From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14): Abu Sayyaf surrenderers climb to 179
The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers have climbed to 179 this year as two more bandits gave themselves up to authorities in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Thursday.
Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the two as Ranu Jillang and Ben Kirah, both former followers of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and sub-leader Salvador Muktadil.
Dela Vega said Jillang and Kirah surrendered at around 9 a.m. Tuesday to the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) headed by Lt. Col. Ramil Holgado in Barangay Seit Lake (Poblacion), Panamao, Sulu.
Mayor Al-Fraizer Abdurajak of Old Panamao town, in coordination with Col. Armel Tolato, commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, facilitated the surrender of the two ASG bandits.
Dela Vega said the two surrenderers were brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista for medical examination and custodial debriefing.
“The accomplishments of our Joint Task Forces are greatly attributed to the indefatigable support of the local government units and the populace,” he said.
Of the 179 ASG surrenderers this year, he said, 75 yielded in Basilan, 95 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.
“Rest assured all the surrenderers will be catered with the programs launched by the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for all those who chose to return to the folds of the law,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047919
Thursday, September 13, 2018
100-year-old Filipino WWII veteran tears up receiving U.S. medal
From Rappler (Sep 13): 100-year-old Filipino WWII veteran tears up receiving U.S. medal
Thirteen Filipino World War II veterans are awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal on September 13, the first of among many who will be given long-overdue recognition for fighting alongside the Americans during the war.
Thirteen Filipino World War II veterans are awarded the U.S. Congressional Medal on September 13, the first of among many who will be given long-overdue recognition for fighting alongside the Americans during the war.
OVERDUE RECOGNITION. Technical Sergeant Sixto Navidad is the oldest Filipino veteran to receive the US Congressional Medal, the highest civilian award in the US, bestowed on a person or a group that performed an 'outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the US.’ Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler
Assisted by an embassy staff, 100-year-old World War II veteran Technical Sergeant Sixto Navidad rose from his wheelchair to stand in attention when the national anthem of the Philippines and the United States were played.
He wore his now-oversized black americana coat on Thursday, September 13, to receive the US Congress Gold Medal in a ceremony held at the US embassy in Manila.
The audience, which fell into a hush to listen to an embassy staff read out Navidad's contributions during the war, erupted into a loud applause when it was announced he was 100 years old, the oldest among 13 recipients of the award on Thursday.
Navidad had a pensive look on his face, visibly honored by the ceremony and the applause. He was flanked by US Ambassador Sung Kim on one side and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina on the other. US and Philippine Marines were standing in attention behind him to fly the flags of both countries.
His slow hands received the medal from the ambassador. He stared for a good while at the replica of the huge golden metal and then looked up at the high-ranking officials almost tearing up, prompting Kim and Lorenzana to pat him on the back.
He held the medal up for the audience to see as his wheelchair was rolled from the stage to join his fellow awardees.
The US Congressional Medal is the highest civilian award in the US, bestowed on a person or a group that performed an “outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the US.”
REPLICA. A bronze replica of the Filipino World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal is displayed during a ceremony at the U.S. embassy in the Philippines on September 13, 2018. Photo courtesy of United States embassy in Manila
Navidad fought for the United States Army Forces in the Far East (Usaffe) from 1941 to 1945 under the 93rd Infantry, 91st Division, that was recognized for fighting the Japanese in defense of the Lingayen Gulf and Bataan. After the war, he continued to serve the Philippine Army until 1966.
The ceremony on Thursday was the first of such rites planned around the Philippines to give long overdue recognition to Filipinos who fought alongside the Americans in Bataan, Corregidor, and Manila, among other battles during the war.
In 1941, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called over 250,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans into service to fight with the Usaffe under commanders like General Douglas MacArthur. But President Harry Truman would later strip Filipinos of military benefits, triggering decades-long fight for Filipino veterans to obtain compensation.
In 2016, US Congress passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. President Barack Obama signed it into law.
“We pause to honor their lives and legacies. What they have freely given is beyond our power to repay. On this day, at this time, we recognize our debt for their sacrifices with deepest and profound appreciation,” Kim said in his speech during the ceremony.
“To the selfless Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with the American soldiers during World War II, you will always be remembered by our grateful nation. Thank you very, very much,” Kim said.
The ceremony on Thursday was a dream come true for the 13 recipients.
“I am overjoyed that after more than seven decades, we Filipino veterans of World War II, who fought side by side the United States Armed Forces, are finally getting the honor and recognition we deserve for our bravery and heroism, and our selfless sacrifice and dedicated service during the war,” said retired Colonel Paterno Viloria, whose unit supported US Rangers in the rescue of American prisoners of war in Nueva Ecija.
Viloria also served in the Korean War and continued his service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines until he retired in 1968. He's 95.
