'Phl growth vulnerable to cyber attacks'

From the Philippine Star (Jun 4): 'Phl growth vulnerable to cyber attacks'

Cyber attacks can wipe out the gains of economic growth and can drive away foreign investors, the chief of the country’s premiere institution on defense education said Tuesday.

Fermin de Leon Jr., president of the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), said while the Philippines achieved a robust growth in the first quarter, cyber threats could affect efforts to sustain it.

“For example, if the banking and financing system is paralyzed by a cyber attack, you can imagine the cost in terms of millions of pesos and dollars per minute or per hour,” De Leon said in an interview.

“This (threat) can really affect our economy and even the defense and security. You can just extend your imagination on the magnitude of what a cyber attack can do,” he added.

The Philippine economy grew by 7.8 percent in the first quarter, buoyed by what officials described as improved business confidence and consumer optimism.

The country’s growth rate exceeded market forecasts and outpaced those of major East and Southeast Asian economies including China.

De Leon said cyber security threats could turn off private investors, one of the key sources of employment.

“When foreign investors and businessmen do not have the peace of mind to invest because of the prevalence of cyber attacks, they will not bring their investments here,” he said.

De Leon said all sectors should work together to find ways to address the risks posed by cyber threat, which he described as “a new emerging non-traditional security concern.”

Cyber security forum

Meanwhile, about 300 security practitioners worldwide will discuss key cyber security issues during the SecureAsia@Manila forum to be held in Makati Shangri-La Hotel from Aug. 7 to 8.

The even is being organized by (ISC)2, the largest membership body of certified information security professionals worldwide. The conference is also one of the highlights of the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration of the NDCP.

“We hope that the local information security practitioners and government officials can benefit from this regional event by exchanging experience with the luminaries that the conference draws from all over the world,” De Leon said.

“An increasingly sophisticated threat landscape, coupled with the advancement of technology, requires security professionals to keep abreast constantly of the latest strategies to ensure that their organizations’ infrastructure are secured,” said Clayton Jones, managing director for (ISC)2 Asia Pacific.

President Aquino has been invited to serve as the event’s keynote speaker. Also invited were Vice President Jejomar Binay and security experts from various countries.

Key conference topics include organized crime and cyber espionage forensics, malware analysis, understanding against uder-targeted attacks, and social media forensics.

Interested parties may visit http://www.informationsecurityasia.com/ for more information.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/04/950082/phl-growth-vulnerable-cyber-attacks

Army general to be buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani

From the Philippine Star (Jun 4): Army general to be buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani

The remains of Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, who died in a scuba diving accident last Sunday, will be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Saturday, the Army said Tuesday.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the interment would be held at 12 noon at the heroes’ cemetery in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

A necrological service will be held at the cemetery’s mortuary on Friday. Lucero’s body will remain in the chapel until the burial.

The 117-hectare Libingan ng mga Bayani is the burial place of deceased presidents, dignitaries, war veterans, national artists, scientists, boy scouts, and military officials.

Brig. Gen. Felicito Trinidad, who was named officer-in-charge of the Army’s 1st division, led his troops in rendering honors to their late commander.

The body was brought to the division’s headquarters in Zamboanga del Sur last Monday for the rendering of military honors.

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, security officials, academicians, members of civil society groups and political leaders led by Gov. Antonio Cerilles paid their respects to Lucero, who was active in peacekeeping activities.

A provincial board resolution praising Lucero for his peace advocacies was read by Vice Gov. Juan Regala.

The body was then airlifted to the Villamor Airbase in Pasay before it was transported to Fort Bonifacio.

Lucero collapsed at about 1:55 p.m. last Sunday after diving at the Tabak beach in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. He was then rushed to the Mendero Hospital in Pagadian City, where he died at 3:55 p.m.

