NPA-Mindoro propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 9): Mga pasistang sundalong 4IB sa Mindoro at si Duterte ang mga tunay at numero unong terorista!
Ka Madaay Gasic, Spokesperson
NPA-Mindoro (Lucio De Guzman Command)
8 December 2017
Isang malaking kasinungalingan ng mga pasistang tropa ng 4IB-PA ang ipinagmamayabang nitong pagkakapaslang sa isang NPA sa Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro nitong Disyembre 3, 2017.
Inambus at pinagbabaril ng mga elemento ng 4IB ang mga sibilyan na nakasakay sa tatlong motorsiklong pauwi sa So. Anapla, Bgy. Panaytayan, Mansalay bandang alas 8 ng gabi.
Pinaslang ng mga pasistang tropa ng PA sa naturang ambus si Pastor Leovelito Quiñones, isang kilalang malapit sa kapulisan at nagbibigay ng Family Development Seminar (FDS) sa mga 4P’s beneficiaries sa So. Anapla. Nasugatan din ang isang 12-taong bata sa nasabing insidente. Pinalabas sa isang press release ng 2ID kinabukasan na isang NPA ang napaslang sa naturang ambus upang pagtakpan ang lansakang paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng mga sundalo. Nilagyan pa ng baril ang biktima para pagmukhaing isa ngang armadong NPA. Bagamat hindi maiiwasan na tuluyang mag-armas ang mamamayan laban sa pasismo ng rehimeng US Duterte at magsulong ng demokratikong rebolusyong bayan, dapat lamang na ilinaw na hindi kailanman naging isang NPA ang biktima ng panibagong karahasang militar na ito.
Hindi bago sa mamamayang Mindoreño ang karahasang militar. May mahabang listahan ng mga karumal dumal na mga krimen at utang na dugo ang mga pasistang militar sa Mindoro lalo na sa panahon ng Oplan Habol Tamaraw noong 2001 hanggang 2005 – ang Oplan Bantay Laya sa Mindoro sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Arroyo. Muli itong nauulit at malamang na malampasan pa ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa naging mga biktima sa paglulunsad nito ng gyera laban sa droga, gyera sa Marawi at sa ilalim ng kontrarebolusyonaryong Oplan Kapayapaan.
Kamakailan din lamang ay pinaslang ng mga elemento ng CAFGU-PA sa Binli ang dalawang barangay kagawad ng Binli na sina Erning Aykid at Aylan Lantoy noong Setyembre 19, 2017. Kinakatawan ng dalawang kagawad na ito ang mariing pagtutol ng mga Hanunuo Mangyan sa pangangamkam ng kanilang lupaing ninuno sa pamamagitan ng ilang ispekulador sa lupa sa pamumuno ni Mayor Ernilo Villas ng Bulalacao at ng mga proyekto tulad ng kalsada at pagbubukas ng mina sa Timog Mindoro. Mas maaga pa noong Mayo 20, 2017 ay pinaslang din ng mga elemento ng 4IB ang isang aset ng mga pulis na si Mario Verzosa sa So. FFCruz, Bgy. Cambunang, Bulalacao. Matapos nilang gamitin ay papatayin kung hindi na nila kailangan at palalabasing NPA.
Habang patuloy na nagngangawa ang pasistang si Duterte hinggil sa pagkansela sa usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng GRP at NDFP, pagdedeklara sa Partido Komunista at Bagong Hukbong Bayan bilang diumano’y mga “terorista”, pagbabalik ng gera kontra droga sa PNP, at ang pagturing sa mga sundalo galing sa Marawi bilang mga bayani samantalang ang mga ito ang sumalanta sa buhay at kabuhayan ng ilang daang libong mamamamayan ng Marawi, tuloy namang namamayagpag ang mga bayarang sundalo at pulis at nagpapatupad ng matinding karahasan at panunupil sa mamamayan. Wala nang makakahadlang sa mga mersenaryong sundalo na gawin ang anumang gustuhin ng kanilang among si Duterte at lansakang labagin ang karapatang pantao ng mamamayan.
Malinaw na ang rehimeng US- Duterte ang tunay na terorista— sila ang naghahasik ng lagim at pananakot sa mamamayan. Sila ang sumusupil sa mamamayan. Habang ang tinatawag ni Duterte na mga “terorista” ay walang iba kundi ang hukbo ng mamamayan, minamahal at hinahanap hanap ng masa— kapiling ng masa sa araw-araw na pakikibaka para sa kanilang kabuhayan at karapatan, pinagdudulugan ng kanilang mga problema, kasama nila sa pakikibaka para sa kanilang mga lupa at lupaing ninuno, sumusupil sa mga masasamang elemento, nanggagamot, nagtuturo at nagpapataas ng kamulatan ng mamamayan para sa sariling pamamahala, at mahabang listahan ng gawain at serbisyo sa mamamayan.
Ilantad at hubaran ng maskara ang nagbabalatkayong Duterte!
Ilantad at labanan ang terorismo at pasismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte!
Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng karahasang militar ng 4IB sa Mindoro!
Ibagsak ang pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!
Saturday, December 9, 2017
CPP/NDF-Negros: The US-Duterte Regime is the Terrorist Monster, not the CPP-NPA-NDF
NDF-Negros propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Dec 9): The US-Duterte Regime is the Terrorist Monster, not the CPP-NPA-NDF
Ka Frank Fernandez, Spokesperson
NDFP Negros Island
9 December 2017
Notwithstanding its Presidential Proclamation 360, it is the US-Duterte regime which has proven to be the monstrous terrorist before the eyes of the Filipino people, not the revolutionary CPP-NPA-NDF.
In just one year and a half, Duterte has systematically employed barbaric armed violence in his mad pursuit of his so-called three-pronged wars against drug users-peddlers, the Bangsamoro people and the revolutionary CPP-NPA-NDF.
Duterte and his vast network of murderers-in-uniform and riders-in-tandem have caused the mindless nationwide murders of around 13 thousand small-time drug peddlers-users, while largely sparing the big drug lords privileged with connections to state bureaucrats and military and police generals.
Duterte and his US patron indiscriminately levelled Marawi City to the ground, which have caused, according to independent reports, the deaths of at least a thousand civilians and the forced evacuation of more than 400 thousand Bangsamoro civilians, all in the name of US imperialism’s so-called borderless war against terror groups.
Duterte and his state-sponsored assassins have caused the extra-judicial killings of many scores of unarmed legal activists all over the country, including about 30 in Guihulngan and other parts of Negros island alone, as part of the US-Duterte regime’s doomed counter-revolutionary Oplan Kapayapaan campaign.
This three-pronged war of the US-Duterte regime is clearly the three-headed fascist monster which today terrorizes the Filipino people on a daily basis.
On the other hand, the CPP, NPA and NDFP can never be terrorist organizations in view of their almost 50 years history in fighting the terrorism inflicted by foreign, feudal and fascist interests that ruthlessly exploit and oppress the Filipino people. The NPA wages armed struggle consistent with international humanitarian standards, and targets only those state agents actively involved in the brutal suppression of people’s sovereign rights. The NDFP, for its part, has been advancing the interests of the Filipino people for more than 25 years through formal peace negotiations with a succession of post-Marcos regimes.