Lorenzana himself, who has 3 uncles who fought in the war, was moved by the ceremony. “That was very emotional to me. I almost cried,” said Lorenzana during the speech.
As former defense attaché to the US, Lorenzana played a role in the campaign to get US Congress to pass the law recognizing Filipino veterans. He recalled how the late Senator John McCain was among the lawmakers who supported the campaign.
The first ceremony to award the medals was held in the US in October 2017. It was decided that succeeding ones should be held in different parts of the Philippines.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/211930-filipino-world-war-2-veteran-sixto-navidad-tears-up-receiving-us-medal
He wore his now-oversized black americana coat on Thursday, September 13, to receive the US Congress Gold Medal in a ceremony held at the US embassy in Manila.
The audience, which fell into a hush to listen to an embassy staff read out Navidad's contributions during the war, erupted into a loud applause when it was announced he was 100 years old, the oldest among 13 recipients of the award on Thursday.
Navidad had a pensive look on his face, visibly honored by the ceremony and the applause. He was flanked by US Ambassador Sung Kim on one side and Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and Undersecretary Ernesto Carolina on the other. US and Philippine Marines were standing in attention behind him to fly the flags of both countries.
His slow hands received the medal from the ambassador. He stared for a good while at the replica of the huge golden metal and then looked up at the high-ranking officials almost tearing up, prompting Kim and Lorenzana to pat him on the back.
He held the medal up for the audience to see as his wheelchair was rolled from the stage to join his fellow awardees.
The US Congressional Medal is the highest civilian award in the US, bestowed on a person or a group that performed an “outstanding deed or act of service to the security, prosperity, and national interest of the US.”
REPLICA. A bronze replica of the Filipino World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal is displayed during a ceremony at the U.S. embassy in the Philippines on September 13, 2018. Photo courtesy of United States embassy in Manila
Navidad fought for the United States Army Forces in the Far East (Usaffe) from 1941 to 1945 under the 93rd Infantry, 91st Division, that was recognized for fighting the Japanese in defense of the Lingayen Gulf and Bataan. After the war, he continued to serve the Philippine Army until 1966.
The ceremony on Thursday was the first of such rites planned around the Philippines to give long overdue recognition to Filipinos who fought alongside the Americans in Bataan, Corregidor, and Manila, among other battles during the war.
In 1941, US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called over 250,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Americans into service to fight with the Usaffe under commanders like General Douglas MacArthur. But President Harry Truman would later strip Filipinos of military benefits, triggering decades-long fight for Filipino veterans to obtain compensation.
In 2016, US Congress passed the Filipino Veterans of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. President Barack Obama signed it into law.
“We pause to honor their lives and legacies. What they have freely given is beyond our power to repay. On this day, at this time, we recognize our debt for their sacrifices with deepest and profound appreciation,” Kim said in his speech during the ceremony.
“To the selfless Filipino soldiers who fought side by side with the American soldiers during World War II, you will always be remembered by our grateful nation. Thank you very, very much,” Kim said.
The ceremony on Thursday was a dream come true for the 13 recipients.
“I am overjoyed that after more than seven decades, we Filipino veterans of World War II, who fought side by side the United States Armed Forces, are finally getting the honor and recognition we deserve for our bravery and heroism, and our selfless sacrifice and dedicated service during the war,” said retired Colonel Paterno Viloria, whose unit supported US Rangers in the rescue of American prisoners of war in Nueva Ecija.
Viloria also served in the Korean War and continued his service in the Armed Forces of the Philippines until he retired in 1968. He's 95.
Lorenzana himself, who has 3 uncles who fought in the war, was moved by the ceremony. “That was very emotional to me. I almost cried,” said Lorenzana during the speech.
As former defense attaché to the US, Lorenzana played a role in the campaign to get US Congress to pass the law recognizing Filipino veterans. He recalled how the late Senator John McCain was among the lawmakers who supported the campaign.
The first ceremony to award the medals was held in the US in October 2017. It was decided that succeeding ones should be held in different parts of the Philippines.
Statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 12): Statement from the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo
AFP Spokesman
There has been persistent queries from media about various observations that the public asks. From alleged sightings of tanks, to military helicopters, or even red alert status of military camps. Matters that are otherwise normal occurrences.
We wish to categorically state that there were no such sizeable movements of military aircraft or armoured vehicles.
And even if there were any in they past or in the future, those were or will be routine movements that are properly coordinated. These transportations may happen any time of the day or night especially in localities where there are military camps. Some are even announced to the public in so far as they will not compromise operational security.
We urge the public to stay calm. There is no cause for alarm.
With this goes our appeal to the public to stop spreading rumours or conjectures. They don’t help. They tend to sow misinformation, confusion, and worst—panic. The public should be wary of persons or groups who maliciously spread such rumours.
https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1012600
Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo
AFP Spokesman
There has been persistent queries from media about various observations that the public asks. From alleged sightings of tanks, to military helicopters, or even red alert status of military camps. Matters that are otherwise normal occurrences.
