From MindaNews (Feb 8): 1,000 flee due to NPA presence in ComVal village
Some 1,000 individuals in Barangay Langgawisan in the municipality of Maragusan, Compostela Valley fled their homes after members of the New People’s Army (NPA) allegedly entered their communities and coerced them on Tuesday morning.
Maj. Ezra L. Balagtey, chief of Public Information Office of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), said in a text message Thursday that the fleeing residents are currently holed up at the covered court and a school in Barangay Coronobe of the same municipality.
Balagtey added they the military troops under the 66th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Palmer M. Parungao have already been deployed in the area.
In statement, the military said the armed group entered the community at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, threatening the residents and holding some of them, including community leaders and teachers.
“They have fled due to the heavy presence and coercion of NPAs in the area,” it added.
It said the military is now coordinating with local government of Maragusan and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of New Bataan, headed by Lynne M. Dollolasa, in terms of the security and distribution of food supplies and interventions for the displaced residents.
Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., EastMinCom commander, condemned the NPA for the alleged attacks and vowed to immediately restore normalcy in the area.
“We condemn this NPA’s terroristic act as it adds misery to this far-flung community. We are taking the necessary action to restore normalcy in the area and coordination with concerned offices are being done to mitigate the misery of the community,” he said.
The supposed fifth round of talks between government (GRP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace panels on November 25 to 27, 2017 in Oslo, Norway was not pushed through following the issuance of Proclamation 360 of President Rodrigo R. Duterte on November 23, 2017.
Proclamation 360 ordered the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and the government peace negotiators to stop all peace talks with the communist group for failing to show “sincerity and commitment in pursuing genuine and meaningful peace negotiations as it engaged on acts of violence and hostilities, endangering the lives and properties of innocent people.”
Duterte issued the order following an NPA ambush on a police patrol vehicle in Bukidnon last November 9, 2017 that left two dead, including four-month-old Walysha Machorao, and six people injured.
On December 5, 2017, Duterte issued Proclamation No. 374 designating the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) as terrorist organizations pursuant to Republic Act No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2002.
During the “Panagtagbo Alang sa Kalinaw ug Kalambuan: An IP Leaders’ Summit” at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Thursday last week, Duterte encouraged the Lumads to resist NPA recruitment and keep their distance from the communist movement.
He asked the Lumad leaders what good has the NPA done to them in the past 50 years.
The President, in his speeches, has been reiterating his call to the members of the communist movement to surrender and vowed to give them livelihood and employment.
A total of 217 rebels who surrendered last year were flown to Manila for a two-day educational tour. They had dinner with Duterte at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said that the claims of the military regarding the surrender of some of the alleged NPA members must be taken with “a healthy dose of skepticism.”
It added that government programs like “Balik Baril” Program and Comprehensive Local Integration Program allegedly used by the military to siphon off government funds by field and division commanders who recycle surrendered weapons and come up with lists of ghost NPA surrenderees, typically village-folk falsely accused of being NPA members.
“The surrender of a few individuals form part of the realities of war. This, however, does not represent a trend nor does it negate in any way the reasons that compel more and more Filipinos to rise up and resist in various forms of struggle, including the armed struggle,” the CPP added.
The communists said the people are more compelled to join the NPA because of the Duterte administration’s “burdensome economic policies, clampdown on protests, brutal Oplan Kapayapaan and furious drive to perpetuate itself in power through charter change.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/02/1000-flee-due-to-npa-presence-in-comval-village/
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Unattended bag yields IED as Davao City prepares for anti-terror drills on Feb. 28
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Unattended bag yields IED as Davao City prepares for anti-terror drills on Feb. 28
Motorists passing by Lasang were asked to turn around early Thursday morning while authorities attended to a bag that yielded an improvised grenade.
A press release from Task Force Davao said civilians reported to the Task Force Davao’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal and K9 Team in Lasang at around 6:30 a.m. about the unattended bag, some 50 meters from the footbridge going to Davao City and 1.2 kilometers from the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sitio Licanan, Barangay Lasang.
TF Davao said the bag was apparently thrown there.
Traffic returned to normal at around 7:30, it said.
Improvised grenade found in an unattended bag in Lasang, Davao City, early Thursday morning, 08 February 2018. Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao
The improvised explosive device (IED) was made of PVC pipe, detonating cord, blasting cap and ammonium nitrate fuel oil or fertilizer mixed with diesel fuel.
“These materials are also used for dynamite fishing although NPAs (New People’s Army) use the same,” Task Force Davao said.
Col Nolasco Mempin, Task Force Davao commander said the improvised grenade was not detonated since it needed to be ignited first before it will explode.
He said an investigation is ongoing to identify the person who left the bag.
Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Deputy TF Davao Commander, told MindaNews the area was cordoned off as precautionary measure.
“Dinalhan namin ng K9 and the sniffing dogs sat near the bag, an indication of probable explosives content,” he said.
The swift response of authorities in Lasang was lauded by residents.
The recovery of the IED came as the city is preparing for “Southern Storm Drills,” a series of anti-terror exercises that will be implemented nationwide but piloted in this city on February 28.
Parts of the improvised explosive device found in an unattended bag in Lasang, Davao City, early Thursday morning, 08 February 2018. Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao
Mayor Sara Duterte urged Dabawenyos to be patient and to prepare themselves for “Southern Storm Drills.”
“I encourage the participation of the barangays and the public, medyo taasan nila ang ilahang pasensya,” the City Information Office quoted the mayor as saying. the “little inconvenience on the part of the public during the simulation will save lives in the future.”
The mayor said the simultaneous exercises “will require a lockdown of the city and the members of our communities need to be informed.”
She stressed the importance of emergency preparation in the city, especially in respnoding to disasters and terror attacks.
“I am asking for your patience because the public will greatly benefit if we are well-prepared – whether it is for incidents considered as acts of God or by people with bad intentions since I do not want casualties,” she said.
“The D-day for the anti-terrorism drill is on February 28,” Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City police, said at the iSpeak Media Forum at City Hall. She said “the drills will also address weaknesses in the event of a terror attack and other emergencies.
Gaspan said the schedules of the simulation exercises have been disseminated to the barangay officials and will be taken up during the next meeting of the City Peace and Order Council.
The drills will include simulated scenarios like “bomb explosions, fire incidents, hostage situations, and active shooting,” the City Information Office said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/02/unattended-bag-yields-ied-as-davao-city-prepares-for-anti-terror-drills-on-feb-28/
Motorists passing by Lasang were asked to turn around early Thursday morning while authorities attended to a bag that yielded an improvised grenade.
A press release from Task Force Davao said civilians reported to the Task Force Davao’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal and K9 Team in Lasang at around 6:30 a.m. about the unattended bag, some 50 meters from the footbridge going to Davao City and 1.2 kilometers from the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Sitio Licanan, Barangay Lasang.
TF Davao said the bag was apparently thrown there.
Traffic returned to normal at around 7:30, it said.
Improvised grenade found in an unattended bag in Lasang, Davao City, early Thursday morning, 08 February 2018. Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao
The improvised explosive device (IED) was made of PVC pipe, detonating cord, blasting cap and ammonium nitrate fuel oil or fertilizer mixed with diesel fuel.
“These materials are also used for dynamite fishing although NPAs (New People’s Army) use the same,” Task Force Davao said.
Col Nolasco Mempin, Task Force Davao commander said the improvised grenade was not detonated since it needed to be ignited first before it will explode.
He said an investigation is ongoing to identify the person who left the bag.
Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Deputy TF Davao Commander, told MindaNews the area was cordoned off as precautionary measure.
“Dinalhan namin ng K9 and the sniffing dogs sat near the bag, an indication of probable explosives content,” he said.
The swift response of authorities in Lasang was lauded by residents.
The recovery of the IED came as the city is preparing for “Southern Storm Drills,” a series of anti-terror exercises that will be implemented nationwide but piloted in this city on February 28.
Parts of the improvised explosive device found in an unattended bag in Lasang, Davao City, early Thursday morning, 08 February 2018. Photo courtesy of Task Force Davao
Mayor Sara Duterte urged Dabawenyos to be patient and to prepare themselves for “Southern Storm Drills.”
“I encourage the participation of the barangays and the public, medyo taasan nila ang ilahang pasensya,” the City Information Office quoted the mayor as saying. the “little inconvenience on the part of the public during the simulation will save lives in the future.”
The mayor said the simultaneous exercises “will require a lockdown of the city and the members of our communities need to be informed.”
She stressed the importance of emergency preparation in the city, especially in respnoding to disasters and terror attacks.
“I am asking for your patience because the public will greatly benefit if we are well-prepared – whether it is for incidents considered as acts of God or by people with bad intentions since I do not want casualties,” she said.
“The D-day for the anti-terrorism drill is on February 28,” Senior Inspector Ma. Teresita Gaspan, spokesperson of the Davao City police, said at the iSpeak Media Forum at City Hall. She said “the drills will also address weaknesses in the event of a terror attack and other emergencies.
Gaspan said the schedules of the simulation exercises have been disseminated to the barangay officials and will be taken up during the next meeting of the City Peace and Order Council.
The drills will include simulated scenarios like “bomb explosions, fire incidents, hostage situations, and active shooting,” the City Information Office said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/02/unattended-bag-yields-ied-as-davao-city-prepares-for-anti-terror-drills-on-feb-28/
Army steps up counter-insurgency outreach program in Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Army steps up counter-insurgency outreach program in Samar
Soldiers here have vowed to strengthen community outreach activities in Samar provinces to sustain the drive against New People’s Army in among the country’s poorest communities.
Colonel Alex Luna, commander of the Philippines Army’s 801st Brigade based in Fatima village, this town said on Thursday that while they intensify combat operations against armed rebels, they’re not setting aside efforts to win the hearts of vulnerable villagers.
“Our main job here is to sustain peace in areas prone to rebel’s influence. Our efforts to dismantle rebels must continue. These humanitarian services are all in addition to that,” said Luna, leader of the battalion tasked to fight insurgency in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.
Outreach activities have been effective to counter recruitment activities of the New People’s Army in the island of Samar, known as one of the rebels’ strongholds in the country, Luna said.
“If people see us doing humanitarian activities in their communities, we gain their trust and respect. Through these efforts, they’re not easily convinced to join communist rebellion,” he added.
The army official said government troops had been engaged in gun battles with the NPA in more than four decades, but insurgency remained as a serious threat to Samar’s peace and order.
The two areas belong to the poorest provinces in the country. In the 2015 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Samar had a poverty incidence of 39.5 percent while Eastern Samar recorded a 37.4 percent poverty rate.
Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain consists of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.
The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024497
Soldiers here have vowed to strengthen community outreach activities in Samar provinces to sustain the drive against New People’s Army in among the country’s poorest communities.
Colonel Alex Luna, commander of the Philippines Army’s 801st Brigade based in Fatima village, this town said on Thursday that while they intensify combat operations against armed rebels, they’re not setting aside efforts to win the hearts of vulnerable villagers.