Irene Lacson, Lucero’s attending physician, said the general died of heart attack.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/04/950083/army-general-be-buried-libingan-ng-mga-bayani

DND finalizing TOR for acquisition of 12 fighter jets

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 4): DND finalizing TOR for acquisition of 12 fighter jets

To beef up the security capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of National Defense (DND) is finalizing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the acquisition of 12 fighter jets from South Korea. 

DND Undersecretary Fernando said that the acquisition of fighter jets remains a priority. He also said that the TOR for the acquisition of 12 FA-50 fighter jets may be completed in a month.

The TOR provides the details of acquisition to include the fighter jets technical features, price, payment scheme, and the time frame for the delivery of said equipment.

Security officials are currently going through the details of acquisition, and likewise the government is hoping that negotiations with South Korea will begin soon.

The government has allocated P18 billion for the acquisition of said fighter jets to beef up the capability of the Philippine Air Force.

Meanwhile, DND chief Voltaire Gazmin also ordered to fast track the acquisition of 21 UH-I Huey helicopters which costs P1.26 billion. 

Gazmin hoped that the procurement of the 21 helicopters will be completed in July.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241369962766

Tawi-Tawi court lowers bail for 38 ‘Royal Army’ members

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 4): Tawi-Tawi court lowers bail for 38 ‘Royal Army’ members
The Tawi-Tawi Regional Trial Court has reduced by 50 percent the bail for the 38 suspected members of the Sulu’s Royal Security Forces.

In its ruling made public Tuesday, the court reduced the bail from P164,000 to P82,000 that each of the 38 accused has to pay.

The 38 are facing charges for violation of Article 118 of the Revised Penal Code for inciting to war and giving motives for reprisals, illegal possession of firearms and violation of the election gun ban.

Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) Chief Persida Rueda-Acosta said their motion for reconsideration was dismissed by the court.

“They were not able to post bail [because] they still cannot afford it,” Acosta said.

Initially, PAO asked the court to reduce the bail to just P3,000 saying they were all jobless while one was an elderly woman.

The 38 were the first batch of alleged supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu in connection with their alleged intrusion in Sabah.

They were intercepted in three separate incidents off the seas of Tawi-Tawi by the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard. A number of firearms were allegedly confiscated after fleeing Sabah where clashes had erupted since March 1 due to Sultanate of Sulu’s followers attempt to reclaim the disputed territory.

The 38 accused were transferred from the naval facility in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi to Bongao, Tawi-Tawi detention center.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/420409/tawi-tawi-court-lowers-bail-for-38-royal-army-members

NPA vows stronger armed resistance vs Glencore Xstrata’s Tampakan project

From MindaNews (Jun 4): NPA vows stronger armed resistance vs Glencore Xstrata’s Tampakan project

The New People’s Army (NPA) will launch stronger armed resistance against the Tampakan copper-gold project of the merged Glencore Xstrata plc., a rebel leader said Tuesday.

In an e-mailed statement, “Ka Efren,” spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao Region, also appealed “to the people’s greater vigilance and fervent stand for the protection of our environment, our subsistence, and our national patrimony against the catastrophic attack of foreign large-scale mining.”

“The most recent intrusion of the multinational Glencore will bring about a wider anti-mining resistance in Far South Mindanao.  The revolutionary forces are unremittingly preparing for the extensive battle to defy the multinational’s invasive assault,” he said.

Glencore International plc announced on May 2 that it has completed the takeover of Xstrata plc to form GlenCore Xstrata, making it the world’s fourth biggest mining company and the world’s biggest commodities trader.

Xstrata, through its wholly owned Xstrata Copper, owns 62.5 percent of the 40 percent controlling equity at Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI), developer of the Tampakan project.

 

Australian firm Indophil Resources NL owns the rest or 37.5 percent of the controlling equity. It is Indophil’s flagship asset in its portfolio.

The Tampakan project straddles the towns of Tampakan in South Cotabato,
Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, Kiblawan in Davao del Sur and Malungon in Sarangani.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources issued an environmental compliance certificate to the Tampakan project last February, after rejecting it twice last year because of the open-pit ban imposed by the South Cotabato provincial government.

