Tuesday, March 15, 2016

DWDD: ULAMAS VS EXTREMISM II AFP Lauds Muslim Prayer Rally against Terrorism

DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 14): ULAMAS VS EXTREMISM II AFP Lauds Muslim Prayer Rally against Terrorism

DWDD — Muslim scholars conducted a prayer rally against extremism yesterday, March 13 at Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila.

ulama1

The event was sponsored by the Ulamas and Muslim leaders in Luzon and Metro Manila.

The prayer rally was a response to the recent incident involving Saudi Arabian preacher who was shot and wounded in Western Mindanao State University compound in Zamboanga City.

Further, the group was quite alarmed on the video released by the Abu Sayaff Group where they showed the awful situation of their four hostages.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) laud the efforts of the Ulamas to end terrorism in the country.

ulama2

AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said, “Such efforts are actually geared for the continued assurance that our communities will remain safe for our Muslim brothers, the youth, women and all vulnerable sectors of the community.”

“They help encourage our youth to avoid groups that trying to recruit them into extremist practices which is not the actual way of Islam.” Padilla added. (MCAG/LMC)

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/49967-2/

DWDD: PEACEBOOK PROJECT II 8IB Distributes Story Books for Lumads in Bukidnon

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 15): PEACEBOOK PROJECT II 8IB Distributes Story Books for Lumads in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon (DWDD) – Another set of children’s story books were turned over by the members of the 8th Infantry Battalion of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division to a tribal school in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon as implementation of its “Peacebook Project” continues.

Mrs. Leonila E. Plazos, School Director of the Pigpamulaan Tribal School in Sitio Mahayag, Brgy. St. Peter, Malaybalay City, received the books through a ceremonial turn-over which was held during the City Peace and Order Council meeting of Malaybalay City LGU, with Hon. Ignacio W. Zubiri, City Mayor and CPOC Chairman, as the Presiding Officer. The activity took place around 11:30 am yesterday, March 11, 2016, at Delan’s Place in the said city.

Malaybalay City Bukidnon Map

Books

“Peacebook” is a collaborative project of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, the Local Government Units and The Asia Foundation, which donated the books. It is part of the Army’s Bayanihan Team Activities program that is aimed at addressing local issues in the community that breed conflict and insurgency. The project focuses on teaching good moral values to our children as a means of creating cultures of peace while denouncing violence as a solution to socio-economic issues that are prevalent in our society, especially in far flung areas.

Pigpamulaan Tribal School is located in Sitio Mahayag, Brgy. St. Peter, Malaybalay City. It is one of the remotest schools in the area and is lying along the foothills of the majestic Pantaron Mountain Ranges that divides Bukidnon and Agusan del Sur provinces. Fueled by the desire to have a culture-based education system that could empower the people in their community amidst the exploitations of the NPA, the indigenous peoples or Lumads of Mahayag decided to seek the help of the Bukidnon Tribal Filipinos Foundation Incorporated or BTTFI. The BTTFI then sought the benevolence of the Assisi Development Foundation that resulted to the establishment of a pre-school in 2003. Eventually, the institution became an elementary school in 2008, which was named as Pigpamulaan Tribal School.

Meantime, LTC LENNON G BABILONIA INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, once again emphasized the sanctity of schools. “We want to invest in our future by sowing seeds of peace in the hearts and minds of our children. And one of the best venues for such a noble task aside from our home is our schools.

This is how sacred schools are as institutions and it is very disappointing to know that the forces of insurgency have used the sanctity of our schools in order to radicalize our children and inculcate violence and injustice in their tender age. This has been happening in various areas here in Mindanao especially in Lumad communities. We have initiated this Peacebook Project in order to address these issues in our area, the beautiful province of Bukidnon, which serves as a bastion for our Lumad brothers. With this project is the thought that guns can kill enemies, but education can kill armed conflict.” says LTC BABILONIA. CMO 8IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50027-2/

DWDD: BANDIT FALLS II Ranking NPA leader nabbed in Davao Oriental

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 15): BANDIT FALLS II Ranking NPA leader nabbed in Davao Oriental

MANILA (DWDD) – Joint AFP-PNP Elements arrested a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader at Purok Sta. Cruz, Poblacion Lupon, Davao Oriental at 5:00 o’clock on Monday afternoon, March 14.

NPA 4

Allan Montecalvo a.k.a. Em-Em, who is reportedly the new Secretary of Guerilla Front (GF) 2 of the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) after replacing Ariel M. Arbitrario a.k.a. Marlon who was apprehended on February 16, 2016, was arrested by elements of the 701st Brigade, 28th IB, units under the 10th ID (1001Bde; 10th MIB, and 71IB) of the Philippine Army, ISAFP, CIDG-Davao Oriental, PIB-DOPPO, DOPPO-PPSC, PIT-DOR, RIU11, and Lupon MPS.

Montecalvo was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for violation of Section 3 of Presidential Decree 1866 or the crime of unlawful manufacture, sales, acquisition, disposition or possession of explosives, as amended by Section 1 of RA 9516 issued by Presiding Judge Virginia D. Tehano-Ang of Regional Trial Court Branch 3. He is now under the custody of the Lupon Municipal Police. Josephine Jaron Codilla / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50038-2/

DWDD: SECURITY OPERATIONS II Army Encounters Extortionists in Surigao Anew

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 15): SECURITY OPERATIONS II Army Encounters Extortionists in Surigao Anew

Sta Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte (DWDD) – Just before lunch of March 13, 2016, Army troopers based in Surigao del Norte encountered armed men in Brgy Amontay, San Francisco, Surigao del Norte supposed to collect supplies and money from small business in the area.

NPA Cadres 3

In an interview by DWDD with 1Lt Ryan Layug, CMO Officer, 30th Infantry ”Phyton” Battalion, a report from a concerned citizen about the plan to collect the supplies in the outskirts of Brgy Amontay prompted the 30IB to conduct peace and security operations.

According to 2LT Wilfredo F Quilang, Platoon Leader of the Government troops responding in the area, “The armed men fired to us while we are approaching the reported designated pick-up location of extorted supplies, we immediately retaliated and the enemy withdrew towards the direction of the barangay.”

After the 10 minutes firefight, the government troops were all safe, while a wounded extortionist was taken by their colleagues in Brgy Amontay. Recovered in the encounter site are: one Improvised Explosive Device (IED), blasting cap, electrical wires, battery pack and backpack with subversive documents and food items. It can be recalled that last February 27, 2016 30IB troopers also encountered extortionists in Brgy Anomar, Surigao City.

Lieutenant Colonel Rico O Amaro, Battalion Commander of 30IB said: “It is our duty to protect Surigaonons from threats of armed groups, the recent encounter is again a product of a report from concerned citizens that shows many are already complaining about the activities of this group.”

“We appeal that the wounded which was hidden in the communities nearby be brought to the nearest hospital and be given medical attention by qualified professionals” Amaro added.

As of the moment, the military in coordination with the PNP conducts pursuit operations to apprehend the remaining members of the group. CMO 30IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50034-2/

DWDD: TURN OVER OF OFFICE II AFP Inspector General

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Website (Mar 15): TURN OVER OF OFFICE II AFP Inspector General

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) A Turn-Over of Office will held tomorrow, Thursday, March 17, 2016 here at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.


MGen Oscar Lactao

Major General Oscar Lactao will be installed as the Inspector General of the Armed Forces of the Philippines replacing Major General Benito De Leon who is set to retire on Monday, March 21, 2016 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

MGen Lactao is a member of Philippine Military Academy class of 1984 and is currently the Commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan De Oro.

MGen Benjamin Madrigal, the Philippine Army’s Chief of Staff will be replacing MGen Lactao as commander of the 4ID. AES / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50081-2/

DWDD: AN NPA PROPAGANDA II IED Explosions in Masbate

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 15): AN NPA PROPAGANDA II IED Explosions in Masbate

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City (DWDD) The New People’s Army blew up four (4) Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in four different areas in Masbate Island morning of March 15, 2015.

903rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Fernando R. Trinidad said the 1st explosion was reported at 4 a.m. in Brgy Miaga, Uson, Masbate; 2nd explosion was at 5 a.m. in Brgy. Tunga, Esperanza, Masbate; 3rd explosion was at 7:10 a.m in Loving Forest Memorial Garden alongside of National Highway in Brgy. Malinta, Masbate City; and a 4th explosion at 7:15 a.m. alongside National Highway in Purok 5, Brgy Tabuc, Mobo, Masbate.

No one was reportedly hurt caused by the four explosions. “These explosions are propaganda tactics to sow fear to the people,” said Colonel Trinidad.

He assured that Army units in the island province are doing their best to ensure the safety of the MasbateƱos against the NPA’s abuses and terror acts.

Southern Luzon Command Chief Lieutenant General Ricardo R. Visaya said that the explosions are in connection to the NPA Anniversary on March 29.

“The NPA is a diminishing group in Southern Luzon, as such; they resort to terror acts like these IED explosions to project that they are still strong,” said Lieutenant General Visaya. At present there are 36 NPAs being hunted by SOLCOM units in Masbate Province. Josephine Jaron Codilla / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/an-npa-propaganda-ii-ied-explosions-in-masbate/

DWDD: BARBARIC II Two Policemen Hurt in Series of NPA IED Explosions in Masbate

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 15): BARBARIC II Two Policemen Hurt in Series of NPA IED Explosions in Masbate

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City (DWDD) The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded nine (9) Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) explosions in different areas in Masbate Province morning of March 15, 2016.

NPA Cadres 3

 IEDs

903rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Fernando R. Trinidad said the 1st explosion was reported at 4 a.m. in Brgy Miaga, Uson, Masbate; 2nd explosion was at 5 a.m. in Brgy. Tunga, Esperanza, Masbate; 3rd explosion was at 7:10 a.m in Loving Forest Memorial Garden alongside of National Highway in Brgy. Malinta, Masbate City; 4th explosion at 7:15 a.m. alongside National Highway in Purok 5, Brgy Tabuc, Mobo, Masbate; and a 5th explosion at 8:50 a.m. in Brgy Burgos, Batuan, Ticao Island, Masbate.

Aside from the said areas, Masbate PPO reported IED explosions in Brgy Crossing and Brgy Burnasuerte both of Uson, Brgy Daplian, San Jacinto and Brgy Ilaya, Balud.
The explosion in Brgy Burgos, Batuan left Batuan Chief of Police PSI Aldrin A Rosales and SPO1 Amado C Abiola wounded when an IED exploded as their police mobile was passing at the said barangay.

“These explosions are more of a propaganda tactic of the NPA, that is, to sow fear to the people,” said Colonel Trinidad.

Colonel Trinidad said that the NPA is not capable of attacking a military outpost in big formations as they are dwindling in manpower and firepower.

The AFP Southern Luzon Command believes that the explosions are connected to the NPAs 47th Anniversary on March 29.

At present there are 36 NPAs being hunted by SOLCOM units in Masbate Province.

“The NPA is a diminishing group in Southern Luzon, as such; they resort to terror acts like these IED explosions to project that they are still a strong force,” said SOLCOM Chief Lieutenant General Ricardo R. Visaya.

Moreover, Lieutenant General Visaya assured that security measures are being implemented by SOLCOM units in Masbate to ensure the safety of the MasbateƱos against the NPA’s abuses and terror acts.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/barbaric-ii-two-policemen-hurt-in-series-of-npa-ied-explosions-in-masbate/

DWDD: FIGHTING TILL THE END II Soldier and 4 CAA Perished in Encounter in Oriental Mindoro

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service  Radio Website (Mar 16): FIGHTING TILL THE END II Soldier and 4 CAA Perished in Encounter in Oriental Mindoro

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City – A soldier and four (4) CAFGU Active Auxilliary were killed while four (4) others were wounded during an encounter involving a platoon of “B” Company of the 4th Infantry Battalion against 30 NPAs in Brgy Hagan, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro at 10:30 a.m. of March 15, 2016.

NPA 4

In an interview by DWDD with Lt Col Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the AFP Southern Luzon Command, 4th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Rodolfo A. Gesim identified those killed-in-action as Cpl Roland T. Bernal, CAA Fulgencio B. Rolando, CAA Christer M. Gadon, CAA Garry S. Galindez and CAA Ernesto M. Malubay.

He also identified as wounded-in-action Pfc Mark Leo A. Nacion, Pfc Argie P. Capucao, CAA Jesse S. Francisco and CAA Meddy M. Gaban.

After the 30-minute firefight, the casualties were airlifted by military choppers later in the afternoon to Roxas, Oriental Mindoro for funeral and medical attention.

Lieutenant Colonel Gesim said that the troops were on combat operations in response to finding the NPAs that killed a member of the barangay council of Brgy Hagan of Bongabon, Oriental Mindoro a few days ago. “The troops were determined to get the killers, they fought bravely with their heart by dislodging the NPAs from their entrenched position,” said LTC Gesim.

“But sadly, we lost some of them,” he continued. He also said that the NPA’s laid landmines in the perimeter that inflicted initial damage to the operating troops.

203rd Infantry Brigade Commander Colonel Gavin Edjawan has directed pursuit operations as reinforcements were inserted in strategic areas by military helicopters which also provided close air support to the engaged troops.

The AFP Southern Luzon Command believes that these NPAs are part of the group that attacked Paluan MPS in Occidental Mindoro in November 2014. Since then, 203Bde has been tracking the movements of the rebel group.

Navy patrol gun boats are now conducting maritime patrols/ interdiction operations in selected waters surrounding Mindoro Island to preempt possible reinforcement coming from the mainland as well as those who intend to escape from the AFP operations.

“Now that the troops located them, we will use necessary force and AFP assets to neutralize them,” said SOLCOM Chief Lieutenant General Ricardo R. Visaya.

SOLCOM is optimistic the encounter will lead to the neutralization of the NPA group that has long been terrorizing in the island especially in the hinterlands. “We are re-doubling our focused military operations to eliminate the NPAs in pursuit of peace and development in Mindoro,” said LtGen Visaya. AES / PAO SOLCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/50098-2/

Surigao politician, farmer caught in military strafing— group

From the often pro-CPP Davao Today (Mar 15): Surigao politician, farmer caught in military strafing— group

Benjie dela PeƱa sustained injuries the alleged strafing incident by the Army in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel Surigao del Sur on March 11. (Photo from Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur Facebook account)

Benjie dela PeƱa sustained injuries the alleged strafing incident by the Army in Barangay Carromata, San Miguel Surigao del Sur on March 11. (Photo from Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur Facebook account)
 
A farmer and a village official were among the victims of an indiscriminate firing allegedly perpetrated by the military in a village in San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur on March 11.
 
Benjie dela PeƱa, 25, and Saldy Maca, 34, “were strafed by elements of the 2nd Special Forces of the Philippine Army,” said Kasalo in a statement on Tuesday, March 15.

Kasalo, a lumad organization that identified the victims, said Maca is a barangay councilor in Carromata, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

Josephine Pagalan, its spokesperson, said the incident happened at 10 in the morning, but their office received the report three hours later.

“Dungan sila nga gi-strafing sa lahi-lahi nila nga uma (They were fired at in their individual farms),” Pagalan told Davao Today in a phone interview. She said Dela PeƱa was about to cook sweet potatoes when he was hit.

Dela PeƱa was reportedly hit on his left thigh “as the bullet went through his bolo’s sheath that was tied at his waist.”

“He ran towards their purok, fearing death.  He did not know that he was hit,” the group said.

Meanwhile, Maca was attending to his farm when he reportedly heard four shots towards his direction.

