Basilan explosion kills 1, injures 4 others

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 7): Basilan explosion kills 1, injures 4 others

A homemade bomb explosion killed a boy and injured four other family members in Basilan, one of five provinces under the restive Muslim autonomous region, police said Monday.

Police said the explosion occurred before dawn Sunday in the house owned by the Jimmy family on the island of Malamawi, just several nautical miles from Isabela City. Among the injured was the boy’s father and three of his children.

Initial investigation showed that an unidentified man lobbed the improvised explosive in the house. He escaped with another man, who acted as a lookout.

Police were still investigating the attack believed to have stemmed from a family feud.

Family feud or clan war is not uncommon in the Muslim region that also covers the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. Many of the feuds were traced to land conflict and politics.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/basilan-explosion-kills-1-injures-4-others/

Military holds Sayyaf man in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 8): Military holds Sayyaf man in Philippines

The Philippines military is holding an Abu Sayyaf rebel after troops captured him following a firefight in the southern province of Sulu.

The fighting erupted in Latih village in Patikul town on Monday after patrolling troops ran into a small group of rebels. The military did not release the name of the rebel, saying, it is still interrogating the man.

It said a .45-caliber pistol was recovered from the rebel. It was unknown if any of the soldiers were injured or killed in the clash. Town officials also did not give release any statement about the fighting, but military operations were going on against the Abu Sayyaf.

Authorities have tagged the Abu Sayyaf in the spate of terrorism and many kidnappings in the southern region. The group, which pledged allegiance with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, is still holding about a dozen foreigners and Filipinos kidnapped on Mindanao and brought to Sulu, one of five provinces under the volatile Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-holds-sayyaf-man-in-philippines/

Army, PNP hunt down suspects in ambush of passenger bus in N. Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Army, PNP hunt down suspects in ambush of passenger bus in N. Cotabato

PIKIT, North Cotabato -- Police and military authorities here have launched manhunt against three men believed to be extortion gang members who shot dead a bus driver and a passenger Monday afternoon.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police director, said follow-up operations are still ongoing against three suspects who shot the bus driver of Mindanao Star bus company at 3 p.m. along a busy national highway here.

"Our police have the identities of the suspects, the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them," Tayong told the Philippine News Agency.

A retired soldier, sitting behind the bus driver, and a male passenger, were also injured by stray bullets.

The Pikit Police office said killed were Mindanao Start (MWB-935) driver Ticson Tigas, 33, resident of Sitio Daniel, Barangay Galakit, Pagalungan, Maguindanao and passenger Magdalena Chavez Cabaya, 43, of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Injured was Mohammad Piling, an ex-Army, and an unidentified passenger who sustained minor injury, as listed by the police. Several other passengers were also hurt after the bus slammed on a dump truck in front of it following the shooting.

Tigas died on the spot while Cabaya was declared dead on arrival at the Cruzado Hospital.

Tayong said the bus was heading to Cotabato City from Davao City with about 40 passengers on board.

"Our initial investigation showed the suspects had acts to grind against the bus driver," he said.

Tayong said the suspects shot the bus driver using cal. 45 pistol. Several empty shells were recovered at the crime scene, particularly in front of National Irrigation Administration (NIA) provincial office in Barangay Batulawan.

The crime scene was about 800 meters away from two Army and para-military detachments.

Following the incident, the suspects sped away toward the interior portion of Batulawan. Witnesses described them as about 20 to 25 years old, who wore face masks and bull caps on board a motorbike without license plate.

Tayong said police visibility and Oplan Lambat Sibat has been intensified.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864090

Rebels overrun Eastern Samar police station; seize firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Rebels overrun Eastern Samar police station; seize firearms

About 30 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebel group raided the police station of Balangkayan, Eastern Samar Monday night, carting away several weapons.

All five policemen on duty were not harmed during the raid that lasted for 30 minutes around 7 p.m. on Monday, according to Eastern Samar police provincial director Sr. Supt. Romeo Campomanes.

Campomanes said in a phone interview that at least 14 assorted firearms were carried away by rebels after they overrun the police station.

