PNP wants to retain custody of Marcelino -- Caparas

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): PNP wants to retain custody of Marcelino -- Caparas

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Emmanuel L. Caparas on Thursday confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to retain the custody of Philippine Marines Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Marcelino.

"There have been requests, of course, on his transfer to another facility, so we already know the PNP has made it very clear that they do not want to transfer, they want to retain the custody of the person of Mr. Marcelino. So we leave it at that, we leave it at that," Caparas told reporters in a press conference on Thursday.

Caparas also noted that there was a preliminary investigation conducted Wednesday.

He stressed that Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva was on top of it, and there would be another scheduled hearing for that purpose.

"The substance of it is still ongoing, so it's very difficult for us to comment at this point. Just know na lang there will be another hearing," Caparas said.

"And ang ating trabaho diyan is maghanap ng probable cause, at kung may probable cause, we proceed with the filing of a criminal complaint, the information with the court. So hindi kami makikihalo du'n sa sino ang dapat may custody, may jurisdiction," he added.

At the same time, Caparas said that this was an instance where the capture or the arrest of the individual was conducted via joint operation of the PNP and PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency).

"So we will respect the jurisdiction here, and the PNP is very well, how do I put it, equipped to detain a person, so we will really leave it at that," Caparas said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=856128

Intruder killed in 10th IB headquarters in Patikul

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12): Intruder killed in 10th IB headquarters in Patikul

A still unidentified intruder was shot and killed after he hacked and tried to grab the service weapon of a duty sentry at the headquarters of 10th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu Friday early morning.

The sentry identified as Master Sgt. Esmeraldo Manugay, sustained hack wounds in the head and back during the incident.

The incident took place at 5:15 a.m., said Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado in a message to the PNA.

Manugay was doing his rounds at the peripheries of 10th Infantry Battalion headquarters when the suspect appeared out of nowhere and hacked the sentry and tried to grab his service weapon.

The scuffle attracted the attention of another sentinel who shot and killed the unidentified intruder instantly.

Arrojado said the commanding officer of the 10th Infantry Battalion alerted all his men to find possible accomplices of the intruder aside from deploying two companies to secure the route of Manugay who was brought to a nearby medical facility.

Local police were called to investigate the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=856267

GPH-MILF peace panels commit to stay on the course of peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): GPH-MILF peace panels commit to stay on the course of peace

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels have reaffirmed their commitment to the peace process albeit the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

In a joint statement issued on Thursday after a two-day special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, both GPH and MILF remained steadfast in implementing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), preserving the gains of more than 17 years of negotiations, and sustaining the existing peace infrastructure.

“This infrastructure is fundamental in keeping the peace on the ground and supporting the implementation of the CAB. It is important that it remains functional for the next administration to carry forward the implementation of the agreements,” the statement read.

Both parties asserted to “promote understanding and greater acceptability of the proposed basic law” in order to ensure the early passage of the legislation in the next administration and Congress.

The non-passage of the BBL has adversely affected the timeline of establishing the Bangsamoro identity and has delayed the implementation of significant aspects of the CAB, such as the decommissioning of MILF weapons and combatants.

The parties agreed to renew the mandate of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group until March 31, 2017 as part of ensuring the long-standing ceasefire between the government and the MILF.

Further, the International Monitoring Team also renewed its mandate until March 2017 to monitor the implementation of cessation of hostilities between the GPH and MILF forces.

“This mechanism has proven time and again its importance in isolating and interdicting criminal syndicates/kidnap-for-ransom groups and terrorist groups in Mindanao,” it read.

According to both parties, other aspects of the normalization process will still push through such as the transitional justice and reconciliation, camps transformation, and provision of socio-economic packages.