We wish to categorically state that there were no such sizeable movements of military aircraft or armoured vehicles.
And even if there were any in they past or in the future, those were or will be routine movements that are properly coordinated. These transportations may happen any time of the day or night especially in localities where there are military camps. Some are even announced to the public in so far as they will not compromise operational security.
We urge the public to stay calm. There is no cause for alarm.
With this goes our appeal to the public to stop spreading rumours or conjectures. They don’t help. They tend to sow misinformation, confusion, and worst—panic. The public should be wary of persons or groups who maliciously spread such rumours.
https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1012600
Red rebels kill nine in Visayas ambush
From the Gulf Today (Sep 13): Red rebels kill nine in Visayas ambush
Heavily armed members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) ambushed a truckload of people returning home after attending a “barangay” (village) dance in Negros Occidental province in the Visayas in Central Philippines, killing at least nine people including a policeman and a woman, police confirmed on Wednesday.
Superintendent Celestino Guerra, the provincial police chief, said the rebels fired from their ambush position in a sugarcane field as the truck wended its way towards a village in the town of La Castillana, Negros Occidental at dawn on Sunday.
Based on the testimonies of survivors, Guerra said about 20 heavily armed insurgents raked the victims’ truck with automatic rifle fire at the foothills of Mount Kanlaon, firing at least 300 rounds of ammunition.
“Two of our wounded policemen managed to return fire but there were just too many gunmen firing away and were forced to retreat,” Guerra said on the latest deadly attack by the NPAs since President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte formally ended their formal peace talks with the government.
He also cited the testimony of one of the survivors who told the police that he overheard the insurgents yelling in Filipino, “Mabuhay ang NPA” (Long live the NPA) as they withdrew towards Mount Kanlaon, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, an Army infantry brigade commander, confirmed that the ambush was perpetrated by the NPA, the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines that has been waging a Maoist-style insurgency against the government for 50 years, considered the longest in the region.
Duterte formally ended the negotiations early this year due to the unabated attacks by the NPAs on business establishments as well as police and military outposts while their representatives were peace with the government in Oslo, Norway as the third party facilitator.
Duterte also accused the Maoists of engaging in massive extortion activities under the guise of demanding payment of “revolutionary taxes” from business firms especially mining and bus companies.
Meanwhile, police reported that 14 senior citizens were killed when the overloaded minibus they were riding lost its brakes and plunged into a 200-metre ravine in the the town of Balolan in Kalinga province in the Northern Luzon highlands.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/3f91e6d2-f697-464a-a531-1a0c54df3312.aspx
Heavily armed members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) ambushed a truckload of people returning home after attending a “barangay” (village) dance in Negros Occidental province in the Visayas in Central Philippines, killing at least nine people including a policeman and a woman, police confirmed on Wednesday.
Superintendent Celestino Guerra, the provincial police chief, said the rebels fired from their ambush position in a sugarcane field as the truck wended its way towards a village in the town of La Castillana, Negros Occidental at dawn on Sunday.
Based on the testimonies of survivors, Guerra said about 20 heavily armed insurgents raked the victims’ truck with automatic rifle fire at the foothills of Mount Kanlaon, firing at least 300 rounds of ammunition.
“Two of our wounded policemen managed to return fire but there were just too many gunmen firing away and were forced to retreat,” Guerra said on the latest deadly attack by the NPAs since President Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte formally ended their formal peace talks with the government.
He also cited the testimony of one of the survivors who told the police that he overheard the insurgents yelling in Filipino, “Mabuhay ang NPA” (Long live the NPA) as they withdrew towards Mount Kanlaon, one of the country’s most active volcanoes.
Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, an Army infantry brigade commander, confirmed that the ambush was perpetrated by the NPA, the armed component of the Communist Party of the Philippines that has been waging a Maoist-style insurgency against the government for 50 years, considered the longest in the region.
Duterte formally ended the negotiations early this year due to the unabated attacks by the NPAs on business establishments as well as police and military outposts while their representatives were peace with the government in Oslo, Norway as the third party facilitator.
Duterte also accused the Maoists of engaging in massive extortion activities under the guise of demanding payment of “revolutionary taxes” from business firms especially mining and bus companies.
Meanwhile, police reported that 14 senior citizens were killed when the overloaded minibus they were riding lost its brakes and plunged into a 200-metre ravine in the the town of Balolan in Kalinga province in the Northern Luzon highlands.
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/3f91e6d2-f697-464a-a531-1a0c54df3312.aspx
2 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Sep 13): 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender in Sulu
TWO members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered amid the relentless offensive against them in the province of Sulu, a top military official announced on Thursday, September 13.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the surrenderees as Ranu Jillang and Ben Kirah, both former followers of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and sub-leader Salvador Muktadil.