“The police officers were caught by surprise. They did not attempt to fight back since the NPAs threatened to shoot them if they would move,” Campomanes told PNA.

Balangkayan town has 22 police officers; 11 were on duty on Monday, but only five were inside the police station since others were either conducting patrol or having dinner.

The rebels fled towards Balogo village on board a rented van owned by Duptours. The attackers abandoned the vehicle in the remote San Gabriel village in Maydolong town.

There is an ongoing probe on the incident looking into possible lapses on police operation procedures, according to the provincial police chief.

“We ordered hot pursuit operations against the NPA rebels behind staging the raid,” Campomanes added.

Balangkayan, a fifth class town in Eastern Samar is about 160 kilometers away from Tacloban, the regional trade center and 30 kilometers away from the provincial capital of Borongan City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864127

Army division commander honors soldiers hurt in fight with BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Army division commander honors soldiers hurt in fight with BIFF

Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based here lauded Tuesday the gallantry showed by elements of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion wounded in the battle against lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Speaking in a radio interview, Pangilinan said the soldiers are more dedicated now to finish the job after about 30 of them were wounded in the month-long skirmishes against the BIFF in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

”They offered their lives for the sake of peace, they may have lost lives and limbs but the soldiers’ determination remain,” Pangilinan told reporters after awarding the wounded soldiers with “Wounded Personal Medal.”

The Army general said the foot soldiers are working harder to achieve the mission despite some of them perished in line of duty.

Four soldiers were killed and 30 others were hurt in the armed hostilities. More than 20 of the injured were hit by BIFF improvised bombs in Barangays Tee and Butalo.

Pangilinan sympathized with the wounded soldiers, many of whom were determined to return to combat once they have fully recovered.

Pangilinan talked to the wounded soldiers one by one inside the “Battle Casualty Ward” of Camp Siongco Hospital inside the 6th ID headquarters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864214

OPAPP, Zambo Norte distribute insurance, livestock to an MNLF community

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): OPAPP, Zambo Norte distribute insurance, livestock to an MNLF community

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and provincial government have provided health insurance and livelihood assistance to a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) community in this province.

The beneficiaries of the assistance is the MNLF community in the “hard-to-reach” Barangay Panganuran, Sibuco municipality.

The town is within the third congressional district of this province.

Howard Cafugauan, OPAPP assistant secretary for programs, personally handed over the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) cards to 64 MNLF members.

Cafugauan also turned over farm animals that included 15 heads of goats and eight heads of cows to boost the livelihood of the Panganuran Farmers’ Association.

The association is headed by Hadji Asbirin Kahaluddin, the MNLF state chairman of this province.

Cafugauan told the Philippines News Agency that the distribution of health insurance and livelihood assistance are part of OPAPP’s program through the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) program.

The provincial government also turned over livestock to the farmers’ association 10 heads of goats and four heads of cows.

Eng’r. Dioscoro Endad, provincial executive assistant IV, said that assorted vegetable seeds were also given to the association aside from livestock.

“The given livestock signified the sincerity of Gov. Roberto Uy to help alleviate the plight to our Muslim brothers,” Endad said.

Last month, 10 heads of high-breed goats were given to the group of Asbirin as promised by Uy to help them in their livelihood.

OPAPP has identified the barangay of Panganuran in Sibuco town as among the conflict-affected communities in the Triple “SB” areas.

Aside from Sibuco, the towns of Sirawai, Siocon, and Baliguian comprise the Triple SB areas.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864252

6th Infantry Division hosts Army combat skills enhancement trainers' training

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): 6th Infantry Division hosts Army combat skills enhancement trainers' training

To improve the combat skills of officers and men of the 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Maj. Gen. Emundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, on Tuesday opened the Army Soldiers' Combat Skills Enhancement Trainers' Training (ASCSETT).

Eleven officers and 22 enlisted men from nine Infantry Division, the Mechanized Infantry Division Army Reserved Command (Arescom) participated in the course which includes Warfighting Competency Training, a compilation of innovations conceptualized by 6th ID for the Kampilan troops.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the ASCSETT is intended to produce trainers who will also soon re-echo what they have learned to their own soldiers in their respective units come 3rd quarter of the year where the implementation of the Combat Skills Enhancement Training (WCT) of higher headquarters is expected to be in full throttle.