“When he looked at the elevated portion of his farm, he saw two uniformed soldiers from the 2nd Special Forces.  Because their guns were still pointed at him, Saldy ran towards home to their community.  It was sheer luck that he was not hit,” the group said.

Dela PeƱa was taken to the hospital by the residents using the pump boat owned by Maca.

Pagalan said they passed a river  to reach Barangay Carromata.

‘Farmer, not NPA’

However, Pagalan said Dela PeƱa was interrogated  in several checkpoints and was forced to admit that he was a member of the NPA who was hit during an encounter.

“Gilangan-langan pa sila bisag naa nay ambulansya. Sige pa sila’g gi-interrogate, gi-imbestiga ug si Benjie paangkonon nga NPA (even if there was an ambulance waiting for the victim, they were still held for interrogation and investigation and Benjie was forced to admit that he was an NPA),” she said.

Kasalo said Dela PeƱa was interrogated until he reached the hospital in San Miguel.

Not the first strafing incident

Kasalo reported that on January 22, a similar strafing incident happened to Pampias T. Ventura, 48 years old, married with three children.

Ventura is a farmer from Baroboan. Kasalo said the incident involved “the same elements of the 2nd Special Forces based in SNAS (Surigao del Sur National Agricultural School).”

The incident came three days after the military signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the provincial government and the Philippine National Police, which formally declared the province as “Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development”.

In a report in interaksyon.com Lt. Gen. Rey Guerrero was quoted as saying: “By yearend, Surigao del Sur will be insurgency free. That’s our target, and I think it is possible that we can do it. Surigao del Sur is one area that needed that much attention, that’s why we exerted efforts in bringing in more troops. And we have seen the fruits of our efforts, in just a period of three months we have been able to significantly improve the peace and order situation, reduce New People’s Army (NPA) initiated violence. Their manpower and firearms as well as the numbers of affected barangays had been reduced.”

Guerrero gave the assessment after the ceremony for the MOA signing.

Pagalan, however, said the army should make clear “who are they running after”.
“Dili lang unta nila hilabtan ang mga sibilyan ug naa sa ilang mga umahan nga nag-uma (They should not run after civilians and farmers who till their lands),” she said.

Pagalan added that because of the incident 33 families with 172 individuals from the village evacuate to the barangay proper of Carromata on March 12.

Davao Today tried to contact the army for comment but are yet to issue their statement.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/surigao-politician-farmer-caught-in-military-strafing-group/

Ranking rebel leader in ComVal nabbed

From the Manila Times (Mar 15):  Ranking rebel leader in ComVal nabbed

A RANKING Official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Compostela Valley was nabbed on Monday by operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) during a manhunt operation in a remote village in Davao Oriental.

CIDG Chief, Dir. Victor Deona identified the arrested alleged rebel leader as Allan Montecalvo alias “Kumander Em-Em”, reportedly secretary general of the Compostela Valley Guerilla Front 2 (GF-2).

Deona said Montecalvo was nabbed by a composite team of Army, Davao Oriental Provincial Police Office (PPO) and CIDG-Davao Oriental at Purok 2, Sitio Quizon, Barangay Ilangay in Lupon town.

Montecalvo is wanted for violation of PD 1866 (Illegal/ Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing in, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives.)

http://www.manilatimes.net/ranking-rebel-leader-in-comval-nabbed/250653/

NPA stages 11 bombings, attacks

From The Standard (Mar 16): NPA stages 11 bombings, attacks

THE communist New People’s Army staged attacks in Masbate and Oriental Mindoro provinces on Monday leaving an army soldier killed and three others wounded while sowing fear in 11 areas where the insurgents are believed to have caused bomb blasts.

The military said the NPA staged the attacks to scare people into believing that the NPA is still a force to reckon with ahead of their 47th anniversary on March 29.

“The NPA is a diminishing group in Southern Luzon,” said Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command based in Lucena City.  “As such, they resort to terror acts like these to project that they are still strong.”

Visaya’s spokesman Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman said the NPA detonated improvised explosive devices in 11 remote villages in Masbate on Monday morning.

The first explosions occurred at 4 a.m. in Barangay Miaga in Uson town followed by the second blast at 5 a.m. at Barangay Tunga in Esperanza town. The third happened at the Loving Forest Memorial Garden along the National Highway in Masbate City around 7 a.m. and the fourth at 7:15 a.m. at Barangay Tabuc in Mobo town.

After the four blast, there were seven other explosions, three of which separately occurred in the outskirts of Uson town hitting Globe cell sites in the villages of Crossing, Panisihan and Buenasuerte, while the other four occurred at Barangay Tabuc in Mobo; Poblacion District-2, Claveria, Ilaya, Balud in the boundaries of Dorongan, San Jacinto and Dapitan, San Fernando towns.

Col. Fernando Trinidad, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade said the blasts were part of the rebels’ propaganda tactics to sow fear in the people, but assured securiry forces in the island province are exerting their best efforts to ensure the safety of civilians.

On Monday afternoon, the NPA staged attacks in Bongabon town in Oriental Mindoro, resulting in the death of government trooper the military did not identify pending the notification of his kin.

Another unidentified soldier was injured along with Senior Inspector Aldrin Rosales and SPO1 Amado Abiola, who were both taken to the provincial hospital for treatment.

Mayor Hercules “Bobot” Umali of Bongabon town confirmed the skirmishes in his town but could not give details because the fighting was still raging.

Attack helicopters were dispatched to the scene of fighting to neutralize the rebel band that ambushed an army contingent on combat patrol in the rebel-infested village of Haban.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/201808/npa-stages-11-bombings-attacks.html

Blasts hit Masbate cell sites; NPA eyed

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 16): Blasts hit Masbate cell sites; NPA eyed

ELEVEN explosions which targeted mostly cell sites of Globe Telecoms and suspected to have been perpetrated by communist rebels rocked different parts of Masbate on Tuesday morning.

The military, who denounced the blasts as “propaganda tactics” to scare the residents, said two policemen were injured in the incidents.

“These explosions are propaganda tactics to sow fear to the people,” said Col. Fernando Trinidad, 903rd Infantry Brigade Commander.

The New People’s Army is suspected to be behind the explosions in eight different towns in Masbate, which happened on Tuesday morning.

Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya said the incidents were possibly connected to the NPA’s upcoming anniversary on March 29.

Resorting to terror acts

“The NPA is a diminishing group in Southern Luzon and they resort to terror acts like these explosions to project that they are still strong,” Visaya said, adding that there are only 36 rebels in Masbate.

Two policemen were wounded in one of the blasts in Barangay Burgos, Batuan town. They were identified as SPO1 Amado Albiola and Senior Insp. Aldrin Rosales.

The first four blasts happened 30 minutes apart beginning at 4:30 a.m. at a Globe Telecoms cell site in Barangay Miaga, Uson town.

The second explosion jolted Barangay Tunga, Esperanza town, around 5 a.m., followed by another blast in Barangay Poblacion, Claveria town, around 5:36 a.m.

At 6 a.m., another explosion rocked another Globe cell site in Barangay Crossing, also in Uson town, followed by an 8:30 a.m. blast at another Globe cell site in Barangay Panisihan in the same town.

Minutes later at 8:50 a.m., an improvised explosive device went off along the provincial road of Barangay Burgos in Batuan town, wounding two policemen, Rosales and Abiola, who were on their way to Barangay Lagundi.

Both policemen were rushed to the Masbate Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Another blast occurred around 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Buenasuerte in Uson town, followed by an explosion 10 minutes later in Barangay Ilaya, Balud town.

The last explosion was around 10:45 a.m. at the boundary of San Jacinto and San Fernando towns.