In December last year, SMI announced that it was moving the start of commercial operation from 2016 to 2019. Among the major challenges the company cited is the open-pit ban in South Cotabato.

On New Year’s Day 2008, communist guerillas stormed the base camp of Sagittarius Mines in Barangay Tablu in Tampakan town, burning facilities and equipment worth at least P12 million.

On January 29, 2009, NPA rebels also attacked the municipal police station in Tampakan. Four people, including three policemen, were injured in the daring attack that left the police station partially destroyed

SMI has repeatedly acknowledged in their annual sustainability reports that security threats are among the risks facing the project.

“A stronger armed and legal resistance shall continue to arise,” Tuesday’s statement from the NDF-FSMR warned.

Besides the security threat posed by the NPA, the Tampakan project is also facing opposition from B’laan tribesmen who took up guns in resistance.

The local government units of Kiblawan, Tampakan and Columbio earlier agreed to form the Task Force Kitaco to take charge of security arrangements in the mountains that include the tenement of SMI.

The mining company has been providing support to the military-led task force through its annual financial assistance to the LGUs straddled by the mining project.

The Tampakan Forum, a coalition of international and local non-government organizations and the local Catholic church opposing the Tampakan copper-gold project, said that before Glencore acquired Xstrata, the former wrote them that it does “not believe in military presence in the mine site and will demilitarize when it takes over.”

“The Tampakan Forum is taking with a grain of salt the Glencore pronouncement. But if it is able to sincerely demilitarize the project site immediately and unilaterally, this will be extremely welcomed,” it said.

http://www.mindanews.com/environment/2013/06/04/npa-vows-stronger-armed-resistance-vs-glencore-xstratas-tampakan-project/

Navyman drowns in Zamboanga

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 4): Navyman drowns in Zamboanga

A navyman drowned, 20 days before Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero succumbed to heart failure while scuba diving in Zamboanga del Sur.

A military source identified the victim as Daves Terrano, a diver on training inside the Naval Force of the Western Mindanao Command.

The source, who declined to be identified because he was not authorized to make an official statement, said Terrano’s drowning is being investigated.

Meanwhile, Lucero’s remains lie in state at the 1st Infantry Division Tabak chapel in Lulucan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

His body is expected to be brought to the Army Headquarters in Taguig City with final rites to be announced shortly.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/04/navyman-drowns-in-zamboanga/

1,000 CAFGUs in Central Mindanao relieved

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4): 1,000 CAFGUs in Central Mindanao relieved

COTABATO CITY – At least 1,000 members of the Citizens’ Armed Forces Geographical Units in Central Mindanao have been relieved by their administering military command, a move meant to professionalize CAFGU elements as auxiliary troops for peace and community building.

Lt. Col. Bernie Langub, chief of the 38th Infantry Battalion, a unit of the Army’s 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and overall supervising command of CAFGU elements in Central Mindanao, said they are currently administering 7,000 “professionalized” CAFGU elements in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Lanao del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

The cleansing process began two years ago. The CAFGUs were relieved for varied lapses ranging from operational laxity to political partisanship.

“Unlike in the past where elected officials treated them like war dogs, CAFGU elements now under our command are professionalized and enjoying public respect,” Langub told journalists in mixed dialects.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/15437/1,000_CAFGUs_in_Central_Mindanao_relieved#.Ua2v1Y7D9jo

Indian Navy flotilla to visit PH in June

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4): Indian Navy flotilla to visit PH in June



An Indian naval flotilla, composed of four ships from the Eastern Fleet, is scheduled to undertake a goodwill visit to the Philippines from June 12 to 16, the Indian Embassy in Manila announced on Tuesday.

The Indian naval ships include the indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate Satpura, guided missile destroyer Ranvijay, guided missile corvette Kirch and the fleet tanker Shakti. The ships are under the command of Rear Admiral Ajit Kumar.

There would be around 800 officers and men of Indian Navy on board the vessels.