Dela Vega said they surrendered around 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, to the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 in the village of Seit Lake (Poblacion), Panamao, Sulu.
Mayor Al-Fraizer Abdurajak of Old Panamao town in coordination with Col. Armel Tolato, commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, facilitated the surrender of the two ASG bandits.
Dela Vega said the two surrenderors were taken to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista for medical examination and custodial debriefing.
He said the surrender of the two have brought to a total of 179 ASG bandits who surrendered to government authorities since January this year.
Of the total, 75 surrendered in Basilan, 95 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.
Dela Vega assured that all the ASG surrenderors will be catered with the programs launched by the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines “for all those who chose to return to the folds of the law.”
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1764156/Zamboanga/Local-News/2-Abu-Sayyaf-bandits-surrender-in-Sulu
TWO members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have surrendered amid the relentless offensive against them in the province of Sulu, a top military official announced on Thursday, September 13.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the surrenderees as Ranu Jillang and Ben Kirah, both former followers of the late ASG sub-leader Alhabsy Misaya and sub-leader Salvador Muktadil.
Dela Vega said they surrendered around 9 a.m., Tuesday, September 11, to the troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 in the village of Seit Lake (Poblacion), Panamao, Sulu.
Mayor Al-Fraizer Abdurajak of Old Panamao town in coordination with Col. Armel Tolato, commander of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu, facilitated the surrender of the two ASG bandits.
Dela Vega said the two surrenderors were taken to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista for medical examination and custodial debriefing.
He said the surrender of the two have brought to a total of 179 ASG bandits who surrendered to government authorities since January this year.
Of the total, 75 surrendered in Basilan, 95 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.
Dela Vega assured that all the ASG surrenderors will be catered with the programs launched by the Philippine government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines “for all those who chose to return to the folds of the law.”
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1764156/Zamboanga/Local-News/2-Abu-Sayyaf-bandits-surrender-in-Sulu
DWDD: GEARED UP | NOLCOM Disaster Response Teams ready for TY “Ompong”
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sept 13): GEARED UP | NOLCOM Disaster Response Teams ready for TY “Ompong”
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – Disaster Response Task Groups (DRTG) of the Northern Luzon Command are already deployed in their designated areas and are geared up for the possible incursion of Typhoon “Ompong” which threatens Northern and Central Luzon.
Since September 10, 2018, NOLCOM forces were already mobilized and are on Blue Alert. Each of the Infantry Brigades (702nd, 703rd, 502nd, and 503rd) of NOLCOM has DRTG to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to their people in calamity-susceptible areas.
DRTG 1 of the 702nd Brigade is focused to provide assistance in the Ilocos Region, DRTG 2 of the 502nd Brigade for the Cagayan Valley, DRTG3 of the 703rd Brigade focuses in Region 3, and DRTG Cordillera of the 503rd Brigade in the Cordillera Administrative Region. All military conveyance and equipment are ready for use in any case the need arises.
As of September 12, 2018 (Tuesday), NOLCOM is working together with the volunteer organizations and other stakeholders in repacking for goods that will be given away as relief packages supposing the downpour of typhoon Ompong.
NOLCOM is closely coordinated with the Office of the Civil Defense stimulated with their Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Councils (DRRMC) in monitoring and providing advisories to the public in raising awareness and preparedness for this tropical cyclone.
As typhoon Ompong is nearing, the Northern Luzon Command intensifies its preparations and contingency plans. NOLCOM will readily conduct HADRO to ensure the safety of the populace and aid assistance to any natural calamity-induced incidents that may endanger the lives of the people. NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/13/geared-up-nolcom-disaster-response-teams-ready-for-ty-ompong/
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – Disaster Response Task Groups (DRTG) of the Northern Luzon Command are already deployed in their designated areas and are geared up for the possible incursion of Typhoon “Ompong” which threatens Northern and Central Luzon.
Since September 10, 2018, NOLCOM forces were already mobilized and are on Blue Alert. Each of the Infantry Brigades (702nd, 703rd, 502nd, and 503rd) of NOLCOM has DRTG to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response to their people in calamity-susceptible areas.
DRTG 1 of the 702nd Brigade is focused to provide assistance in the Ilocos Region, DRTG 2 of the 502nd Brigade for the Cagayan Valley, DRTG3 of the 703rd Brigade focuses in Region 3, and DRTG Cordillera of the 503rd Brigade in the Cordillera Administrative Region. All military conveyance and equipment are ready for use in any case the need arises.
As of September 12, 2018 (Tuesday), NOLCOM is working together with the volunteer organizations and other stakeholders in repacking for goods that will be given away as relief packages supposing the downpour of typhoon Ompong.