In fact, the parties signed the Terms of Reference for the Joint Task Forces on camp transformation and also agreed to the creation of a working group to recommend the peace panels a set of interventions for vulnerable sectors—including widows, orphans, people with disabilities, detainees, and their families.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=856192

‘Boy rebel’ rescued

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 11): ‘Boy rebel’ rescued

1 alleged NPA killed, 14-year-old rescued in reported ComVal clash

AN ALLEGED member of New People’s Army was killed and a soldier wounded in an encounter in Pantukan, Compostela Valley on Tuesday afternoon.

Meanwhile, a 14-year-old child warrior  was rescued by government troops during pursuit operations.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press conference held at Davao City Police Office, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said troops of 46th Infantry Battalion were running after the group of alias Raden, believed to be  responsible for the series of violence in Pantukan, when they chanced upon around 20 NPAs .

The encounter resulted to a 20-minute firefight in Sitio Post 4, Barangay Tagdangua of the said municipality.

The NPAs scampered to different directions leaving behind one M16 rifle.

Cpl. Boskie Carcellar suffered a gunshot wound at the left side of his chest and was immediately airlifted to Camp Panacan Station Hospital.

During the pursuit operation, soldiers saw some of the wounded rebels climbing on board motorcycles and fleeing towards Poblacion Pantukan.

Checkpoints were immediately conducted to block all possible exits of the escaping rebels.

The soldiers manning the checkpoint in Barangay Tibagon intercepted two wounded NPAs and escorted them to the nearest hospital, together with the  Pantukan Municipal Police.

Another wounded rebel fled together with several men when approached by the 1001st Brigade ambulance at Poblacion Pantukan.

The two wounded NPAs intercepted in the checkpoint were identified as Ronel Paas , 35, resident of Lower Lahi, Purok 6, Magnaga, Pantukan and Alias  Dong, 14, resident of Barangay Panibasan, Maco.

Ronel was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital due to gunshot wound on his chest while the 14-year-old was treated at Camp Panacan Station Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound on his lower left leg.

The 10th ID is now coordinating with DSWD and CHR to look into the case of the minor.

Some of the NPAs sought refuge inside the mining tunnels in the area. Soldiers tried to pursue them but have a hard time finding their way inside the narrow shafts.

Meanwhile, progressive group Karapatan trooped to the Commission on Human Rights yesterday afternoon to protest the “intolerable” act of the military by tagging a 14-year-old as a member of the New People’s Army.

“We condemn the 46th and 71st IB under the 10th ID for the indiscriminate firing and bombing of communities in ComVal that resulted to the death of a miner and the wounding of a civilian,” Hanimay Suazo, secretary general of the Karapatan.

According Suazo, the 14-year-old boy that the military described was a communist guerilla was actually a civilian who was wounded on his feet from the explosives used by the soldiers.

Suazo also insisted that there was no clash in Pantukan, Compostela Valley but it was a military harassment targetting residents of Sitio Kidaran, Barangay Mascareg in Mabini, Compostela Valley.

But the military insisted that there was an encounter in Pantukan, Compostela Valley as the members of the 46th Infantry Battalion were running after the group of alias Raden, believed to be responsible for the series of violence in Pantukan, when they chanced upon around 20 NPAs .

http://mindanaotimes.net/boy-rebel-rescued/

Army deploying freshly retrained soldiers for poll duties in Surigao

From MindaNews (Feb 11): Army deploying freshly retrained soldiers for poll duties in Surigao

After retraining and already armed with the new Remington R4 rifles, the Philippine Army redeployed the 30^th Infantry Battalion for poll duty in Surigao del Norte.

The 4^th Infantry Division (4ID) also deployed the 16^th Infantry Battalion, the 2^nd Special Forces Battalion and a company of Scout Rangers in neighboring Surigao del Sur province to prevent the New People’s Army from extorting political candidates.

The Army also sent a small contingent of soldiers to Dinagat Island as a precaution against private armed groups (PAGS) and lawless elements.

“We are determined to stop the extortion activities by the rebels on the candidates this coming elections,” spokesperson Capt. Patrick Martinez said.

