From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 18): Duterte to PMA graduates: Just do your job, I’ll take care of you
Just do your duty.
President Rodrigo Duterte had this to say on Sunday to the graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Alab Tala” Class of 2018 as he assured the government’s full support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“I will never allow, ever allow anybody, be it the police, military, armed forces or the uniformed policemen [to go to jail],” Duterte said in his speech here.
“Just do your duty in accordance with law, ako na ang bahala sa inyo (I’ll take care of you),” he added.
The President said mistakes were inevitable but he said he was confident that the new members of the AFP “have been equipped with the knowledge and skills to excel.”
“Mistakes will always be inevitable but have confidence in knowing that the rules of the academy have honed you for the responsibilities that await you as you assume leadership roles in the armed forces,” he said.
Duterte told the graduates of the “bigger challenges ahead” in their career.
“As you leave the halls of PMA and enter your chosen branches of service, you will be faced with realities that are far more complex than what you have been prepared for,” he said.
He urged the new graduates to always embody the virtues they learned from the academy.
“Remember always the three words that have been ingrained deeply in your hearts—courage, integrity and loyalty. Embody these words and use them to guide your actions throughout your careers,” he said.
He then called on the new members of the AFP “to continue to become a source of strength and inspiration to your fellow soldiers and instruments of meaningful change in our society.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/976234/duterte-pma-graduates-philippine-military-academy-police-military
Sunday, March 18, 2018
2 hurt in BIFF bombing
From the Philippine Star (Mar 17): 2 hurt in BIFF bombing
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Islamic militants bombed an Army detachment in Shariff Aguak town Friday night, wounding a soldier on duty and a bystander.
Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello of the Maguindanao provincial police said Saturday blast victims Kamarudin Malang and Corporal Ebrahim Meto of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion are now confined in a hospital.
Local officials have pointed to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as responsible for the attack.
One of two suspected BIFF members on a motorcycle lobbed a fragmentation grenade into the fenced roadside detachment of the 57th IB in Shariff Aguak and sped away as the explosive went off.
The powerful blast that ripped through the detachment caused panic among villagers in houses nearby.
Tello said personnel of the Shariff Aguak municipal police are now trying to identify the culprits for them to be prosecuted for the offense.
Tello said the bombing was an apparent retaliation for the BIFF’s heavy losses in encounters with Army units in the province in the past three months.
The BIFF, which boasts of loyalty to the Islamic State, is feared for its practice of using explosives and home-made roadside bombs to avenge the deaths of companions killed by pursuing soldiers.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/17/1797721/2-hurt-biff-bombing
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — Islamic militants bombed an Army detachment in Shariff Aguak town Friday night, wounding a soldier on duty and a bystander.
Senior Superintendent Agustin Tello of the Maguindanao provincial police said Saturday blast victims Kamarudin Malang and Corporal Ebrahim Meto of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion are now confined in a hospital.
Local officials have pointed to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as responsible for the attack.
One of two suspected BIFF members on a motorcycle lobbed a fragmentation grenade into the fenced roadside detachment of the 57th IB in Shariff Aguak and sped away as the explosive went off.
The powerful blast that ripped through the detachment caused panic among villagers in houses nearby.
Tello said personnel of the Shariff Aguak municipal police are now trying to identify the culprits for them to be prosecuted for the offense.
Tello said the bombing was an apparent retaliation for the BIFF’s heavy losses in encounters with Army units in the province in the past three months.
The BIFF, which boasts of loyalty to the Islamic State, is feared for its practice of using explosives and home-made roadside bombs to avenge the deaths of companions killed by pursuing soldiers.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/17/1797721/2-hurt-biff-bombing
Abu death toll hits 7
From the Philippine Star (Mar 17): Abu death toll hits 7
Two more Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in an encounter with government troopers in Patikul, Sulu on Thursday.
The clash raised the death toll in military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf this week to seven.
On Tuesday, five bandits were killed in an operation to rescue the remaining kidnap victims also in Patikul. Six soldiers were wounded in the clash.
The body of one of the fatalities identified as Roger Samlahon as well as his gun, two mobile phones and backpack were recovered at the scene.
”We are still trying to determine where he was buried,” Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said, referring to the other fatality whose body was brought by the bandits as they fled.