Thus, the national democratic revolution which the CPP-NPA-NDF lead enjoy constant and profound support from all democratic classes and groups in the Philippines.
Thus, the NDF-Negros strongly condemns President Duterte’s treacherous cancellation of what is supposed to be the November 25-27 fifth round of formal peace negotiations in the Norwegian city of Oslo, as earlier agreed by both panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP.
In fact, the NDFP negotiators had already arrived in Europe for the initialling of another agreement by the time Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation 360 last November 23.
The agreements supposed to be initialled concern the long-delayed release of all political prisoners in compliance with the 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (or CARHRIHL), the prospective coordinated unilateral ceasefires (or CUC) to be effective in as early as a few months, and the much-important provisions on the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (or CASER) regarding agrarian reform and rural development and national industrialization and economic development.
With the November 23 issuance of Presidential Proclamation 360 that tags on a whim the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist organizations, Duterte foolishly and effectively terminated the formal peace negotiations.
On this bases, it is but just that the NDF-Negros call on all democratic groups, institutions and individuals in Negros island to unite in helping forge a broad nationwide united front against the US-Duterte terrorist regime that is anyway hell-bent on its march towards an open fascist rule much like the Marcos dictatorship that was overthrown 31 years ago by a popular people’s uprising.
Ka Frank Fernandez, Spokesperson
NDFP Negros Island
9 December 2017
Notwithstanding its Presidential Proclamation 360, it is the US-Duterte regime which has proven to be the monstrous terrorist before the eyes of the Filipino people, not the revolutionary CPP-NPA-NDF.
In just one year and a half, Duterte has systematically employed barbaric armed violence in his mad pursuit of his so-called three-pronged wars against drug users-peddlers, the Bangsamoro people and the revolutionary CPP-NPA-NDF.
Duterte and his vast network of murderers-in-uniform and riders-in-tandem have caused the mindless nationwide murders of around 13 thousand small-time drug peddlers-users, while largely sparing the big drug lords privileged with connections to state bureaucrats and military and police generals.
Duterte and his US patron indiscriminately levelled Marawi City to the ground, which have caused, according to independent reports, the deaths of at least a thousand civilians and the forced evacuation of more than 400 thousand Bangsamoro civilians, all in the name of US imperialism’s so-called borderless war against terror groups.
Duterte and his state-sponsored assassins have caused the extra-judicial killings of many scores of unarmed legal activists all over the country, including about 30 in Guihulngan and other parts of Negros island alone, as part of the US-Duterte regime’s doomed counter-revolutionary Oplan Kapayapaan campaign.
This three-pronged war of the US-Duterte regime is clearly the three-headed fascist monster which today terrorizes the Filipino people on a daily basis.
On the other hand, the CPP, NPA and NDFP can never be terrorist organizations in view of their almost 50 years history in fighting the terrorism inflicted by foreign, feudal and fascist interests that ruthlessly exploit and oppress the Filipino people. The NPA wages armed struggle consistent with international humanitarian standards, and targets only those state agents actively involved in the brutal suppression of people’s sovereign rights. The NDFP, for its part, has been advancing the interests of the Filipino people for more than 25 years through formal peace negotiations with a succession of post-Marcos regimes.
Thus, the national democratic revolution which the CPP-NPA-NDF lead enjoy constant and profound support from all democratic classes and groups in the Philippines.
Thus, the NDF-Negros strongly condemns President Duterte’s treacherous cancellation of what is supposed to be the November 25-27 fifth round of formal peace negotiations in the Norwegian city of Oslo, as earlier agreed by both panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the NDFP.
In fact, the NDFP negotiators had already arrived in Europe for the initialling of another agreement by the time Duterte issued Presidential Proclamation 360 last November 23.
The agreements supposed to be initialled concern the long-delayed release of all political prisoners in compliance with the 1998 Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (or CARHRIHL), the prospective coordinated unilateral ceasefires (or CUC) to be effective in as early as a few months, and the much-important provisions on the draft Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (or CASER) regarding agrarian reform and rural development and national industrialization and economic development.
With the November 23 issuance of Presidential Proclamation 360 that tags on a whim the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist organizations, Duterte foolishly and effectively terminated the formal peace negotiations.
On this bases, it is but just that the NDF-Negros call on all democratic groups, institutions and individuals in Negros island to unite in helping forge a broad nationwide united front against the US-Duterte terrorist regime that is anyway hell-bent on its march towards an open fascist rule much like the Marcos dictatorship that was overthrown 31 years ago by a popular people’s uprising.
US Coast Guard official visits PH coast watch center, BRP Suluan
From Update Philippines (Dec 8): US Coast Guard official visits PH coast watch center, BRP Suluan
Unites States Coast Guard (USCG) Liaison to US Pacific Command USCG Captain Sherman Lacey visited the Philippine National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) today, December 8.
Lacey also paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Coast Guard Officer-In-Charge Commodore Joel S Garcia PCG Ph.D., H.D., Al Haj.
PCG photo
“During the courtesy call, Commodore Garcia presented an overview of the NCWC and PCG in order to identify potential areas of cooperation between the PCG and USCG,” the PCG said.
The NCWC is an inter-agency maritime surveillance and coordinated response facility. It was established as a coordinating and implementing mechanism in a whole-of-government approach to address current and future maritime safety, security, and environmental protection challenges in the Philippines.
PCG photo
Captain Lacey was also given a tour of PCG’s 5th Parola-class multi-role response vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/us-coast-guard-official-visits-ph-coast-watch-center-brp-suluan/23217
Unites States Coast Guard (USCG) Liaison to US Pacific Command USCG Captain Sherman Lacey visited the Philippine National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) today, December 8.
Lacey also paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Coast Guard Officer-In-Charge Commodore Joel S Garcia PCG Ph.D., H.D., Al Haj.
PCG photo
“During the courtesy call, Commodore Garcia presented an overview of the NCWC and PCG in order to identify potential areas of cooperation between the PCG and USCG,” the PCG said.
The NCWC is an inter-agency maritime surveillance and coordinated response facility. It was established as a coordinating and implementing mechanism in a whole-of-government approach to address current and future maritime safety, security, and environmental protection challenges in the Philippines.
PCG photo
Captain Lacey was also given a tour of PCG’s 5th Parola-class multi-role response vessel BRP Suluan (MRRV-4406).
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/us-coast-guard-official-visits-ph-coast-watch-center-brp-suluan/23217
LOOK: Former sister of PH frigates now in Manila
From Update Philippines (Dec 9): LOOK: Former sister of PH frigates now in Manila
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today, December 9 welcomed Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) patrol vessel CSB-8020. CSB-8020 can be considered as former sister of Philippine Navy’s three Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates BRP Gregorio del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Andres Bonifacio.
CSB-8020, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Andres Bonifacio are all former Hamilton-class cutters of United States Coast Guard (USCG).