Trinidad assured that Philippine Army units assigned in Masbate have stepped up its efforts to ensure the safety of residents against communist rebels.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/774063/blasts-hit-masbate-cell-sites-npa-eyed

Beyond peace, infrastructure key to drawing investment to ARMM

From Business World (Mar 13): Beyond peace, infrastructure key to drawing investment to ARMM

Business groups in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), in a meeting with Swiss officials led by Ambassador to the Philippines Andrea Reichlin last week, emphasized the need for infrastructure development alongside sustaining peace to attract more investment in the region.

The meeting, held at the ARMM-Regional Board of Investments (RBOI) office in Cotabato City, was attended by representatives of the Metro Cotabato Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Muslim Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kutawato, and the Bangsamoro Business Club, led by the Promotion of Investment Sustainability Organization (PISO), which has members from the private sector as well as government representatives.
 
Edgar L. Bullecer, co-lead convenor of PISO, told BusinessWorld it is about time that foreign companies took notice of the investment potentials of the region.
 
There are an estimated 60 Swiss companies operating in the Philippines, including food firm NestlƩ. One of the three factories of NestlƩ Philippines, Inc., a joint venture between NestlƩ S.A. and San Miguel Corp., is located in Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao.

“We just hope that the government will support the call of the business sector to ensure that the region is ready for investments by setting up necessary infrastructure projects for its continued development,” said Mr. Bullecer, senior vice president of the Unifrutti Group of Companies, which is investing P3.7 billion to expand banana farms in Maguindanao province.
 
ARMM Governor Mujiv S. Hataman, for his part, said the regional government is continuously implementing priority projects that are intended to boost the agriculture and fisheries sector.

A P10.1-billion budget for this year has been approved for roads, bridges, seaports and other infrastructure to ease the movement of agriculture products and other goods in the region.

“The region’s record of governance, plus its proximity and economic links to a number of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries, makes the ARMM an ideal economic partner,” Mr. Hataman said in an e-mail to BusinessWorld.

He added that interest among foreign investors is a result of “the positive developments brought about by reforms in the region these past few years, especially given our commitment to peace and security.”

In 2015, the ARMM-RBOI registered about P6.5 billion in new investment, the highest in the 25-year history of the region.

In January, a P1.3-billion oil palm plantation project in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao was registered by Gintong Agri, Inc.

Lawyer Ishak V. Mastura, RBOI chair and managing head, said the region and its people “are grateful to Switzerland for their active support to peace and development in the region,” particularly in sponsoring the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC).

The TJRC, created during the peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), will release a report this month on the issues of “dealing with the past” in the region.

The ARMM would have served as the core area of the new Bangsamoro region had the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law been passed in Congress. The proposed legislation stems from the peace agreement formally signed by the MILF and the government in 2014.

Bilateral trade between Switzerland and the Philippines in 2014 was valued at $557 million. The two countries recently concluded their 7th political consultations in Berne, the political capital of Switzerland, in preparation for the 2nd Session of the Philippine-Switzerland Joint Economic Commission scheduled in April this year.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=beyond-peace-infrastructure-key-to-drawing-investment-to-armm&id=124430

Comelec forms sub-committee on security concerns

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 15): Comelec forms sub-committee on security concerns

A Sub-Committee on Security Concerns was formed by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the May polls.

Under Resolution No. 10077, the sub-committee shall conduct risk analysis, ascertain risk factors and vulnerabilities related to security issues/concerns affecting the conduct of the May 9 elections which will be used to determine Election Watchlist of Areas.

Comelec logo

To be placed under the control of the Comelec – Committee on the Ban of Firearms and Security Personnel (CBFSP), the panel will be subdivided into six clusters, namely: the Power/Road Right of Way Security Issues Cluster,  Private Armed Groups Issues Cluster,  Armed Threat Groups Issues Cluster,  Transport/Warehouse Issues Cluster,  Board of Election Inspectors/Board of Canvassers/Vote Counting Machine Security Issues Cluster,  and Telecom Tower Security Issues Cluster.

There will be four categories for the Election Watchlist of Areas (EWAs), namely: Category I: Election Areas of Concern; Category II: Election Areas of Immediate Concern; Category III: Election Areas of Grave Concern; and Category IV: Comelec Controlled Areas.
 
Category I are those areas with history of current intense rivalry among contending parties,  violence that maybe facilitated by the employment of Private Armed Groups,  and  those abetted by loose firearms in the hands of unqualified individuals.
Under threat

Category II are those areas  with serious armed threats posed by the New People’s Army, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf Group, and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front, and other analogous groups.

If the instances under Categories I and II are present, the area will be considered under Category III.

To be considered under Category IV are those areas where the Comelec en banc has deemed necessary to be placed under its immediate and direct control and supervision, especially local officials and employees in the concerned political division as well as military and law enforcement personnel deployed there.

The Comelec said for immediate and effective control of the political division, subdivision, unit or area concerned, the Commission shall “exercise such authority, where Comelec control has been imposed.”

The CBFSP is mandated to supervise and control the administrative activities and transactions of local government units under Comelec control in order to strictly implement election laws and control the disbursement of public funds.

The CBSFP is also authorized to augment and/or substitute the police force with military troopers whenever necessary to stop possible outbreak of violence and maintain peace and order.

Unless lifted by the Commission, the political division, subdivision, or area will remain under Comelec control until the end of the election period.

http://www.mb.com.ph/comelec-forms-sub-committee-on-security-concerns/

Tagakolu farmer on torture by Army Corporal and SCAA: “Hapit ko mamatay ato”

From MindaNews (Mar 14): Tagakolu farmer on torture by Army Corporal and SCAA: “Hapit ko mamatay ato”

BARANGAY DEMOLOC, Malita, Davao Occidental (MindaNews/14 March) – “Hapit ko mamatay ato” (I nearly died), Tagakolu farmer Orlando “Kaido” Engo declared as he narrated how an Army Corporal and four members of the SCAA (Special Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary) tortured him and his 15-year old son on February 19 for a crime he said they did not commit.

Kaido was still grimacing in pain while pointing to his chest which, he said, suffered heavy blows from rifle butts, fists and “dako kaayo nga kahoy nga kape” (huge truncheon from a coffee tree). “Sakit gihapon” (it’s still painful), he told MindaNews on Friday (March 11), a day after reports came out that his tormentors had been relieved and taken to the 72nd Infantry Battalion camp in Mawab, Compostela Valley for investigation.

Kaido’s left wrist, which also received beatings, continues to bother him and prevents him from climbing coconut trees to do his work as “mananggiti” (tuba gatherer).

Orlando "Kaido" Engo narrates his ordeal during an interview at Malita Tagakaulo Mission, Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental on March 11, 2016. The 52-year old farmer was accused of masterminding a robbery and was subjected to torture by Army Cpl. Sandy Batolbatol and members of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) under the 72nd Infantry Battalion. The military is currently conducting an investigation after seeing a video posted on Facebook. The chair of the Commission on Human Rights has also ordered an investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

Orlando “Kaido” Engo narrates his ordeal during an interview at Malita Tagakaulo Mission, Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental on March 11, 2016. The 52-year old farmer was accused of masterminding a robbery and was subjected to torture by Army Cpl. Sandy Batolbatol and members of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) under the 72nd Infantry Battalion. The military is currently conducting an investigation after seeing a video posted on Facebook. The chair of the Commission on Human Rights has also ordered an investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

The 52-year old coconut and corn farmer still has difficulty talking and blames it on the truncheon that Corporal Sandy Batol-batol and four members of the SCAA put under his chin while they were interrogating him, his back on the wall, and raising him until his feet could no longer touch the floor.

He said he was punched, kicked, beaten, humiliated and subjected to extreme cold through the use of ice in violation of RA 9745 or the Anti-Torture Act of 2009.

The law states that physical torture is “a form of treatment or punishment inflicted by a person in authority or agent of a person in authority upon another in his/her custody that causes severe pain, exhaustion, disability or dysfunction of one or more parts of the body” including, among others, systematic beating, punching, kicking, striking with truncheon or rifle butt or other similar objects, and harmful exposure to the elements such as sunlight and extreme cold.

