he said.

Alex, Babac said, had sought the help of Modesto Aban, the village chair of Barangay Tamban in Malungon, Sarangani, and yielded on February 17.

“The continued difficulty they face in the hinterlands also forced them to yield,” he said.

Since 2015, Babac said the military has been using “gentle persuasion” aside from conducting combat operations in a bid to defeat communists in his areas of jurisdiction.

“Gentle persuation” tactics have included engaging parents and relatives of rebels and village officials in dialogues in the provinces of Davao Occidental, Sarangani and portions of Davao del Sur.

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

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

Babac said since January 2015, dozens of NPA rebels have yielded to his unit.

“We continue to conduct combat operations but our dialogues are also bearing fruit,” he said.
Babac said the NPA has been losing support from the villagers because of abuses and extortion activities.

In July 2015, he said officials of the remote village of Datal Anggas in Alabel, Sarangani, passed a resolution formally declaring NPA members as persona non grata.

The villagers had accused the NPA of committing “deception, extortion and other forms of abuses” against villagers and that by barring them, officials said they hoped the excesses would stop.

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

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

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

Babac also claimed that fed-up villagers have been helping the military beat the rebels in Datal Angas.

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

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

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

“We are using gentle persuasion but we do not think twice about using force also if they continue to resist and continue with their abuses against the civilians,” Babac said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/768244/sarangani-davao-occ-communities-lauded-for-helping-in-surrender-of-5-npa-rebels

Lanao skirmishes continue, displace thousands

From the Manila Times (Feb 24): Lanao skirmishes continue, displace thousands

A soldier was killed Tuesday in a fresh firefight between the Philippine Army and members of a radical jihadists movement in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

The fatality was identified as Private First Class Emmanuel Buhilag, a member of the 51st Infantry Battalion, who was with the convoy of two military trucks traversing a highway in Bubong Cadapaan village in Wato-Balindong town when ambushed by gunmen around 11 a.m.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of Marawi City-based 103rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, said the military convoy was en route to Madalum town, to reinforce soldiers in Butig town, where pursuit operation against the rebel group was ongoing, when attacked.

He added that the troops were able to return fire and drove away an undetermined number of attackers that took an hour-long firefight with mortar shelling from the government forces.

Authorities said the attack was part of the “diversion tactics” by the jihadists group Khilafah Islamiyah Movement (KIM), which 300 of its members were being cornered by soldiers at the village of Poktan in Butig.

They added that the recent clash created fear among residents and commuters passing through the highway going in and out of the cities of Marawi and Cotabato even though the road was passable.

The four-day hostilities erupted when KIM, which had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), ambushed an army detachment of 51st Infantry Battalion that triggered a massive pursuit operation with bombardment attacks from the military.

7,800 civilians displaced

The sporadic firefight that started from Saturday evening had displaced 7,800 civilians from Butig, from where 335 families fled to Marawi City and were given food and medical assistance, according to Lanao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

It said the repacking of goods was under way on Wednesday for the 657 evacuees who sought refuge in Masiu, Lanao del Sur.

It added that it has been doing a validating process for the thousands of families who reportedly run for their safety in the towns of Lumbatan, Lumbayanague and Poona-Bayabao.

Crisis Management Committee created

Governor Mamintal “Bombit” Adiong, Jr. said the provincial government has created the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) “to ensure that no civilians get hurt and that evacuees are properly taken care of.”

The committee, which Adiong heads, was created during the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting here on Tuesday where the military and the police described the armed groups as “criminals and have committed criminal acts.”

Authorities also denied reports that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), particularly the forces of Commander Abdullah Macapaar, alias Bravo, were involved in the clashes.

Colonel Manolo Samarita, deputy commander to Murillo, said the current operation against the armed group was properly coordinated with the largest Muslim rebels in Mindanao that signed a peace deal with the government through the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

http://www.manilatimes.net/breaking_news/lanao-skirmishes-continue-displace-thousands/

Fatal clashes in Philippines' south blamed on new group

From Anadolu Agency (Feb 24): Fatal clashes in Philippines' south blamed on new group

Military says nameless group cordoned off after days-long fighting leaves 20 ‘terrorists’, 3 troops dead in Muslim region of southern Mindanao

The Philippines’ armed forces said Wednesday that it had cordoned off a suspected "new terrorist group” in the Muslim south involved in days-long clashes that reportedly left around 20 militants and three soldiers dead.

Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told GMA News that the nameless armed group had been behind violence that broke out Saturday when 40 gunmen attacked a military detachment in Butig town, Lanao del Sur province.
 
He had earlier said that the number of fatalities on the militant side – whose number rose to around 80 gunmen – “is subject to verification” and that their motive remained unknown.
 