PCG photo
These vessels were transferred by the United States government to Vietnam and Philippines through its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
Philippine Navy photo
CSB-8020 was transferred to Vietnam in May 2017.
It was transferred to improve the Vietnam Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness, increase its capacity to perform maritime law enforcement operations, and conduct search and rescue and other humanitarian response operations.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/look-former-sister-of-ph-frigates-now-in-manila/23272
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) today, December 9 welcomed Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) patrol vessel CSB-8020. CSB-8020 can be considered as former sister of Philippine Navy’s three Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates BRP Gregorio del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Andres Bonifacio.
CSB-8020, BRP Gregorio del Pilar, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Andres Bonifacio are all former Hamilton-class cutters of United States Coast Guard (USCG).
PCG photo
These vessels were transferred by the United States government to Vietnam and Philippines through its Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
Philippine Navy photo
CSB-8020 was transferred to Vietnam in May 2017.
It was transferred to improve the Vietnam Coast Guard’s maritime domain awareness, increase its capacity to perform maritime law enforcement operations, and conduct search and rescue and other humanitarian response operations.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/look-former-sister-of-ph-frigates-now-in-manila/23272
PNP deputy chief distributes Israeli, Chinese firearms in Bicol
From Update Philippines (Dec 9): PNP deputy chief distributes Israeli, Chinese firearms in Bicol
Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Administration Police Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario led the turn over of new high-powered firearms to police units in the Bicol Region on December 2.
Among the turned over firearms are Norinco CQ-A caliber 5.56mm rifles and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Tavor X95 submachine guns (SMG).
PNP photo
“PDDG Apolinario led the ceremonial turn over of CQ-A Rifle Caliber 5.56 MM and SMG Tavor X95 to Naga CPS, Camarine Norte PPO and Camarines Sur PPO to enhance their police capabilities,” the PNP said.
PNP photo
PNP photo
Aploinario also awarded personnel of Naga City Police Office, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) for their efforts and performance contributed in PNP Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign.
PNP said Aploinario also visited the wake of PO1 Pedro Valeros of the Provincial Mobile Force Company, Camarines Norte PPO who was killed during an encounter with communist terrorists at Sitio Binuang, Labo Camarines Norte to pay respect and honor his gallantry and heroism.
“He also met the wounded members of the Provincial Mobile Force Company and awarded them the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting”,” PNP said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/pnp-deputy-chief-distributes-israeli-chinese-firearms-in-bicol/23277
Philippine National Police (PNP) Deputy Chief for Administration Police Deputy Director General Ramon Apolinario led the turn over of new high-powered firearms to police units in the Bicol Region on December 2.
Among the turned over firearms are Norinco CQ-A caliber 5.56mm rifles and Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Tavor X95 submachine guns (SMG).
PNP photo
“PDDG Apolinario led the ceremonial turn over of CQ-A Rifle Caliber 5.56 MM and SMG Tavor X95 to Naga CPS, Camarine Norte PPO and Camarines Sur PPO to enhance their police capabilities,” the PNP said.
PNP photo
PNP photo
Aploinario also awarded personnel of Naga City Police Office, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (PPO) for their efforts and performance contributed in PNP Anti-Illegal Drug Campaign.
PNP said Aploinario also visited the wake of PO1 Pedro Valeros of the Provincial Mobile Force Company, Camarines Norte PPO who was killed during an encounter with communist terrorists at Sitio Binuang, Labo Camarines Norte to pay respect and honor his gallantry and heroism.
“He also met the wounded members of the Provincial Mobile Force Company and awarded them the “Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting”,” PNP said.
https://www.update.ph/2017/12/pnp-deputy-chief-distributes-israeli-chinese-firearms-in-bicol/23277
4 rifle grenades, 2 guns recovered
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 9): 4 rifle grenades, 2 guns recovered
Four rifle grenades believed to be hidden by suspected New People's Army rebels were surrendered to the police in Toboso, while two more guns were recovered by the police from four arrested suspects in Kabankalan City, all in Negros Occidental Thursday.
The four rifle grenades were discovered hidden in a nipa plantation Sitio Plarendeng, Brgy. Salamanca,Toboso, b y a certain Rolando Tumarse who reported it to the barangay officials.
Initial investigations of the Toboso police showed that the explosives may have been owned by communist rebels operating in the area.
The explosives will be turned over to the Explosives Ordnance Division of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for proper disposition, Chief Inspector Ariel Pico,Toboso police chief, said.
Meanwhile, four firearms, including two .22 caliber rifles, a .22 caliber pistol and .45 caliber pistol were also surrendered by a retired private employee to the police in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
Also surrendered, in line with the OplanBoga campaign of the police, were1,000 rounds of ammunition for a .45 caliber pistol, and 1,818 ammunition for a .22 rifle and pistol.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/09/topstory7.htm
Four rifle grenades believed to be hidden by suspected New People's Army rebels were surrendered to the police in Toboso, while two more guns were recovered by the police from four arrested suspects in Kabankalan City, all in Negros Occidental Thursday.
The four rifle grenades were discovered hidden in a nipa plantation Sitio Plarendeng, Brgy. Salamanca,Toboso, b y a certain Rolando Tumarse who reported it to the barangay officials.
Initial investigations of the Toboso police showed that the explosives may have been owned by communist rebels operating in the area.
The explosives will be turned over to the Explosives Ordnance Division of the 303rd Infantry Brigade for proper disposition, Chief Inspector Ariel Pico,Toboso police chief, said.
Meanwhile, four firearms, including two .22 caliber rifles, a .22 caliber pistol and .45 caliber pistol were also surrendered by a retired private employee to the police in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.
Also surrendered, in line with the OplanBoga campaign of the police, were1,000 rounds of ammunition for a .45 caliber pistol, and 1,818 ammunition for a .22 rifle and pistol.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/09/topstory7.htm
Another NPA camp found, 4 SPARU hitmen nabbed
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 9): Another NPA camp found, 4 SPARU hitmen nabbed
Pursuit operations against fleeing New People's Army rebels by Army soldiers againled to armed skirmishes and the seizure of another NPA training camp in Himamaylan City, while four suspected rebel assassins were intercepted at a police checkpoint Thursday night in Kabankalan City, all in Negros Occidental.
Lt. Col. Darryl Banez, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed this last night and said the discovery of another NPA training camp in SitioCunalom, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Thursday afternoon, was preceded by another encounter, as 62IB troopers pressed on withtheir pursuit operations against occupants of the rebel camp seized earlier in the same barangay.
An M-16 assault rifle, three ICOM radios, among other items, were recovered at the vicinity of the discovered rebel camp, which is several kilometers away from the first encampment seized on Dec. 5. No injuries on both sides were reported at of last night.
But the encounter on Dec. 7 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, led to slight injuries of two members of the 62IB.
On Thursday night, policemen arrested four suspects, who tried to escape from a checkpoint established by the police in Brgy. 4, Kabankalan City.
Supt. Rhea Santos, Kabankalan City police chief, yesterday said that the arrest of four suspects yielded a .45 caliber Taurus pistol with a magazine containing six ammunition and a .38 caliber Shooter revolver with four live ammunition.