“Our main job here is to sustain peace in areas prone to rebel’s influence. Our efforts to dismantle rebels must continue. These humanitarian services are all in addition to that,” said Luna, leader of the battalion tasked to fight insurgency in Samar and Eastern Samar provinces.
Outreach activities have been effective to counter recruitment activities of the New People’s Army in the island of Samar, known as one of the rebels’ strongholds in the country, Luna said.
“If people see us doing humanitarian activities in their communities, we gain their trust and respect. Through these efforts, they’re not easily convinced to join communist rebellion,” he added.
The army official said government troops had been engaged in gun battles with the NPA in more than four decades, but insurgency remained as a serious threat to Samar’s peace and order.
The two areas belong to the poorest provinces in the country. In the 2015 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, Samar had a poverty incidence of 39.5 percent while Eastern Samar recorded a 37.4 percent poverty rate.
Samar provinces have been a stronghold of armed rebels due to its terrain consists of densely forested mountainous areas, high poverty incidence, and issue of widespread landlessness, according to a 2013 study of William Norman Holden of the University of Calgary in Canada.
The NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in Calbiga, Samar in 1974, when it ambushed an army scout patrol and seized a number of their weapons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024497
Eastern Visayas army welcomes new recruits
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Eastern Visayas army welcomes new recruits
The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division has welcomed 128 new soldiers who completed their training at a military camp in Hinabangan, Samar Wednesday.
The new soldiers will be enlisted to military units under the 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas.
Their primary task is to address the insurgency problem especially in Samar Island.
National Economic Development Authority Regional Director Bonifacio Uy graced the graduation of the new soldiers and led the entrustment of firearms to new soldiers.
The entrustment of firearms symbolizes the responsibilities and commitment to the people and the country, the nationalism and loyalty among soldiers upon entry to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It also symbolizes the responsibility soldiers will bear in their entire career in the armed forces.
In his message, Uy reminded the new soldiers to always remember their learnings in their training and serve the country to the best of their ability.
“Always uphold the virtues of the army. Serve this nation and this region to the best of your ability. Remember that your fight in the battlefield is also a fight against the social ills in our society. Take courage to do what is right and just,” Uy said.
He told soldiers to always remain faithful to their mandate of protecting the constitution and the fulfilment of the goal of achieving a peaceful and progressive region.
Major General Raul Farnacio, commander of the 8ID, lauded the Division Training School personnel who were responsible to produce new soldiers.
The newly enlisted privates will boost the current troops who have been fighting the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army that affects the development of the region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024499
The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division has welcomed 128 new soldiers who completed their training at a military camp in Hinabangan, Samar Wednesday.
The new soldiers will be enlisted to military units under the 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Visayas.
Their primary task is to address the insurgency problem especially in Samar Island.
National Economic Development Authority Regional Director Bonifacio Uy graced the graduation of the new soldiers and led the entrustment of firearms to new soldiers.
The entrustment of firearms symbolizes the responsibilities and commitment to the people and the country, the nationalism and loyalty among soldiers upon entry to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It also symbolizes the responsibility soldiers will bear in their entire career in the armed forces.
In his message, Uy reminded the new soldiers to always remember their learnings in their training and serve the country to the best of their ability.
“Always uphold the virtues of the army. Serve this nation and this region to the best of your ability. Remember that your fight in the battlefield is also a fight against the social ills in our society. Take courage to do what is right and just,” Uy said.
He told soldiers to always remain faithful to their mandate of protecting the constitution and the fulfilment of the goal of achieving a peaceful and progressive region.
Major General Raul Farnacio, commander of the 8ID, lauded the Division Training School personnel who were responsible to produce new soldiers.
The newly enlisted privates will boost the current troops who have been fighting the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army that affects the development of the region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024499
NPA rebels, sympathizers yield in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): NPA rebels, sympathizers yield in Bukidnon
The government's relentless anti-insurgency campaign in Northern Mindanao had resulted to the surrender of at least 130 members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Bukidnon province, the military said Thursday.
Among those who surrendered were two active combatants, 35 members of the Militia ng Bayan, and 93 civilian supporters of the NPA, said Capt. Norman Tagros, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
The surrenderees also brought along themselves 34 assorted firearms and an improvised explosive device, Capt. Tagros said.
Tagros said the rebels and their sympathizers surrendered to the First Special Forces Battalion in Sumilao town, in Bukidnon, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.
Bukidnon has been known as one of the region's flashpoints that has a significant presence of NPA fighters and mass-based supporters, especially in the hinterlands of Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan and the Calabugao valley areas.
The province has at least four guerrilla fronts or fighting units that operate within those mountains. The Communist insurgents are also known to be operating in some parts of the Caraga Region.
The surrender, Tagros said, was the product of the military's sustained "community support programs" as well as its combat operations against the rebels.
Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, the brigade commander, called the surrenderees as a “significant moment” that greatly contributes to the government's "bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon.”
Vinoya also assured the surrenderers they will be provided economic assistance as they start a new life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs of the government.
“The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Initiative Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, employment assistance, among others,” Vinoya said in a statement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024527
The government's relentless anti-insurgency campaign in Northern Mindanao had resulted to the surrender of at least 130 members and sympathizers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Bukidnon province, the military said Thursday.
Among those who surrendered were two active combatants, 35 members of the Militia ng Bayan, and 93 civilian supporters of the NPA, said Capt. Norman Tagros, spokesperson for the Philippine Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade, a unit of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID).
The surrenderees also brought along themselves 34 assorted firearms and an improvised explosive device, Capt. Tagros said.
Tagros said the rebels and their sympathizers surrendered to the First Special Forces Battalion in Sumilao town, in Bukidnon, on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018.
Bukidnon has been known as one of the region's flashpoints that has a significant presence of NPA fighters and mass-based supporters, especially in the hinterlands of Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan and the Calabugao valley areas.
The province has at least four guerrilla fronts or fighting units that operate within those mountains. The Communist insurgents are also known to be operating in some parts of the Caraga Region.
The surrender, Tagros said, was the product of the military's sustained "community support programs" as well as its combat operations against the rebels.
Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, the brigade commander, called the surrenderees as a “significant moment” that greatly contributes to the government's "bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon.”
Vinoya also assured the surrenderers they will be provided economic assistance as they start a new life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs of the government.
“The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Initiative Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, employment assistance, among others,” Vinoya said in a statement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024527
Rebels torch heavy equipment in Davao Sur town
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Rebels torch heavy equipment in Davao Sur town
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down a backhoe heavy equipment on Wednesday night at a quarry site in Purok 4, Barangay New Ilocos here.
Senior Inspector Edilberto P. Cabillo, chief of the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station, said the suspects numbering to more than 20 poured a gallon of gasoline into the Sunward backhoe and set on fire the equipment with Serial Number SWE 21001054 and owned by Alejandro Tolero of Barangay Colorado in Digos City.
Cabillo said the equipment was used in the quarry operation in the site owned by Edwin Brieta of Barangay Blocon, Magsaysay.
He said a hot pursuit operation was immediately conducted but proved futile since the suspects were nowhere to be found after fleeing to unknown direction.
This came after Army soldiers seized several high-powered firearms from the communist rebels two weeks ago in Barangay Tacul here.
The presence of these lawless elements delayed multi-million road concreting projects here particularly the P140-million Barayong-Mabini-Bala-Upper Bala Farm to Market Road (FMR) project and the P90-million Poblacion-San Isidro-Tacul FMR project due to threats.
With this, additional police and Army personnel have been deployed here to augment security forces to safeguard several heavy equipment involved in the construction of government projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024519
Suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down a backhoe heavy equipment on Wednesday night at a quarry site in Purok 4, Barangay New Ilocos here.
Senior Inspector Edilberto P. Cabillo, chief of the Magsaysay Municipal Police Station, said the suspects numbering to more than 20 poured a gallon of gasoline into the Sunward backhoe and set on fire the equipment with Serial Number SWE 21001054 and owned by Alejandro Tolero of Barangay Colorado in Digos City.
Cabillo said the equipment was used in the quarry operation in the site owned by Edwin Brieta of Barangay Blocon, Magsaysay.
He said a hot pursuit operation was immediately conducted but proved futile since the suspects were nowhere to be found after fleeing to unknown direction.
This came after Army soldiers seized several high-powered firearms from the communist rebels two weeks ago in Barangay Tacul here.
The presence of these lawless elements delayed multi-million road concreting projects here particularly the P140-million Barayong-Mabini-Bala-Upper Bala Farm to Market Road (FMR) project and the P90-million Poblacion-San Isidro-Tacul FMR project due to threats.
With this, additional police and Army personnel have been deployed here to augment security forces to safeguard several heavy equipment involved in the construction of government projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024519
PRRD welcomes former NPA rebels in Malacañang
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): PRRD welcomes former NPA rebels in Malacañang
President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday, Feb. 7, met former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Malacañan, assuring that his administration will take care of them and provide them shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his message to the rebel returnees at Malacañan Palace on February 7, 2018, explains how insurgency has stunted the development of the agriculture sector in the hinterlands. (Ace Morandante/Presidential Photo)
In his speech, Duterte said it is a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of fighting and dying for a flawed cause.
He said communism is no longer relevant as major former communist powers like the Soviet Union and China embraced capitalism and became successful.
In terms of free education for the children of rebel returnees, the President said the bright ones may opt to apply for government scholarship, noting that he is willing to send them to the country’s top universities.
He also said it is not too late for the former rebels to improve their lives.
The President advised them to acquire skills from TESDA such as dressmaking for women and carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills for men.
His government, he said, is encouraging outside investments, particularly from China, to create jobs locally.
He said massive investments in infrastructure development during his administration will require a lot of skilled workers and the former rebels could seize this opportunity.
Duterte meanwhile said the country’s agriculture sector could develop further, as he stressed the potential of Mindanao for agricultural development as it is typhoon-free and with fertile soil.
He vowed to provide tractors to cooperatives to be put up by the former rebels, adding that communities where they are located will be prioritized.
Duterte also promised to provide them security, which is a major concern of the rebel returnees.
The President said that for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism, he will send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China.
This, he said, is to counter the ideology being professed by Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
The former rebels, mostly uneducated and poor, came from different parts of Eastern Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has lined up some 683 former rebels to tour them in Manila.
The 215 former rebels met by the President Wednesday were the first batch who arrived in Villamor Air Base Tuesday on board two C-130s from Davao City.
This is part of the President’s promise to welcome them in Malacañan during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City.
The AFP’s goal in facilitating the tours is to give the rebel returnees a new perspective in life and orient them in peace building and nationalism.
Aside from a Palace tour and meeting with the President, the former rebels visited the Rizal Park and Intramuros as part of their historical and heritage trip.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday, Feb. 7, met former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Malacañan, assuring that his administration will take care of them and provide them shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, in his message to the rebel returnees at Malacañan Palace on February 7, 2018, explains how insurgency has stunted the development of the agriculture sector in the hinterlands. (Ace Morandante/Presidential Photo)
In his speech, Duterte said it is a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of fighting and dying for a flawed cause.
