AFP, PNP forces foil NPA’s roadside bomb plot in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 27): AFP, PNP forces foil NPA’s roadside bomb plot in Bukidnon

The army’s 8th Infantry Battalion and elements of Philippine National Police’s Regional Public Safety Battalion (PNP-RPSB) recovered a powerful Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected members of the New Peoples Army (NPA).

Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, commanding officer of the army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (8IB,4ID), said the landmine was fixed just beneath the ground along Bukidnon-Davao road in Palacapao village, Quezon, Bukidnon.

He said the AFP-PNP joint forces retrieved the bomb at about 10:00 p.m., August 14, after responding to an urgent call of a resident in said village.

The bomb is believed to have been planted by members of NPA under Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) who have been recently causing atrocities in the area, while making tricks — as diversionary tactics — to mislead the government forces who are conducting their crucial operation to protect human lives, he said.

Recently, the 8th IB thwarted NPA attacks and overran several rebel camps in jungle villages through a timely report from an upland resident.

“We commend our vigilant citizens in Bukidnon who are seriously taking part in a shared concept of security. While the 8th Infantry Battalion is capable of doing its mandate of protecting the people, the continued support of the community made our job a lot more effective and efficient. We also thanked the PNP for working hand in hand with us in ensuring the safety and security of the people,” Lt. Col. Babilonia said.

Citing a provision in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), which bans the use of landmines, Babilonia said it is ironic because the National Democratic Front including the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA are signatories to this agreement.

“We will continue to uphold the CARHRIHL and we will always help the people of this beautiful and productive province win the peace,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501440579239/afp-pnp-forces-foil-npa-s-roadside-bomb-plot-in-bukidnon

Army demos corrected M4 rifles

From ABS-CBN (Aug 27): Army demos corrected M4 rifles



President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, leads the ceremonial distribution of assault rifles to the Philippine Army and Philippine Navy Marine troops at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters canopy at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on August 14, 2014. Photo by Robert Viñas

In a bid to show the public that their newly purchased weapons are now fit for combat use, the Philippine Army did a test firing on three of the Remington M4 rifles that were recently given back to the manufacturer because of defects.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) acquired 50,629 M4 rifles from Remington Outdoor Co., 44,186 of of which will go to the Army and 6,443 to the Marines.

Last August, President Aquino started a series of ceremonial turnovers of these rifles, personally handing over some of the guns to the soldiers as testament to proper use of government funds.

But as it turned out, the rifles that Aquino and some former AFP officials handed over had not yet passed the final inspection of the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee (TIAC).

Around the same time as the ceremonial handovers, the Army found that the rear sight on all the rifles were unstable. All 44,186 rifles had to be returned to Remington.

Col. Benjamin Hao, spokesman for the Army, was asked to respond to observations that the AFP put President Aquino in a bad light, because they made him symbolically give the soldiers weapons that turned out to be defective.

Hao said Aquino was just happily showing the people that he could provide them better weapons. But whether or not the AFP put Aquino in an embarrassing situation, Hao said he could not speak on that.

He, however, said that despite the earlier defects, the Army is happy that they have brand new weapons. The M4s are lighter and shorter than the M-16 rifles that the Army has been using for the past few decades. Hao said this will give more agility to their soldiers in combat.

The warehouse where some 50,000 M4 rifles were stored was opened to show none of the defective rifles had been issued to the field. All of the defective rear sights have been corrected, but all rifles still need to undergo ballistics test before being issued.

The Marines have already been issued 1,500 M4s.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/27/15/army-demos-corrected-m4-rifles

Kalahi-CIDSS expands in 11 towns in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Kalahi-CIDSS expands in 11 towns in Davao Region

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here will start implementing the Kalahi–CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) in 11 municipalities in Davao Region with 80 field workers ready for deployment.

DSWD 11 Regional Director Priscilla Razon welcomed the latest batch of Kalahi-CIDSS staffs during the week-long orientation-training early this month at Island Garden City of Samal. This development is in line with the Kalahi-CIDSS goal of empowering communities down to the grassroots level.

The DSWD recently deployed in every town an Area Coordinating Team (ACT) composed of an Area Coordinator (AC), Technical Facilitator (TF), Finance Analyst (FA), and Community Empowerment Facilitator (CEF).

The team will lead the implementation of the program in the municipality in coordination with the Municipal Coordinating Team, the ACT counterpart installed by the LGU in every Kalahi-CIDSS area.

Kalahi-CIDSS will operate in Baganga, Lupon (Davao Oriental); Kiblawan, Jose Abad Santos, Malalag, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Sarangani (Davao del Sur); and Montevista, Braulio E. Dujali and San Isidro (Davao del Norte).