Martinez said the NPA rebels are making a killing selling permits to candidates planning to campaign in areas where they have some influence.

He said the rebels demand payments ranging from P50,000 to millions of pesos in exchange for not being harassed or taken hostage.

In an interview with journalists last year, Allan Juanito, spokesperson of the NPA’s North-Central Mindanao region, warned candidates to settle their permit-to-campaign fees and coordinate their movements inside guerilla-controlled villages and towns.

Juanito called the arrangement as “meeting of the mind or an agreement” between the candidates and the rebels.

“The fee is small. What is one million pesos? It is a small contribution to our peace agenda,” Juanito told reporters during the release of Army Corporal Adonis Jess Lupiba in Sugbongcogon town, Misamis Oriental last Nov. 26.

4ID chief Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao has been doing the rounds to mayors and governors in Northern Mindanao clarifying the role of the Army soldiers in the coming May presidential, senatorial and local elections – which is protecting the ballots and officials of the Commission on Elections.

Surigao del Sur Comelec director Ernie Palanan welcomed the deployment of the soldiers in the Caraga Region.

Palanan said the current situation in Surigao del Sur is already tense because of intense rivalry between political candidates and the presence of NPA rebels.

He said San Miguel town is already placed under close watch because of the presence of rebels and the armed groups.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/11/army-deploying-freshly-retrained-soldiers-for-poll-duties-in-surigao/

NPA killed in ComVal clash

From MindaNews (Feb 11): NPA killed in ComVal clash

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while Army soldiers recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during a series of firefights that erupted Wednesday morning in Compostela Valley.

In a statement, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the 10th Infantry Division, said that the first incident took place at 9:55 a.m. at Sitio Panganason, Brgy. Napnapan in Pantukan town when soldiers of the 46th Infantry Battalion engaged the fleeing NPA members under the command of a certain Raden.

The second incident occurred at 10 a.m. and lasted 20 minutes at Tabon-Tabon, Sitio Putingbato, Brgy. Ngan in the municipality of Compostela when soldiers who were on a mission chanced upon 30 rebels under NPA’s Guerilla Front 25 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

No soldiers were hurt in the two clashes but a still unidentified alleged NPA member was reportedly killed during the second incident, where the two IEDs were also recovered.

Maj. Gen. Ragel Valencia, 10ID commander, said: “Our use of legitimate force against the NPAs shall continue until the NPAs abandon violence paving the way for peace and development in Compostela Valley Province,” he said.

Government soldiers have already launched pursuit operations.

Minor NPA member captured

In another encounter on Tuesday, a minor member of the NPA was captured while a wounded rebel died upon arriving at a hospital in Pantukan municipality.

“A soldier was wounded, high-powered firearms recovered and two fleeing wounded NPAs were captured in a checkpoint after the armed clash,” a military press statement said.

The wounded soldier was identified as Cpl. Boskie Carcellar, who sustained a gunshot wound on his left chest. He was then airlifted to Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City where he received treatment.

The statement added that the two NPA members – identified as Ronel Paas, 35, resident of Lower Lahi, Purok 6, Magnaga, Pantukan; and Ric (not his real name), 14, of Purok 3, Brgy. Panibasa, Maco – were arrested at the checkpoint in Brgy. Tibagon.

 

They were brought to a hospital accompanied by personnel from the Pantukan Municipal Police Station.

But Paas succumbed to a gunshot wound on his lower chest while the minor NPA combatant survived with a gunshot wound on his lower left leg.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Commission on Human Rights were tapped to look into the case of the young NPA member.

“Some of the NPAs, including the wounded, sought refuge in the mining tunnels in the area. Soldiers tried to pursue them but they had a hard time finding their way inside the tunnels as some of the passageways are very narrow,” the military said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/11/npa-killed-in-comval-clash/

Army, MILF suffer 1 fatality each in ‘accidental’ encounter in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (Feb 11): Army, MILF suffer 1 fatality each in ‘accidental’ encounter in Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A government trooper seriously wounded in action when government forces and Moro rebels clashed by accident in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday died while being treated at a military hospital here today.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said members of the 1st Mechanized Brigade were pursuing outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Sitio Badak, Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan when they clashed with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) 105th Base Command.