Arrested were Wendel Morales, 21, of Brgy. Baclao, Sipalay City; Ronnie de la,19; and Ariel Rivera, 23, both residents of Brgy. Patag, Silay City, andJoelito Medes, 41, of Brgy.Carol-an, Kabankalan City.
Santos said the 45 caliber pistol was taken from Morales, while the .38 caliber revolver was recovered from de la Cruz.
The four arrested suspects were riding in a single motorcycle with Morales as the driver, investigations of the Kabankalan City police showed. They were intercepted by the police at about 11 p.m. Thursday
Santos said the four suspects tried to go back, when they saw the police checkpoint. But they were intercepted by the police while fleeing from the checkpoint, she added.
Banez said that based on the testimonies of former rebels,the four arrested suspects are members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit.
But Santos said they are still digging into the backgrounds of the four arrested suspects, who, came from different places, in one company, and travelling at almost midnight, with guns.
Banes said he believes that the two NPA training camps could be the staging areas for rebel tactical offensives, in connection with the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the plenum site for their regional leadership.
He confirmed that several police stations in Negros Occidental are being eyed for rebel attacks, based on rebel documents they had recovered previously, including some prominent individuals.
Banes said he strongly believes they were able to foil terroristic activities of the KomitengRehiyonal-Negros, following the recovery of the two training camps, with red fighters, including their supporters, having splintered into small groups.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, also said that he already anticipated such rebel attacks, and he and different police commanders have been preparing for them.
While he did not disclose what police stations are be attacked by communist rebels, Banes said the PNP was already informed about it.
Various PNP units in Negros are also in combat mode, and havebeefed the defenses of their police stations.
The 62IB, supported by other Army units the police, are chasing about 100 rebels, who are occupants of the two seized camps, including their trained Yunit Militia members, he added.
Air Force gunships have alsobeen placed on standby, for air support to the ground of the Philippine Army and National Police.
Banes said he acknowledged the support of the residents, especially those family members and relatives of victims of NPA atrocities, in the two hinterland communities of Himamaylan City, who had informed them of the presence of armed rebels in their areas.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/09/topstory4.htm
Pursuit operations against fleeing New People's Army rebels by Army soldiers againled to armed skirmishes and the seizure of another NPA training camp in Himamaylan City, while four suspected rebel assassins were intercepted at a police checkpoint Thursday night in Kabankalan City, all in Negros Occidental.
Lt. Col. Darryl Banez, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, disclosed this last night and said the discovery of another NPA training camp in SitioCunalom, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Thursday afternoon, was preceded by another encounter, as 62IB troopers pressed on withtheir pursuit operations against occupants of the rebel camp seized earlier in the same barangay.
An M-16 assault rifle, three ICOM radios, among other items, were recovered at the vicinity of the discovered rebel camp, which is several kilometers away from the first encampment seized on Dec. 5. No injuries on both sides were reported at of last night.
But the encounter on Dec. 7 in Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, led to slight injuries of two members of the 62IB.
On Thursday night, policemen arrested four suspects, who tried to escape from a checkpoint established by the police in Brgy. 4, Kabankalan City.
Supt. Rhea Santos, Kabankalan City police chief, yesterday said that the arrest of four suspects yielded a .45 caliber Taurus pistol with a magazine containing six ammunition and a .38 caliber Shooter revolver with four live ammunition.
Arrested were Wendel Morales, 21, of Brgy. Baclao, Sipalay City; Ronnie de la,19; and Ariel Rivera, 23, both residents of Brgy. Patag, Silay City, andJoelito Medes, 41, of Brgy.Carol-an, Kabankalan City.
Santos said the 45 caliber pistol was taken from Morales, while the .38 caliber revolver was recovered from de la Cruz.
The four arrested suspects were riding in a single motorcycle with Morales as the driver, investigations of the Kabankalan City police showed. They were intercepted by the police at about 11 p.m. Thursday
Santos said the four suspects tried to go back, when they saw the police checkpoint. But they were intercepted by the police while fleeing from the checkpoint, she added.
Banez said that based on the testimonies of former rebels,the four arrested suspects are members of the NPA Special Partisan Unit.
But Santos said they are still digging into the backgrounds of the four arrested suspects, who, came from different places, in one company, and travelling at almost midnight, with guns.
Banes said he believes that the two NPA training camps could be the staging areas for rebel tactical offensives, in connection with the 49th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the plenum site for their regional leadership.
He confirmed that several police stations in Negros Occidental are being eyed for rebel attacks, based on rebel documents they had recovered previously, including some prominent individuals.
Banes said he strongly believes they were able to foil terroristic activities of the KomitengRehiyonal-Negros, following the recovery of the two training camps, with red fighters, including their supporters, having splintered into small groups.
Senior Supt. Rodolfo Castil, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, also said that he already anticipated such rebel attacks, and he and different police commanders have been preparing for them.
While he did not disclose what police stations are be attacked by communist rebels, Banes said the PNP was already informed about it.
Various PNP units in Negros are also in combat mode, and havebeefed the defenses of their police stations.
The 62IB, supported by other Army units the police, are chasing about 100 rebels, who are occupants of the two seized camps, including their trained Yunit Militia members, he added.
Air Force gunships have alsobeen placed on standby, for air support to the ground of the Philippine Army and National Police.
Banes said he acknowledged the support of the residents, especially those family members and relatives of victims of NPA atrocities, in the two hinterland communities of Himamaylan City, who had informed them of the presence of armed rebels in their areas.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2017/December/09/topstory4.htm
Airman kills fellow soldier in Cagayan de Oro
From Rappler (Dec 9): Airman kills fellow soldier in Cagayan de Oro
The two soldiers had a heated argument during a drinking session in Lumbia Air Base, say police
A Philippine Air Force soldier shot and killed his fellow airman inside Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City late Thursday night, December 8.
The two soldiers had a heated argument during a drinking session in Lumbia Air Base, say police
Police from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office Station 8 arrested the suspect, Airman 2nd Class Reymart Noquera who is from Quezon City.
Noquera shot and killed Air Force Staff Sergeant Renante Blanco, a resident of Angeles City in Pampanga, inside the Tactical Operations Group 10 in the air base.
The two were drinking at the back portion of the Lumbia Air Base and had a heated argument, according to Airman 2nd Class Alijani Sapayani. Minutes later, Sapayani said he heard gunshots.
Noquera shot Blanco with his government-issued M16 rifle. The incident happened at around 11 pm.
The police recovered 16 empty shells of M16 rifle at the scene.
Blanco was rushed to the Camp Edilberto Evangelista Station Hospital where he was pronounced dead by attending physicians.
Noquera is now under custody at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters in Camp Evangelista.
The Air Force-TOG10 turned over to the police the rifle used in the shooting.
7 marines, 1 cop wounded in back-to-back attacks in Maguindanao
From Rappler (Dec 9): 7 marines, 1 cop wounded in back-to-back attacks in Maguindanao
Eight government forces were wounded in two separate attacks in Upi town in Maguindanao before midnight on Friday, December 8, the military reported.