Kalahi-CIDSS, one of the three core programs of DSWD, is a community-driven development project of the Philippine Government that aims to empower communities through their enhanced participation in local governance and poverty alleviation projects.

According to Kalahi-CIDSS Deputy Regional Program Manager Ma. Annabelle Jabla, choosing applicants to lead the program is one of the most scrutinizing processes in the program.

“The people who should take up the task should have the heart to help other people. The work in Kalahi-CIDSS is not a typical job that we have inside the office. It’s a call for something deeper, they should have the passion to be a catalyst for change, carrying on the goal of the program and that is to empower the community in alleviating poverty.”

Approved by President Benigno Aquino on January 18, 2013, Kalahi-CIDSS has expanded into a national scale of operations and opened in 16 municipalities in Region XI in 2014, in its pilot implementation.

Jabla added that the new workers have been capacitated using the Community Driven Development (CDD) approach. ACTs are expected to empower ordinary citizens to directly participate in local governance by identifying their own community needs and collectively responding to it.

The 11 municipalities will receive a cash grant of Php 173, 980,750.00 that would benefit 197 barangays.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797487

Hataman, Iqbal worry over substitute BBL but MILF remain optimistic

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Hataman, Iqbal worry over substitute BBL but MILF remain optimistic

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has appealed to the country’s lawmakers to restore salient provisions of the original Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) while Moro rebel chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal was uncertain on the fate of the draft law.

However, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders are convinced the BBL is still alive and remained hopeful.

Hataman issued the appeal as the Senate and House of Representatives resume deliberations on the draft law which, he said, was substituted by entirely different versions.

“We are concerned over raised apprehensions that the substitute version no longer stand for the aspirations of the Moro people for a genuine self-rule,” Hataman said in a statement.

Hataman has been hoping the Senate and the House this week to observe separate deliberations of the two chambers.

Senator Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr has filed his substitute bill known as Senate Bill No. 2894 while in the House, members are deliberating on HB No. 5811, authored by Cagayan Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

At the Senate, debates resumed on Monday followed by a period of amendments while at the House of Representatives, plenary discussions happened only once due to quorum issues.

Mohaqher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator and chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) that drafted the BBL, admitted he was in a dilemma over the fate of the draft law.

“The government is telling us they are working on the BBL but as of now it remained uncertain,” Iqbal said of the draft bill during a speech at the turn-over of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) donated school building in Kibleg, Upi, Maguindanao.

“Sabi ng government sigurado na, pero parang di pa sure (The government is telling us it is certain the bill will be passed as scheduled but for me it is still uncertain),” Iqbal said.

Hataman believed the Senate and the House versions were diluted and said, “a diluted BBL will only worsen the lives of Moro people in Mindanao.”

“(I appeal to) our lawmakers to pass a BBL that will result in the creation of a political entity that is way better than ARMM,” Hataman said.

“Anything lesser than ARMM will not solve the problem of Mindanao and the Moro people,” he said.

While many claimed the BBL is dead, the MILF, in its website editorial, believed otherwise.

“The BBL is not yet dead on track. There is still chance for it to pass Congress. President Benigno Aquino III will deliver; we still believe in this. We also trust the collective wisdom of Congress to pass the proposed law, a good BBL,” the editorial said.

“On many occasions, the MILF has been in a situation fraught with dangers. But it never gave up; it never said die. No one knows exactly what is in the offing. Only God does,” it added.

The MILF said one leader of another Moro revolutionary group, apparently referring to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), told them the BBL was a hopeless case to pursue.

“What they did to us, they will do it to you,” the editorial quoted the Moro rebel official as saying.

Patience prevailed upon the MILF as it said “the MILF has listened to all these pushing or bashing. While they are not taken as veritable truth, they are not passed on to the other ear either.”

“The day of reckoning is not far away. We will know who is correct and who is wrong. Let us wait for that,” the editorial said.

The editorial said the MILF asked itself: “If the MILF is to disengage right now, what are the implications and alternatives? Who will be on the bad side of history? Truth is that many a person criticizes an idea or decision, but he or she has nothing to offer. Often their decision is caused by emotions and not a well-thought-out idea.”

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797516

PNP, Army hunt down gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): PNP, Army hunt down gunmen in murder of off-duty soldier

The military and the police in Maguindanao have launched manhunt against two men riding tandem on a motorbike who executed an off-duty soldier Wednesday in Datu Montawal town.

Capt. Joann Patinglay, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, also reiterated the directive of Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, for off-duty soldiers to refrain from traveling on motorcycles alone because they became easy prey for lawless elements.