Sobejana said members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit and soldiers of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Latih at around noon.
He said the bandits are followers of sub-leader Sukara Inggug.
The military said the Abu Sayyaf fighters could be part of the group that they encountered in Barangay Panglahayan on Tuesday.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/17/1797460/abu-death-toll-hits-7
The clash raised the death toll in military offensives against the Abu Sayyaf this week to seven.
On Tuesday, five bandits were killed in an operation to rescue the remaining kidnap victims also in Patikul. Six soldiers were wounded in the clash.
The body of one of the fatalities identified as Roger Samlahon as well as his gun, two mobile phones and backpack were recovered at the scene.
”We are still trying to determine where he was buried,” Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said, referring to the other fatality whose body was brought by the bandits as they fled.
Sobejana said members of the Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit and soldiers of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Latih at around noon.
He said the bandits are followers of sub-leader Sukara Inggug.
The military said the Abu Sayyaf fighters could be part of the group that they encountered in Barangay Panglahayan on Tuesday.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/03/17/1797460/abu-death-toll-hits-7
MNLF-IIO: MNLF Founding Anniversary
From Moro National Liberation Front (Misuari) International Information Office (IIO) (Mar 18): MNLF Founding Anniversary
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/pcb.1897695136967380/1897695076967386/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/pcb.1897695136967380/1897695096967384/?type=3&theater
“Here we are to join our massive celebration of the 50 years (half a century) of our Bangsamoro struggle for peace, justice and freedom! and together we shall announce with one powerful voice that final victory is indeed no longer elusive nor for off- biidznillah! Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
Nur "Maas" Misuari
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/pcb.1897695136967380/1897695076967386/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/photos/pcb.1897695136967380/1897695096967384/?type=3&theater
“Here we are to join our massive celebration of the 50 years (half a century) of our Bangsamoro struggle for peace, justice and freedom! and together we shall announce with one powerful voice that final victory is indeed no longer elusive nor for off- biidznillah! Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar
Nur "Maas" Misuari
https://www.facebook.com/MNLFINFO/
MILF: Editorial - Anti-dynasty provision in BBL
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 18): Editorial - Anti-dynasty provision in BBL
There is an attempt to include in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) a provision on anti-dynasty to limit the monopoly of big, rich, and powerful families to control the running of government. In fact, a provision on it has already been in the Senate version (Senate Bill No. 1717). In Article VII, Section 15, it states that no party representative should be related within the second (2nd) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any a District Representative or another Party Representative in the same Parliament.
This is not a bad idea. The MILF fully understands the wisdom of such prohibition, and it is not and will not be averse to it.
However, the better order should be prohibiting District Representative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any Party Representative or another District Representative in the same Parliament.
The reason for this is outstanding. In the BBL or in parliamentary system of government, political parties, which are deemed principled, play crucial roles in setting up good and accountable governance. Political parties are supposed to have clear platforms and programs to prevent such traditional practices of switching affiliations. It is the party principles or platforms that determine loyalties and memberships.
This is not first time that anti-dynasty prohibition is set by law. Under Section 10 of RA 10742, candidates in the SK elections “must not be related within the second degree of consanguinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.”
Second-degree relatives include grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law. Moreover, it is one who shares 25% of a person's genes. It includes uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren, half-siblings, and double cousins
However, what is not reasonable is to include in this prohibition those running for mayors, vice mayors, councillors, provincial governors, vice governors, and board members. This is too much to load in the BBL. It can be a monkey wrench to frustrate the ratification of the BBL during the plebiscite.
The idea may be based on the best intentions. But there are times that good intentions create havoc, intrigue, and misunderstanding. Congress should pass first an enabling law to make true the provision of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines which states in Article II Section 26 that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
But for reasons already known to everyone, Congress has not yet done so, except in the level of barangays (village) where a law has been passed prohibiting second degree relations to run in Under Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act. Candidates must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1252/anti-dynasty-provision-in-bbl
There is an attempt to include in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) a provision on anti-dynasty to limit the monopoly of big, rich, and powerful families to control the running of government. In fact, a provision on it has already been in the Senate version (Senate Bill No. 1717). In Article VII, Section 15, it states that no party representative should be related within the second (2nd) civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any a District Representative or another Party Representative in the same Parliament.