Military spokesperson Captain Arvin Encinas says the first attack wounded a policeman while the second hurt soldiers
Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the first attack wounded a cop while the second wounded 7 marines.
At 11:05 pm on Friday, the detachment of the 1st Maneuver Platoon of the Provincial Public Safety Company was hit by an M203 or a rifle grenade. Police Officer 2 Ismael Alabat was wounded.
The Marines who responded to the incident were later hit by a roadside explosion. They were only 50 meters away from the detachment.
"The Marines responded but the battalion was attacked on their way back. Seven were wounded," said Encinas.
The names of the wounded Marines were not released.
Abu Sayyaf killed in clash with soldiers in Sulu
From Rappler (Dec 9): 3 Abu Sayyaf killed in clash with soldiers in Sulu
Three members of the Abu Sayyaf, including the brother-in-law of leader Radullan Sahiron, were killed in an encounter with government troops in Sulu on Friday, December 8, the military said.
Three members of the Abu Sayyaf, including the brother-in-law of leader Radullan Sahiron, were killed in an encounter with government troops in Sulu on Friday, December 8, the military said.
The Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 encountered around 20 Abu Sayyaf members under Sahiron in Panamao, Sulu, on Friday.
The firefight lasted about 10 minutes. The military identified the deaths on the Abu Sayyaf side as Peping Jamalul, Sahiron's brother-in-law; Aldi Abtahi, son of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Amlon Abtahi; and Nelson Rajak.
The firefight lasted about 10 minutes. The military identified the deaths on the Abu Sayyaf side as Peping Jamalul, Sahiron's brother-in-law; Aldi Abtahi, son of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Amlon Abtahi; and Nelson Rajak.
The military said the Abu Sayyaf fled to different directions after the encounter and left their dead members behind. The bodies of the ASG members were immediately turned over to barangay officials.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, thanked local officials and residents of Panamao for pinpointing the location of the Abu Sayyaf.
"We are grateful not just to them but to all peace-loving Tausugs who are positively responding to our call to end terrorism in Sulu," Sobejana said.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu Commander, thanked local officials and residents of Panamao for pinpointing the location of the Abu Sayyaf.
"We are grateful not just to them but to all peace-loving Tausugs who are positively responding to our call to end terrorism in Sulu," Sobejana said.
Joma to Duterte: Let's end war of words, war on the ground
From Rappler (Dec 10): Joma to Duterte: Let's end war of words, war on the ground
The professor is still hopeful his student has not entirely abandoned the peace process, despite proclamations that formally ended negotiations and tagged the party he founded a "terrorist organization."
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison urged President Rodrigo Duterte to review developments in backchannel talks, resume the negotiations, put an end to the word war and the clashes on the ground.
"If Duterte will just review what the two panels were about to succeed in doing, baka naman mag-change ang isip niya (he might change his mind). You know we can overcome easily 'yung bakbakan ng baril sa ground at bakbakan sa salita (the war on the ground and war of words) so long as we are for the interests and the rights of the people," Sison told Rappler in an interview on Friday, December 8. (READ: [Opinion] How Duterte sabotaged the GRP-NDFP peace process)
It has been an on-again-off-again talks since the military and the CPP armed group New People's Army withdrew from a 6-month-long ceasefire in February 2017.
Duterte announces the cancellation of talks and throws a fit whenever government forces suffer casualties clashes with communist rebels – but the panels would get the go signal to continue secret meetings to complete an agreement and reinstitute a ceasefire.
But in November, the President went beyond the usual outburst following clashes that killed a baby. He issued Proclamation 360 formally ending the talks, and Proclamation 374 declaring the CPP and NPA as "terrorist organizations."
Timeline of talks
Sison said Duterte scrapped the talks just as the two sides were nearing a breakthrough and were looking forward to completing an agreement in 2018 to end the armed struggle.
"We can deliver an agreement," said Sison.
He said the panels were looking at completing soon a Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) – the heart and soul of the peace process. They can then proceed to the 3rd substantive agenda – Comprehensive Agreement on Political Reforms (CAPR) – in time with Congress' moves to deliberate a federal form of government.
"The NDF never proposed the coalition government with the republic. We will co-found a new government and then of course, your weight in an alliance or coalition governemnt will be decided by your performance in the elections, di ba?," Sison said.
"It takes two sides to negotiate. Duterte seems to have superficial and insufficient knowledge of the process," he said.
End the word war
The 78-year-old communist leader dishes it out every time his foul-mouthed student made a punching bag out of the communist movement. He called Duterte "butangero" (hoodlum) in July 2016, an exchange that threatened the resumption of peace talks scheduled a month later.
"Ayaw ko yung para bang nagmamando siya. Nagbibigay siya ng ultimatum. (I didn't like how he was issuing us commands and ultimatums). You cannot do that to the revolutionary movement," he said.
Sison has also called Duterte corrupt and "duwag" (coward) for backing out of allegations against the "big fish" in his war on drugs, citing abandoned allegations against Pangasinan governor-turned-representative Amado Espino and alleged drug lord Peter Lim.
"He'll lose in a gunfight because I’m also marksman. I don’t know how good he is," he said,recalling his word war with the President.
But Sison said these are just words they can both overcome. "Duterte said it himself, he can take harsh words because he is a politician. If you are a politician, you accept that there is such a thing that is verbal combat. But it cannot be any worse than combat with firearms that destroys lives and limbs," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
NPA rebels proving their mettle
The CPP and NPA are behind Asia's longest-running communist insurgency. Hopes were high when Duterte resumed formal negotiations in August 2016, which began with separate bilateral ceasefires that would last for about 6 months.
Clashes between the military and the communist rebels stepped up after the military completed its mission in Marawi in October and troops were deployed to "communist areas."
"It so happens [Defense Secretary Delfin] Lorenzana and others are so eager to kill the NPA. The NPA is also eager to prove their mettle,"said Sison.
But he said Duterte's threats will not work. "You cannot frighten them (NPA rebels)," he said. He said they should have instead availed of the proper mechanisms to protest alleged violations of agreements on the ground.
Sison said if the talks proceeded, the two panels would be proposing a "stand down" between the military and the NPA, which will be elevated to a "Coordinated Unilateral Ceasefire" along with the signing of CASER possibly by January 2018.
TEACHER AND STUDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte was the student of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison at the Lyceum University in Manila
The professor is still hopeful his student has not entirely abandoned the peace process, despite proclamations that formally ended negotiations and tagged the party he founded a "terrorist organization."
Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison urged President Rodrigo Duterte to review developments in backchannel talks, resume the negotiations, put an end to the word war and the clashes on the ground.
"If Duterte will just review what the two panels were about to succeed in doing, baka naman mag-change ang isip niya (he might change his mind). You know we can overcome easily 'yung bakbakan ng baril sa ground at bakbakan sa salita (the war on the ground and war of words) so long as we are for the interests and the rights of the people," Sison told Rappler in an interview on Friday, December 8. (READ: [Opinion] How Duterte sabotaged the GRP-NDFP peace process)
It has been an on-again-off-again talks since the military and the CPP armed group New People's Army withdrew from a 6-month-long ceasefire in February 2017.