Leading the opening program was Col. Bernie Langub, commander of the 6th Division Training School. He is known as the division's "father of Warfighting Competency Training."

He welcomed the participants and said in his speech that 6th ID was lucky to be chosen by the Philippine Army to host and lead the ASCSETT.

He also gave a brief background how WCT started in 6th ID and how it had been changing the way soldiers react and address the battlefield.

Maj. Gen. Pangilinan, in his speech, said that 6th ID gives full priority to training that is why soldiers are ensured to undergo quality time with the Division Training School in order to equip them not only with the traditional military skills and knowledge but also with innovations that will keep the alive and well when they are sent to battle field.

"In 6th ID, we do not only train our soldiers in order for them to fight in war, but we train them in order to ensure that they go home safe and unscathed," Pangilinan said.

Also present during the opening is the assistant division commander, Brigadier Arnel B Dela Vega, and the members of the General, Technical and Personnal Staff of the division.

Petinglay said the training is set to finish after ten days and will start with the first activity the following day. The group is just the first batch of trainers and another batch is set to be trained by mid-April this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864342

DOLE-7 halts work on Mactan Air Base hangar after truss fall killed worker

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): DOLE-7 halts work on Mactan Air Base hangar after truss fall killed worker

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 7 has suspended construction work on a hangar inside the Benito Ebuen Mactan Air Base in Lapu-Lapu City after the fall of a truss killed a worker on Sunday.

DOLE-7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga said the agency automatically stops work in a site where a fatal accident has taken place.

The hangar is one of the structures being built by the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) under a PHP820-million project to replicate Philippine Air Force (PAF) facilities which were demolished to pave the way for construction of the new second Mactan airport terminal (T2).

It was scheduled for turnover to the MCIAA and the PAF on March 31.

Major Vivien Valerio of the 560th Air Base Wing said the hangar will be for the 5th Fighter Wing and 15th Strike Wing of the PAF.

Engineer Pedro Adonis Compendio, an MCIAA consultant, said the hangar is the last structure of the MCIAA replication project for the PAF, which includes eight structures, a 10-hectare ramp and a road network.

Compendio said the other sub-projects were completed after the contractor Pamatong Grandby cleared the area last Dec. 31, 2015.

Granby Project Engineer Benuardo Maralit said the company will not resume construction of the hangar pending an investigation of the accident.

The contractor has promised to shoulder the expenses of the family of Benjamin Muñez, as well as the families of two other workers injured last Sunday.

Mary Flor Rañola, Muñez’s live-in partner, said the family will not file a case against the company.

Muñez, 35, died after trusses collapsed past 11 a.m. last Sunday, while two of his co-workers, welders Celso Gestopa, 56, and Roel Omolon, 36, were injured.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864369

Army, civic groups extend assistance to remote schools in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Army, civic groups extend assistance to remote schools in Compostela Valley
 

Around 681 schoolchildren from four remote villages in Mawab and Maco towns in Compostela Valley province on Monday received various school assistance from the Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion and the civil groups Kiwanis Club Golden from Tagum City and Pag-asa of Davao City.

The combined efforts handed around 200 school bags; 681 school kits with notebooks, pencils and papers; and 314 pairs of shoes to elementary pupils of Panibasan Elementary School in Maco town; and to Concepcion Elementary School; Salvacion Elementary School; and Tan-awan Elementary School in Mawab.

In a statement to the media, Lt. Col. Davice Christopher Mercado, commander of 71st IB, said the activity was an expression of the command’s commitment to support the education of the school children in their areas.

He also extended his gratitude to the support groups that made the activity a successful one.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to help the community in a simple way by providing school bags and supplies to our pupils as a source of encouragement to study well,” Mercado said.

In time with the distribution of school supplies, the 71st IB and the support groups also signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to ensure the sustainability of the activity to benefit more far-flung schools in Maco and Mawab.

The signing of agreement was witnessed by the local officials and school officials of the beneficiary schools.