He said communism is no longer relevant as major former communist powers like the Soviet Union and China embraced capitalism and became successful.
In terms of free education for the children of rebel returnees, the President said the bright ones may opt to apply for government scholarship, noting that he is willing to send them to the country’s top universities.
He also said it is not too late for the former rebels to improve their lives.
The President advised them to acquire skills from TESDA such as dressmaking for women and carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills for men.
His government, he said, is encouraging outside investments, particularly from China, to create jobs locally.
He said massive investments in infrastructure development during his administration will require a lot of skilled workers and the former rebels could seize this opportunity.
Duterte meanwhile said the country’s agriculture sector could develop further, as he stressed the potential of Mindanao for agricultural development as it is typhoon-free and with fertile soil.
He vowed to provide tractors to cooperatives to be put up by the former rebels, adding that communities where they are located will be prioritized.
Duterte also promised to provide them security, which is a major concern of the rebel returnees.
The President said that for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism, he will send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China.
This, he said, is to counter the ideology being professed by Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison.
The former rebels, mostly uneducated and poor, came from different parts of Eastern Mindanao. The Armed Forces of the Philippines has lined up some 683 former rebels to tour them in Manila.
The 215 former rebels met by the President Wednesday were the first batch who arrived in Villamor Air Base Tuesday on board two C-130s from Davao City.
This is part of the President’s promise to welcome them in Malacañan during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City.
The AFP’s goal in facilitating the tours is to give the rebel returnees a new perspective in life and orient them in peace building and nationalism.
Aside from a Palace tour and meeting with the President, the former rebels visited the Rizal Park and Intramuros as part of their historical and heritage trip.
Nolcom wants more capable planes for PH Rise patrol
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Nolcom wants more capable planes for PH Rise patrol
To ensure better monitoring of the Philippine Rise (formerly known as Benham Rise), the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is requesting the use of more capable aircraft in its maritime patrol missions.
This despite the availability of aircraft from the Air Force's Tactical Operations Group 2 and 3, which Nolcom spokesperson Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said was also utilized for air support missions against other security threats.
Aircraft being requested by Nolcom for air patrol missions over the Benham Rise and other maritime areas under its control include the long range Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, Airbus Military C-295 medium transport, which also doubles as a recon plane, and the speedy Mach 1.5 capable KAI FA-50PHs.
"But we (are also) ask(ing) the HHQS (Armed Forces higher headquarters) for the utilization of fixed-wing air assets and bigger planes like C-130 and C-295 incl FA-50 (aircraft, which are) capable (of) stable and long-range maritime air patrol," Nato added.
Earlier, the Nolcom spokesperson said air patrol missions off maritime areas under their jurisdiction are a regular affair with three to four missions a month. Last Jan. 31, a Japanese-donated TC-90 conducted its first maiden patrol over the Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Zambales and other areas under Nolcom supervision.
"Given the task, the (T)C-90 plane, with a tail number of 390, made its maiden flight at 9:45 a.m. of January 31, 2018, in the area of Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Masinloc, Zambales. It has flown around the shoal for about 800 feet above sea level sighting four Filipino fishing boats, together with nine Chinese vessels comprising of four Chinese Coast Guard vessels, four unknown Chinese vessels and a Chinese fishing vessel. Moreover, the Filipino pilots heard no challenge from the Chinese Coast Guard," Nato earlier said.
TC-90 with tail number 390, one of the two Japanese aircraft donated to the Philippines last March 27, was activated during short ceremonies at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City last Nov. 21.
The TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.
As of this time, the Navy is operating around six Norman Britten "Islander" patrol aircraft, four GAF "Nomad" planes, five AgustaWestland combat utility helicopters and one Robinson R-22 training helicopter.
The TC-90, which was part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29, 2016.
Two of the TC-90s were delivered to Sangley Point, Cavite last March 27 with the remaining three to be delivered in the first quarter of 2018.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024496
To ensure better monitoring of the Philippine Rise (formerly known as Benham Rise), the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) is requesting the use of more capable aircraft in its maritime patrol missions.
This despite the availability of aircraft from the Air Force's Tactical Operations Group 2 and 3, which Nolcom spokesperson Lt. Col. Isagani Nato said was also utilized for air support missions against other security threats.
Aircraft being requested by Nolcom for air patrol missions over the Benham Rise and other maritime areas under its control include the long range Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, Airbus Military C-295 medium transport, which also doubles as a recon plane, and the speedy Mach 1.5 capable KAI FA-50PHs.
"But we (are also) ask(ing) the HHQS (Armed Forces higher headquarters) for the utilization of fixed-wing air assets and bigger planes like C-130 and C-295 incl FA-50 (aircraft, which are) capable (of) stable and long-range maritime air patrol," Nato added.
Earlier, the Nolcom spokesperson said air patrol missions off maritime areas under their jurisdiction are a regular affair with three to four missions a month. Last Jan. 31, a Japanese-donated TC-90 conducted its first maiden patrol over the Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Zambales and other areas under Nolcom supervision.
"Given the task, the (T)C-90 plane, with a tail number of 390, made its maiden flight at 9:45 a.m. of January 31, 2018, in the area of Bajo De Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), Masinloc, Zambales. It has flown around the shoal for about 800 feet above sea level sighting four Filipino fishing boats, together with nine Chinese vessels comprising of four Chinese Coast Guard vessels, four unknown Chinese vessels and a Chinese fishing vessel. Moreover, the Filipino pilots heard no challenge from the Chinese Coast Guard," Nato earlier said.
TC-90 with tail number 390, one of the two Japanese aircraft donated to the Philippines last March 27, was activated during short ceremonies at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City last Nov. 21.
The TC-90s have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a cruising speed of 260 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.
As of this time, the Navy is operating around six Norman Britten "Islander" patrol aircraft, four GAF "Nomad" planes, five AgustaWestland combat utility helicopters and one Robinson R-22 training helicopter.
The TC-90, which was part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29, 2016.
Two of the TC-90s were delivered to Sangley Point, Cavite last March 27 with the remaining three to be delivered in the first quarter of 2018.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024496
Rebel returnees to join integration procedures
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Rebel returnees to join integration procedures
All surrendered New People's Army (NPA) rebels will undergo integration procedures so that they can live normally with their families and loved ones.
This was emphasized by 701st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Reuben James Basiao in an interview Wednesday.
Basiao said the rebel returnees would undergo a program called "Happy Home" which would last for three to four months.
The process starts with a 10-day political deradicalization which takes place shortly after the NPAs surrender and is quickly followed by psycho-social counselling, TESDA skills training, and livelihood assistance programs before surrenderees are allowed to go back in their respective communities.
Basiao was one of the military officers who accompanied 215 surrendered ex-NPA members in their three-day guided tour in Manila and meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang Wednesday.
Most of these rebels came from the Eastern Mindanao region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024498
All surrendered New People's Army (NPA) rebels will undergo integration procedures so that they can live normally with their families and loved ones.
This was emphasized by 701st Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Reuben James Basiao in an interview Wednesday.
Basiao said the rebel returnees would undergo a program called "Happy Home" which would last for three to four months.
The process starts with a 10-day political deradicalization which takes place shortly after the NPAs surrender and is quickly followed by psycho-social counselling, TESDA skills training, and livelihood assistance programs before surrenderees are allowed to go back in their respective communities.
Basiao was one of the military officers who accompanied 215 surrendered ex-NPA members in their three-day guided tour in Manila and meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang Wednesday.
Most of these rebels came from the Eastern Mindanao region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024498
ASG terrorist yields to Marines in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): ASG terrorist yields to Marines in Sulu
Another Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist has turned himself in to Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) units in Talipao, Sulu Wednesday.
The ASG member was identified as Aldimar Tahil, 20, who surrendered in Barangay Tuyang in Talipao, PMC spokesperson Capt. Maria Rowena B. Dalmacio said in a message Thursday.
He also surrendered his 9-mm. "Uzi" machine pistol, said Dalmacio.
Tahil, who was affiliated with the band headed by one Berham Lutian, said he chose to give himself up as he wanted to rejoin mainstream society.
He was a resident of Barangay Mahala and was an ASG member since 2014, serving as a watchman and messenger of the terrorist group, Dalmacio said.
For the past two weeks, five suspected ASG members have surrendered to various PMC units, along with 57 high-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024503
Another Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorist has turned himself in to Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) units in Talipao, Sulu Wednesday.
The ASG member was identified as Aldimar Tahil, 20, who surrendered in Barangay Tuyang in Talipao, PMC spokesperson Capt. Maria Rowena B. Dalmacio said in a message Thursday.
He also surrendered his 9-mm. "Uzi" machine pistol, said Dalmacio.
Tahil, who was affiliated with the band headed by one Berham Lutian, said he chose to give himself up as he wanted to rejoin mainstream society.
He was a resident of Barangay Mahala and was an ASG member since 2014, serving as a watchman and messenger of the terrorist group, Dalmacio said.
For the past two weeks, five suspected ASG members have surrendered to various PMC units, along with 57 high-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024503
DND: Bell helicopters for humanitarian, disaster response
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): DND: Bell helicopters for humanitarian, disaster response
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday clarified that the 16 brand new Bell 412 EPI combat utility helicopters to be acquired from the Bell Helicopter and Canadian Commercial Cooperation (CCC) would only be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the statement in response to the Canadian government’s move to review the deal on the sale of these helicopters following reports on human rights concerns and that these would be used for combat operations against rebel forces.
“The 16 brand new Bell 412 helicopters, which we are procuring for the Armed Forces of Philippines, will primarily be used for the transportation of personnel and supplies, ferrying wounded and injured soldiers, and the conduct of humanitarian and assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. They are not attack or close support aircraft,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
“While they may be used in support of Internal Security Operations or ISO, their role is limited to those that I mentioned. As its designation “Combat Utility Helicopter or CUH” connotes, the Bell CUH 412 is a utility helicopter and, contrary to what some parties mistakenly believe, its mission is to save lives,” the defense chief added.
Lorenzana also stressed that the DND is ready to acquire aircraft from other sources should the Canadian government decide not to push through with the deal.
DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong, meanwhile, echoed Lorenzana’s remarks, noting that it is unfair to equate internal security operations with human rights violations in general.
"Although it is their prerogative to subject such a transaction from here I think it is unfair to equate internal security operations in general with human rights violations," he added.
Also, Andolong said the alleged human rights violations, presumably committed by military forces, were largely unverified.
"I think it’s premature to cast judgment on the Armed Forces in this regard so I think it would be to the best interests of both our countries to step back and reconsider," Andolong noted.
Andolong added that aircraft will not be fitted with weapons or take part in any assault operations.
On Dec. 29, 2017, Lorenzana and representatives of Bell Helicopter and CCC signed the deal for the purchase of the helicopters worth PHP12 billion. Representing Bell Helicopter in the contract signing was James Williamson and Yvonne Chin, CCC Director for Asia.