This is not a bad idea. The MILF fully understands the wisdom of such prohibition, and it is not and will not be averse to it.
However, the better order should be prohibiting District Representative within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any Party Representative or another District Representative in the same Parliament.
The reason for this is outstanding. In the BBL or in parliamentary system of government, political parties, which are deemed principled, play crucial roles in setting up good and accountable governance. Political parties are supposed to have clear platforms and programs to prevent such traditional practices of switching affiliations. It is the party principles or platforms that determine loyalties and memberships.
This is not first time that anti-dynasty prohibition is set by law. Under Section 10 of RA 10742, candidates in the SK elections “must not be related within the second degree of consanguinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.”
Second-degree relatives include grandparents, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, parents-in-law, daughters-in-law and sons-in-law. Moreover, it is one who shares 25% of a person's genes. It includes uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren, half-siblings, and double cousins
However, what is not reasonable is to include in this prohibition those running for mayors, vice mayors, councillors, provincial governors, vice governors, and board members. This is too much to load in the BBL. It can be a monkey wrench to frustrate the ratification of the BBL during the plebiscite.
The idea may be based on the best intentions. But there are times that good intentions create havoc, intrigue, and misunderstanding. Congress should pass first an enabling law to make true the provision of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines which states in Article II Section 26 that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.
But for reasons already known to everyone, Congress has not yet done so, except in the level of barangays (village) where a law has been passed prohibiting second degree relations to run in Under Republic Act 10742 or the SK Reform Act. Candidates must not be related within the second civil degree of consanguinity or affinity to any incumbent elected national official or to any incumbent elected regional, provincial, city, municipal or barangay official in the locality where he or she seeks to be elected.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1252/anti-dynasty-provision-in-bbl
MILF: Toks Ebrahim: Advocacy on BBL could help push the immediate passage of the proposed law
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 18): Toks Ebrahim: Advocacy on BBL could help push the immediate passage of the proposed law
GUINDULUNGAN, MAGUINDANAO---- “Advocacy on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could help push the immediate passage of the proposed law”, said Toks Ebrahim, Administrative Officer of General Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF)
In a peace advocacy organized by the MILF Kutawato Political Committee, Ebrahim in Guindulungan town on March 17, Ebrahim told the participants that the Moro people wanted to get back their long lost freedom through a political solution.
“Through a political struggle, and peace advocacy like this, the MILF is already recognized by the United Nations, and the international community as representative of the Moro people in their struggle for right to self-determination”, Ebrahim said in concluding his message.
Guest speaker Professor Esmael A. Abdula, Training Officer of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management nstitute (BLMI) and President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI), explained the stages of Bangsamoro Struggle for right to self-determination.
“BBL is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the Government of the Philippines, and the MILF on August 27, 2014”, Abdula said.
“The Moro people wants the BBL to be passed into law as soon as possible as a realization of their long aspiration for self-rule which reflects their culture, belief, custom and tradition”, Abdula added.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1253/toks-ebrahim--advocacy-on-bbl-could-help-push-the-immediate-passage-of-the-proposed-law
GUINDULUNGAN, MAGUINDANAO---- “Advocacy on Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) could help push the immediate passage of the proposed law”, said Toks Ebrahim, Administrative Officer of General Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces - Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF)
In a peace advocacy organized by the MILF Kutawato Political Committee, Ebrahim in Guindulungan town on March 17, Ebrahim told the participants that the Moro people wanted to get back their long lost freedom through a political solution.
“Through a political struggle, and peace advocacy like this, the MILF is already recognized by the United Nations, and the international community as representative of the Moro people in their struggle for right to self-determination”, Ebrahim said in concluding his message.
Guest speaker Professor Esmael A. Abdula, Training Officer of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management nstitute (BLMI) and President of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute (KPI), explained the stages of Bangsamoro Struggle for right to self-determination.
“BBL is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the Government of the Philippines, and the MILF on August 27, 2014”, Abdula said.
“The Moro people wants the BBL to be passed into law as soon as possible as a realization of their long aspiration for self-rule which reflects their culture, belief, custom and tradition”, Abdula added.
http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1253/toks-ebrahim--advocacy-on-bbl-could-help-push-the-immediate-passage-of-the-proposed-law
Lorenzana orders probe into alleged military abuses on IPs
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17): Lorenzana orders probe into alleged military abuses on IPs
T’boli, South cotabato – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered an investigation into the reported human rights violation committed by the military against eight members of a tribal group who were killed during a military operation in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato last December.