Viral video
[Video]
 
After the mauling inside the SCAA detachment, a stone’s throw from the barangay hall and the house of barangay chair Bellarita Alcordo, Kaido, his son Jerome and the 14-year grandnephew Ian, were brought to the steps fronting the basketball court, and there made to sit with ice between their armpits, groins and buttocks, and bathed with iced buckets of water.

The latter part of this act of torture on the steps of the SCAA base was captured on phone video which was shown days later to Fr. Joey Ganio Evangelista, head of the Malita Tagakolu Mission (MaTaMis) in Sitio Matamis, Barangay Demoloc.

Evangelista told MindaNews at the Mission house on Friday that he posted the video and his account on Kaido’s torture on Facebook (see other story) late afternoon Wednesday, March 9. Within hours the post became viral and by 11:30 p.m. that same day, Batol-batol and the SCAA were relieved.

Pfc Alonzo Pepito, SCAA officer in charge at the time of MindaNews’ visit last Friday, said they arrived at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to take over the post that would be vacated by Batolbatol and the SCAA members who were relieved near midnight and brought to the 73rd IB camp in Barangay Felis, Malita, before they were transported to the 72nd IB camp in Compostela Valley.

“Naa kay atraso”
Kaido recalls how three SCAA members arrived in his house in Sitio Kaninan at around 8 a.m. on Friday, February 19 – two of them he knew as Bantam and Jerome – to inform him they were taking him to the barangay hall “kay naa kay atraso” (because you committed a crime).

“Unsa may akong atraso, Sir?” (What crime did I commit, Sir?), Kaido asked. He was told his “apo” (grandchild) robbed the store of Junjun Bajenting. They were referring to Ian, his 14-year old grandnephew who lives far away from him and who has had a string of robbery complaints including three ducks owned by the Mission.

Kaido, whose wife died ten years ago, lives alone.

As they were walking towards the barangay hall, Kaido said he saw his 15-year old son, Jerome, his hands tied behind his back.

When they crossed the river where a bridge is under construction, Kaido said his son was “gipalunang giparehas sa kabaw” (he was treated like a carabao), his head dunked twice in water.

Residents of Demoloc cross a river where Jerome Engo was submerged by members of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) with his arms tied behind his back on February 19 before he was brought to the SCAA headquarters where he was beaten and bathed in buckets of cold water. AMindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

Residents of  Sitio Matamis in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental  cross a river where 15-year old Jerome Engo, whose hands were tied behind his back,  was treated like a carabao by members of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) on February 19.  Jerome was  later brought to the SCAA detachment where he was beaten and bathed in buckets of cold water.  MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

Kaido was not brought to the barangay hall. Instead, he was brought to the SCAA detachment nearby.

There, Batol-batol asked if he was Kaido, took out the “kahoy nga kape” which the SCAA personnel later told MindaNews Batol-batol threatened to use on erring SCAA members) and asked him if he ordered Ian to rob the store, as Ian claimed. 

“Wala ko nagsugo, Sir. Layo nang ilang gipuy-an” (I did not order him, Sir. They live far from me), Kaido replied.

Kaido said Batolbatol pointed to Ian and asked him who ordered him to rob the store. Ian said it was Kaido. Kaido denied the allegation. Batolbatol used the truncheon to hit his buttocks around ten times.

Gisumbag, gitadyakan
Not contented, Kaido said Batolbatol gave the truncheon to Ian and ordered him to beat Kaido and beat him hard “kay kung dili nimo kusgan, ako’y mubunal sa iya” (if you won’t beat him hard, I will.” Ian beat him thrice.

Kaido recalls having been made to sit on a chair. “Gipalingkod ko diha sa silya. Giatubang ko ni Batolbatol unya gisumbag ko niya diri (points to chest), balik-balikan niyag kinumo ba. Sunod naa na pud mga SCAA, sumbag, gitadyakan ko nilag tiil, gikumo… Usahay tadyakan ko nilag tiil” (They made me sit on a chair. Batolbatol faced me and punched me here, repeatedly. Then the SCAA came to punch me, kick me, punch me… Sometimes they kicked me).

This they did repeatedly on various parts of his body until he fell on the floor but Batolbatol pulled him up and inflicted more blows. He pointed to where his head suffered a “bukol” (lump).

FATHER AND SON. Orlando "Kaido" Engo and his 15-year old son Jerome narrate their ordeal from the hands of Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) and Army Corporal Sandy Batolbatol of the 72nd Infantry Battalion during an interview at Malita Tagakolu Mission, Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental on March 11, 2016. The 52-year old farmer and his son were subjected to torture on February 19 at the SCAA detachment. A video was posted on Facebook last March 9, prompting the military to conduct an investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

FATHER AND SON. Orlando “Kaido” Engo and his 15-year old son Jerome narrate their ordeal inthe hands of Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) and Army Corporal Sandy Batolbatol of the 72nd Infantry Battalion during an interview at the Malita Tagakolu Mission, Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental on March 11, 2016. The 52-year old farmer and his son were subjected to torture on February 19 at the SCAA detachment. A video was posted on Facebook last March 9, prompting the military to relieve the personnel pending investigation. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

He said he was forced to sign an admission that he ordered Kaido to rob the store. “Out of desperation Kaido did so believing that the beating would cease. To his horror, they were just warming up. The beatings continued without let up. The militiamen taunted him saying, ‘You finally admit that you are the mastermind of all the thefts in Matamis,’” Evangelista wrote.
Jerome was not spared the beatings. “Gi-padol ko” (I was paddled), referring to how they used the truncheon on the 15-year old’s buttocks.
The 14-year old Ian, who has had a string of cases of stealing, was not mauled but along with Kaido and Jerome, subjected to an iced bath.
Iced bath
After the mauling inside, Kaido, Jerome and Ian were brought outside and made to sit on the steps for the final act of putting ice between their armpits, their groins and buttocks and bathing them with iced water.

Barangay chair Alcordo and barangay tanods as well as residents in the area told MindaNews that this was a usual means of “disiplina para matagam” (discipline to teach them a lesson).

Alcordo, who lives a stone’s throw from the SCAA detachment, said no one reported to her what was happening and that she was surprised when she went to the barangay hall because there were plenty of people around and that was when she was told there was an ice bathing scene earlier. Alcordo passes by the SCAA base on the way to her office.

A tattered Philippine flag hangs outside the headquarters of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental in this photo taken on March 11, 2016. On these steps, Tagakolu farmer Orlando “Kaido” Engo, his 15-year old son Jerome and 14-year old grandnephew were made to sit and bathed with iced water. The tattered flag was removed after MindaNews told the officer-in-charge that they should replace the flag. The Flag and Heraldic Code provides that flags that begin to show signs of wear and tear “shall be replaced immediately.” MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

A tattered Philippine flag hangs outside the detachment of the Special CAFGU Armed Auxiliary (SCAA) in Barangay Demoloc, Malita, Davao Occidental in this photo taken on March 11, 2016. On these steps, Tagakolu farmer Orlando “Kaido” Engo, his 15-year old son Jerome and 14-year old grandnephew were made to sit and bathed with iced water. The tattered flag was removed after MindaNews told the officer-in-charge that they should replace the flag. The Flag and Heraldic Code provides that flags that begin to show signs of wear and tear “shall be replaced immediately.” MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

The SCAA, supervised by Batolbatol, arrived in Demoloc around mid-year last year. In the narrative Fr. Evangelista posted on Facebook, said the SCAA is “an armed militia group created by the incumbent Gov. Claude Bautista.”

Alcordo told MindaNews: “Nagpatraining man mi ug SCAA. Private man na sila ni governor. Kanang SCAA.” (We asked for a SCAA training. They are a private force of the governor).

Alcordo admits the robbery case should have been brought to her attention as barangay chair and that she should have issued the order to the barangay tanods to get the suspects and the aggrieved storeowner to discuss if the case could be settled amicably.