NOLCOM is closely coordinated with the Office of the Civil Defense stimulated with their Emergency Operations Centers (EOC), and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Councils (DRRMC) in monitoring and providing advisories to the public in raising awareness and preparedness for this tropical cyclone.
As typhoon Ompong is nearing, the Northern Luzon Command intensifies its preparations and contingency plans. NOLCOM will readily conduct HADRO to ensure the safety of the populace and aid assistance to any natural calamity-induced incidents that may endanger the lives of the people. NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/13/geared-up-nolcom-disaster-response-teams-ready-for-ty-ompong/
DWDD: NO PARTISAN POLITICS | 5ID Commander, urge troops to focus on their job
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sept 13): NO PARTISAN POLITICS | 5ID Commander, urge troops to focus on their job
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The Commander, 5th Infantry “Star” Division, Philippine Army, Major General Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., urged all Star Troopers to focus on their job and not to involve themselves in partisan politics.
This guidance came after the Chief-Of-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. issued a statement reminding all soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines not to meddle or take part in partisan politics. That, loyalty should be in the constitution and all troops must adhere to the rule of law and always obey the Chain of Command.
The said guidance was re-echoed down to the lowest echelon of the Command, to the farthest and isolated military detachments in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Regions.
“I urge all Star Troopers to focus on their job. Don’t be influenced by any individual or political groups to be involved in any attempt to destabilize our government. As individual, we have different political views, and we understand that, but we must always put in our mind, our constitutional duty to this country and to the people. As our AFP Chief of Staff, has said, all violators will be dealt accordingly and personnel who will get involved will be immediately relieved from their post and investigated.” MGen Rimando Jr, said.
“We have a lot of work to do. The enemies of the people, the Communist –NPA-Terrorist (CNT) are there, waiting for an opportune time to strike and add havoc with the on-going political activities in our country. We will not allow them (CNTs) to pursue their plans against us, to the Filipino people and to our government. So, I urge everybody to focus only on their job.” MGen Rimando Jr, stressed. 5DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/13/no-partisan-politics-5id-commander-urge-troops-to-focus-on-their-job/
CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela (DWDD) – The Commander, 5th Infantry “Star” Division, Philippine Army, Major General Perfecto M. Rimando Jr., urged all Star Troopers to focus on their job and not to involve themselves in partisan politics.
This guidance came after the Chief-Of-Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. issued a statement reminding all soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines not to meddle or take part in partisan politics. That, loyalty should be in the constitution and all troops must adhere to the rule of law and always obey the Chain of Command.
The said guidance was re-echoed down to the lowest echelon of the Command, to the farthest and isolated military detachments in Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Regions.
“I urge all Star Troopers to focus on their job. Don’t be influenced by any individual or political groups to be involved in any attempt to destabilize our government. As individual, we have different political views, and we understand that, but we must always put in our mind, our constitutional duty to this country and to the people. As our AFP Chief of Staff, has said, all violators will be dealt accordingly and personnel who will get involved will be immediately relieved from their post and investigated.” MGen Rimando Jr, said.
“We have a lot of work to do. The enemies of the people, the Communist –NPA-Terrorist (CNT) are there, waiting for an opportune time to strike and add havoc with the on-going political activities in our country. We will not allow them (CNTs) to pursue their plans against us, to the Filipino people and to our government. So, I urge everybody to focus only on their job.” MGen Rimando Jr, stressed. 5DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/13/no-partisan-politics-5id-commander-urge-troops-to-focus-on-their-job/
DWDD: PANUNTUNANG PANSARILI NG KAWAL PILIPINO
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sept 12): PANUNTUNANG PANSARILI NG KAWAL PILIPINO
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, ITATAGUYOD KO AT IPAGSASANGGALANG ANG SALIGANG BATAS NG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, BABAKAHIN KO ANG ANUMANG LAKAS NA MAGTATANGKANG LUMUPIG SA KALAYAAN AT KASARINLAN NG ATING BANSA.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, SUSUNDIN KO ANG MGA BATAS, KAATASAN AT MGA UTOS NA BATAY SA BATAS NG MGA NAKAPANGYAYARI SA AKIN.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, LAGI KONG PANANAIGIN ANG PAMBANSANG KAPANGYARIHAN SA IBABAW NG HUKBONG SANDATAHAN MAGING SA PANAHON NG DIGMAAN O KAPAYAPAAN.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, MABUBUHAY AKO AT MAMAMATAY SA TUNAY NA DIWA NG ISANG PILIPINO, SA KATUNGKULAN, KATAPATAN, KATAPANGAN, AT KARANGALAN SA PAGLILINGKOD SA BAYAN.