Lorenzana, who was guest speaker at the closing ceremonies of the 20th Seslong Festival here on Friday, said he has already ordered an investigation into the incident wherein eight members of Dulangan-Manobo tribal group, led by tribal chieftain Datu Victor Danian, were killed in an encounter between Army troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu on December 3, 2017.
The victims’ relatives have filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), alleging that the victims were summarily executed by soldiers belonging to 33rd Infantry Battalion and 27th Infantry Battalion.
Named respondents in the complaint are Lt.Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th IB commander and Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, 33rd IB commander, who both claimed that the incident was a legitimate military operation wherein the victims were killed after they figured in a firefight with government troops who were pursuing a band of NPA rebels who had encamped in the area.
Two soldiers were killed during the firefight.
Lorenzana also welcomed the investigation that will be conducted by CHR to determine whether the soldiers had committed lapses which resulted in the killing of the eight tribesmen.
“If they are guilty for committing human rights violation, then they should suffer the consequence,” Lorenzana said.
Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said the NPA used the tribal group members as their shield against pursuing government troops.
He said the NPA communist rebel group had manipulated members of Indigenous People who are opposed to the encroachment of D.M. Consunji Corp. into their ancestral domain in sitio Bong Langon, Barangay Ned Lake Sebu which was being developed into a coffee plantation.
The mayor said the brewing land dispute between the company and the tribal group members had aggravated after company employed militiamen to harass the tribesmen.
Lorenzana said he will deploy soldiers who are members of IP groups to undertake peace and security tasks in the hinterland villages of T’boli and Lake Sebu towns which are predominantly inhabited by B’laan and T’boli tribesmen.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/17/lorenzana-orders-probe-into-alleged-military-abuses-on-ips/
T’boli, South cotabato – Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered an investigation into the reported human rights violation committed by the military against eight members of a tribal group who were killed during a military operation in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato last December.
Lorenzana, who was guest speaker at the closing ceremonies of the 20th Seslong Festival here on Friday, said he has already ordered an investigation into the incident wherein eight members of Dulangan-Manobo tribal group, led by tribal chieftain Datu Victor Danian, were killed in an encounter between Army troops and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu on December 3, 2017.
The victims’ relatives have filed a complaint before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), alleging that the victims were summarily executed by soldiers belonging to 33rd Infantry Battalion and 27th Infantry Battalion.
Named respondents in the complaint are Lt.Col. Benjamin Leander, 27th IB commander and Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, 33rd IB commander, who both claimed that the incident was a legitimate military operation wherein the victims were killed after they figured in a firefight with government troops who were pursuing a band of NPA rebels who had encamped in the area.
Two soldiers were killed during the firefight.
Lorenzana also welcomed the investigation that will be conducted by CHR to determine whether the soldiers had committed lapses which resulted in the killing of the eight tribesmen.
“If they are guilty for committing human rights violation, then they should suffer the consequence,” Lorenzana said.
Lake Sebu Mayor Antonio Fungan said the NPA used the tribal group members as their shield against pursuing government troops.
He said the NPA communist rebel group had manipulated members of Indigenous People who are opposed to the encroachment of D.M. Consunji Corp. into their ancestral domain in sitio Bong Langon, Barangay Ned Lake Sebu which was being developed into a coffee plantation.
The mayor said the brewing land dispute between the company and the tribal group members had aggravated after company employed militiamen to harass the tribesmen.
Lorenzana said he will deploy soldiers who are members of IP groups to undertake peace and security tasks in the hinterland villages of T’boli and Lake Sebu towns which are predominantly inhabited by B’laan and T’boli tribesmen.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/17/lorenzana-orders-probe-into-alleged-military-abuses-on-ips/
Epitome of bravery, gallantry
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17): Epitome of bravery, gallantry
There is perhaps no better epitome for gallantry and bravery than Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa.
For five times, he has been wounded in battle. And in the two times that he was hurt in Marawi last year, he demanded to only be injected with anti-tetanus drugs before promptly returning to action.