The 1st Mechanized Brigade in action in the fight against Moro rebels in Maguindanao. MindaNews photo by Ferdinandh Cabrera

“Actually, our troops did not know they were fighting the MILF forces because all our action against the BIFF were coordinated with the MILF as provided for in the ceasefire mechanism,” Petinglay said.

She identified the slain soldier as Sgt. Ronilo Quimba of the 601st Reconnaissance Company.

Von Al Haq, MILF chair for military affairs, said the unexpected encounter occurred between10 and 11 a.m. but the joint ceasefire panel and the international monitors quickly intervened.

“The intervention prevented the skirmishes from turning into a full blown Army-MILF war,” he pointed out.

Al Haq said the military unintentionally stepped into the area of the MILF under 105th Base Command head known as Hawn.

“Our troops expanded the security radius of the dredging project in Datu Salibo and it reached Barangay Madia,” Petinglay said.

She stressed there was no intention to attack the MILF in Barangay Madia.

Petinglay said the GPH-MILF ceasefire mechanism has been strengthened following the incident.

Al Haq said the ceasefire committee has been reactivated in the area to prevent similar unfortunate incidents in the future.

Al Haq admitted that one MILF fighter was killed and two others were wounded.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/02/11/army-milf-suffer-1-fatality-each-in-accidental-encounter-in-maguindanao/

USAID, water firm set water audit training in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): USAID, water firm set water audit training in Zambo City

A four-day Water Audit Training for various stakeholders is set to be held from February 16 to 19 in this city to help address the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.

The training will be spearheaded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), through the Water Security for Resilient Economic Growth and Stability (Be Secure) Project, in cooperation with the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD).

The USAID said in a statement on Thursday the training for various stakeholders is to help them learn how to conduct rapid water audits and evaluate how water is used in their facilities.

“This activity is aimed to promote effective water demand management at the local level as a way to prepare for impending water stress and adapt a climate-resilient and sustainable water use,” the USAID said.

In line with the activity, the ZCWD is tapping the participation of with the Zamboanga Press Club, Inc. (ZPCI) to achieve the following overall goal: raise awareness and educate the public on the need for, and the benefits of, water demand management; advocate among policy makers and decision makers the need to incorporate strategies on water demand management into policies on water management; help advocate and inform the public on what a water audit is and how they can do their part by conducting it in their homes and institutions; and, create a reliable, consistent stream of publicity on water demand management that will motivate the public to use water more efficiently and for policy makers to be more involved.

Valerie Pape, an international Water Demand Management (WDM) expert from United States of America (USA) will serve as speaker and facilitator during the training.

Elisea Gozun, USAID Be Secure Climate Resiliency Team Leader and former secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will also attend the four-day activity.

Be Secure has started in recent months to promote WDM to deal with water shortages caused by seasonal weather events such as El Niño and long-term climate change impacts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=855997

AFP, MILF: Military-MILF clash in Maguindanao 'incidental, unfortunate'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): AFP, MILF: Military-MILF clash in Maguindanao 'incidental, unfortunate'

Military and Moro rebel movement officials Thursday admitted the clash between soldiers and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Maguindanao was incidental and unfortunate.

The clash between elements of the Army’s 601st Reconnaisance Company and MILF’s 105th base command in Barangay Madia, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Wednesday morning left two killed, one soldier and one MILF fighter. Two other MILF members were wounded.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the elements of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade were securing a government dredging project in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

”They were part of the perimeter security of the project that has been repeatedly harassed by lawless groups,” Petinglay said.

”In the course of pursuing the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), our troops incidentally encountered MILF forces,” she said, adding the mis-encounter was “very brief.”