According to the Indian embassy, the two-month deployment to South-East Asia is far from India's usual area of operations.

It said in a statement that during the deployment, the men onboard the battle group will interact with a wide cross-section of people from the different countries they would visit which would contribute to goodwill and understanding.

The embassy added that the flotilla will participate in "Passage Exercises" with the navies of the countries visited that would be focused on maritime security cooperation comprising humanitarian aid and disaster relief (HADR) operations and "Visit, Board, Search and Seizure" (VBSS) drills for anti-piracy operations.

"These exercises are aimed at increasing naval inter-operability, enabling the two navies to function together smoothly during possible HADR operations," it said.

In addition, during the port visits, the Fleet Commander along with the Commanding Officers of the ships will meet high-ranking officials of the Armed Forces, Department of National Defense, state administration, port management, coastal security organization, police, and other stakeholders of maritime security to share professional experiences and exchange best practices in areas of mutual interest.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/15458/Indian_Navy_flotilla_to_visit_PH_in_June#.Ua2vJI7D9jo

NPA leader slain in Ifugao encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 4): NPA leader slain in Ifugao encounter

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur -- A top ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was confirmed killed during an encounter with the army troopers in the oustkirts of Barangay Butac, Aguinaldo, Ifugao province last Sunday.

First Lieutenant Rowena G. Abayon, spokesperson of the army’s 5th Infantry Division, said Tuesday that the slain NPA rebel was identified as Artos Talastas, the political officer and leader the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Marco operating in the the provinces in Mountain Province, Ifugao and Kalinga.

“Artos Talastas’ cadaver was positively identified by his uncle namely: Eleseo Talastas. The rebel’s cadaver was brought to the house of his aunt: Mercedes Tamangen Amottong in Barangay Alunogan, Natonin, Mountain Province,” she said.

“The slain NPA leader was recovered by a joint team of police and soldiers belonging under army’s 54th Infantry Battalion together with three (3) M16 rifles, two (2) M14 rifles and one (1) M203 grenade launcher at the encounter site,” she added.

Colonel Roger Salvador, commander of the army’s 501st Infantry Brigade,
narrated Tuesday that  about 3 o’clock PM last Monday a team of policemen led by SPO4 Eusebio Benmaho, Natonin town’s deputy chief of police, received an information that a cadaver was recovered at Sitio Pakkel, Barangay Butac, Aguinaldo, Ifugao province.

“The lawmen immediately proceeded at Sitio Bunag of the said barangay to verify the information; and while the said team was in the area, they met the residents carrying Talastas cadaver,” Salvador said.

“The team of lawmen and soldiers escorted the cadaver to Natonin District Hospital for dressing and cleaning its wound,” he added.

He said that Talastas sustained a single fatal gunshot wound at the right portion of his back as entry and exited on the right portion of his breast.

“The sudden death of Talastas is a big blow to the underground movement operating in Mountain Province,” he noted.

 http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/15471/NPA_leader_slain_in_Ifugao_encounter#.Ua2uYo7D9jo

Flags at half staff for Lucero

From Malaya (Jun 4): Flags at half staff for Lucero

CAMP Aguinaldo, the Armed Forces’ general headquarters in Quezon City, and all Army camps throughout the country are flying flags in half staff, mourning for Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero who died Sunday after going scuba diving in Zamboanga del Sur.

The flags will remain on half staff until Lucero, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division based in Zamboanga del Sur and once AFP spokesman, is interred, said Maj. Ramon Zagala, chief of the AFP public affairs office.

The body of Lucero, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983, is in a chapel inside the 1st ID headquarters in Labangan town. It is scheduled to be brought to the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig today.

 Lucero collapsed after scuba diving at Tabak beach in Tukuran town, also in Zamboanga del Sur around 1:55 p.m. Sunday, during the reception of second lieutenants who are newly assigned with the Army division.