Inspector Rasul Pandulo, Datu Montawal town police chief, said Private First Class Hernan Daval of Alpha, 7th Infantry Battalion based in Pikit town was on his way to the Army headquarters when two men tailed him then shot him using cal. 45 pistol in Datu Montawal highway.

Pandulo said robbery was ruled out since Daval's back pack and motorbike as well as his personal belongings were untouched.

He was the second off-duty soldier killed in the 6th ID area of responsibility since August 20.

Army 2nd Lieutenant Ferdinand Perez of the 7th IB said Daval told him once that he has been receiving death threats through his mobile phones. Perez could not say who was threatening his subordinate and for what reason.

Pandulo said outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) was one of the suspects. The BIFF, after its defeat during Army offensive early this year, has resorted to "hit and run" attacks on any military personnel traveling along Maugindanao and North Cotabato highways.

Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police provincial director, said Datu Montawal police investigators are following up a lead that could identify the suspects and for filing of appropriate charges.

The killing on Wednesday of a member of the Philippine Army in Maguindanao was the second this August.

On August 20, Cpl. Angelo Magtubo of the 7th Field Artillery Battalion, in civilian clothes, was driving his motorcycle on his way to a nearby store to buy cigarettes when shot at 3 p.m. in Barangay Nabalawag, Midsayap, North Cotabato.

At least a dozen soldiers have been liquidated by suspected BIFF hit men in Maguindanao since January this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797698

DavOr town receives P2.3M worth of PAMANA projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): DavOr town receives P2.3M worth of PAMANA projects

Three barangays from the municipality of Tarragona, Davao Oriental received P2.3 million worth of rubber production enterprises from the Department of Agriculture (DA) 11, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the provincial government through Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) on Thursday.

The beneficiaries were Ompao Muslim-Christian Cooperative (OMCC), Tomoaong United Lumad Association for Development (TULAD) and Ugbo Tubaon Mandaya Planters Association (UTMPA).

The beneficiaries received rubber seedlings, organic fertilizers, organic foliar fertilizers, shovel and lagaraw.

DA regional director Remelyn Recoter in her message delivered by Dr. Rafael Mercado, assistant regional director for research and regulatory, told the beneficiaries to take good care of the project granted to them.

A total of 200 hectare land from the three beneficiaries will be utilized for the rubber production project.

Governor Corazon Malanyaon personally thanked DA and OPPAP for helping her constituents. She also told the beneficiaries to take good care of the project.

“You are very lucky to be chosen as the recipient of this project. I hope you will take good care of it,” Malanyaon said.

PAMANA or Peaceful and Resilient Communities project is a national government’s peace and development framework for empowering conflict-affected areas in the country.

It is supported by concerned government line agencies, local government units (LGUs) and civil society groups. It follows a convergence strategy to close the gaps in development and bring progress to conflict-affected areas, where they are needed the most. It also ensures that communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by a responsive, transparent and accountable government.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797862

Visiting official assures timely completion of US-funded road project in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Visiting official assures timely completion of US-funded road project in Samar

The US-funded road rehabilitation project in two Samar provinces will be finished by 2016 a top official of the Millennium Challenge Corporation has assured Tuesday.

MCC Deputy Vice President for Europe, Asia, the Pacific and Latin America Fatema Sumar said the road project is now 60 percent done.

“Our goal is to finish construction before May 25, 2016,” said Sumar, adding that contractors of the project are mandated to finish it before the deadline.

The official was in the province on Tuesday to inaugurate anti-poverty projects funded by the US government’s MCC.

Dubbed as the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP), the road has a total road length of 222 kilometers stretching from Paranas, Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar, traversing poor communities.

The USD214.4 million project started October 2012 and will be finished by 2016.

The project, is expected to boost economic activities and facilitate social service for the residents of the economically-depressed provinces of Samar Island.

The project is divided into four contract packages. Contract Package (CP) 1 with a PHP802 million funding, covers the rehabilitation of a 16.3km stretch from the Buray village in Paranas town to the Tenani village of the same town.

CP 2 covers road rehabilitation of 63.68km from Hinabangan town in Samar to Sulat in Eastern Samar. The contract is valued at PHP2.5 billion.

CP 3 is concentrated on the 64.58km traverse San Julian, Sulat, Balangkayan and Llorente in Eastern Samar. The total project cost is PHP2.46 billion.

The longest stretch at 77.51 kilometers falls under CP 4, stretching from Llorente town to Guian town. The cost is PHP2.2 billion.