It was also in Marawi that he threw himself on to an improvised explosive device (IED) just to protect his fellow soldiers. Mercifully, the bomb did not explode.
A HERO’S SALUTE – Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa can barely lift his arm to salute Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) head Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. who visited the battle-scarred Scout Ranger in a Zamboanga City hospital last Thursday. (Nonoy E. Lacson)
These were just a few of the heroic tales that were shared when Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. visited Basa at a hospital here Thursday.
Basa is recuperating from a head wound he sustained when he and members of the Fifth Scout Rangers Battalion (SRB) encountered fighters from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Panglahayan in Patikul, Sulu.
The government forces were attempting to rescue kidnap victims who were still in the hands of the ASG under Radulan Sahiron and sub-leaders Julie Ekit, Amlon Abtahi, and a certain Amah Asam.
According to 5th SRB commander Lt. Col. Jomalesa, Basa was part of the lead company, which had to crawl inch-by-inch just to get close to their objective.
“Nakita na namin ang kalaban nung tanghali subalit maingat na maingat kami sapagkat iniisip namin ang kalagayan ng mga hostages,” said Capt. Jay Maravillo, company commander of the 14th Scout Ranger Company.
And when Basa and his men saw that the hostages were no longer in the vicinity, they engaged their foes in a fierce firefight.
Basa and five other government troops were wounded in the encounter, while five ASG fighters were killed.
It was also Maravillo who recalled how Basa once threw his body on to an IED which lay in ambush in one of their patrols in Marawi.
“Bilib kaming lahat kay S/Sgt Basa, napakatapang at napakagaling nya. Diko makalimutan yung isang nangyari sa Marawi na may nagsabi sa kanya na merong explosive sa kanilang dadaanan, at dinapaan nya ito para isalba ang buhay ng mga kasamahan, pero swerte lang na hindi pumutok,” said Maravilla.
One of the companions of Basa also said that in two instances in Marawi, Basa was hit by shrapnel from IED attacks.
According to him, Basa only asked to be injected with the anti- tetanus vaccine, and after a rest of just a few days, he asked to be returned to the front lines with his men.
“Madaming sumusunod sa kanya kapag sya na ang nag le-lead ng tropa. Talagang nangunguna, at walang takot. Lagi nya sinasabi na kailangan ako ng tropa ko,” Basa’s comrade said.
Even Galvez could not help but be emotional when he visited Basa.
“I am emotional and so touched by his gesture to salute me even if he is still incapable of moving his hand and body,” said Galvez.
“It only shows that even in his subconscious mind he still practiced the highest sense of honor, obedience and respect to his superiors and to the flag. I have given orders for my staff to work for the revival of his Medal for Valor award recommendation and for the other awards that are due to this battle tested brave soldier,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/17/epitome-of-bravery-gallantry/
There is perhaps no better epitome for gallantry and bravery than Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa.
For five times, he has been wounded in battle. And in the two times that he was hurt in Marawi last year, he demanded to only be injected with anti-tetanus drugs before promptly returning to action.
It was also in Marawi that he threw himself on to an improvised explosive device (IED) just to protect his fellow soldiers. Mercifully, the bomb did not explode.
A HERO’S SALUTE – Staff Sergeant Antonino Basa can barely lift his arm to salute Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) head Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. who visited the battle-scarred Scout Ranger in a Zamboanga City hospital last Thursday. (Nonoy E. Lacson)
These were just a few of the heroic tales that were shared when Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Commander Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. visited Basa at a hospital here Thursday.
Basa is recuperating from a head wound he sustained when he and members of the Fifth Scout Rangers Battalion (SRB) encountered fighters from the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Barangay Panglahayan in Patikul, Sulu.
The government forces were attempting to rescue kidnap victims who were still in the hands of the ASG under Radulan Sahiron and sub-leaders Julie Ekit, Amlon Abtahi, and a certain Amah Asam.
According to 5th SRB commander Lt. Col. Jomalesa, Basa was part of the lead company, which had to crawl inch-by-inch just to get close to their objective.
“Nakita na namin ang kalaban nung tanghali subalit maingat na maingat kami sapagkat iniisip namin ang kalagayan ng mga hostages,” said Capt. Jay Maravillo, company commander of the 14th Scout Ranger Company.