SA LAHAT NG ITO, PANATA KONG IAALAY ANG AKING BUHAY, ANG AKING KAKAYAHAN AT AKING KARANGALAN.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/12/panuntunang-pansarili-ng-kawal-pilipino/
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, ITATAGUYOD KO AT IPAGSASANGGALANG ANG SALIGANG BATAS NG REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, BABAKAHIN KO ANG ANUMANG LAKAS NA MAGTATANGKANG LUMUPIG SA KALAYAAN AT KASARINLAN NG ATING BANSA.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, SUSUNDIN KO ANG MGA BATAS, KAATASAN AT MGA UTOS NA BATAY SA BATAS NG MGA NAKAPANGYAYARI SA AKIN.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, LAGI KONG PANANAIGIN ANG PAMBANSANG KAPANGYARIHAN SA IBABAW NG HUKBONG SANDATAHAN MAGING SA PANAHON NG DIGMAAN O KAPAYAPAAN.
AKO’Y KAWAL PILIPINO, MABUBUHAY AKO AT MAMAMATAY SA TUNAY NA DIWA NG ISANG PILIPINO, SA KATUNGKULAN, KATAPATAN, KATAPANGAN, AT KARANGALAN SA PAGLILINGKOD SA BAYAN.
SA LAHAT NG ITO, PANATA KONG IAALAY ANG AKING BUHAY, ANG AKING KAKAYAHAN AT AKING KARANGALAN.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/12/panuntunang-pansarili-ng-kawal-pilipino/
DWDD: SOLID | EMC reaffirms loyalty to Constitution, focuses on securing communities
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sept 12): SOLID | EMC reaffirms loyalty to Constitution, focuses on securing communities
NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) is assuring our people that the Command is solid and undivided as an organization. We shall remain loyal to the constitution and chain of command amidst the political turmoils.
While there are prevailing issues which some sectors are trying to drag the military into the frey, Eastern Mindanao Command, together with its subordinate units, remains committed and focused in our task to secure our communities from terrorist and other lawless elements, and allow no one to take advantage of the situation to carry out their ill-intentions.
While we recognize that our officers and soldiers have their own view and opinion on any issues, rest assured that the Eastern Mindanao Command, and the whole AFP for that matter, remains solid, professional, and focused on our mission to secure our communities, facilitate the delivery of services to our people, and address threats to our peace and security. EMC / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/12/solid-emc-reaffirms-loyalty-to-constitution-focuses-on-securing-communities/
NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) is assuring our people that the Command is solid and undivided as an organization. We shall remain loyal to the constitution and chain of command amidst the political turmoils.
While there are prevailing issues which some sectors are trying to drag the military into the frey, Eastern Mindanao Command, together with its subordinate units, remains committed and focused in our task to secure our communities from terrorist and other lawless elements, and allow no one to take advantage of the situation to carry out their ill-intentions.
While we recognize that our officers and soldiers have their own view and opinion on any issues, rest assured that the Eastern Mindanao Command, and the whole AFP for that matter, remains solid, professional, and focused on our mission to secure our communities, facilitate the delivery of services to our people, and address threats to our peace and security. EMC / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/09/12/solid-emc-reaffirms-loyalty-to-constitution-focuses-on-securing-communities/
MILF leaders register as first-time voters
From the Philippine News Agency (Sept 13): MILF leaders register as first-time voters
REGISTERED VOTER. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim affixes his thumbmark on a Commission on Elections document signifying his becoming a registered voter. He listed as voter at Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main encampment in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, on Wednesday (Sept. 12, 2018), as witnessed by other MILF leaders and supporters. (Photo courtesy of the MILF Media Group)
COTABATO CITY -- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, along with another group leader, on Wednesday registered with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as legitimate voter for the first time in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
Ebrahim's real name was not immediately made available.
Sammy Almanzor, also known as Sammy Gambar, MILF’s vice chair for military affairs, also registered a day earlier. His real identity is Abdulrauf Abdul Macacua.
“I feel very happy now that I could now participate in the country’s political exercises, particularly in the Bangsamoro plebiscite early next year,” Macacua said.
On Tuesday, the Comelec kicked off in this city and 15 other venues in Mindanao a three–day (Sept. 11-13) special satellite registration in connection with the conduct of a plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) slated in January next year.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday that the special voters’ list up was going on smoothly.
“So far, so good,” he said as the special registration entered its second day.
“For Cotabato City, we have registered almost 400 new voters on Tuesday and we are expecting to add to the list some 500 more today (Wednesday),” said Jimenez, who helps oversee the conduct of the list up here.
In Camp Darapanan, a minor problem on shortage of application forms cropped up Tuesday but was immediately addressed.
BOL provides for the establishment of an expanded political entity known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), replacing the decades-old ARMM set up.
Being proposed for inclusion in the BARMM are all the areas under the current ARMM – the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur, and 39 barangays in North Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and the cities of Cotabato, and Isabela in Basilan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047764
REGISTERED VOTER. Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim affixes his thumbmark on a Commission on Elections document signifying his becoming a registered voter. He listed as voter at Camp Darapanan, the MILF’s main encampment in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, on Wednesday (Sept. 12, 2018), as witnessed by other MILF leaders and supporters. (Photo courtesy of the MILF Media Group)
COTABATO CITY -- Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, along with another group leader, on Wednesday registered with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as legitimate voter for the first time in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
Ebrahim's real name was not immediately made available.