Duterte announces the cancellation of talks and throws a fit whenever government forces suffer casualties clashes with communist rebels – but the panels would get the go signal to continue secret meetings to complete an agreement and reinstitute a ceasefire.
But in November, the President went beyond the usual outburst following clashes that killed a baby. He issued Proclamation 360 formally ending the talks, and Proclamation 374 declaring the CPP and NPA as "terrorist organizations."
Timeline of talks
Sison said Duterte scrapped the talks just as the two sides were nearing a breakthrough and were looking forward to completing an agreement in 2018 to end the armed struggle.
"We can deliver an agreement," said Sison.
He said the panels were looking at completing soon a Comprehensive Agreement on Socio-Economic Reforms (CASER) – the heart and soul of the peace process. They can then proceed to the 3rd substantive agenda – Comprehensive Agreement on Political Reforms (CAPR) – in time with Congress' moves to deliberate a federal form of government.
"The NDF never proposed the coalition government with the republic. We will co-found a new government and then of course, your weight in an alliance or coalition governemnt will be decided by your performance in the elections, di ba?," Sison said.
"It takes two sides to negotiate. Duterte seems to have superficial and insufficient knowledge of the process," he said.
End the word war
The 78-year-old communist leader dishes it out every time his foul-mouthed student made a punching bag out of the communist movement. He called Duterte "butangero" (hoodlum) in July 2016, an exchange that threatened the resumption of peace talks scheduled a month later.
"Ayaw ko yung para bang nagmamando siya. Nagbibigay siya ng ultimatum. (I didn't like how he was issuing us commands and ultimatums). You cannot do that to the revolutionary movement," he said.
Sison has also called Duterte corrupt and "duwag" (coward) for backing out of allegations against the "big fish" in his war on drugs, citing abandoned allegations against Pangasinan governor-turned-representative Amado Espino and alleged drug lord Peter Lim.
"He'll lose in a gunfight because I’m also marksman. I don’t know how good he is," he said,recalling his word war with the President.
But Sison said these are just words they can both overcome. "Duterte said it himself, he can take harsh words because he is a politician. If you are a politician, you accept that there is such a thing that is verbal combat. But it cannot be any worse than combat with firearms that destroys lives and limbs," he said in a mix of Filipino and English.
NPA rebels proving their mettle
The CPP and NPA are behind Asia's longest-running communist insurgency. Hopes were high when Duterte resumed formal negotiations in August 2016, which began with separate bilateral ceasefires that would last for about 6 months.
Clashes between the military and the communist rebels stepped up after the military completed its mission in Marawi in October and troops were deployed to "communist areas."
"It so happens [Defense Secretary Delfin] Lorenzana and others are so eager to kill the NPA. The NPA is also eager to prove their mettle,"said Sison.
But he said Duterte's threats will not work. "You cannot frighten them (NPA rebels)," he said. He said they should have instead availed of the proper mechanisms to protest alleged violations of agreements on the ground.
Sison said if the talks proceeded, the two panels would be proposing a "stand down" between the military and the NPA, which will be elevated to a "Coordinated Unilateral Ceasefire" along with the signing of CASER possibly by January 2018.
Photo: Lightning Rally
From MindaNews (Dec 8): Photo: Lightning Rally
Activists stage a lightning rally in front of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro on Friday, December 8, 2017. The activists are demanding an end to militarization that is allegedly targeting Lumads in Mindanao and elsewhere, an allegation the military has denied. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/12/lightning-rally-2/
Activists stage a lightning rally in front of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro on Friday, December 8, 2017. The activists are demanding an end to militarization that is allegedly targeting Lumads in Mindanao and elsewhere, an allegation the military has denied. MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO
http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2017/12/lightning-rally-2/
7 injured in North Upi; BIFF claims responsibility for attacks
From MindaNews (Dec 10): 7 injured in North Upi; BIFF claims responsibility for attacks
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has claimed responsibility for the series of explosions and ambush that injured six Marine troopers and a policeman in North Upi, Maguindanao.
Abu Misry Mama, spokesperson of the BIFF faction under Kumander Bungos admitted in a telephone interview that their men were behind these attacks. He said it is part of their “continuing struggle” for a separate Islamic State.
Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Army Kampilan Division, said the enemy first fired an M-203 grenade launcher at the detachment of the 1stManuever Platoon of the Provincial Police Security Company in Barangay Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao at around 11:05 p.m. on Friday. P02 Ismael Alabat was injured.
Fifteen minutes later, another bomb went off in Nuro bridge less than 50 meters away, prompting the Marines to deploy mobile patrol teams to secure the town.
Encnias said that at around 1:10 a.m. Saturday, another blast was heard, hitting the truck of the Marines who were about to go back to base in Barangay Mirab.
Injured were Major Romulo Ducay, Corporals Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jun, Oliver Albo and Alvin Jay Sangadan, and Private First Class Gerwin Perez.
They were immediately rushed to Camp Siongco hospital in Awang, Maguindanao.
Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello said they suspect the BIFF was behind the explosions, based on the signature of the explosives used.
Mayor Ramon PIang of North Upi denounced the attacks.
“We strongly denounce the attack on our security sector who have always been working hard in maintaining peace and order in Upi,”Piang said.
He urged the police to investigate the matter to immediately track down the perpetrators.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/12/7-injured-in-north-upi-biff-claims-responsibility-for-attacks2/
The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has claimed responsibility for the series of explosions and ambush that injured six Marine troopers and a policeman in North Upi, Maguindanao.
Abu Misry Mama, spokesperson of the BIFF faction under Kumander Bungos admitted in a telephone interview that their men were behind these attacks. He said it is part of their “continuing struggle” for a separate Islamic State.
Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Army Kampilan Division, said the enemy first fired an M-203 grenade launcher at the detachment of the 1stManuever Platoon of the Provincial Police Security Company in Barangay Nuro, Upi, Maguindanao at around 11:05 p.m. on Friday. P02 Ismael Alabat was injured.
Fifteen minutes later, another bomb went off in Nuro bridge less than 50 meters away, prompting the Marines to deploy mobile patrol teams to secure the town.
Encnias said that at around 1:10 a.m. Saturday, another blast was heard, hitting the truck of the Marines who were about to go back to base in Barangay Mirab.
Injured were Major Romulo Ducay, Corporals Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jun, Oliver Albo and Alvin Jay Sangadan, and Private First Class Gerwin Perez.
They were immediately rushed to Camp Siongco hospital in Awang, Maguindanao.
Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello said they suspect the BIFF was behind the explosions, based on the signature of the explosives used.
Mayor Ramon PIang of North Upi denounced the attacks.
“We strongly denounce the attack on our security sector who have always been working hard in maintaining peace and order in Upi,”Piang said.