And when Basa and his men saw that the hostages were no longer in the vicinity, they engaged their foes in a fierce firefight.
Basa and five other government troops were wounded in the encounter, while five ASG fighters were killed.
It was also Maravillo who recalled how Basa once threw his body on to an IED which lay in ambush in one of their patrols in Marawi.
“Bilib kaming lahat kay S/Sgt Basa, napakatapang at napakagaling nya. Diko makalimutan yung isang nangyari sa Marawi na may nagsabi sa kanya na merong explosive sa kanilang dadaanan, at dinapaan nya ito para isalba ang buhay ng mga kasamahan, pero swerte lang na hindi pumutok,” said Maravilla.
One of the companions of Basa also said that in two instances in Marawi, Basa was hit by shrapnel from IED attacks.
According to him, Basa only asked to be injected with the anti- tetanus vaccine, and after a rest of just a few days, he asked to be returned to the front lines with his men.
“Madaming sumusunod sa kanya kapag sya na ang nag le-lead ng tropa. Talagang nangunguna, at walang takot. Lagi nya sinasabi na kailangan ako ng tropa ko,” Basa’s comrade said.
Even Galvez could not help but be emotional when he visited Basa.
“I am emotional and so touched by his gesture to salute me even if he is still incapable of moving his hand and body,” said Galvez.
“It only shows that even in his subconscious mind he still practiced the highest sense of honor, obedience and respect to his superiors and to the flag. I have given orders for my staff to work for the revival of his Medal for Valor award recommendation and for the other awards that are due to this battle tested brave soldier,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/03/17/epitome-of-bravery-gallantry/
Rebel body found in Agusan Sur
From the Manila Times (Mar 17): Rebel body found in Agusan Sur
A DECAYED body of a New Peoples’ Army (NPA) member, together with an AK47 rifle, five magazines and ammunitions, were recovered by government troopers in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur around 1:50 p.m. Wednesday.
1st Lt. Tere Ingente, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said that earlier that day, residents of Barangay Bunawan Brooks reported to the Community Support Team (CST) of the 75th Infantry Battalion that a cadaver was found in Road 1K.
Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, the 75IB commanding officer, said the information given by the populace “led to the recovery of the decayed body.”
“Further, it can now be given decent burial,” Datuin said adding that the NPA guerilla apparently left their comrade. “They don’t look
after the welfare of their comrades.”
Last Feb. 18, government troopers also recovered two bodies of suspected rebels believed to be abandoned by their comrades in the same area.
Col. Andres Centino, the commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, said the latest recovered body could belong to a NPA rebel who was killed in the Feb. 18 encounter.
A series of encounters transpired in the hinterlands of Bunawan Brooks from Feb. 14, to 17, resulting to the seizure of different war materials such as improvised explosive device, detonating cord, detonating switch and blasting cap, 50 meters wire, one magazine for AK47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition.
“This is not the first time that the NPA terrorists left the dead body of their cohorts,” Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of 4th Infantry division, said.
“As a matter of fact, a month ago, they left three bodies of their cohorts after the series of encounters with our troops in 401st Brigade,” Villanueva said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/rebel-body-found-in-agusan-sur/
A DECAYED body of a New Peoples’ Army (NPA) member, together with an AK47 rifle, five magazines and ammunitions, were recovered by government troopers in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur around 1:50 p.m. Wednesday.
1st Lt. Tere Ingente, the spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said that earlier that day, residents of Barangay Bunawan Brooks reported to the Community Support Team (CST) of the 75th Infantry Battalion that a cadaver was found in Road 1K.
Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, the 75IB commanding officer, said the information given by the populace “led to the recovery of the decayed body.”
“Further, it can now be given decent burial,” Datuin said adding that the NPA guerilla apparently left their comrade. “They don’t look
after the welfare of their comrades.”
Last Feb. 18, government troopers also recovered two bodies of suspected rebels believed to be abandoned by their comrades in the same area.
Col. Andres Centino, the commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade based in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, said the latest recovered body could belong to a NPA rebel who was killed in the Feb. 18 encounter.
A series of encounters transpired in the hinterlands of Bunawan Brooks from Feb. 14, to 17, resulting to the seizure of different war materials such as improvised explosive device, detonating cord, detonating switch and blasting cap, 50 meters wire, one magazine for AK47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition.