“Para matagam”
She said she asked the storeowner if he would want the suspects sent to prison but the storeowner told her “dili na Kap kay gidisiplina na” (never mind Kap because they were disciplined already).

Alcordo said she was surprised about the mauling and that it was the first time she heard about it, but admitted that the ice bathing was something they had become used to.

“Sa akong pagkahibalo naa gyud ginaliguan lang na sila. Basta dunay makasala diri nga gaabuso, siempre i-endorse na nako sa ilaha sila na bahala para matagam kanang mga gabinuang. Pero walay ginakulata,” (What I know is they are bathed with ice. When someone commits a wrong, is abusive, I endorse to them and they take care of the disciplinary action so that the person who committed a wrong will learn a lesson). But no mauling, she explained.

Alcordo said that even before the 72nd IB and the SCAA came to Demoloc, “ingon ana na gyud nang style diri kay dugay na man naay mga sundalo diri” (that has been the style here because soldiers have been assigned here for long).

But Alcordo said that in the past, the disciplinary action taken on erring residents was “ginapasalom sila sa punong” (let them wallow in the fishpond) but sometime in 2014-2015, “ang ilang silot ginapaliguan na” (their punishment has been bathing with iced water).

Residents told MindaNews that in barangay activities such as disco, when somebody gets “maoy” (drunk and unruly), they are brought to the SCAA detachment and are bathed with iced water.

“Gi-torture na”
Barangay tanod Totse Sumbo and barangay hall utility worker Mario Sukandil said a visiting worker from the Department of Social Welfare and Development who witnessed what happened on the steps of the SCAA office, said “di na pwede. Gi –torture na” (That should not be. That’s torture) and teachers who passed by kept saying “tama na” (enough) but Batolbatol and the SCAA did not stop.

Sumbo said that as tanods, they could not also stop what was happening because Kaido and company were already in the custody of Batolbatol and the SCAA.

HOME. Orlando “Kaido” Engo, 52, and 15-year old son Jerome on their way home in Sitio Matamis, Barangay Demoloc on March 11. Kaido said he will file charges against the Army corporal and four SCAA members. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

HOME. Orlando “Kaido” Engo, 52, and 15-year old son Jerome on their way home in Sitio Matamis, Barangay Demoloc on March 11. Kaido said he will file charges against the Army corporal and four SCAA members. MindaNews photo by TOTO LOZANO

Kaido remembers how they put ice on his buttocks. “Gibutangan pa ning ilok nako diri ug ice, diri sa akong kinatawo tapos giliguan ko nila. Gisugo si Bantam, ‘ligui ni.’ Kung hinay ang pagbutang tubig sa kabo, ingon sya (Batolbatol) punua, pun-a gyud na para silutan nato nig ensakto ba” (They also put ice between my armpits, in my groin then they poured iced water on me. Bantam was ordered ‘bathe them.’ If the pouring of the water was slow, he’d say fill up the dipper so we can punish them properly).

“Si Kaido himamatyon na”
The physicaly weak Kaido went home crawling. He said Ian went after him and apologized for implicating him in the crime he committed.

When Kaido reached home, he could hardly move. A neighbor who saw his condition called on other neighbors, “si Kaido himamatyon na” (Kaido is dying), and they carried him to the house of a friend before proceeding to Malita town proper for medical exam and the police blotter.

The medical certificate issued by Dr. Richard Calzada of the Malita District Hospital showed Kaido had a 5cm laceration on his head, “contusion hematoma anterior chest, swelling hematoma at left wrist, hematoma at buttocks area.”

During the barangay mediation on March 8, Batolbatol apologized to Kaido and offered an amicable settlement of P50,000 and a motorcycle. Kaido refused the offer.
He said he told Batolbatol, “Di ko mudawat. Maayog baboy ko kay bayran ko nimo” (I will not accept that. I am not a pig that you will pay off).

Kaido is preparing charges against Batolbatol and the SCAA members for what they did to him and his son.

Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon, chair of the Commmission on Human Rights has ordered the investigation (see other story) into the reported torture.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/03/14/tagakolu-farmer-on-torture-by-army-corporal-and-scaa-hapit-ko-mamatay-ato/

Tight security in Zamboanga

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 15): Tight security in Zamboanga

Police and military have tightened security in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines following the arrest of 2 men for possessing materials in the manufacture of improvised explosives.

“I have ordered our authorities to intensify their operations against lawless elements. I also commend the police and military for a job well done following the arrest of these two suspects,” said Mayor Beng Climaco.

Security forces raided the hideout of the men – Allan Aging Ajijun, 30, and Asbi Tandih Jama, 21 – and seized from them 6 improvised blasting caps, 2 commercial time fuses and 2 kilos of banned ammonium nitrate, a key component in homemade bombs frequently used by rebels.

The duo is currently being investigated by the police. It was unknown whether they are members of a rebel group, but the two were inhabitants of Tumalutab Island just several nautical miles off Zamboanga City.

The men were arrested by members of the local police force, Naval Intelligence and Security Company, Philippine Marines, Air Intelligence Special Group Field Station Western Mindanao and Naval Special Operation Unit.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/tight-security-in-zamboanga/

Army to conduct pre-entry exams in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Catarman and Tacloban

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 11): Army  to conduct pre-entry exams in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City, Catarman and Tacloban  

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar --The Army Recruitment Office for Visayas based at Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City will conduct Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) to qualified applicants for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) to all aspiring and interested applicants from Eastern Visayas that will start on March 29, 2016.

The exam schedule is : March 29, 2016 at 803rd Brigade Headquarters , Camp Sumoroy, Catarman, Northern Samar.On March 30 -31, 2016 at the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, Camp General Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City, Samar.On April 01, 2016 at the Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City.

Qualifications for Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) are the following: a. Filipino citizen; b. with preferably 72 units in college; c. At least 18 to 26 years old and must not be 27 years old or older on or before the date of appointment as candidate soldier; (no age waiver) d. Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit for military service; e. If High School Graduate, must possess technical/vocational skills needed in the military service; f. At least 5 feet in height both male and female; (No height waiver). g. Single without a child; and h. No pending case.

As to the qualifications for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), they are the following: a. Filipino citizen; b.with Baccalaureate degree; c. Single and without child; d. At least 5 feet (152 cm) for both male and female; e. Physically, mentally, and psychologically fit for military service; and f. 21 to 29 years of age upon admission; and g. No pending case.

As for Officers Preparatory Course (OPC): a. Filipino citizen; b. Holder of baccalaureate degree. c. Commissioned in the Reserve Force as 2nd Lieutenant; d. 21 to 31 years of age with age waiver; 1.1) For EP – Five (5) years 1.2) For civilian – Two (2) years e. Physically, mentally and psychologically fit for military service; f. At least 5 feet in height (152 cm) both male and female (no waiver); and g. No pending case in any court.

Examinees must bring along the following original documents during the examination: Valid Identification Card; Birth Certificate from NSO; College Diploma; Transcript of Records; ballpen; pencil #2; Long Folder; and 2X2 picture. Examinees should wear white T- shirt, Pants, and rubber shoes.

For further clarifications and inquiries, please feel free to contact TSg Noel D Cabides at the Office of the Procurement Section, Army Personnel Management Center, Philippine Army through mobile number 09283795781.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1221457675089/army-to-conduct-pre-entry-exams-in-camp-lukban-catbalogan-city-catarman-and-tacloban-

Army plays “Good Samaritan” to wounded NPA in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 14): Army plays “Good Samaritan” to wounded NPA in SurSur

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, March 14 (PIA) – A wounded man, believed to be a member of the Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 21 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) was immediately brought to a hospital here for treatment after being found profusely bleeding by army troopers in a “vegetative area just a kilometer away from the encounter site.”