Other than road upgrading project, the USD434 million compact package is also intended for support reforms and investments to modernize the Bureau of Internal Revenue, and to expand and improve a community-driven development project, Kalahi-CIDSS of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

MCC has a five year contract project supporting the Philippines government in the implementation of a sustainable economic growth and projects designed to help create the tools that local community needs to uplift themselves to be part of the inclusive growth.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797742

42 former rebels receive livelihood aid in Surigao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 42 former rebels receive livelihood aid in Surigao del Sur
 

Forty-two rebel returnees received livelihood grants from the government's comprehensive local integration program (CLIP) in the province of Surigao del Sur.

The former rebels formally took their oath of allegiance to the government and surrendered their firearms in a ceremony held on Tuesday at a gymnasium in the town of Lianga which was spearheaded by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Teresita Q. Deles, Agrarian Reform Sec. Gil Delos Reyes, Gov. Johnny Pimentel and key police and military officials.

Each of the former rebels were given financial grants amounting to PhP70,000.00

Aside from the said grant, the rebel returnees will aslo receive another cash assistance from the "Gun For Peace Program" of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as compensation for the firearms which they have surrendered

A total of 29 high-powered and low-powered firearms were surrendered by the former rebels.

One of the rebel returnees, Vilma Quillano, 24, said she joined the armed movement in 2010 to avenge the death of her mother who died in an encounter between members of the New People's Army (NPA) and the military in the province.

However, after giving birth to her son and raising her own family, she realized the importance of the presence of a mother in a family. This prompted her to leave the armed struggle in order to devote time to her family.

“Sa una, dili nako matugkad ang akong kasuko batok sa gobyerno tungod sa kamatayon sa akong inahan nga sakop sa mga NPA. Pero, tin-aw na gayud karon kay nakita na nako karon ang kahimtang sa akong anak. Mitigbabaw ang akong paghigugma kaniya nga dili nako gusto nga masinatian usab niya ang akong nabatiang kapait nga nasinatian sa akong kinabuhi. Salamat sa Dios ug a tanang mitabangsa amoa. Balik na sa normal ang among kinabuhi,” ( Before, I cannot make out the anger I felt against the government because of the death of my mother who was an NPA member, who died in an encounter between the military. But as of now, as I think of the welfare of my son, my eyes were opened to the reality, I clearly see that my family, especially my two-year old son. I found out that I love him so much. I don’t want him to undergo the same bitter experiences which I’ve had while I was in the underground. I thank the Lord and those who have helped come up with these realizations,” she said.

Meanwhile, the AFP also welcomed the return of the former lawless elements to civilian life and tagged it as a feat for the pursuit of peace and development in the country.

”We would like to thank our brothers and sisters who finally decided to live normal lives. Once again, armed struggle is not the solution to end social, political and economic problem. It is only through peaceful resolution of conflict. Once again, I urge everyone to take part as a peace advocates. Let us work together to achieve or common goal so that we can live in harmony,” said Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, the commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=797533

US, PHL to work together to enhance regional security

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): US, PHL to work together to enhance regional security

The United States and the Philippines will continue to work together to enhance regional security in the Asia-Pacific.

This was the sense of the meeting between Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris Wednesday.

"The Secretary of National Defense and the Commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM) shared the sense that the Philippines and the US will continue to work together to enhance regional security," said Defense spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez.

Along this line, both parties agreed that developing the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is of paramount importance, specifically in the areas of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); command and control (C2); lift; and interdiction.

In addition to building the AFP’s capability, there was also an agreement to cooperate on information sharing through the crafting of a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), Galvez added.

"Admiral Harris acknowledged that enhanced information sharing would further enhance inter-operability between the AFP and US PACOM," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797483

Natural disasters, miscalculation at seas discussed during Harris-Iriberri meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 26): Natural disasters, miscalculation at seas discussed during Harris-Iriberri meeting

Responding to natural disasters and ensuring that no miscalculations occur in disputed waters were among the topics discussed by visiting US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri.

This was revealed by AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla Wednesday.

Harris arrived in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at 10:30 a.m. and was accorded full military honors.

"We’re all cognizant of the challenges that are emerging, first of all the continuing natural disaster disasters that we always encounter, that we need to respond to it, the challenges that we need to face to ensure that no miscalculation occurs in our part of our seas and in the South China sea and to keep this free, these areas free for mariners so they can ply their trade and in the air so that the commercial airlines can continue to do their plights to specific locations," he said.

However, Padilla said the American official did not give specific details on whether the US will conduct training exercises with its Filipino counterparts regarding these issues.

"No specific details (were given) for this," he said.

With regards to the ongoing dispute in the West Philippine Sea, the AFP spokesman said the issue was not discussed during the meeting.