“This is not the first time that the NPA terrorists left the dead body of their cohorts,” Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of 4th Infantry division, said.
“As a matter of fact, a month ago, they left three bodies of their cohorts after the series of encounters with our troops in 401st Brigade,” Villanueva said.
http://mindanaotimes.net/rebel-body-found-in-agusan-sur/
PH Army recognized in London for strategy execution
From Rappler (Mar 17): PH Army recognized in London for strategy execution
The award recognizes the Army Transformation Roadmap, a key strategy direction that has guided the Army in professionalizing the service
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista was in London this week to receive the prestigious Palladium award that recognized the Army's "brilliant accomplishments in positive impact and strategy execution."
The award was based on the Army's score in the Palladium Balanced Scorecard that was crafted by Harvard Business Group professor emeritus Robert Kaplan.
Bautista received the Hall of Fame award from Kaplan himself during a well-attended summit in London, the "Reimagine Strategy: Palladium Positive Impact Summit."
“I would want everyone here to remember the main reason why we bade for the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame. More than the award is the proof that we have a functioning and world-class strategy," Bautista said in his acceptance speech.
"We promise to continue the journey so that we will be better of service to the Filipino people as a transformed Army they can truly be proud of," he added.
The Army applied for the award. A team of evaluators was sent to the Philippines in January to conduct on-site evaluation. It was led by David McMillan, director of the Office of Strategy Management of the Palladium Group.
They looked into the Army Transformation Roadmap, a key strategy direction that has guided the Army in professionalizing the service. It was crafted based on Kaplan's strategy management system.
Colonel Joel Paloma, chief of the Army Governance and Strategy Management Office accompanied Bautista.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198355-philippine-army-london-palladium
The award recognizes the Army Transformation Roadmap, a key strategy direction that has guided the Army in professionalizing the service
HALL OF FAME. The Philippine Army is inducted into the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame. Photo from the Philippine Army
Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista was in London this week to receive the prestigious Palladium award that recognized the Army's "brilliant accomplishments in positive impact and strategy execution."
The award was based on the Army's score in the Palladium Balanced Scorecard that was crafted by Harvard Business Group professor emeritus Robert Kaplan.
Bautista received the Hall of Fame award from Kaplan himself during a well-attended summit in London, the "Reimagine Strategy: Palladium Positive Impact Summit."
“I would want everyone here to remember the main reason why we bade for the Palladium Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame. More than the award is the proof that we have a functioning and world-class strategy," Bautista said in his acceptance speech.
"We promise to continue the journey so that we will be better of service to the Filipino people as a transformed Army they can truly be proud of," he added.
The Army applied for the award. A team of evaluators was sent to the Philippines in January to conduct on-site evaluation. It was led by David McMillan, director of the Office of Strategy Management of the Palladium Group.
They looked into the Army Transformation Roadmap, a key strategy direction that has guided the Army in professionalizing the service. It was crafted based on Kaplan's strategy management system.
Colonel Joel Paloma, chief of the Army Governance and Strategy Management Office accompanied Bautista.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198355-philippine-army-london-palladium
IN PHOTOS: PH Navy finally retires World War 2 warship
From Rappler (Mar 17): IN PHOTOS: PH Navy finally retires World War 2 warship
The Philippine Navy this week said goodbye to one of the world's oldest active warships, a hand-me-down relic from World War 2.
BRP Rajah Humabon (PS11), a 75-year-old Cannon-class destroyer escort, was decomissioned on Thursday, March 15, in a simple ceremony at the headquarters of the Philippine Fleet in Cavite City.
It served the Philippines for 38 years.
It was led by Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Danilo Rodelas.
Humabon was originally USS Atherton, commissioned by the US Navy in 1943, in the middle of the World War II. It was transferred to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JDS Hatsui) after the war, in 1955, and to the Philippine Navy in 1976.
Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lieutenant Sahirul Taib said Humabon will be turned into a museum after it is stripped of its navigational equipment.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198370-photos-rajah-humabon-decommissioned
RETIRED. BRP Rajah Humabon served the Philippine Navy for 38 years. All photos from the Philippine Fleet
The Philippine Navy this week said goodbye to one of the world's oldest active warships, a hand-me-down relic from World War 2.