Delivery of the first Bell 412EPI helicopters units are expected to commence by the first quarter of 2019 while the last batch will be handed over by the second quarter of 2020.
Andolong said the acquisition of these helicopters was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program Horizon 2 and would be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and other-related missions.
These aircraft are fully configured and equipped with advance features, which includes an electronic engine control, a glass cockpit display system and Garmin touchscreen navigation system.
Generally, these helicopters are capable of carrying 14 passengers and flying at a maximum speed of 140 knots (around 259 kilometers), cruise speed of 122 knots (226 kilometers per hour) and a range of 402 nautical miles (745 kilometers). It is powered with an enhanced Pratt and Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024545
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday clarified that the 16 brand new Bell 412 EPI combat utility helicopters to be acquired from the Bell Helicopter and Canadian Commercial Cooperation (CCC) would only be used for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made the statement in response to the Canadian government’s move to review the deal on the sale of these helicopters following reports on human rights concerns and that these would be used for combat operations against rebel forces.
“The 16 brand new Bell 412 helicopters, which we are procuring for the Armed Forces of Philippines, will primarily be used for the transportation of personnel and supplies, ferrying wounded and injured soldiers, and the conduct of humanitarian and assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations. They are not attack or close support aircraft,” Lorenzana said in a statement.
“While they may be used in support of Internal Security Operations or ISO, their role is limited to those that I mentioned. As its designation “Combat Utility Helicopter or CUH” connotes, the Bell CUH 412 is a utility helicopter and, contrary to what some parties mistakenly believe, its mission is to save lives,” the defense chief added.
Lorenzana also stressed that the DND is ready to acquire aircraft from other sources should the Canadian government decide not to push through with the deal.
DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong, meanwhile, echoed Lorenzana’s remarks, noting that it is unfair to equate internal security operations with human rights violations in general.
"Although it is their prerogative to subject such a transaction from here I think it is unfair to equate internal security operations in general with human rights violations," he added.
Also, Andolong said the alleged human rights violations, presumably committed by military forces, were largely unverified.
"I think it’s premature to cast judgment on the Armed Forces in this regard so I think it would be to the best interests of both our countries to step back and reconsider," Andolong noted.
Andolong added that aircraft will not be fitted with weapons or take part in any assault operations.
On Dec. 29, 2017, Lorenzana and representatives of Bell Helicopter and CCC signed the deal for the purchase of the helicopters worth PHP12 billion. Representing Bell Helicopter in the contract signing was James Williamson and Yvonne Chin, CCC Director for Asia.
Delivery of the first Bell 412EPI helicopters units are expected to commence by the first quarter of 2019 while the last batch will be handed over by the second quarter of 2020.
Andolong said the acquisition of these helicopters was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program Horizon 2 and would be used in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and other-related missions.
These aircraft are fully configured and equipped with advance features, which includes an electronic engine control, a glass cockpit display system and Garmin touchscreen navigation system.
Generally, these helicopters are capable of carrying 14 passengers and flying at a maximum speed of 140 knots (around 259 kilometers), cruise speed of 122 knots (226 kilometers per hour) and a range of 402 nautical miles (745 kilometers). It is powered with an enhanced Pratt and Whitney PT6T-3D Twin Pac.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024545
Palace to Joma: 'If you want war, we’re ready to go to war'
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 8): Palace to Joma: 'If you want war, we’re ready to go to war'
“If you want war, we’re ready to go to war.”
This was the statement made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque a day after President Rodrigo R. Duterte blasted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison for his remark that the New People’s Army (NPA) was still capable of launching attacks that could kill one soldier a day.
In response, Duterte, in meeting with NPA rebel returnees in Malacañang Wednesday, said that he could have five NPA rebels killed for every soldier killed.
Duterte’s speech before the NPA rebel returnees was delivered in the Visayan dialect.
Asked to clarify Duterte’s statement, Roque said the President warned Sison not to threaten the government.
“I think the message is, ‘You don’t threaten us Joma Sison,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.
“We are the state, if we haven’t eradicated you, it’s because we opted not to eradicate you as Filipinos. But if you want war, we’re ready to go to war,” he added.
Roque said that Duterte wanted Sison to know that there were enough government resources to retaliate should the NPA launch attacks.
“Nandiyan ang resources ng gobyerno at hindi dapat tinatakot ang gobyerno na parang mas malaki pa ang kakahayan nila manaig sa isang digmaan. Handa ang buong sandatahan kung gusto nila ng digmaan (The resources of the government are there and he should not threaten the government as if they have better ability to win a war. The military is ready if he wants to wage a war),” Roque said.
In meeting rebel returnees, Duterte said it was a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of fighting and dying for a flawed cause.
Duterte, meanwhile, assured them that his administration will provide them shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.
He also said that he planned to send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism to counter Sison’s ideology.
This is part of Duterte’s promise to welcome them in Malacañang during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024571
“If you want war, we’re ready to go to war.”
This was the statement made by Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque a day after President Rodrigo R. Duterte blasted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison for his remark that the New People’s Army (NPA) was still capable of launching attacks that could kill one soldier a day.
In response, Duterte, in meeting with NPA rebel returnees in Malacañang Wednesday, said that he could have five NPA rebels killed for every soldier killed.
Duterte’s speech before the NPA rebel returnees was delivered in the Visayan dialect.
Asked to clarify Duterte’s statement, Roque said the President warned Sison not to threaten the government.
“I think the message is, ‘You don’t threaten us Joma Sison,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.
“We are the state, if we haven’t eradicated you, it’s because we opted not to eradicate you as Filipinos. But if you want war, we’re ready to go to war,” he added.
Roque said that Duterte wanted Sison to know that there were enough government resources to retaliate should the NPA launch attacks.
“Nandiyan ang resources ng gobyerno at hindi dapat tinatakot ang gobyerno na parang mas malaki pa ang kakahayan nila manaig sa isang digmaan. Handa ang buong sandatahan kung gusto nila ng digmaan (The resources of the government are there and he should not threaten the government as if they have better ability to win a war. The military is ready if he wants to wage a war),” Roque said.
In meeting rebel returnees, Duterte said it was a good decision for them to return to the fold of the law instead of fighting and dying for a flawed cause.
Duterte, meanwhile, assured them that his administration will provide them shelter, jobs, livelihood, and education for their children.
He also said that he planned to send female former rebels to Hong Kong and China for them to have a grasp on the successes of capitalism to counter Sison’s ideology.
This is part of Duterte’s promise to welcome them in Malacañang during a meeting in December last year in Panacan in Davao City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024571
Police release photos of Cagayan NPA rebels
From the Military Times (Feb 8): Police release photos of Cagayan NPA rebels
THE Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) in Camp Marcelo Adduro in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on Wednesday made public photos of 11 alleged active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.
Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, PRO2 regional director, said the police infographic material released on social media is for the public to know the NPA members who are actively operating in the region.
“They are the ones who sow fear and terror in many communities in the Cagayan Valley region,” Espino said.
He said there is a need to make known important information to the people about the rebels and for the public to easily identify NPA members who still roam around their respective communities.
“We are doing this because we believe this is one way to protect citizens from the rebel group,” Espino said as he called on the public to cooperate with the authorities by giving correct information “to stop once and for all the problem of insurgency.”
Espino said he believes that the rebel group membership has been diminishing because of the support received by the government from residents of affected communities.
Intelligence reports the community confirmed said the communist rebels continue to recruit in remote and upland areas in Region 2.
The NPAs have also intensified its attacks on police and military stations after President Duterte called off the peace talks between the government and leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-NPA late last year in the wake of unabated atrocities committed by the rebels.
But the police officer said the military’s and the police’s continuing offensives in cooperation with citizens have also weakened NPA forces and that “insurgency in the country will soon be a thing of the past.”
Meanwhile, arrested members of the rebel group – Rey Busania, Raul Merano and Arnold Jamias – who were allegedly responsible for the April 2017 attack in Maddela town police station in Quirino province that resulted in the death of Police Officer 2 Jerome Luwi Cardenas, are now facing criminal charges in court.
http://www.manilatimes.net/police-release-photos-cagayan-npa-rebels/378807/
THE Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2) in Camp Marcelo Adduro in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan on Wednesday made public photos of 11 alleged active members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the region.
Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, PRO2 regional director, said the police infographic material released on social media is for the public to know the NPA members who are actively operating in the region.
“They are the ones who sow fear and terror in many communities in the Cagayan Valley region,” Espino said.
He said there is a need to make known important information to the people about the rebels and for the public to easily identify NPA members who still roam around their respective communities.
“We are doing this because we believe this is one way to protect citizens from the rebel group,” Espino said as he called on the public to cooperate with the authorities by giving correct information “to stop once and for all the problem of insurgency.”
Espino said he believes that the rebel group membership has been diminishing because of the support received by the government from residents of affected communities.
Intelligence reports the community confirmed said the communist rebels continue to recruit in remote and upland areas in Region 2.
The NPAs have also intensified its attacks on police and military stations after President Duterte called off the peace talks between the government and leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-NPA late last year in the wake of unabated atrocities committed by the rebels.
But the police officer said the military’s and the police’s continuing offensives in cooperation with citizens have also weakened NPA forces and that “insurgency in the country will soon be a thing of the past.”
Meanwhile, arrested members of the rebel group – Rey Busania, Raul Merano and Arnold Jamias – who were allegedly responsible for the April 2017 attack in Maddela town police station in Quirino province that resulted in the death of Police Officer 2 Jerome Luwi Cardenas, are now facing criminal charges in court.
http://www.manilatimes.net/police-release-photos-cagayan-npa-rebels/378807/
Sison backs down in ‘word war’ with Duterte, admits he can’t order NPA attacks on troops
From the Manila Times (Feb 8): Sison backs down in ‘word war’ with Duterte, admits he can’t order NPA attacks on troops
EXILED Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison backed down from his “word war” with President Rodrigo Duterte and clarified a previous boast about how the New People’s Army (NPA) could kill one soldier a day, saying he was not authorized to give such an order.
“I have always made clear that I am not in any position to issue any kind of order to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People´s Army,” Sison said in a statement on Thursday.
“Certainly, I cannot order them to launch any offensive campaign or operations against the [Armed Forces of the Philippines],” he added.
Sison said his statement about the offensive capability of the NPA was in response to a question by a reporter on what the military response of the CPP-NPA would be regarding the cancellation of peace talks between the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Philippine government.
The NPA and the NDF are the armed and political components of the CPP, the umbrella organization of the communist movement in the Philippines.
“I simply said that the CPP had already publicly announced its order to the NPA to intensify tactical offensives against the AFP,” Sison said.
“When asked next about the offensive capability of the NPA, I gave a minimalist estimate of at least one enemy soldier dead everyday in 17 regions or 510 enemy troops dead every month (17 times 30 days),” he said. “Actually, a higher estimate can be easily made if you use as multiplier 100 guerrilla fronts.