Lucero, 54, is survived by wife Maria Consuelo and daughter Paula Divina.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/32668-flags-at-half-staff-for-lucero

Ligot family in 2nd forfeiture case

From Malaya (Jun 4): Ligot family in 2nd forfeiture case

A SECOND forfeiture case was filed yesterday by government against retired Lt. Gen. Jacinto C. Ligot and members of his family, seeking recovery of P55.6 million worth of cash investments and bank accounts that allegedly form part of their ill-gotten wealth.

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the 15-page petition last May 28 based on the recommendation of graft investigation and prosecution officer  Anna Francesca M. Limbo.

Ligot’s co-respondents are his wife Erlinda; children Paulo, Riza and Miguel; brother-in-law Edgardo T. Yambao; and Gilda Y. Alfonso-Velasquez, cousin of Mrs. Ligot.
A previous ill-gotten wealth case filed in 2005 sought forfeiture of real estate assets worth P135.28 million. Named respondents were the Ligot family, Yambao and the former military general’s sister, Miguela L. Paragas. It is still pending.

In the latest case, the government sought confiscation of proceeds of seven investment accounts in the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association Inc. (AFPSLAI) in the names of Ligot, his wife and their children with a combined value of P1.2 million.

Also eyed by government prosecutors are bank deposits with Equitable PCI Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Land Bank of the Philippines, United Overseas Bank-Philippines, Metrobank, and Citicorp Financial Services and Insurance Brokerage Phil. Inc. (CFSI).

Based on figures obtained by investigators, the CFSI account is under the name of Velasquez and holds P52.525 million.

“With regard to CFSI account No. 5274901001 in the name of Velasquez, evidence indicates that she is not the original owner of this account,” the Ombudsman said.

Based on CFSI’s explanation in a letter to the Court of Appeals dated July 27, 2005, the account was originally in the name of Mrs. Ligot and two of her children, Paulo and Riza Ligot. It was transferred in the name of Velasquez with the submission of “Change of Account Title,” the Ombudsman said.

“That most of the accounts are in the names of Mrs. Ligot, the Ligot children, Yambao and Velasquez is of no moment. They had no sufficient means to open bank deposits or make investment placements in significant sums when the accounts were constituted,” the Ombudsman said.

Ligot retired as comptroller of the Armed Forces in 2004 but the year before he left the military service, he declared a net worth of  P3,248,003.

To preserve the investment placements and bank assets, the Ombudsman asked the Sandiganbayan to immediately issue writs of preliminary attachment over the AFPSLAI, CFSI and bank accounts and to keep them in effect until the case is fully resolved.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/32659-ligot-family-in-2nd-forfeiture-case

As China flexes muscle, U.S. wants South China Sea, East China Sea 'free from control'

From InterAksyon (Jun 4): As China flexes muscle, U.S. wants South China Sea, East China Sea 'free from control'

Amid China’s insistence that it has full sovereignty over South China Sea and East China Sea, the United States said it would guarantee that the territories would be “free from interference and control.”

“The United States wants to ensure that the South China Sea is free for freedom of navigation, free from interference, free from control,” U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said on Monday during his visit to the U.S. Navy destroyer, USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60), which is in Manila for a regular port visit.

Thomas told News5 that Washington believes there should be no impediment in the freedom of navigation and economic activity in the disputed areas.

Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel of Defense both articulated Washington’s view that while the country considers China as a potential partner, Beijing should not implement any policy or carry out any action that would undermine stability in the Asia–Pacific region.

On Sunday, Chinese Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of the People’s Liberation Army’s general staff,  said Beijing had the right to send naval patrols in the East China Sea and South China Sea as these were under “Chinese sovereignty.”

“So the Chinese warships and the patrolling activities are totally legitimate and uncontroversial,” Qi added.

Thomas believes, however, that such posture will have an impact on economic activity and trade.

“We oppose economic coercion,” Thomas said, adding that the United States still believes territorial disputes can be resolved at the negotiating table.

“There are cross cutting claims… we have repeatedly called on all claimant-states to sit down on the negotiating table, “ Thomas said, quickly adding that the U.S. would not mediate or intervene in the diputes. “The United States does not take any position on the territorial claims.”