No specific commitments were also made by Harris regarding the monitoring of the disputed waters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797349

2 Navy ships loaded with relief goods for 'Ineng' victims arrive in La Union

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 2 Navy ships loaded with relief goods for 'Ineng' victims arrive in La Union

Two of the Navy's latest ships, BRP Ivatan (AT-298) and BRP Batak (AT-299), have arrived off Poro Point, La Union Wednesday to help in the ongoing relief efforts for typhoon-battered Ilocos and Cordillera regions.

These two ships are the landing craft heavies (LCHs) donated by Australia last January and commissioned into service last Aug. 10.

Naval Task Group 11 commander Capt. Albert A. Mogol said the ships transported 13,602 family food packs coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

He added these relief goods will distributed to the affected families using military mobility assets.

Mogol said the LCHs greatly enhanced the Navy's transport and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797559

PA to issue 'corrected' M-4 automatic rifles

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): PA to issue 'corrected' M-4 automatic rifles

The Philippine Army (PA) is preparing to issue the newly-procured and improved 5.56 R4A3 M-4 carbine rifles to its troops as soon as the required inspections and tests are finished.

PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao on Thursday said the M-4 rifles were earlier found to have some deficiencies with its rear sights by the technical inspection and assessment committee.

This prompted the PA to file a report with Remington, after which the arms supplier corrected the deficiencies without any costs to the government.

The Army has procured a total of 56,843 carbine rifles as part of its capability upgrade program.

Out of this total procurement, 44,186 rifles are now on-hand of which 24,300 are now ready for issuance and 19,866 still has to undergo ballistic test for record purposes.

A ballistic test by the PNP Crime Laboratory uses the Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).

The IBIS is a computer-based system which has the capability to capture, store, rapidly compare and retrieve digital images of cartridge casings (shells) and bullets for the purpose of connecting or tracing this to the guns from which these were fired.

The procurement of new firearms, which is worth Php1.9 billion, is part of Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act under RA 10349 signed in December 2012 that aims to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP.

With these new upgraded weapons, the PA is on the right track of transforming into a modern Army that our country deserves to have, Hao said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797886

Rebel captured, two M-16 rifles recovered in Compostela Valley operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Rebel captured, two M-16 rifles recovered in Compostela Valley operations

Gov't troopers captured a New People's Army (NPA) fighter and recovered from him two M-16 automatic rifles during operations at Barangay Datu Davao, Laak town, Compostela Valley Thursday morning.

The incident took place at 6: 20 a.m., Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) public affairs office chief, said.

He added that troopers from 60th Infantry Battalion were conducting routine patrols when they caught a still unidentified rebel hiding the weapons in a nipa hut.

Appropriate charges are now being prepared against the NPA bandit.

Meanwhile, a soldier of 67th Infantry Battalion was killed while another one was wounded after being ambushed by NPA bandits at Barangay Binondo, Baganga, Davao Oriental at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

The rebels retreated to still unknown direction after 20- minute firefight.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797890

2 killed by still unknown gunmen in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): 2 killed by still unknown gunmen in Lanao del Sur

A militiaman and a security guard were shot and killed by still unidentified gunmen in Picong, Lanao del Sur Thursday morning.

The incident took place at 7 a.m. as the victims were on their way to Barangay Baraas, Picong town, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson Lt. Col. Audie Mongao said.

He identified the victims as militiaman Marianito Dela Peña and security guard Roel Maghanoy.

 

Both men were working as security personnel of the Matling Industrial Commercial Corporation.

The two were hit by M-14 and M-1 automatic rifle shells and died on the spot.

The suspects immediately took the M-16 automatic rifle and M-1 carbine carried by the victims before making their escape.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797898

Harris visit to WESCOM HQ, a 'meeting of the minds'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27): Harris visit to WESCOM HQ, a 'meeting of the minds'

A "meeting of the minds," this was what the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called the visit of US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris to Western Command (WESCOM) headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Thursday.

"Admiral Harris wanted to be appraised of the situation on the ground and follow on a previous meeting with Adm Alex Lopez, Commander of WESCOM who he met earlier in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue," said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Harris in the Philippines last Wednesday and visited ranking Filipino military and political leaders making his trip to WESCOM headquarters Thursday.

"Admiral Lopez afforded him a thorough organizational and situational briefing on his command and its area-of -operation," he added.

In the same vein, the US official's stopover at Western Command was dubbed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri as a " sort of area familiarization for the new Commander of the Pacific Command."

He summed Harris' visit as a great opportunity to further enhance a long lasting and enduring alliance.

It was also in furtherance of a collective effort at ensuring regional security and stability as well as leveling of expectations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=797887