He urged the police to investigate the matter to immediately track down the perpetrators.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/12/7-injured-in-north-upi-biff-claims-responsibility-for-attacks2/
NPA rebel killed, 3 soldiers wounded in Zambo clash
From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 9): NPA rebel killed, 3 soldiers wounded in Zambo clash
A communist insurgent was killed and three army soldiers were injured in fierce clashes in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Sur, a military spokeswoman said Saturday.
Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, of the Western Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted Friday afternoon in the town called Lakewood where troops tracked down a group of New People’s Army rebels in Gasa village and triggering a gun battle.
She said soldiers had recovered the body of the slain rebel, including assorted rifles and ammunition and an NPA flag. But three soldiers were also wounded in the fighting that lasted over 3 hours. She added that operation is still going on in the province where the rebels had split into several smaller groups to escape from the military offensive.
There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the latest fighting. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on government and civilian targets following the collapse of the peace talks with Manila.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-rebel-killed-3-soldiers-wounded-in-zambo-clash/
A communist insurgent was killed and three army soldiers were injured in fierce clashes in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Sur, a military spokeswoman said Saturday.
Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, of the Western Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted Friday afternoon in the town called Lakewood where troops tracked down a group of New People’s Army rebels in Gasa village and triggering a gun battle.
She said soldiers had recovered the body of the slain rebel, including assorted rifles and ammunition and an NPA flag. But three soldiers were also wounded in the fighting that lasted over 3 hours. She added that operation is still going on in the province where the rebels had split into several smaller groups to escape from the military offensive.
There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the latest fighting. Rebel forces have stepped up their attacks on government and civilian targets following the collapse of the peace talks with Manila.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/npa-rebel-killed-3-soldiers-wounded-in-zambo-clash/
Troops kill 3 Abu Sayyaf men in Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Troops kill 3 Abu Sayyaf men in Sulu clash
Pursuing government forces killed three Abu Sayyaf bandits and recovered two firearms in a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash happened at around 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sitio Buling-Buling, Barangay Su-uh, Old Panamao town.
Sobejana disclosed the troops were on combat patrol when they clashed with 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Radullan Sahiron.
Sahiron, known as the one-armed bandit leader, is the oldest among the remaining leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Sobejana said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes after which the ASG members fled to different directions leaving behind their slain comrades.
He identified them as the following: Peping Jamalul, brother-in-law of Sahiron; Aldi Abtahi, son of ASG sub-leader Amlon; and, Nelson Rajak.
He said the remains of the slain ASG members were turned over to the barangay officials for proper disposition.
He said the troops have recovered from the clash site one M-16 Armalite rifle and one caliber .45 pistol with ammunition.
“We attributed the latest combat success against this notorious Abu Sayyaf Group to the local government unit and residents of Panamao who pinpointed their location,” he said.
“We are grateful not just to them but to all peace-loving Tausugs who are positively responding to our call to end terrorism in Sulu,” he added.
He added that they will be able to neutralize the remaining ASG members and attain peace which is the key to development with the active support of the peace-loving residents of the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018472
Pursuing government forces killed three Abu Sayyaf bandits and recovered two firearms in a clash in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official said Saturday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the clash happened at around 2:30 p.m. Friday at Sitio Buling-Buling, Barangay Su-uh, Old Panamao town.
Sobejana disclosed the troops were on combat patrol when they clashed with 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Radullan Sahiron.
Sahiron, known as the one-armed bandit leader, is the oldest among the remaining leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Sobejana said the firefight lasted for about 10 minutes after which the ASG members fled to different directions leaving behind their slain comrades.
He identified them as the following: Peping Jamalul, brother-in-law of Sahiron; Aldi Abtahi, son of ASG sub-leader Amlon; and, Nelson Rajak.
He said the remains of the slain ASG members were turned over to the barangay officials for proper disposition.
He said the troops have recovered from the clash site one M-16 Armalite rifle and one caliber .45 pistol with ammunition.
“We attributed the latest combat success against this notorious Abu Sayyaf Group to the local government unit and residents of Panamao who pinpointed their location,” he said.
“We are grateful not just to them but to all peace-loving Tausugs who are positively responding to our call to end terrorism in Sulu,” he added.
He added that they will be able to neutralize the remaining ASG members and attain peace which is the key to development with the active support of the peace-loving residents of the province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018472
Roadside bomb hurts 7 soldiers in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Roadside bomb hurts 7 soldiers in Maguindanao
Seven government troops were hurt following a roadside bomb explosion shortly before dawn Saturday in Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.
Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police directior, identified those wounded as Maj. Romulo Ducay, Cpls. Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and PFCs Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez, all of the 5th Marine Battalion stationed in Barangay Mirab.
The victims were subsequently brought to the infirmary inside Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division situated in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Tello said military and police probers are still trying to determine the group behind the attack.
“Our investigation is still going on,” he told reporters here.
Accordingly, the village of Mirab is one of those considered as peaceful areas in North Upi, with the villagers maintaining close alliance with military troops for security of their agricultural lands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018469
Seven government troops were hurt following a roadside bomb explosion shortly before dawn Saturday in Barangay Mirab, North Upi, Maguindanao.
Sr. Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police directior, identified those wounded as Maj. Romulo Ducay, Cpls. Ryan Cabual, Arnel Jiun, Oliver Albo, Alvin Sangadan and PFCs Johnny Panday and Gerwin Perez, all of the 5th Marine Battalion stationed in Barangay Mirab.
The victims were subsequently brought to the infirmary inside Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division situated in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Tello said military and police probers are still trying to determine the group behind the attack.
“Our investigation is still going on,” he told reporters here.
Accordingly, the village of Mirab is one of those considered as peaceful areas in North Upi, with the villagers maintaining close alliance with military troops for security of their agricultural lands.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018469
AFP to greatly benefit from GADIE establishment: Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): AFP to greatly benefit from GADIE establishment: Lorenzana
The establishment of the so-called Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate (GADIE) in Limay, Bataan will greatly benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it will help the military achieve massive modernization and transfer of technology.
“With GADIE’s establishment, we will certainly have a massive modernization and transfer of technology. All of this will hopefully upgrade our military’s capability and make it at par with militaries of other nations," said Department of National Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the DND-Philippine International Trading Corporation Summit held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Friday.
GADIE is a special economic zone for both foreign and local investors that seeks to attract manufacturers who will supply the Philippine military’s needs.
It is a 370-hectare estate in Limay, Bataan which also houses the Government Arsenal that provides basic weapons and other munitions to the AFP and police.
Lorenzana thanked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for assisting them by inviting defense industries around the world like manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunition, drones, combat clothing, and other supplies needed by the military and the police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018487
The establishment of the so-called Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate (GADIE) in Limay, Bataan will greatly benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as it will help the military achieve massive modernization and transfer of technology.
“With GADIE’s establishment, we will certainly have a massive modernization and transfer of technology. All of this will hopefully upgrade our military’s capability and make it at par with militaries of other nations," said Department of National Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the DND-Philippine International Trading Corporation Summit held at the AFP Commissioned Officers' Club, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Friday.
GADIE is a special economic zone for both foreign and local investors that seeks to attract manufacturers who will supply the Philippine military’s needs.