Sammy Almanzor, also known as Sammy Gambar, MILF’s vice chair for military affairs, also registered a day earlier. His real identity is Abdulrauf Abdul Macacua.
“I feel very happy now that I could now participate in the country’s political exercises, particularly in the Bangsamoro plebiscite early next year,” Macacua said.
On Tuesday, the Comelec kicked off in this city and 15 other venues in Mindanao a three–day (Sept. 11-13) special satellite registration in connection with the conduct of a plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) slated in January next year.
Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez told the Philippine News Agency Wednesday that the special voters’ list up was going on smoothly.
“So far, so good,” he said as the special registration entered its second day.
“For Cotabato City, we have registered almost 400 new voters on Tuesday and we are expecting to add to the list some 500 more today (Wednesday),” said Jimenez, who helps oversee the conduct of the list up here.
In Camp Darapanan, a minor problem on shortage of application forms cropped up Tuesday but was immediately addressed.
BOL provides for the establishment of an expanded political entity known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), replacing the decades-old ARMM set up.
Being proposed for inclusion in the BARMM are all the areas under the current ARMM – the cities of Marawi and Lamitan, and provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Lanao del Sur, and 39 barangays in North Cotabato, six municipalities in Lanao del Norte, and the cities of Cotabato, and Isabela in Basilan.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047764
3 killed, 4 wounded as Army, NPA clash in DavOr
From the Philippine News Agency (Sept 13): 3 killed, 4 wounded as Army, NPA clash in DavOr
Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a soldier were killed in an encounter between communist insurgents and troops under the Army's 28th Infantry Battalion (28 IB) in the Davao Oriental town of Lupon early morning Thursday.
Lt. Col. Miguel Ramon, 28 IB commander, said the firefight in Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragatas also resulted in the wounding of four soldiers and the recovery of high-powered firearms at the encounter site.
Ramon said the troops were patrolling the area following reports of NPA presence near the village when the clash erupted.
“They chanced upon the armed group, then a firefight ensued,” Ramon said, adding it lasted about 20 minutes. He said the rebels belong to Section Committee 18 and the Pulang Bagnai Company 6.
Ramon identified the lone fatality on the government side as Private Jomarie Timothy Estrella, and the wounded as Private 1st Class (Pfc) Jobel Gallana Abascar, Pfc Armand Teclera Polistico, Private Richard Petere Jr., and militiaman Ranel Maniques.
The two slain rebels were identified only as alias Taniel and Dahgol, team leader and vice team leader of Section Committee 18, respectively.
Ramon said government troops recovered two M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, and an improvised explosive device (IED).
Since April this year, Ramon said the 28 IB has already engaged the rebels five times.
Ramon said he is saddened by the soldier's death, adding "this is the price we pay to fulfill our sworn duty to liberate the community from terrorist fear."
The wounded soldiers were initially sent to Camp Panacan Station Hospital here but were eventually transferred to another medical facility for further treatment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047903
Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and a soldier were killed in an encounter between communist insurgents and troops under the Army's 28th Infantry Battalion (28 IB) in the Davao Oriental town of Lupon early morning Thursday.
Lt. Col. Miguel Ramon, 28 IB commander, said the firefight in Sitio Sigang, Barangay Maragatas also resulted in the wounding of four soldiers and the recovery of high-powered firearms at the encounter site.
Ramon said the troops were patrolling the area following reports of NPA presence near the village when the clash erupted.
“They chanced upon the armed group, then a firefight ensued,” Ramon said, adding it lasted about 20 minutes. He said the rebels belong to Section Committee 18 and the Pulang Bagnai Company 6.
Ramon identified the lone fatality on the government side as Private Jomarie Timothy Estrella, and the wounded as Private 1st Class (Pfc) Jobel Gallana Abascar, Pfc Armand Teclera Polistico, Private Richard Petere Jr., and militiaman Ranel Maniques.
The two slain rebels were identified only as alias Taniel and Dahgol, team leader and vice team leader of Section Committee 18, respectively.
Ramon said government troops recovered two M16 rifles, an M203 grenade launcher, and an improvised explosive device (IED).
Since April this year, Ramon said the 28 IB has already engaged the rebels five times.
Ramon said he is saddened by the soldier's death, adding "this is the price we pay to fulfill our sworn duty to liberate the community from terrorist fear."
The wounded soldiers were initially sent to Camp Panacan Station Hospital here but were eventually transferred to another medical facility for further treatment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047903
NPAs urged to avail of enhanced local integration program
From the Philippine News Agency (Sept 13): NPAs urged to avail of enhanced local integration program
The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is urging members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) being offered by government.