BRP Rajah Humabon (PS11), a 75-year-old Cannon-class destroyer escort, was decomissioned on Thursday, March 15, in a simple ceremony at the headquarters of the Philippine Fleet in Cavite City.
It served the Philippines for 38 years.
It was led by Philippine Fleet commander Rear Admiral Danilo Rodelas.
Humabon was originally USS Atherton, commissioned by the US Navy in 1943, in the middle of the World War II. It was transferred to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JDS Hatsui) after the war, in 1955, and to the Philippine Navy in 1976.
Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lieutenant Sahirul Taib said Humabon will be turned into a museum after it is stripped of its navigational equipment.
Philippine flagship
The warship was sold to the Philippines as Excess Defense Article in 1976 and then refitted in Korea before it was formally commissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1980.
It became the Philippine flagship in 1995, deployed to represent the country in naval exercises with foreign navies including Show of Flag tours in different Southeast Asian ports.
It remained active until it was recently replaced by the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, one of 3 newer warships from the US, as the country's flagship.
In its final years in the service, Humabon was used as a training ship although it was still ocassionally deployed to escort or welcome arriving foreign vessels.
The warship was sold to the Philippines as Excess Defense Article in 1976 and then refitted in Korea before it was formally commissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1980.
It became the Philippine flagship in 1995, deployed to represent the country in naval exercises with foreign navies including Show of Flag tours in different Southeast Asian ports.
It remained active until it was recently replaced by the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, one of 3 newer warships from the US, as the country's flagship.
In its final years in the service, Humabon was used as a training ship although it was still ocassionally deployed to escort or welcome arriving foreign vessels.
Modest modernization
The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia, recently embarked on a modest modernization program.
It is acquiring two brand new warships from South Korea for P15.7 billion. The project became controversial following the removal of former Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado. (READ: Ousted PH Navy chief wanted 'proven technology' for warships)
The Philippines hosted large US bases and thousands of American soldiers until the 1990s when they were evicted by the Philippine Senate.
The alliance has survived and the US continues to support the Philippine military in terms of hardware, training, and intelligence sharing among others.
The Philippines, which has one of the weakest militaries in Asia, recently embarked on a modest modernization program.
It is acquiring two brand new warships from South Korea for P15.7 billion. The project became controversial following the removal of former Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Ronald Mercado. (READ: Ousted PH Navy chief wanted 'proven technology' for warships)
The Philippines hosted large US bases and thousands of American soldiers until the 1990s when they were evicted by the Philippine Senate.
The alliance has survived and the US continues to support the Philippine military in terms of hardware, training, and intelligence sharing among others.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/198370-photos-rajah-humabon-decommissioned
IN PHOTOS: PMA Alab Tala Class of 2018 splashes in pre-grad tradition
From Rappler (Mar 17): IN PHOTOS: PMA Alab Tala Class of 2018 splashes in pre-grad tradition
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2018 will be commissioned as military officers by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, March 18, but not before going through a pre-graduation tradition.
The graduating cadets were thrown into the sundial pool inside PMA in Bagiuo City on Saturday, March 17.
They were carried from their barracks and thrown to the pool by their yearlings or mentees.
The Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas or Alab Tala Class of 2018 is composed of 282 first class cadets.
The class valedictorian is 25-year-old Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria, a son of an Iloilo farmer, and in a rare feat, also the class baron. (READ: 7 things you need to know about PMA valedictorians, barons)
PMA Alab Tala Class of 2018 also has the most women graduates.
TRADITION. All graduating cadets of PMA are thrown into the pool by their yearlings or mentees a day before graduation. All photos by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2018 will be commissioned as military officers by no less than President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday, March 18, but not before going through a pre-graduation tradition.
The graduating cadets were thrown into the sundial pool inside PMA in Bagiuo City on Saturday, March 17.
The Alagad ng Lahing Binigkis ng Tapang at Lakas or Alab Tala Class of 2018 is composed of 282 first class cadets.
The class valedictorian is 25-year-old Jaywardene Galilea Hontoria, a son of an Iloilo farmer, and in a rare feat, also the class baron. (READ: 7 things you need to know about PMA valedictorians, barons)
PMA Alab Tala Class of 2018 also has the most women graduates.
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler
Photo by Mauricio Victa/Rappler