On Wednesday, Padilla cited a military source in saying that the armed group’s members were followers of a chief of a command of the country’s one-time largest Moro rebel group that is engaged in an ongoing peace process with the government.
 
The 102nd Base Command of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) under Edris Salindawan – alias Abu Hanif – is suspected of connections with al-Qaeda’s Southeast Asia-affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah, according to GMA.
 
Padilla, however, underlined that security forces and the MILF are coordinating through peace mechanisms under an ad hoc committee aimed at maintaining their cease-fire and combatting criminal syndicates and terrorist groups operating in the southern Muslim region of Mindanao island.
 
Several armed Muslim groups and a communist insurgency operate in conflict-ridden Mindanao.
The fighting comes at a time when the military has been conducting weeks of operations against a breakaway Muslim rebel group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), in neighboring Maguindanao province.
 
Col. Noel J. Detoyato, Armed Forces public affairs office chief, said in a press briefing Tuesday that more than 30 BIFF members had died in less than three weeks of clashes after the group attacked a dredging project in Datu Salibo town.
 
The BIFF is opposed to the peace process between the government and the MILF – which it broke away from in 2008 – and has claimed allegiance to Daesh.
 
The law that seals the peace process – aimed at bringing an end to a separatist conflict that has killed around 150,000 people – is presently stalled in Congress, as the legislature has adjourned for election campaigning.
 
It does not reconvene until June 30.
 

Army confirms 2 women killed in operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 24): Army confirms 2 women killed in operations vs Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan City
But village chairman says military operations were triggered by rido

The military has admitted that soldiers killed two women – one of them an elderly — and wounded several others in its clash with Abu Sayyaf bandits last Monday, in Lamitan City.

In a statement issued about 15 hours after the raid, 1Lt. Sally Christine Prima, the military’s spokesman in Basilan, said the “civilian casualties” were relatives of Abu Sayyaf members Totong Ujong and Nurhassan Lahaman.

Prima said the civilians “participated and provided cover during the encounter against the government forces.”
 
Earlier, Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, commander of the Joint Task Force Zambasulta, said elements of the 13th Scout Ranger Company were providing back up support to the Lamitan Police – headed by Insp. Insp. Gean Gallardo – in serving a warrant of arrest against Lahaman in Barangay Bohe Ibu on Monday when they clashed with Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Lahaman is an Abu Sayyaf member under Nurhassan Jamiri, according to Tejares.

Prima said as the soldiers were entering the village, they were met with gunfire around 5:42 a.m.
“The government forces, while approaching the objective, was met by heavy volume of fire coming from the enemy… However, government forces were able to return fire and out-maneuvered the well-established defense position of the enemy, which ensued for about fifteen (15) minutes,” she said.

Prima said after the clash, two civilians were killed and several others were wounded.
Maklimar Mamang, Bohe Ibu chair, identified the slain civilians as Ananang Ujong, 30; and Amparing Acalul, 65.

Mamang said Ujong’s husband, Totong, 31, and her children – aged 10 and 12, were also injured in the raid.

But he denied that there were any Abu Sayyaf members in the village, about five kilometers away from Lamitan proper.

“Since I was a child, I have not heard of any encounter here between the Abu Sayyaf and government forces. There is no Abu Sayyaf here, but family feud or rido is very common in our place,” Mamang told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

He said that at the height of the raid, the soldiers had prevented village officials from entering Sitio Tamara, where the slain civilians resided.

He said based on the accounts of survivors, the firing was indiscriminate.

“First, there was no heavy encounter between two armed groups, there’s no ASG here. Second, they launched a raid and killed two innocent women. They committed errors, their assets may have provided them with false information,” Mamang said.

Gallardo said when the police arrived in the community, the Scout Ranger soldiers were already engaged in a firefight.

He said when the gunfire stopped and they searched the area, they saw the two dead women.
Gallardo said the raid was prompted by a report that armed men were roaming the village.

“At about 3 a.m. of same date, government troops left from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Campo Uno in Lamitan City, Basilan, and upon arrival at Bohe Ibu, the rangers were able to encounter the (lawless) group, fire fights started at 6 a.m.,” a post-incident report that Gallardo sent to the Basilan provincial police office reads.

He said soldiers were able “to penetrate the temporary place of encampment (of the armed group), where several fox holes were discovered at the said place. The encounter ended at about 8:30 a.m. of same date,” he added.

Mamang said the Ujongs were workers in his family’s coconut farm and were not Abu Sayyaf bandits or supporters.

Lahaman, on the other hand, has a standing rido against the Hamja family – which is reportedly close to the military and police, according to Mamang.

Mamang said he was demanding an investigation and the filing of charges against those responsible for the deaths of the two civilians and the wounding of the three others. 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/768132/army-confirms-2-women-killed-in-operations-vs-abu-sayyaf-in-lamitan-city