It is a 370-hectare estate in Limay, Bataan which also houses the Government Arsenal that provides basic weapons and other munitions to the AFP and police.
Lorenzana thanked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for assisting them by inviting defense industries around the world like manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunition, drones, combat clothing, and other supplies needed by the military and the police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018487
Lorenzana wants to reactivate self-reliant defense program
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): Lorenzana wants to reactivate self-reliant defense program
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday underscored the urgent need for the country to revive its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, given the variety of security threats it is facing.
"Considering the present threats to our sovereignty, such as terrorism and territorial disputes, it is about time to revive the SRDP program and highlight once again the need for enhanced external defense capabilities," Lorenzana said during the Department of National Defense - Philippine International Trading Corp. Summit held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
He recalled that the country had an SRDP program in the 1970s, which aimed to provide support to the military in terms of weapons, platforms, and equipment.
Unfortunately, it did not attain much success and its implementation was discontinued because of several impediments, such as budgetary limitations, the defense chief said.
Lorenzana said efforts are underway to develop the Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate (GADIE), a special economic zone for both foreign and local investors that seeks to attract manufacturers who would supply the Philippine military’s needs.
GADIE will be established in a 370-hectare estate in Limay, Bataan where the Government Arsenal (GA) is also housed.
GA is tasked to provide basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions to our country’s military and police, Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana thanked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for assisting them by inviting defense industries around the world, such as manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunition, drones, combat clothing, and other supplies needed by the military and the police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018451
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday underscored the urgent need for the country to revive its Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) program, given the variety of security threats it is facing.
"Considering the present threats to our sovereignty, such as terrorism and territorial disputes, it is about time to revive the SRDP program and highlight once again the need for enhanced external defense capabilities," Lorenzana said during the Department of National Defense - Philippine International Trading Corp. Summit held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Commissioned Officers' Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
He recalled that the country had an SRDP program in the 1970s, which aimed to provide support to the military in terms of weapons, platforms, and equipment.
Unfortunately, it did not attain much success and its implementation was discontinued because of several impediments, such as budgetary limitations, the defense chief said.
Lorenzana said efforts are underway to develop the Government Arsenal Defense Industry Estate (GADIE), a special economic zone for both foreign and local investors that seeks to attract manufacturers who would supply the Philippine military’s needs.
GADIE will be established in a 370-hectare estate in Limay, Bataan where the Government Arsenal (GA) is also housed.
GA is tasked to provide basic weapons, ammunition and other munitions to our country’s military and police, Lorenzana said.
Meanwhile, Lorenzana thanked the Philippine Economic Zone Authority for assisting them by inviting defense industries around the world, such as manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunition, drones, combat clothing, and other supplies needed by the military and the police.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018451
Army officers promoted
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 9): 51 Army officers promoted
A total of 51 newly-promoted Philippine Army generals donned their new star ranks in a short ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Friday.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said three officers were promoted to lieutenant general, seven to major general, and 41 to brigadier general.
They were given full military honors, after which they paid a courtesy call on Army commander, Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista.
Promoted to three-star rank were Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Rafael C. Valencia, and Benjamin C. Madrigal.
Promoted to major general were Ronnie S. Evangelista, Felimon T. Santos Jr., Arnel B. dela Vega, Casiano C. Monilla, Isidro L. Purisima, Macairog S. Alberto, and Rizaldo B. Limoso.
The 41 officers promoted to brigader general were Perfecto M. Rimando, Cirilito E. Sobejana, Pedro A. Sumayo Jr., Glorivine R. Dida, Fernando T. Trinidad, Francisco F. Mendoza, Felicisimo C. Buddiongan, Ramiro Manuel A. Rey, Arnulfo C. Matanguihan, Lope C. Dagoy;Nixon M. Fortes, Milfredo M. Melegrito, Jose C. Faustino Jr., Manolo M. Samarita, Raniel T. Tamiro, Ernesto T. Lopena, Lenard T. Agustin, Antonio G. Parlade Jr., Cristobal N. Zaragoza, Rene Glen O. Paje;Edwin Leo Torrelavega, Abraham Claro C. Casis, Eric C. Vinoya, Ernie S. Langub, Tyne T. Bañas, Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro, Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Jose Ely D. Alberto, Bismarck D. Soliba;Jesus B. Sarsagat, Cornelio H. Valencia Jr., Pio Q. Diñoso III, Jacinto R. Bareng, Divino Rey C. Pabayo Jr., Reuben S. Basiao, Diosdado C. Carreon, Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., John Dominic P. Pulido, Juvymay R. Uy, and Dionisio C. Baudin Jr.
“To my fellow honorees, like any other day in our lives, duty is always our priority. With the new ranks we now wear, come bigger responsibilities, greater expectations and stricter standards. Let this important milestone in our military careers motivate us to serve even more, perform even better, and give the best that the Filipino deserves,” Bautista said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018450
A total of 51 newly-promoted Philippine Army generals donned their new star ranks in a short ceremony at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Friday.
Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said three officers were promoted to lieutenant general, seven to major general, and 41 to brigadier general.
They were given full military honors, after which they paid a courtesy call on Army commander, Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista.
Promoted to three-star rank were Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Rafael C. Valencia, and Benjamin C. Madrigal.
Promoted to major general were Ronnie S. Evangelista, Felimon T. Santos Jr., Arnel B. dela Vega, Casiano C. Monilla, Isidro L. Purisima, Macairog S. Alberto, and Rizaldo B. Limoso.
The 41 officers promoted to brigader general were Perfecto M. Rimando, Cirilito E. Sobejana, Pedro A. Sumayo Jr., Glorivine R. Dida, Fernando T. Trinidad, Francisco F. Mendoza, Felicisimo C. Buddiongan, Ramiro Manuel A. Rey, Arnulfo C. Matanguihan, Lope C. Dagoy;Nixon M. Fortes, Milfredo M. Melegrito, Jose C. Faustino Jr., Manolo M. Samarita, Raniel T. Tamiro, Ernesto T. Lopena, Lenard T. Agustin, Antonio G. Parlade Jr., Cristobal N. Zaragoza, Rene Glen O. Paje;Edwin Leo Torrelavega, Abraham Claro C. Casis, Eric C. Vinoya, Ernie S. Langub, Tyne T. Bañas, Franco Nemesio M. Gacal, Bartolome Vicente O. Bacarro, Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Jose Ely D. Alberto, Bismarck D. Soliba;Jesus B. Sarsagat, Cornelio H. Valencia Jr., Pio Q. Diñoso III, Jacinto R. Bareng, Divino Rey C. Pabayo Jr., Reuben S. Basiao, Diosdado C. Carreon, Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., John Dominic P. Pulido, Juvymay R. Uy, and Dionisio C. Baudin Jr.
“To my fellow honorees, like any other day in our lives, duty is always our priority. With the new ranks we now wear, come bigger responsibilities, greater expectations and stricter standards. Let this important milestone in our military careers motivate us to serve even more, perform even better, and give the best that the Filipino deserves,” Bautista said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1018450