That encounter lasted less than an hour that left Army Sgt. Ronilo Quimbo seriously injured. He later expired in the military hospital.

She said the military law enforcement operations against the BIFF was well coordinated with the GPH-MILF ceasefire committee. “It was unfortunate it happened,” she said.

Von Al Haq, MILF vice chair for military affairs, said the Army offensive versus the BIFF was coordinated with the ceasefire mechanism implementer “but something wrong somewhere.”

He said the MILF is investigating the incident.

Al Haq admitted one MILF fighter was killed and two others wounded in the clash. “The Army unintentionally stepped into the area of MILF 105th base command and the MILF thought they were under attack,” he said.

Petinglay said the Army has expanded the security radius of the dredging project in Datu Salibo town and it reached Barangay Madia where the MILF area was located. She stressed there was no intention to attack the MILF in Barangay Madia.

Both Petinglay and Al Haq said the GPH-MILF ceasefire mechanism has been strengthened following the incident.

They said steps have been undertaken to avoid similar incident in the future.

Meanwhile, Petinglay said the Army is still pursuing the BIFF who had been harassing the development project in Datu Salibo town.

Two soldiers were wounded in clash with BIFF while the bandit group suffered undetermined number of fatalities, Petinglay said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=856052

Former rebel receives livelihood assistance from government

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): Former rebel receives livelihood assistance from government

A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Oriental has received livelihood assistance from the government under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The former rebel, known as “Kurt”, who surrendered last December 7, received P65,000.00 as an immediate assistance and livelihood assistance under the CLIP during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) on Tuesday held at the Old Session Hall, Provincial Capitol in Dumaguete City.

The check was handed over by Atty. Richard Enojo, Provincial Administrator, to the former rebel and witnessed by other members of the council, a media release from the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army said.

The government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office will monitor the status and development of the livelihood assistance given to him.

The beneficiary personally thanked the provincial government and the 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion for the assistance extended to him.

Lieutenant Colonel Roderick T Garcia, commanding officer of 79IB, urged the active NPA members to lay down their arms and join the mainstream society as the CLIP of the government awaits them, the news release said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=856087

Peace panels, partners meet anew to move Bangsamoro process forward

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): Peace panels, partners meet anew to move Bangsamoro process forward

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), together with the various peace structures working under the Bangsamoro peace process, are meeting here to reassess means of moving forward in light of the 16th Congress’ failure to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before it adjourned last week.

“Today could have been a much happier occasion, if only we had the law that would have moved our road map forward in leaps and bounds. But we do not have the law – yet. Despite the extraordinary efforts of our teams and all the other tireless peace advocates and congressional allies who traveled with us in this difficult journey of a thousand miles, we saw the session days in Congress wither away, without a BBL in sight,” said GPH chief negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer in her opening statement delivered on Feb. 10.

“We have learned our lessons. The problem is structural and systemic… There is widespread frustration on the ground by our people and members of the MILF. They accused the government of resorting again to delaying tactic and just managing the conflict in Mindanao,” commented Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the body that drafted the original BBL draft.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate recessed last Feb. 5 till after the May 9 national and local elections without passing the BBL. The proposed law would have established a strong autonomous regional parliamentary government that would replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The non-passage of the law would lead to the archiving of the bill by the current Congress, which means it would have to be re-filed again when the new Congress convenes in July.

While the non-passage of the legislative measure has made it difficult for the Bangsamoro peace process to move forward and increased uncertainty on the ground, Ferrer stressed that the path remains clear as the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) remains signed and in place together with the many peace infrastructures established through it.

“The CAB remains our most viable road map, the source of the substance of the policies and legislation that we will continue to pursue under the next administration and the 17th Congress. The next administration would be foolhardy to wage war, and [have] everything to gain by upholding this pathway. It will have enough time to see both the CAB and a CAB-compliant law realized,” Ferrer added.