He reiterated that he “could not order” the NPA to “kill anyone,” saying that he would have to advise the NDF to recommend first to the CPP and NPA to respect the immunity guarantees of government peace negotiators, as indicated under the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), which was signed by both the government and the NDF.
“I am quite different from Duterte who violates the Jasig and boasts of his brutal and bloodthirsty character by threatening to kill five NPA suspects (male or female) for every AFP soldier killed in battle,” Sison said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/sison-backs-word-war-duterte-admits-cant-order-npa-attacks-troops/378948/
EXILED Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria “Joma” Sison backed down from his “word war” with President Rodrigo Duterte and clarified a previous boast about how the New People’s Army (NPA) could kill one soldier a day, saying he was not authorized to give such an order.
“I have always made clear that I am not in any position to issue any kind of order to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People´s Army,” Sison said in a statement on Thursday.
“Certainly, I cannot order them to launch any offensive campaign or operations against the [Armed Forces of the Philippines],” he added.
Sison said his statement about the offensive capability of the NPA was in response to a question by a reporter on what the military response of the CPP-NPA would be regarding the cancellation of peace talks between the National Democratic Front (NDF) and the Philippine government.
The NPA and the NDF are the armed and political components of the CPP, the umbrella organization of the communist movement in the Philippines.
“I simply said that the CPP had already publicly announced its order to the NPA to intensify tactical offensives against the AFP,” Sison said.
“When asked next about the offensive capability of the NPA, I gave a minimalist estimate of at least one enemy soldier dead everyday in 17 regions or 510 enemy troops dead every month (17 times 30 days),” he said. “Actually, a higher estimate can be easily made if you use as multiplier 100 guerrilla fronts.
He reiterated that he “could not order” the NPA to “kill anyone,” saying that he would have to advise the NDF to recommend first to the CPP and NPA to respect the immunity guarantees of government peace negotiators, as indicated under the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig), which was signed by both the government and the NDF.
“I am quite different from Duterte who violates the Jasig and boasts of his brutal and bloodthirsty character by threatening to kill five NPA suspects (male or female) for every AFP soldier killed in battle,” Sison said.
http://www.manilatimes.net/sison-backs-word-war-duterte-admits-cant-order-npa-attacks-troops/378948/
Communist Rebels Kill 3 People in South: Philippine Military
From BenarNews (Feb 7): Communist Rebels Kill 3 People in South: Philippine Military
New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas stand in formation in the Sierra Madre mountains east of Manila, July 30, 2017. AFP
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/communist-guerrillas-02072018124437.html
New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas stand in formation in the Sierra Madre mountains east of Manila, July 30, 2017. AFP
A series of gun battles between troops and communist rebels in the southern Philippines killed a soldier and two civilians this week amid a crackdown ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte, the military said Wednesday.
The soldier who died, Roger Badayos, was with a unit responding to a report that guerrillas with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were massing in a remote village near Butuan City, in the country’s far south, said Capt. Anthony Pueblas, spokesman for the 402 Infantry Brigade.
“The encounter happened around noon Monday as our troops approached the village,” Pueblas said.
The rebels appear to be encroaching increasingly on communities around Butuan City, in what could be a tactical move to surround the urban center, he said.
The encounter was the second one on Monday involving NPA guerrillas. Troops also clashed with a rebel unit near the town of Kitcharao in nearby Agusan del Norte province.
On Sunday, suspected NPA members ambushed and killed a father and son who had attended a “peace and development meeting” hosted by President Duterte at a military camp in southern Davao city last week, officials said.
The two were among several members of an indigenous tribe who had expressed support to Duterte’s call for them to “distance themselves [from] the NPA.”
The military has said that about 60 to 80 percent of NPA cadres in parts of surrounding Mindanao island belong to indigenous tribes. Those who support the government are increasingly being attacked by the rebels, it said.
The latest incidents came days after the government announced the capture of top NPA cadre Rafael Baylosis and his aide, Guillermo Roque, near Manila last week. Baylosis is believed to be the head of the NPA, the armed unit of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which has been waging a rebellion since 1969.
Duterte, a self-described leftist and one-time student of Communist Party founder Jose Maria Sison launched peace talks with the groups shortly after winning the presidency in 2016.
But late last year, he terminated the talks and declared both the CPP and NPA terrorist organizations. Duterte accused the communist rebels of insincerity in negotiations by attacking government positions despite a ceasefire agreement.
The soldier who died, Roger Badayos, was with a unit responding to a report that guerrillas with the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were massing in a remote village near Butuan City, in the country’s far south, said Capt. Anthony Pueblas, spokesman for the 402 Infantry Brigade.
“The encounter happened around noon Monday as our troops approached the village,” Pueblas said.
The rebels appear to be encroaching increasingly on communities around Butuan City, in what could be a tactical move to surround the urban center, he said.
The encounter was the second one on Monday involving NPA guerrillas. Troops also clashed with a rebel unit near the town of Kitcharao in nearby Agusan del Norte province.
On Sunday, suspected NPA members ambushed and killed a father and son who had attended a “peace and development meeting” hosted by President Duterte at a military camp in southern Davao city last week, officials said.
The two were among several members of an indigenous tribe who had expressed support to Duterte’s call for them to “distance themselves [from] the NPA.”
The military has said that about 60 to 80 percent of NPA cadres in parts of surrounding Mindanao island belong to indigenous tribes. Those who support the government are increasingly being attacked by the rebels, it said.
The latest incidents came days after the government announced the capture of top NPA cadre Rafael Baylosis and his aide, Guillermo Roque, near Manila last week. Baylosis is believed to be the head of the NPA, the armed unit of the underground Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which has been waging a rebellion since 1969.
Duterte, a self-described leftist and one-time student of Communist Party founder Jose Maria Sison launched peace talks with the groups shortly after winning the presidency in 2016.
But late last year, he terminated the talks and declared both the CPP and NPA terrorist organizations. Duterte accused the communist rebels of insincerity in negotiations by attacking government positions despite a ceasefire agreement.
https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/communist-guerrillas-02072018124437.html
At least 130 NPA supporters surrender to military
From Rappler (Feb 7): At least 130 NPA supporters surrender to military
'Among the individuals who surrendered were 2 regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters or members of the Underground Mass Organizations,' Captain Norman Tagros says
At least 130 members and mass-based supporters of the New People’s Army in Bukidnon surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, February 7 in Sumilao, Bukidnon.
Captain Norman Tagros, Spokesperson of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the rebels surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion.
“Among the individuals who surrendered were 2 regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters or members of the Underground Mass Organizations bringing along a total of 34 assorted high and low powered firearms and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” Tagros said.
Tagros said the surrender is a result of a relentless and continued the conduct of Community Support Program and relentless focused military operations in the different CPP-NPA terrorists threatened areas in Northern Bukidnon.
Bukidnon has a large presence of NPA and mass-based support in Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan, and the Calabugao valley areas, with at least 4 guerrilla fronts and the North Central Mindanao Command.
Brigadier General Eric C Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said he appreciated the surrender of the former CPP-NPA rebel members and supporters.
"It is with great appreciation that I welcome the surrender and the oath of allegiance to our government of the 130 CPP-NPA members and supporters. This very significant moment is a great contributory factor in our bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon." Vinoya said.
Those who surrendered will be processed under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) program of the government.
"With your surrender, rest assured that we would work hand-in-hand with the Local Government Unit and our government agencies in order to assist you as you start anew and live a peaceful and normal life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs,” Venoya said.
“The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, and employment assistance, among others," Venoya added.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/195500-npa-supporters-surrender-military
'Among the individuals who surrendered were 2 regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters or members of the Underground Mass Organizations,' Captain Norman Tagros says
PLEDGING ALLEGIANCE. Former NPA rebels, Militia ng Bayan members, and their Mass-based supporters pledge allegiance to the Republic of the Philippines after they surrendered on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 in Sumilao, Bukidnon. Photo from the army's 403rd Infantry Battalion
At least 130 members and mass-based supporters of the New People’s Army in Bukidnon surrendered to authorities on Wednesday, February 7 in Sumilao, Bukidnon.
Captain Norman Tagros, Spokesperson of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said the rebels surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion.
“Among the individuals who surrendered were 2 regular CPP-NPA members, 35 Militia ng Bayan members, and 93 CPP-NPA mass base supporters or members of the Underground Mass Organizations bringing along a total of 34 assorted high and low powered firearms and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” Tagros said.
Tagros said the surrender is a result of a relentless and continued the conduct of Community Support Program and relentless focused military operations in the different CPP-NPA terrorists threatened areas in Northern Bukidnon.
Bukidnon has a large presence of NPA and mass-based support in Mount Kitanglad, Mount Kalatungan, and the Calabugao valley areas, with at least 4 guerrilla fronts and the North Central Mindanao Command.
Brigadier General Eric C Vinoya, Commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said he appreciated the surrender of the former CPP-NPA rebel members and supporters.
"It is with great appreciation that I welcome the surrender and the oath of allegiance to our government of the 130 CPP-NPA members and supporters. This very significant moment is a great contributory factor in our bid to finally attain peace in our communities here in Bukidnon." Vinoya said.
Those who surrendered will be processed under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) program of the government.
"With your surrender, rest assured that we would work hand-in-hand with the Local Government Unit and our government agencies in order to assist you as you start anew and live a peaceful and normal life through livelihood projects and capacity development programs,” Venoya said.
“The government has prepared a program for you such as the Comprehensive Local Integration Program wherein our brothers who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, and employment assistance, among others," Venoya added.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/195500-npa-supporters-surrender-military
Another NPA leader, 12 others surrender
From the Sun Star-Davao (Feb 7): Another NPA leader, 12 others surrender
THIRTEEN former New People's Army (NPA) supporters and vice commander of its guerilla front cut their ties with the terrorist group and signified their support to the government.
Captain Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division (ID) Division Public Affairs Officer (DPAO) chief, said that the 13 NPA terrorists' supporters and one vice commander surrendered without firearms to the 71st Infantry Battalion (IB) at H71IB Purok 8, Brgy Nueva Visayas, Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.
The surrendererswere all members of solid mass organization identified as Gilberto D. Bustaliño alias Iping, Simon G. Gilo alias Mon, Reel B. Balbin alias Onglong, Ellan B. Oso alias Ellan, Elmer B Bongcales alias Elmer, Elmer L. Duterte alias Dodong, Alfredo O. Dosdos alias Fredo.
He further identified others as Ramil H. Balbin alias Mil, Allan M. Costelo alias Allan, Hilario P. Inte alias Larry, Junre M. Bongcales alias Jun, John Ryan Babo alias Chong and Geraldo C. Baro alias Arnold, former vice commander of Samahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP), Guerilla Front (GF27).
"The personalities signified their intentions to embrace peace in their lives," Lamosao said.
Commanding officer of Army's 71st Infantry Kaibigan Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Esteyven E. Ducusin lauded this development, crediting the support to the government troopers in the area expressed by the tribal leaders and local officials to entice these NPA supporters to surrender.