According to 1Lt. Karl Jan Devaras, commander, 41st Civil Military Operations (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army based in Barangay St. Christine, Lianga, this province, the concerned troops under the 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2nd SF) outright applied “first aid” to the said man, whose identity was not revealed, before rushing him to a hospital for medical attention.

The patient “is now in stable condition,” the CMO commander hinted.

Devaras likewise believed, this NPA member was left behind by undetermined number of comrades who were then in a hurry to get away as soldiers were going after them following a 15-minute gun battle at the vicinity of Sitio Baroboan, Barangay Caromata, San Miguel town, 31 kilometers, south, this city.  

“After the said firefight, government troops immediately cleared the encounter area and discovered several bloodstains thereat,” Devaras noted.

With the display of gallantry, Lt. Col. Gaspar Panopio, 2nd SF battalion commander, under the 402nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) led by Col. Isidro Purisima, brigade commander, in Surigao del Sur, commended his “troops for maintaining a high sense of professionalism and for observing the ‘rules of engagement (ROE)’ in the battlefield,” said the CMO officer.

Beforehand, Lt. Col. Panopio, whose battalion is based in San Miguel , was quoted as saying, “I encourage the remaining lawless bandits to surrender; their former comrades have already surrendered and received benefits from the Government’s integration program (CLIP),” referring to the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Meanwhile, according to a recent report contained in the “Accomplishment Updates” by Col. Purisima, since the 2nd Quarter of 2015 to the 1st Quarter of 2016, a total of 93 former rebels (FRs) have already stood to gain from the CLIP.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741457925612/army-plays-good-samaritan-to-wounded-npa-in-sursur

Cebuano News: Lumad nga gipatay sa NPA nadiskubre sa Surigao Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 15): Cebuano News: Lumad nga gipatay sa NPA nadiskubre sa Surigao Sur (Native killed in NPA discovered in Surigao Sur)

CAGWAIT, Surigao del Sur, Marso 15 (PIA)  – Usa napod ka kalabira ang nadiskubre diin gikatahong  gikalot sa mga sibilyan gikan sa gilubngan niini didto sa Sitio Mam-on, Brgy Tubo-tubo sakop sa lungsod sa Cagwait, probinsiya sa Surigao del Sur niadtong Marso 11, 2016.

Matud pa sa usa ka residente sa maong dapit nga ang biktima usa kini ka lumad sa tribung Manobo. Dugang pa niya nga nahitabo ang maong pagpatay niini duha ka tuig na ang milabay ug kini gilubong sa mga rebeldeng NPA human makabsan sa hinulamang kinabuhi.

Sumala pa sa taho, natultulan sa tropa sa 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) og sa mga kapulisan ang maong gilubngan human kini makadawat og report gikan mga sibilyan diin maoy niasoy sa maong mga panghitabo. Hangtud niining mga taknaa padayun pa ang imbistigasyon sa mga kapulisan sa lungsod sa Cagwait ug ang pag-ila sa maong kalabira.

Kahinumduman, niadtong Oktubre 31, 2015 usa ka lumad sa tribong Manobo usab ang gikatahong gikuha sa mga armadong NPA atubangan sa pamilya niini. Naila ang maong biktima nga si Rexsitoto Garcia, usa ka bantay banwa sa naasoy nga lungsod. Milabay ang upat ka bulan human kini gikuha sa iyang panimalay nakaplagan na lamang ang kalabira niini sa kabukirang bahin human kini gidunggab ug gipusil patay sa mga rebeldeng NPA.

Nasayran sa imbistigasyun nga gipatay sa rebeldeng NPA si Garcia tungod sa hugtanong pagbabag niini sa mga ilegal nga mga pagpamutol sa kahoy nga diin maoy usa sa gisaligan sa mga myembro sa NPA sa ilang mga pagpanulis pinaagi sa pagkolekta ug butaw.

Subay sa taho nga gipagawas sa 36IB, Philippine Army, mukabat sa 428 ka mga lumad ang gikatahong gipangpatay sa mga grupong NPA, wala pa kini maapil ang duha ka mga biktima dinhi sa unang distrito sa Surigao del Sur.

Kabahin sa maong taho, ang batalyon kumander sa 36IB nga si LTC Randolph Rojas mipaabot sa iyahang pagtimbaya sa mga hingtungdan sa duha ka mga biktima. “Akong pakigtimbaya sa mga pamilya sa duha nato ka igsuong mga lumad nga walay kaluoy nga gipatay sa mga NPA,” sulti pa niya.

“Wala maghatag ug respeto ang NPA sa katawhang lumad gani kini gipahimuslan lamang. Unta makamata na ang atong mga kaigsuonang lumad sa kamatuoran nga sila gigamit ug gipahimuslan lamang sa New People’s Army,” Dugang pa ni Lt. Col. Rojas. Sa kasamtangan, padayun ang koordinasyon sa military ngadto sa atong mga kapulisan lakip na usab ngadto sa mga pamilya sa mga biktima  arun mahatagan kini ug dali nga kasulbaran ug hustisya ug mapasaka ang sumbong  batok sa NPA nga maoy nagbuhat sa pagpatay niining duha ka mga lumad.
 
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741458014423/cebuano-news-lumad-nga-gipatay-sa-npa-nadiskubre-sa-surigao-sur

Malaysia threatens ‘pushback’ against China

Posted to Update.Ph (Mar 15): Malaysia threatens ‘pushback’ against China  

Malaysia is threatening a ‘pushback’ against China if proven that a military build up in Spratly Islands in West Philippine Sea is true.

“If the reports we’ve received from various sources regarding the buildup and placement of military assets in the Spratlys are true – this forces us in a pushback against China,” Malaysian Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said Monday, March 14 as reported by Reuters.

The report added that the Malaysian official will meet next week with his Australian counterpart to discuss China’s activities in West Philippine Sea. He will also hold talks with his counterparts from Vietnam and Philippines.

Meanwhile, the Keel Laying Ceremony for the first Laying Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) of Royal Malaysian Navy was conducted last week, March 8. Six LCS are planned for the Malaysian navy.

http://www.update.ph/2016/03/malaysia-threatens-pushback-against-china/3297

Army Special Forces soldiers shoot Lumad farmer, trigger forcible evacuation

From the online pro-CPP propaganda publication Bulatlat (Mar 15): Army Special Forces soldiers shoot Lumad farmer, trigger forcible evacuation

stop the attacks, lumad, manilakbayan

UP community gives its full support to the fight of the Lumad for survival. (Photo by Ronalyn V. Olea/Bulatlat.com)

“Is this how the 402nd Brigade ‘manages conflict’ in Surigao Sur?”

Days after the military declared Surigao del Sur a “conflict-manageable area” and “ready for further development,” at least 33 families or 172 Lumad forcibly evacuated last March 13, after soldiers shot and wounded a Manobo farmer in San Miguel town.

Human rights group Karapatan-Surigao Sur said in a text message to Bulatlat that the forcible evacuation in purok 6, sitio Barobuan, Carromata village, San Miguel was triggered when soldiers of the 2nd Special Forces shot farmer Benjie dela Pena while he was tending to his farm on March 11.

Dela Pena, 25, married with three children, sustained a wound on his left hip and is currently recuperating in a hospital.

The 2nd Special Forces are based in SNAS in Carromata village, and were conducting a military operation in Barobuan.

Karapatan said that the military has insisted that the victim is a member of the New People’s Army.

“Is this how the 402nd Brigade ‘manages conflict’ in Surigao Sur?” the human rights group said.

On March 6, the East Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines signed a memorandum of agreement with the local government of Surigao del Sur, and declared the province “conflict-manageable.”

In a Sunstar report, they described the memorandum of agreement as a “result of the rigid efforts of the military, police, local government units, and stakeholders” to address insurgency in their province. But human rights groups have long assailed that such counterinsurgency efforts mainly targeted civilians.

As of this writing, evacuees are staying at the village center of Carromata.