“The MILF and the government shall jointly find ways and means to address this dangerous situation and avoid actions that may increase the frustrations. We must provide them hope that there is a chance for passage of a CAB-compliant BBL whoever will be the next President,” commented Iqbal.

Addressing directly the Filipino people, Iqbal said that everyone should “work together to overcome the barriers to peace, justice, and reconciliation. Let us end the war, the suffering, the tragedy, and pains of our peoples, of the soldiers and our heroic fighters, of our mothers and sisters, of our children. Let us try to live quiet and peaceful lives.”

Ferrer acknowledged that more work would have to be done. "We should listen more, engage more. This cause is ours, and so the main burden is ours. We shall prevail if we don’t give up now. How many times in the past did events play out to push us almost to the brink of giving up? But precisely because we persevered, we have reached this far in the process,” added Ferrer.

Support for the Bangsamoro remains intact

Joining the GPH and the MILF panels in Malaysia are European Union Ambassador (EU) Franz Jessen; United Kingdom Representative to the International Contact Group (ICG) Thomas Phipps; Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) Chair Mo Bleeker; Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) Chair Mustafa Pulat; and Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) Chair Alistair MacDonald. Malaysia, as third-party facilitator, is continued to be represented by Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed.

The Malaysian facilitator commented that the upcoming elections must not deter the peace process from moving forward. “Let’s think how we will move forward. We must preserve the gains, we must continue… Changing of government doesn't mean changing of infrastructure. We may add, but not subtract.”

“The journey has not yet ended but the meeting today demonstrates that the perseverance and commitment have not been lost. The Parties, meeting here today, are proving that they, that you, are resilient and truly committed to peace. This is an important message to the public,” said EU Ambassador Jessen, who was invited by the panels to observe the meeting.

“I encourage the Government of the Philippines and the MILF to continue seeking the paths for the implementation of commitments made over the 17 years of negotiations and continue their engagements. This meeting is crucial as it will offer the opportunity to reassess, reschedule, and prepare for the next phase of the process,” he added.

Bleeker, chair of the TJRC, commented, “I want to commend both panels and this architecture for peace mediation. It is true. On the one hand it is unique. On the other there are many examples in the world in which I’ve also been involved and in which transitional justice and reconciliation efforts appear to be one of the main components of what becomes a durable solution.”

“We have been told that there was a Bangsamoro problem. We come here with one unique message — that there is a Bangsamoro opportunity for the Philippines…”

For his part, Pulat commented that he wished that “the domestic politics in the Philippines would allow us to carry forward our work.” The non-passage of the BBL will delay the decommissioning process of MILF weapons and combatants as the CAB dictates that its process moves along with the legislative progress of the proposed measure. “The IDB is committed to continue as an independent, relevant, adaptable, active, and a stakeholder in the normalization. I can also reaffirm the support of the Turkish, Norwegian, and Brunei governments as member countries of the IDB.”

TPMT’s MacDonald commented that the next leaders of the Philippine government have no other recourse but to preserve the gains of the peace process and to continue its implementation toward the passage of the BBL. “No government can afford to neglect the peace process: not for reasons of national development, not for reasons of national security, and not for reasons that belittle the importance of not creating a climate for violent extremism.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=855919

No reports yet of terror plots against Grace Poe -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): No reports yet of terror plots against Grace Poe -- AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has not received any intelligence reports of terror plots against independent presidential candidate Grace Poe.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked on whether the military is aware of such threats.

"We are still to receive such reports, but being deputized agencies of the Commission on Elections, we continue to work with the police who are the lead (agency) for the security of the elections (and) to ensure that our candidates are all safe during the campaign, during the elections and thereafter," he added.

Padilla earlier said the AFP it is increasing the tempo of its operations against known threat groups in the country such as the New People's Army, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Abu Sayyaf Group and private armed groups.

Padilla said these operations are designed to keep these threat groups on the run and prevent them from conducting any election-related atrocities.