"We are very thankful to the support we are getting from the barangay officials and IP leaders in our area of operations who are now our partner in facilitating the NPA to surrender," Ducusin said.
He said the string of surrenderers manifests the result of continuous effort done by the government on its goal to flush out communist movement who wants to overthrow the democratic government.
He added that uniformed personnel are ready to protect the people against threats of terrorism posed by the left groups.
"The significant number of NPAs who surrendered every day is a manifestation that the communist terrorist organization is irrelevant and people are tired of supporting them. Likewise, we continue our focused military operation to hunt down those communist terrorist who continue their violent acts against our constituents," Ducusin added.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2018/02/07/another-npa-leader-12-others-surrender-587844
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2018/02/07/another-npa-leader-12-others-surrender-587844
Terrorists lurking in Mindanao
From Tempo (Feb 8): Terrorists lurking in Mindanao
Foreign terrorists are lurking in Mindanao as the Islamic State has already established a foothold in the southern region, President Duterte warned last Tuesday.
The President cautioned the public about the imminent “ugly” situation arising from the threats posed by terror suspects that include Syrians, Arabs, Indonesians, and Malaysians.
“The ISIS has gained a foothold in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s a mix. But it has never been a question or issue of religion. It never has been but it’s turning to be an ugly one,” Duterte said during the 116th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Customs in Manila last Tuesday.
“Kasi nandito na – the Syrians, the Arabs, the white Arabs, there are the dark Arabs, a lot of Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists there just waiting to – you give them the slightest reason. That’s the only thing. It has nothing to do with perpetuating in power,” he added.
The military recently disclosed that it has monitored 48 foreign terrorists allegedly recruiting and training members in Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, some foreign terror suspects were assisting a local group in Saranggani while others were providing aid and training to Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, and Maute Group in Lanao del Sur.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/02/08/terrorists-lurking-in-mindanao/
Foreign terrorists are lurking in Mindanao as the Islamic State has already established a foothold in the southern region, President Duterte warned last Tuesday.
The President cautioned the public about the imminent “ugly” situation arising from the threats posed by terror suspects that include Syrians, Arabs, Indonesians, and Malaysians.
“The ISIS has gained a foothold in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s a mix. But it has never been a question or issue of religion. It never has been but it’s turning to be an ugly one,” Duterte said during the 116th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Customs in Manila last Tuesday.
“Kasi nandito na – the Syrians, the Arabs, the white Arabs, there are the dark Arabs, a lot of Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists there just waiting to – you give them the slightest reason. That’s the only thing. It has nothing to do with perpetuating in power,” he added.
The military recently disclosed that it has monitored 48 foreign terrorists allegedly recruiting and training members in Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, some foreign terror suspects were assisting a local group in Saranggani while others were providing aid and training to Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, and Maute Group in Lanao del Sur.
http://tempo.com.ph/2018/02/08/terrorists-lurking-in-mindanao/
Duterte Bans Foreign Research Vessels at Benham Rise
From the Maritime Executive (Feb 6): Duterte Bans Foreign Research Vessels at Benham Rise
Philippine flag planted at a deepwater reef, Benham Rise (file image courtesy Oceana)
On Tuesday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for a "cessation" to all foreign research activity at Benham Rise, a region on the Philippines' continental shelf that is believed to have oil and gas potential. Further reports indicated that Duterte called for Philippine forces to "chase away" foreign research vessels.
Spokesman Harry Roque later clarified that the directive is not a formal ban but rather a revision of the application process for foreign research missions. It does not appear to have an immediate effect, as there are no known foreign research vessels operating in the area. "Is anyone going to be affected by this? The answer, indicated by the subsequent walk-back, is apparently no. Even the reported Chinese [mission] appears to have already completed its principal research activity," commented Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines' Institute for Maritime Affairs. "As for the reported order to "chase away" foreign [research] vessels . . . was there anything to chase away in the first place?"
The presence of a Chinese survey ship at Benham Rise last year prompted concerns that China intended to usurp new areas within Philippine waters, in addition to the Philippine-claimed land features that China has occupied and fortified in the Spratly Islands. Despite these concerns over Chinese intentions, Duterte's administration recently gave the green light for the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oceanology (oceanography) to conduct research on ocean currents at Benham Rise. The project was part of a partnership with researchers from the University of the Philippines and was expected to last for 3-6 days within Philippine waters. The vessel tapped for that mission - the Ke Xue San Hao - arrived in the Philippines on January 22 to begin work; as of February 6 she was moored at Qingdao, China, indicating that her role in the project has finished.
An opposition lawmaker, Representative Edcel Lagman, called for Duterte to go further than a research vessel ban. Lagman proposed that the government should require that "data so far gathered must be confiscated by or turned over to the Philippine government" in order to prevent unauthorized foreign use. Separately, Representative Carlos Zarate reminded the administration of a "disadvantageous" precedent from 2004, in which data from a joint Chinese-Philippine seismic campaign in the South China Sea was used in China's program to "annex and militarize" land features in the area. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled last year that China's claims to the South China Sea have no legal basis, but China has generally disregarded this opinion.
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/duterte-bans-foreign-research-vessels-at-benham-rise#gs.Ougx5Uw
On Tuesday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte called for a "cessation" to all foreign research activity at Benham Rise, a region on the Philippines' continental shelf that is believed to have oil and gas potential. Further reports indicated that Duterte called for Philippine forces to "chase away" foreign research vessels.
Spokesman Harry Roque later clarified that the directive is not a formal ban but rather a revision of the application process for foreign research missions. It does not appear to have an immediate effect, as there are no known foreign research vessels operating in the area. "Is anyone going to be affected by this? The answer, indicated by the subsequent walk-back, is apparently no. Even the reported Chinese [mission] appears to have already completed its principal research activity," commented Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines' Institute for Maritime Affairs. "As for the reported order to "chase away" foreign [research] vessels . . . was there anything to chase away in the first place?"
The presence of a Chinese survey ship at Benham Rise last year prompted concerns that China intended to usurp new areas within Philippine waters, in addition to the Philippine-claimed land features that China has occupied and fortified in the Spratly Islands. Despite these concerns over Chinese intentions, Duterte's administration recently gave the green light for the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Oceanology (oceanography) to conduct research on ocean currents at Benham Rise. The project was part of a partnership with researchers from the University of the Philippines and was expected to last for 3-6 days within Philippine waters. The vessel tapped for that mission - the Ke Xue San Hao - arrived in the Philippines on January 22 to begin work; as of February 6 she was moored at Qingdao, China, indicating that her role in the project has finished.
An opposition lawmaker, Representative Edcel Lagman, called for Duterte to go further than a research vessel ban. Lagman proposed that the government should require that "data so far gathered must be confiscated by or turned over to the Philippine government" in order to prevent unauthorized foreign use. Separately, Representative Carlos Zarate reminded the administration of a "disadvantageous" precedent from 2004, in which data from a joint Chinese-Philippine seismic campaign in the South China Sea was used in China's program to "annex and militarize" land features in the area. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague ruled last year that China's claims to the South China Sea have no legal basis, but China has generally disregarded this opinion.
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/duterte-bans-foreign-research-vessels-at-benham-rise#gs.Ougx5Uw
Beijing's 'island fortresses': China's aggressive militarization of diusputed South China Sea is revealed in new photos showing the communist nation's 'unrestrained' show of power
From the Daily Mail (Feb 7): Beijing's 'island fortresses': China's aggressive militarization of diusputed South China Sea is revealed in new photos showing the communist nation's 'unrestrained' show of power
- China has apparently transformed seven reefs in the disputed Spratly Islands into military island fortresses
- Aerial pictures of Beijing's new military build-up were taken from 1,500m up in the last six months of 2017
- The images show Chinese military installations including missile frigates, helipads and observation towers
Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea has been revealed in new aerial photos obtained by a newspaper in the Philippines.
In what the news organisation described as an 'unrestrained' show of power China has apparently transformed seven reefs in the Spratly islands into military island fortresses featuring runways and observation towers.
The dramatic military build-up is shown in pictures taken from a height of 1,500m (4,920 feet) in the last six months of 2017, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
One of the fortresses is situated on Panganiban, a reef which a United Nations-backed court has previously ruled belongs to the Philippines, it is reported.
In what the news organisation described as an 'unrestrained' show of power China has apparently transformed seven reefs in the Spratly islands into military island fortresses featuring runways and observation towers.
The dramatic military build-up is shown in pictures taken from a height of 1,500m (4,920 feet) in the last six months of 2017, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
One of the fortresses is situated on Panganiban, a reef which a United Nations-backed court has previously ruled belongs to the Philippines, it is reported.
Beijing's militarisation of the South China Sea has been revealed in new photos obtained by a newspaper in the Philippines
In what was described as an 'unrestrained' show of power China has apparently transformed seven reefs in the Spratly islands into military island fortresses
The military build-up has emerged in pictures taken from 1,500m in the second half of 2017, according to a Filipino paper
China's continued reclamation in the South China Sea has eroded trust among rival claimants and could raise regional tensions, Southeast Asian foreign ministers said on Tuesday
One of the fortresses is situated on Panganiban, a reef which a United Nations-backed court has previously ruled belongs to the Philippines, it is reported. Pictured: a Chinese missile frigate
[Video]
The pictures show a variety of military installations including missile frigates, observation towers and concrete helipads.
China's continued reclamation in the South China Sea has eroded trust among rival claimants and could raise regional tensions, Southeast Asian foreign ministers said on Tuesday.
Beijing claims nearly all of the waterway and has been turning reefs and islets into islands and installing military facilities such as runways and equipment on them.
ASEAN members Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines and Vietnam as well as Taiwan also have partial claims in the waterway.
On the three largest reefs, Kagitingan, Panganiban and Zamora, runways appeared to be ready to receive military aircraft.
China had in December defended its construction on disputed islands as 'normal' after a US think tank released new satellite images showing the deployment of radar and other equipment.
The military expansion also ties into a broader Chinese initiative, called One Belt One Road.
The vast infrastructure project, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is set to build a 'new Silk Road' of ports, railways and roads to expand trade across an arc of countries through Asia, Africa and Europe.