APPO Deputy Director for Operations Supt. Norby Escobar, in an interview Thursday, said through the E-CLIP, NPA rebels would be provided with financial assistance, which is twice the amount of the value of their surrendered firearms, to start their livelihood.
They will also be sheltered in a half-way home where they could temporarily reside.
“We encourage the members of the NPAs whom we know are already tired and sick of their armed struggle,” he said.
He said that the NPA Southern Front Committee is still operating in Antique.
Escobar added that the province is still under full alert status because of the encounter between government forces and rebels in Barangay Atabay, San Jose de Buenavista on Aug. 15, where seven rebels were killed.
“We are still on full alert status because of the tendency of the NPAs to harbor a grudge,” he said.
For the police, it was nothing personal when they conducted the operation, Escobar said, adding that it was just a mere performance of their duties for the sake of small Antiqueño businessmen being extorted of purported revolutionary tax.
Escobar said despite this, the Philippine government is still calling on them to surrender and lay down their arms in exchange for lasting peace.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047912
The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is urging members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) being offered by government.
APPO Deputy Director for Operations Supt. Norby Escobar, in an interview Thursday, said through the E-CLIP, NPA rebels would be provided with financial assistance, which is twice the amount of the value of their surrendered firearms, to start their livelihood.
They will also be sheltered in a half-way home where they could temporarily reside.
“We encourage the members of the NPAs whom we know are already tired and sick of their armed struggle,” he said.
He said that the NPA Southern Front Committee is still operating in Antique.
Escobar added that the province is still under full alert status because of the encounter between government forces and rebels in Barangay Atabay, San Jose de Buenavista on Aug. 15, where seven rebels were killed.
“We are still on full alert status because of the tendency of the NPAs to harbor a grudge,” he said.
For the police, it was nothing personal when they conducted the operation, Escobar said, adding that it was just a mere performance of their duties for the sake of small Antiqueño businessmen being extorted of purported revolutionary tax.
Escobar said despite this, the Philippine government is still calling on them to surrender and lay down their arms in exchange for lasting peace.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047912
BRP Ramon Alcaraz joins sea phase of 'Kakadu' naval exercises
From the Philippine News Agency (Sept 13): BRP Ramon Alcaraz joins sea phase of 'Kakadu' naval exercises
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) has successfully participated in the sea phase of this year's "Kakadu" exercises, which took place off the waters of northern Australia.
This was bared by Naval Task Force-91 public affairs officer Lt. Maria Christina A. Roxas in a statement Wednesday.
"As the sea phase of the Exercise Kakadu started, series of training and evolution were conducted for a week in the Northern Australian Territory waters," Roxas said.
“In this phase, the exercise was grouped into multilateral forces that will conduct a realistic scenario to prove the level of interoperability for all participating navies," she added.
Surface units were divided into two task groups, with BRP Ramon Alcaraz joining Australia's HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Sirius, Indonesia’s KRI Diponegoro and Sri Lanka’s SLNS Sindurala.
Procedures on different warship formations and maneuvers were conducted to rehearse the effectiveness of the group to work closely together for the war game, Roxas said. Evolutions and drills in this phase are real-based scenario events. After fleet training exercises, a free play will be conducted together with the other participating surface units.
A naval war game between two forces will happen for two days.
"Kakadu" is a biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy that provides a venue to work together with regional partners in a multinational training environment to enable interoperability in maritime and air domains and strengthen the regional ties.
This year's exercise started Aug. 31 and will end on September 15.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047833
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF-16) has successfully participated in the sea phase of this year's "Kakadu" exercises, which took place off the waters of northern Australia.
This was bared by Naval Task Force-91 public affairs officer Lt. Maria Christina A. Roxas in a statement Wednesday.
"As the sea phase of the Exercise Kakadu started, series of training and evolution were conducted for a week in the Northern Australian Territory waters," Roxas said.
“In this phase, the exercise was grouped into multilateral forces that will conduct a realistic scenario to prove the level of interoperability for all participating navies," she added.
Surface units were divided into two task groups, with BRP Ramon Alcaraz joining Australia's HMAS Melbourne and HMAS Sirius, Indonesia’s KRI Diponegoro and Sri Lanka’s SLNS Sindurala.
Procedures on different warship formations and maneuvers were conducted to rehearse the effectiveness of the group to work closely together for the war game, Roxas said. Evolutions and drills in this phase are real-based scenario events. After fleet training exercises, a free play will be conducted together with the other participating surface units.
A naval war game between two forces will happen for two days.
"Kakadu" is a biennial exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Navy that provides a venue to work together with regional partners in a multinational training environment to enable interoperability in maritime and air domains and strengthen the regional ties.
This year's exercise started Aug. 31 and will end on September 15.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1047833