Brunei, China, Malaysia, The Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam have competing claims on several islands and shoals in the South China Sea, most notably, the Spratlys, a major fishing area, which is believed to have large deposits of oil and gas. China claims all territories in the South China Sea including Spratlys, a group of more than 750 reefs, islets, atolls, cays, and islands.

Meanwhile, China and Japan have competing claims over a group of uninhibited islands called Senkakus in the East China Sea.

China had repeatedly opposed moves to resolve the disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea through international bodies, insisting on a bilateral or country-to-country approach.

Commitment to regional security

U.S. Navy Capt. Luke Frost, commanding officer of the USS Paul Hamilton, told News5 that although their Philippine stop is considered a regular port visit, “it is also to show our commitment to regional security and to show our close ties with the Philippines and the region.”

The USS Paul Hamilton is scheduled to leave Tuesday after a four-day port visit.
Frost added that the ongoing sequestration or budget cuts in the U.S. did not affect navy operations in Asia. [Watch video below]

“Our leadership has done a very good job of prioritizing and forward deployed ships that are the tip of the spear,” Frost said. “We continue to prioritize resources so there is no interruption in our capability and operations.”

The U.S. has been forced to reduce military deployments and operations worldwide following budget cuts.



USS Paul Hamilton’s capabilities

 Frost briefed Thomas and select guests, including News5, on the capabilities of the USS Paul Hamilton, which is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer. Frost said the USS Paul Hamilton could carry out several missions such as anti–air and anti-submarine operations as well as surface warfare.

The ship is armed with a vertical launch system, containing a combination of cruise, surface to air, Harpoon surface to surface missiles, a five-inch deck gun as well as close in weapons systems such as 20-millimeter Phalanx gun system and 25-mm chain guns.

Frost gave a tour of the key areas of the ship such as the bridge, the Combat Information Center (CIc) and the Engineering spaces.

According to Frost, the CIC (which was “sanitized” for the tour) is the area where the ship carries out “its fight.” Surrounded by radars, sensors and monitors, Frost said “they get all the information from the onboard equipment as well as from other ships so we know what action to take.”

The ship is equipped with the AN/SPY1D3d radar, which enables it to track and engage multiple air and surface targets. Frost pointed out that the Arleigh Burke class destroyer was designed not to have any right angles on the outside of its hull and superstructure – doing so reduces its cross section or making it harder to detect on radar.

The USS Paul Hamilton has seen combat operations in the Persian Gulf and in anti – piracy operations off Somalia.

The ship is equipped with gas turbines engines, which give it a top speed of 30 knots or 56 kilometers per hour. Frost explained that the ship’s engines are actually based on aircraft engines.

The ship has a crew of 281 including 24 Filipino-Americans, according to Frost.

“Our ship’s home port is Hawaii, we have very close ties with the Philippines,” Frost said.        

Commissioned in 1995, the USS Paul Hamilton is the 10th ship built in the Arleigh Burke class and was named in honor of the third US Secretary of the Navy.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/63286/as-china-flexes-muscle-u-s--says-it-wants-south-china-sea-east-china-sea-free-from-control

NBI submits report on Sabah standoff to DOJ

From InterAksyon (Jun 4): NBI submits report on Sabah standoff to DOJ

The National Bureau of Investigation has submitted to the Department of Justice the report on the investigation it conducted on the Sabah standoff.

However, NBI Deputy Director for Regional Operations Virgilio Mendez on Tuesday refused to disclose the contents of the report submitted to Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima.

De Lima earlier said once the NBI report is submitted to her, she will study it and personally submit it to President Benigno S. Aquino III, who will decide whether to make the contents public or not.

It was earlier reported that those who may be exonerated of any liability for the Sabah standoff are former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, Council for Philippine Affairs secretary general Pastor “Boy Saycon” and former Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari.

Of the three individuals mentioned, only Saycon was summoned by the NBI during the investigation.