The Spratly islands is an archipelago that lies off the coasts of the Philippines, Malaysia, and southern Vietnam in the South China Sea. The three largest reefs Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Panganiban (Mischief) and Zamora (Subi) runways now appear to be ready to receive military aircraft
Beijing claims nearly all of the waterway and has been turning reefs and islets into islands and installing military facilities such as runways and equipment on them, such as this radome on Panganiban Reef
China had in December defended its construction on disputed islands as 'normal' after a US think tank released new satellite images showing the deployment of radar and other equipment
The lagoon at Panganiban Reef was among the images in the images made available by a newspaper in the Philippines
The military expansion also ties into a broader Chinese initiative, called One Belt One Road, launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping to expand trade
Chinese naval and coast guard ships including a Nanyun-class replenishment ship were among the military installations pictured
An observation tower, hanger, concrete runway and weather radar are visible on Kagitingan Reef
The military installations on Mabini Reef include observation powers, a concrete helipad and a pair of wind turbines
Military ships have been pictured at Zamora Reef, including a frigate equipped with a primary surface strike weapon
At Panganiban Reef there were troop transport ships pictured as well as an amphibious Chinese transport dock
A Chinese coast guard vessel, three cargo vessels and 15 fishing vessels were visible in the pictures at Zamora Reef
A Chinese coast guard vessel was very clearly visible in the newly revealed pictures at Zamora Reef in the South China Sea
On Kagitingan Reef there were observation towers, radomes, a lighthouse and a 3.1km (1.9 mile) concrete runway
Military installations on Hughes Reef included a multi-storey building with a radome, and a single-barrel gun
Bribery scandal hounds Korean firm tapped for PH Navy warships
From Rappler (Feb 7): Bribery scandal hounds Korean firm tapped for PH Navy warships
'Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is registered as an illegal businessman and will be restricted from bidding for national projects for two years,' says a news report in South Korea
The shipbuilding giant that won the P16-billion project to build two warships for the Philippine Navy was banned in its own country because of a bribery conviction that sent officials to jail.
Heavy Hyundai Industries (HHI) cannot participate in any public bidding for government projects in South Korea for a period of two years or until November 2019, according to news reports in South Korea.
"Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is registered as an illegal business and will be restricted from bidding for national projects for two years. Hyundai Heavy Industries filed a lawsuit for cancellation of the cease and desist, but the case was rejected in 2015 and the appeal was rejected in August last year," read the English translation of a report by the Chosun Ilbo, one of the major newspapers in South Korea.
Hyundai spoke about the ban to the South Korean media in late January 2018. The news came as the Philippines also scrutinized Hyundai's implementation of its project with the Philippine Navy.
(READ: Bong Go intervenes in P15.5-B project to acquire PH warships)
A manager at Hyundai was found to have bribed an official at the country's largest electric power company – Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) – to win a deal to supply parts for a nuclear power plant KHNP was going to build in the United Arab Emirates.
Officials were sent to jail and Hyundai vowed to root out corruption in the company.
The two-year ban on Hyundai from participation in government projects was handed down back in 2013, but the company appealed it. The Supreme Court ruled to dismiss the appeal with finality in December 2017.
Hyundai said its division that makes special ships – warships and submarines – will be hit but it supposedly accounts for only 3% of the company's total sales.
Recent news reports show Hyundai continuing to win big projects worldwide. Kuwait Oil Tanker Company signed a contract with Hyundai to construct 3 "very large carriers."
A Canadian liquefied natural gas company also selected Hyundai to design and construct what would be the world's first coast production facility.
Controversy in the Philippines
An English version of a report on the ban went viral in social media pages monitoring modernization projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the first week of February.
In a statement, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the ban on Hyundai in South Korea is another reason to investigate the Frigates Acquisition Project (FAP) of the Philippine Navy.
“It is corruption in the form of bribery that HHI was found guilty of. It is its own government which tagged HHI as an improper business entity. The integrity of FAP – wherein HHI is the main contractor – will consequently be disputed,” Alejano said.
Rappler sought the assistance of contacts in South Korea to get more details about the ban. The screenshots posted in this report are Google translations of the local web sites provided to Rappler.
"It is not a first time. There were a lot of corruption cases against HHI," according to a source in the South Korean media.
Among the links provided to Rappler is a report that shows Hyundai Heavy Industries was raided by government prosecutors in 2015 in relation to investigations into widespread corruption in the country's defense industry.
Hyundai was accused of bribing an active Navy officer – a high-ranking post in the company upon his retirement – in exchange for helping the company win a bid to build 3 submarines.
Hyundai Heavy Industries became the center of attention in the Philippines because of disagreements over the implementation of the Navy's frigates project.
Former Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado was unceremoniously ousted from his post after opposing a supplier that Hyundai wanted to tap for the Combat Management System (CMS) of the Philippine warships.
Hanwha Systems, also a South Korean firm, supposedly failed to meet the technical requirements of the Navy.
In the wake of Mercado's removal, documents showed that Malacañang intervened while the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Navy debated the CMS selection in January 2017.
The project was the subject of a two-part investigative report published on Rappler. President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed it as "fake news."
Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, whose name appeared in the documents, denied any knowledge about the project.
The documents were part of stacks of documents obtained by Rappler on the frigates project.
The Senate is expected to investigate the project this month.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/195424-philippine-navy-frigates-korea-firm-bribery-scandals
'Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. is registered as an illegal businessman and will be restricted from bidding for national projects for two years,' says a news report in South Korea
The shipbuilding giant that won the P16-billion project to build two warships for the Philippine Navy was banned in its own country because of a bribery conviction that sent officials to jail.
Heavy Hyundai Industries (HHI) cannot participate in any public bidding for government projects in South Korea for a period of two years or until November 2019, according to news reports in South Korea.
Hyundai spoke about the ban to the South Korean media in late January 2018. The news came as the Philippines also scrutinized Hyundai's implementation of its project with the Philippine Navy.
(READ: Bong Go intervenes in P15.5-B project to acquire PH warships)
A manager at Hyundai was found to have bribed an official at the country's largest electric power company – Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) – to win a deal to supply parts for a nuclear power plant KHNP was going to build in the United Arab Emirates.
Officials were sent to jail and Hyundai vowed to root out corruption in the company.
The two-year ban on Hyundai from participation in government projects was handed down back in 2013, but the company appealed it. The Supreme Court ruled to dismiss the appeal with finality in December 2017.
Hyundai said its division that makes special ships – warships and submarines – will be hit but it supposedly accounts for only 3% of the company's total sales.
Recent news reports show Hyundai continuing to win big projects worldwide. Kuwait Oil Tanker Company signed a contract with Hyundai to construct 3 "very large carriers."
A Canadian liquefied natural gas company also selected Hyundai to design and construct what would be the world's first coast production facility.
Controversy in the Philippines
An English version of a report on the ban went viral in social media pages monitoring modernization projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the first week of February.
In a statement, Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano said the ban on Hyundai in South Korea is another reason to investigate the Frigates Acquisition Project (FAP) of the Philippine Navy.
“It is corruption in the form of bribery that HHI was found guilty of. It is its own government which tagged HHI as an improper business entity. The integrity of FAP – wherein HHI is the main contractor – will consequently be disputed,” Alejano said.
Rappler sought the assistance of contacts in South Korea to get more details about the ban. The screenshots posted in this report are Google translations of the local web sites provided to Rappler.
"It is not a first time. There were a lot of corruption cases against HHI," according to a source in the South Korean media.
Among the links provided to Rappler is a report that shows Hyundai Heavy Industries was raided by government prosecutors in 2015 in relation to investigations into widespread corruption in the country's defense industry.
Hyundai was accused of bribing an active Navy officer – a high-ranking post in the company upon his retirement – in exchange for helping the company win a bid to build 3 submarines.
Hyundai Heavy Industries became the center of attention in the Philippines because of disagreements over the implementation of the Navy's frigates project.
Former Philippine Navy Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado was unceremoniously ousted from his post after opposing a supplier that Hyundai wanted to tap for the Combat Management System (CMS) of the Philippine warships.
Hanwha Systems, also a South Korean firm, supposedly failed to meet the technical requirements of the Navy.
In the wake of Mercado's removal, documents showed that Malacañang intervened while the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Navy debated the CMS selection in January 2017.
The project was the subject of a two-part investigative report published on Rappler. President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed it as "fake news."
Special Assistant to the President Christopher "Bong" Go, whose name appeared in the documents, denied any knowledge about the project.
The documents were part of stacks of documents obtained by Rappler on the frigates project.
The Senate is expected to investigate the project this month.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/195424-philippine-navy-frigates-korea-firm-bribery-scandals
New York holds emergency action for Rafael Baylosis
From Fight Back! News-News and Views from the People's Struggle (Feb 6): New York holds emergency action for Rafael Baylosis
New York, NY - 50 activists gathered for an emergency rally for Philippine activist for Rafael Baylosis in front of the Philippine consulate here, Feb. 5.
Baylosis is the labor leader and consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, who was arrested on Jan. 31 on trumped-up charges.
The arrest is in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHR-IHL), which the Philippine government is bound to by being a signatory of both.
The rally was organized by BAYAN USA, and included speeches from New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Committee to Stop FBI Repression NYC, Gabriela NY, Anakbayan NY, International Action Center, and Labor Against Racist Terror.
“The crackdown on BAYAN leaders is a sign of desperation, is a sign that Duterte’s popularity is falling,” said Bernadette Ellorin of BAYAN USA. “His supporters are small in numbers, and therefore, he must unleash attacks on the people. He must intimidate the opposition, in order to keep the appearance of still being popular.”
Toward the end of the protest, protesters from NYC Shut It Down joined the rally from Grand Central, leading to a march to Times Square. The demonstartion ended with a chant made famous by Assata Shakur, to make the connection between repression of Philippine activists and African-Americans, in honor of Black History Month.
http://www.fightbacknews.org/2018/2/6/new-york-holds-emergency-action-rafael-baylosis
New York, NY - 50 activists gathered for an emergency rally for Philippine activist for Rafael Baylosis in front of the Philippine consulate here, Feb. 5.
Baylosis is the labor leader and consultant for the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, who was arrested on Jan. 31 on trumped-up charges.
The arrest is in violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHR-IHL), which the Philippine government is bound to by being a signatory of both.
The rally was organized by BAYAN USA, and included speeches from New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Committee to Stop FBI Repression NYC, Gabriela NY, Anakbayan NY, International Action Center, and Labor Against Racist Terror.
“The crackdown on BAYAN leaders is a sign of desperation, is a sign that Duterte’s popularity is falling,” said Bernadette Ellorin of BAYAN USA. “His supporters are small in numbers, and therefore, he must unleash attacks on the people. He must intimidate the opposition, in order to keep the appearance of still being popular.”
Toward the end of the protest, protesters from NYC Shut It Down joined the rally from Grand Central, leading to a march to Times Square. The demonstartion ended with a chant made famous by Assata Shakur, to make the connection between repression of Philippine activists and African-Americans, in honor of Black History Month.
http://www.fightbacknews.org/2018/2/6/new-york-holds-emergency-action-rafael-baylosis
Philippines orders 16 Bell 412 EPI helicopters
From Aviation Analysis Wing (Feb 6): Philippines orders 16 Bell 412 EPI helicopters
Bell Helicopters today announced the signature of a purchase agreement with the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) for 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters that will be operated by the Philippine Air Force (PAF), during the Singapore Airshow.
The 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters, fully configured and equipped with advanced features, are being acquired as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization plans, and were purchased by the DND through a government-to-government contract with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
The helicopters will be used for a variety of missions such as disaster relief, search and rescue, passenger transport and utility transport.