The 33 families who evacuated from their community add up to the growing number of Lumad who are currently in sanctuaries in several parts of Mindanao due to intense militarization in their communities.

In Tandag City alone, at least 2,000 Lumad continue to seek refuge at the evacuation center at the provincial sports complex. It has been six months since they left their communities on Sept. 1, following the brutal killing of two tribal leaders and an educator by members of a paramilitary group in Lianga.

http://bulatlat.com/main/2016/03/15/army-special-forces-soldiers-shoot-lumad-farmer-trigger-forcible-evacuation/

PHL, Japan enter into contract on five development projects in Mindanao

From Business World (Mar 14): PHL, Japan enter into contract on five development projects in Mindanao

THE PHILIPPINES and Japan have entered into a five-grant contract targeting social development in Mindanao, a statement by the Japanese Embassy said yesterday.

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa took part in signing ceremonies in Cotabato City on March 14 together with Secretary Senen Bacani of the Government Peace Negotiating Panel for Talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Commissioner Abdulla Camlian of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and Safrullah Dipatuan, chairman of the Bangsamoro Development Authority, among others.
 
The projects, collectively worth P20 million, will be funded through the Embassy’s Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) as part of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD).
 
The Embassy said since the launch of J-BIRD in 2006, assistance to Mindanao has reached over $200 million. Mr. Ishikawa said Japan will continue to support efforts for peace and stability in Mindanao through J-BIRD and other development assistance programs.
 
The projects cover the following: Provision of agriculture farm tractor for small and marginalized Bangsamoro farmers in Lanao del Norte; reconstruction of classrooms for Al Azhaire Academy in Cotabato, Maguindanao; construction of classrooms at the Bayugan National Comprehensive High School in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; construction of a one-unit, five-elevated classroom school nuilding at the Kalbugan Elementary School in Pagalungan, Cagayan de Oro; and procurement of equipment and construction of postharvest facilities for farmers in the municipality of Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Ampatuan, in particular, is notable for being the scene of an internationally condemned massacre in 2009. From the perspective of development, Ampatuan is an agriculture municipality heavily dependent on its rice and corn industry, the Embassy said in its statement -- as it noted the challenges of “low productivity,” “high cost of production,” and “high rental fees” of equipment.

The Embassy cited the Lower Riverside Multi-purpose Cooperative (LRFMPC) in Ampatuan as one of several proponents in the development projects in Mindanao.

“For the past years, LRFMPC are engaged in providing loan to their members at minimal interest rate to help them in their farming business. They also provided tolling services for their postharvest facilities to further improve not only their members’ productivity and income but also other farmers in Ampatuan,” the statement said.

But challenges remain. “In 2011, an armed conflict happened in Ampatuan. This incident resulted [in the] destruction of the cooperative’s office building and postharvest machineries, thus, temporarily stop[ping] their services to the farmers.”

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=phl-japan-enter-into-contract-on-five-development-projects-in-mindanao&id=124529

MILF: MILF Political Committee sponsors Peace Forum

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (Mar 15): MILF Political Committee sponsors Peace Forum



Eastern Kutawato Islamic Institute, Buluan, Maguindanao- Despite the non-passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law in the Philippine Congress, MILF Damakling Provincial Political Committee in coordination with Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute Inc. (KPI), Federation of Damakling Professionals Inc. and Muslim Youth Brotherhood (MYB) sponsored one day peace forum with the theme, “FAB and CAB Implementations towards Justice, Peace and Development” on March 13, 2016.

Ustadz Mustapha Alamada told the participants to work hard for peace. ”Our participation in this kind of peace initiative is valuable. We have to work together to attain peace in our community”, Alamada said.

Mahdie Salendab, Vice-President of Federation of Damakling Professionals Incorporated, emphasized the essence of collaborative efforts. “This program aims at enhancing peace building efforts in seeking peace and justice towards development”, Salendab said.

“MILF is now in its zenith of political struggle because of our collaborative peace efforts”, he added.

Abdulaziz Talib, Administrative Officer of Eastern Kutawato Islamic Institute, gave an overview of the peace forum. “This peace forum is one of the peace building initiatives in coordination with LGUs, NGOs and MILF Committees”, he said.

Prof. Esmael Abdula, Executive Director of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI), and BLMI Steering Committee member explained the stages of Bangsamoro Struggle for right to self-determination.

He said that building community through collaborative peace building efforts is one of the main programs of MILF. “MILF is exerting efforts to manage the frustrations of the Bangsamoro people to prevent possible rise of radicalism among the youth that may lead to hostilities due  to non-passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law”, Abdula emphasized.

“MILF is engaged in a political struggle through the peace process as practical solution to Bangsamoro’s pursuit of achieving Bangsamoro Right to Self-Determination. In fact, MILF preserves the gains of the Peace Process with the Government of the Philippines”, he added.

Ustadz Esmael Dalinan emphasized the role of youth in peace advocacy works. “There is a need to train the youth as agents in promoting and sustaining peace advocacy works. Peace advocacy is the best tool of the youth in developing our community”, he said.

Ustadz Abusama Abad, Principal of Secondary Department of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College and at the same time member of Board of Trustees of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute thanked and appealed to participants to work hard and preserve the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.

About two hundred individuals and professionals from Eastern Kutawato Islamic Institute, Datu Ibrahim Memorial College, Regional Madrasah Graduate Academy; officers of youth organizations, women Sector, religious sector, members of market vendors association and local leaders of MILF Political Committee attended the peace forum.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php/news/20-central-mindanao/625-milf-political-committee-sponsors-peace-forum

MILF: BIAF’s 5th Brigade-FGBC-NGF holds Assembly on Peace Advocacy

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 15): BIAF’s 5th Brigade-FGBC-NGF holds Assembly on Peace Advocacy




TABUNGAO, RAJAH BUAYAN, MAGUINDANAO ----Despite the non-passage of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law in Philippine Congress, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF)-5th BDE,FGBC-NGF in coordination with Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI) held an assembly as part of series of peace advocacy to apprise Bangsamoro communities about the status of the BBL; manage their frustrations for the non-passage of the BBL; prevent radicalism that may arise from the ranks of the youth; and to sustain the gains of the GPH-MILF Peace Process.  

“We gathered here today to be updated on the status of BBL. As people of this community, we have vital role in advocating peace so that we can live in harmony, peace and justice”, said Barangay Tabungao Captain Mastura Makalay.

“As local leaders, we strongly support this advocacy. We are also committed to help resolve with BIAF any conflict that may arise between armed groups”, Makalay supplemented.
 
Ustadz Abusama Abad, Principal of Secondary Department of Datu Ibrahim Paglas Memorial College and at the same time member of Board of Trustees of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute Inc., told the participants that the greatest contribution of man in the development of a community is to be an agent of peace. “Whether you are in the government or in the MILF, you have to be an agent of peace. Peace will start with us, for it is the greatest contribution in building better community”, Abad said.
 
Prof. Esmael A. Abdula, Executive Director of KPI, and BLMI Steering Committee member explained the stages of Bangsamoro Struggle for right to self-determination. “BBL is an implementing political solution based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) but failed to pass due to various reasons such as absenteeism or lack of quorum and loss of interest on the part of some lawmakers who are opposed to the proposed law. 
 
“MILF is now at the stage of political struggle, a peaceful way in the pursuit of achieving Bangsamoro Right to Self-Determination with the MILF sustaining the gains of the peace process.”, he added.
 
Ustadz Abdulfatah Delna emphasized the three purpose of Islamization. “We Islamize ourselves to seek love of Allah; We Islamize ourselves to seek lasting peace; and we Islamize ourselves to enter the paradise of Allah”, he emphasized.
 
“Islam is the complete code of life. Whatever you do is governed by Islam”, Delna stressed.
 
About three hundred individuals from LGUs, women, and religious leaders, farmers, members of BIAF’s Brigade and field commanders and their families attended the peace advocacy.