The NBI also summoned members of the Kiram family headed by Sultan Jamalul Kiram II.

However, only sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani appeared before the NBI investigation.

The standoff was instigated when more than 200 followers of the sultanate, led by Kiram’s brother and crown prince, Agbimuddin, went to Sabah in February to stake their historical claim to the territory.

Fighting broke out between the sultanate’s followers and Malaysian security forces on March 1 and the series of skirmishes that followed left more than 60 dead by mid-March.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/63272/nbi-submits-report-on-sabah-standoff-to-doj

DoJ completes Atimonan murder probe

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 4): DoJ completes Atimonan murder probe

Justice officials have completed its investigation into the multiple murder complaint against 21 police officers and 14 members of the military in connection with the Atimonan killing.

Senior State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva confirmed they had already submitted for resolution the case after all the parties had filed their counter-affidavits.

Chief Supt. James Melad, Supt. Hansel Marantan and 20 other police officers and 14 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines had been slapped with a complaint for multiple murder for the death of businessman Vic Siman and 12 others in Atimonan, Quezon last Jan. 6.

During Monday’s preliminary investigation, the DoJ was supposed to conduct a clarificatory hearing as requested by the military.

The military, in their joint counter-affidavit, revealed that the police tampered with the evidence by firing the firearms of the victims and shooting one of the victims despite their call to take the victim to the hospital. The clarificatory hearing was cancelled after Marantan failed to appear before the DoJ.

The police and military personnel were charged after the NBI investigation showed that there was no shootout but the 13 victims were summarily executed.

Marantan has formally denied the multiple murder charges filed against him.

In his 22-page counter affidavit, Marantan echoed his earlier insistence that deaths occurred in a “legitimate operational plan formulated to neutralize syndicated and organized groups in the region.” His fellow respondent, former Region IV-A police director Chief Supt. James Andres Melad made the same claim.

“I merely acted in the fulfillment of my duty as a police officer, or in the lawful exercise of a right or office… The death of the 13 occupants was never planned. It was a chanced occurrence,” he said.

Citing lack of ample evidence, he also belied allegation that there was conspiracy among the uniformed men to kill Siman and his group stemming from a supposed turf war on jueteng operations in Southern Tagalog.

“I specifically and vehemently deny the motive imputed to me in the NBI Executive Report. The conclusions in the report are actually conjectures or speculations without any iota of evidence or proof, testimonial or documentary, adduced to support the same,” Marantan stressed.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/14945-doj-completes-atimonan-murder-probe

Troops killed NPA rebel in Compostela Valley clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun3): Troops killed NPA rebel in Compostela Valley clash



A photo released by the Philippine Army shows the recovered items from the slain NPA rebel in Compostela Valley.

One communist rebel was killed in a clash Monday with government troops in the southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley, officials said.

Officials said a soldier and pro-government militia were also wounded in the fighting that erupted in the village of Tubo-Tubo in Monkayo town. The fighting broke out after patrolling troops encountered a band of New People’s Army rebels.

Soldiers have recovered the body of the slain rebel and his M16 automatic rifle and a transceiver radio, including what officials said were subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Cesar Molina, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, said the rebels were allegedly terrorizing and extorting money and food from villagers.

“They were conducting extortion activities and at the same time threatening the locals with violent reprisals if they will not join the rallies being organized and initiated by militant groups coming from Davao City that lately have targeted Compostela Valley in the conduct of anti-government rallies,” he said in a statement.

“The people are now fed up with the terror tactics and intimidation being initiated by the NPAs, most especially on the lawless groups' actions of forcing them to join the rallies in Compostela Valley. The civilians have come to realize that the NPA propaganda of poverty as a root cause of insurgency is a big lie. In reality, it is the NPAs that are the cause of poverty as they continuously prevent the influx of development programs initiated by the local government units,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about Molina’s allegations.

The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a communist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/06/troops-killed-npa-rebel-in-compostela.html