The Bell H-13 Sioux, a variant of the iconic Bell 47, was the first helicopter to enter into service with the Philippine Air Force in 1955.
The Philippine Air Force has operated derivations of the Bell UH-1H since the late 1960s, and since 1994 when they received their first two Bell 412s. More recently, Bell Helicopter delivered eight 412EP aircraft to the Philippines in 2015.
The Bell 412 platform continues to garner interest from international customers, including the Canadian Coast Guard, which recently took delivery of all seven Bell 412EPIs.
In Asia Pacific, the Aichi Prefecture in Japan signed a purchase agreement in 2016 for a Bell 412EPI to be used specifically for firefighting missions and disaster relief.
In 2015, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces ordered 150 units of the new UH-X aircraft, based on the Bell 412EPI platform, which will be used for island defense and disaster relief efforts.
The Bell 412EPI improves the Bell 412 platform with the Bell BasiX Pro fully integrated glass flight deck, providing critical flight information at-a-glance for greater situational awareness and safety.
The Bell BasiX Pro system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of twin-engine helicopters and is optimized for IFR, Category A and JAR OPS3 compliant operations.
The avionics suite also includes high resolution digital maps, electronic charts and approach plates, and ADS-B transponder. The Bell 412EPI features the BLR Strake and FastFin system, which modifies the tailboom to optimize airflow and improve handling, safety and lift.
The Bell 412EPI, which has a four-blade main rotor powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 Twin Pac engine developing 1,800 shp for takeoff and can carry up to 14 passengers or a 5,100-pound useful load.
http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2018/02/philippines-orders-16-bell-412-epi.html
Bell Helicopters today announced the signature of a purchase agreement with the Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) for 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters that will be operated by the Philippine Air Force (PAF), during the Singapore Airshow.
The 16 Bell 412EPI helicopters, fully configured and equipped with advanced features, are being acquired as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization plans, and were purchased by the DND through a government-to-government contract with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC).
The helicopters will be used for a variety of missions such as disaster relief, search and rescue, passenger transport and utility transport.
The Bell H-13 Sioux, a variant of the iconic Bell 47, was the first helicopter to enter into service with the Philippine Air Force in 1955.
The Philippine Air Force has operated derivations of the Bell UH-1H since the late 1960s, and since 1994 when they received their first two Bell 412s. More recently, Bell Helicopter delivered eight 412EP aircraft to the Philippines in 2015.
The Bell 412 platform continues to garner interest from international customers, including the Canadian Coast Guard, which recently took delivery of all seven Bell 412EPIs.
In Asia Pacific, the Aichi Prefecture in Japan signed a purchase agreement in 2016 for a Bell 412EPI to be used specifically for firefighting missions and disaster relief.
In 2015, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces ordered 150 units of the new UH-X aircraft, based on the Bell 412EPI platform, which will be used for island defense and disaster relief efforts.
The Bell 412EPI improves the Bell 412 platform with the Bell BasiX Pro fully integrated glass flight deck, providing critical flight information at-a-glance for greater situational awareness and safety.
The Bell BasiX Pro system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of twin-engine helicopters and is optimized for IFR, Category A and JAR OPS3 compliant operations.
The avionics suite also includes high resolution digital maps, electronic charts and approach plates, and ADS-B transponder. The Bell 412EPI features the BLR Strake and FastFin system, which modifies the tailboom to optimize airflow and improve handling, safety and lift.
The Bell 412EPI, which has a four-blade main rotor powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6T-9 Twin Pac engine developing 1,800 shp for takeoff and can carry up to 14 passengers or a 5,100-pound useful load.
http://www.aviationanalysis.net/2018/02/philippines-orders-16-bell-412-epi.html
Elite Army battalion deployed in Sulu vs Abu Sayyaf
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): Elite Army battalion deployed in Sulu vs Abu Sayyaf
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (westmincom) chief (left), pins Gold Cross Medals to an officer and four enlisted personnel of the Army's 5th Scout Ranger Battalion for gallantry in action at the height of the battle against the Daesh-inspired Maute group last year in Marawi City. The awarding of medals was held during the send-off ceremony on Monday as the battalion was deployed to defeat the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed a battalion of elite troops to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.
Deployed in Sulu is the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, which was deployed in Marawi City at the height of the battle against the Daesh-inspired Maute Group just after the unit was activated last year.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, on Monday led the send-off ceremony of the battalion held at Camp Basilio Navarro in this city.
The program was held after Monday’s flag raising ceremony.
The battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Mario Jomalesa, underwent a series of trainings at Camp Gen. Arturo Enrile in this city after its stint in Marawi City.
“I am sure that you will do well in defeating the threats in Sulu as you did a great job in leading the fight to liberate Marawi City from the claws of the terrorists,” Galvez told the scout rangers.
“I am confident that you will be able to deliver the soonest,” he added.
Five, including a junior officer, of the 5th Scout Ranger battalion were awarded Gold Cross Medals for gallantry during the series of firefight against the Maute Group last year in Marawi City.
The awardees were First Leiutenant Jay-arr Quiapo; Sergeant Gerry Gaspar Padayogdog; Sergeant Antonio Basa; Corporal Lisan Aspacio; and, Corporal Rodrigo Novilla.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024259
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deployed a battalion of elite troops to defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.
Deployed in Sulu is the Army’s 5th Scout Ranger Battalion, which was deployed in Marawi City at the height of the battle against the Daesh-inspired Maute Group just after the unit was activated last year.
Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, on Monday led the send-off ceremony of the battalion held at Camp Basilio Navarro in this city.
The program was held after Monday’s flag raising ceremony.
The battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Mario Jomalesa, underwent a series of trainings at Camp Gen. Arturo Enrile in this city after its stint in Marawi City.
“I am sure that you will do well in defeating the threats in Sulu as you did a great job in leading the fight to liberate Marawi City from the claws of the terrorists,” Galvez told the scout rangers.
“I am confident that you will be able to deliver the soonest,” he added.
Five, including a junior officer, of the 5th Scout Ranger battalion were awarded Gold Cross Medals for gallantry during the series of firefight against the Maute Group last year in Marawi City.
The awardees were First Leiutenant Jay-arr Quiapo; Sergeant Gerry Gaspar Padayogdog; Sergeant Antonio Basa; Corporal Lisan Aspacio; and, Corporal Rodrigo Novilla.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1024259
DOJ readies raps vs. suspected Spanish terrorist
From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 7): DOJ readies raps vs. suspected Spanish terrorist
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes to release within the week the resolution on criminal complaint against the arrested Spanish national suspected to be a terrorist after he was caught with a backpack of improvised explosive devices (IED) in Basilan.
Spanish national Abdelhakim Labidi Adib, rights, listens as State Prosecutor Peter Ong, left, talks during proceedings at the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday Jan. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila/Manila Bulletin)
“It might come out this week,” said Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong who handles the case of Spaniard Abdelhakim Labidi Adib, 20.
Ong conducted the preliminary investigation of Adib who is facing a criminal complaint filed by the Philippine Army (PA) for illegal possession of explosives.
Adib was arrested in the evening of January 22 by members of the PA at a checkpoint in Maluso, Basilan, an area infested with Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
Though Adib’s companion who is believed to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf managed to escape, the military recovered the backpack the Spaniard threw away and found inside cash, rifle grenade, blasting caps and detonation devices.
In his counter-affidavit, Adib refuted the allegations against him as he claimed the evidence against him was “planted by the arresting officer because I never have those items in my bag nor in my possession.”
“I vehemently deny and assert that I don’t own and I have nothing to do with the alleged recovered evidence which were the hand grenade and the alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” he stated.
He claimed he only saw the backpack containing the IEDs during the inquest proceedings held at the DOJ in Manila on January 24.
He also denied being a sympathizer and supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and that this is “a baseless accusation and must not be taken into account.”
“I went here in the Philippines as a tourist. I have no intention whatever to aid anyone in any terrorist activity especially in causing trouble to the community,” said Adib who claimed he and his parents are atheists and do not believe in god nor practice any religion.
The Spaniard also said his companion was also captured and that they were arrested on January 20 by armed men in civilian clothes and riding a white car in an area where there was no checkpoint.
“My companion never escaped and both of us were brought to the military, however, it was only me who is being charged,” he complained.
In his counter-affidavit, Adib claimed that, after reading good reviews and feedbacks, it became his dream to go to the Philippines to have “a great adventure and to travel to a faraway country” as well as “to find a good woman.”
In his travels to the Philippines, he recalled that during his stay in Cagayan de Oro City, he met in the street a man named Abuzaid who invited him to visit the latter’s tribe, the Yakan.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/07/doj-readies-raps-vs-suspected-spanish-terrorist/
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hopes to release within the week the resolution on criminal complaint against the arrested Spanish national suspected to be a terrorist after he was caught with a backpack of improvised explosive devices (IED) in Basilan.
Spanish national Abdelhakim Labidi Adib, rights, listens as State Prosecutor Peter Ong, left, talks during proceedings at the Department of Justice in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday Jan. 24, 2018. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila/Manila Bulletin)
“It might come out this week,” said Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong who handles the case of Spaniard Abdelhakim Labidi Adib, 20.
Ong conducted the preliminary investigation of Adib who is facing a criminal complaint filed by the Philippine Army (PA) for illegal possession of explosives.
Adib was arrested in the evening of January 22 by members of the PA at a checkpoint in Maluso, Basilan, an area infested with Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
Though Adib’s companion who is believed to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf managed to escape, the military recovered the backpack the Spaniard threw away and found inside cash, rifle grenade, blasting caps and detonation devices.
In his counter-affidavit, Adib refuted the allegations against him as he claimed the evidence against him was “planted by the arresting officer because I never have those items in my bag nor in my possession.”
“I vehemently deny and assert that I don’t own and I have nothing to do with the alleged recovered evidence which were the hand grenade and the alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” he stated.
He claimed he only saw the backpack containing the IEDs during the inquest proceedings held at the DOJ in Manila on January 24.
He also denied being a sympathizer and supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and that this is “a baseless accusation and must not be taken into account.”
“I went here in the Philippines as a tourist. I have no intention whatever to aid anyone in any terrorist activity especially in causing trouble to the community,” said Adib who claimed he and his parents are atheists and do not believe in god nor practice any religion.
The Spaniard also said his companion was also captured and that they were arrested on January 20 by armed men in civilian clothes and riding a white car in an area where there was no checkpoint.
“My companion never escaped and both of us were brought to the military, however, it was only me who is being charged,” he complained.
In his counter-affidavit, Adib claimed that, after reading good reviews and feedbacks, it became his dream to go to the Philippines to have “a great adventure and to travel to a faraway country” as well as “to find a good woman.”
In his travels to the Philippines, he recalled that during his stay in Cagayan de Oro City, he met in the street a man named Abuzaid who invited him to visit the latter’s tribe, the Yakan.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/02/07/doj-readies-raps-vs-suspected-spanish-terrorist/