"Some of the operational considerations at this moment I cannot (impart) or relay to you so we can protect our troops appropriately," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=855943

PNP-AIDG files new complaint vs. Marcelino at DOJ

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): PNP-AIDG files new complaint vs. Marcelino at DOJ

The Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (PNP-AIDG) has filed before the Department of Justice (DOJ) a new criminal complaint against Marine Lt. Col. Ferdinand L. Marcelino.

The new complaint involves the alleged violation committed by Marcelino in the implementation of the election gun ban of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

According to the PNP-AIDG, the firearm seized from Marcelino when he was arrested in a drug bust operation last Jan. 21 in Sta. Cruz, Manila had no appropriate necessary documents.

The complaint for violation of Republic Act No. 9165, or the "Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002", against Marcelino and former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) interpreter Yan Yi Shou is still pending before the DOJ.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=856054

President Aquino to attend special ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Summit

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): President Aquino to attend special ASEAN-U.S. Leaders’ Summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III will attend a special summit between the leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United States (US) in Sunnylands, California next week, a Foreign Affairs official announced on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Hellen Barber-dela Vega said the President will be leaving on Monday (February 15) to join fellow ASEAN leaders in a summit to be hosted by US President Barack Obama.

"President Aquino will leave for the US on 15 February 2016 to attend the ASEAN-US Leaders’ Summit in Sunnylands, California," said dela Vega, who heads the Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of ASEAN Affairs.

"This summit was proposed by President Obama during the third ASEAN-US Summit held in Kuala Lumpur on 21 November 2015, following the decision of the leaders to elevate the ASEAN-US dialogue relations to strategic partner level," she added.

Dela Vega noted that it will be the first meeting between the ASEAN and the US as strategic partners.

"The summit aims to explore how ASEAN and the US, after elevating their relations to strategic partnership level, can work more effectively together; and especially now with the establishment of the ASEAN community," she said.

Dela Vega said the summit would be like a retreat where the leaders would have the opportunity to discuss economic and political issues.

"It's really more like (an) open, informal and less-structured atmosphere," she said.

On economic issues, she said, more likely to be discussed is how the US could support the ASEAN integration process.

On political issues, leaders are expected to tackle such issues as maritime security, transnational challenges and countering violent extremism, she added.

"We expect leaders to be free and to raise any issues that might be of interest to them," dela Vega said.

After the summit, the President will embark on a one-day working visit to Los Angeles, California.

He will be meeting with some top business leaders and the Filipino community in Los Angeles.

Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Austria further said that President Aquino will be presented with an honorary degree in Humane Letters by the Loyola Marymount University in recognition of his achievements as President of the Philippines, "for his integrity and for embodying the spirit of the Jesuit education".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=856163

BIFF shelled as bandits harass Army detachment in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11): BIFF shelled as bandits harass Army detachment in Maguindanao

Military units shelled Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) fighters after they conducted harassment attacks at an Army detachment in Rajah Buayan town, Maguindanao, Wednesday night.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said an estimated 30 BIFF members fired on the detachment at 9:30 p.m.

"Artillery fire was requested and provided at the vicinity of the detachment and that resulted in the enemy's withdrawal. The fortunate thing there is no one was hurt (in the government side)," he added.

As this developed, Padilla said the AFP was not suspending security operations in Maguindanao despite a reported encounter with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Barangay Dawang, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Wednesday morning.

And while not directly admitting to the incident, the AFP spokesperson stressed the clash took place in nearby Datu Salibo town where a government dredging was ongoing.

In the fighting, a staff sergeant was seriously wounded and died Thursday morning.

Padilla declined to identify the fallen trooper pending notification of his next-of-kin.

He said the military has yet to determine if the other side suffered casualties in Wednesday's fighting.

Padilla said members of the government and MILF's respective committee on ceasefire and cessation of hostilities (CCCH) and ad hoc joint action group (AHJAG) were still trying to ascertain which group engaged the clash with government troops.

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