“The 71st IB in collaboration with various stakeholder remains committed to help these communities through investments in education and development of the local people. Through our involvements in a number of community care initiatives, our unit seeks to ensure that indelible volunteer efforts will contribute towards peace and development in these communities,” Mercado said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=864365

(News Feature) Children of war captured through the lens

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7): (News Feature) Children of war captured through the lens

Often caught at the crossroads of a vicious war are the most innocent, leaving countless of children exposed and vulnerable to its horrors.

Photographer Jun de Leon, known for capturing the glitz and glamour of celebrity life, sheds light on the war-torn Mindanao through a photo exhibit called “Children at the Crossroads” held at Fisher Mall in Quezon City from Mar. 7 to 8.

Over 50 profound photographs, encapsulating the struggle of Filipino children caught in the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao, were featured at the walkthrough exhibit.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary Luisito G. Montalbo urged the public to vicariously witness the consequences and atrocities of war.

“Hopefully, through his photos, the Filipinos could see the truth behind a war and how much damage it has caused to our fellow countrymen,” said Montalbo at the exhibit’s launch on Monday.

The photos, accompanied with a brief narrative, are based on the Mamasapano tragedy that occurred on the eventful day of Jan. 25, 2015.

The 11-hour-long deadly clash between the Special Action Forces (SAF) and rebels at the Mamasapano town in Maguindanao, resulted in the deaths of 44 SAF members, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants, and 7 civilians.

One riveting picture shows the family of Badrodin Langgalin, a civilian found among the SAF men killed during the bloody encounter. In the picture, Sara Lawanian Langgalin, now a widow, takes her children, 3-year-old Sadiya and 1-year-old Samira, back home.

The photo’s caption recounted how Badrodin left on his bike at dawn to get cellphone load while Sara heard a rupture of gunshots. She grabbed her children and ran, but she never saw her husband again, not even to bury him.

Another picture illustrates eleven children evacuees huddling under a farm wagon, which is the only cool space they have settled in to escape the pounding heat of the sun and the military operations.

Through the lens of de Leon, we see the faces and costs of this long-running conflict in the South.

“I hope that every person viewing the exhibit will be enthralled by the photos they see. Each picture has a story—each picture has a name, a family, a loved one affected by war,” said Montalbo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864073

Suspected Abu Sayyaf member captured in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Suspected Abu Sayyaf member captured in Sulu clash

A suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigand was captured by troopers of the 35th Infantry Battalion during an encounter in Patikul town, Sulu Monday afternoon.

Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado identified the bandit as Hatib Ullai Usman.

He said Usman was captured as patrolling troops engaged suspected ASG bandits in a 10-minute firefight around 3:45 p.m. in Barangay Latih.

Usman was arrested after he lagged behind his companions while they retreated towards the southern direction. Seized from Usman was a .45 caliber pistol.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864105

President Aquino appoints new Napolcom commissioner (Bio data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): President Aquino appoints new Napolcom commissioner

President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed retired Police Director Felizardo M. Serapio Jr. as commissioner of the National Police Commission (Napolcom), representing the law enforcement sector, for a term of six years.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary and Napolcom Chairman Mel Senen S. Sarmiento said that the President signed on Feb. 11, 2016 the appointment of Commissioner Serapio to replace former Commissioner Luisito T. Palmera whose term of office ended on Jan. 7, 2016.

Napolcom Vice Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that prior to his appointment as Napolcom commissioner, Serapio was the undersecretary and head of the Law Enforcement and Security Integration Office under the Office of the Executive Secretary. He was also the Executive Director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime.

Commissioner Serapio also served as head of the Interpol National Central Bureau Secretariat, officer-in-charge of the ASEAN Senior Official on Transnational Crime-Philippines, and head of the Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, ASEAN Senior Official on Transnational Crime.

Serapio retired from the police service in June 2010 where he held various key positions, such as head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao, regional director of Police Regional Office 12, and director of the Special Action Force.

Serapio was known in the PNP as a crisis manager. He was a graduate of the RP-UK Crisis Management Assistance Program (CMAP) and various crisis management courses held in the United States of America, United Kingdom and Thailand. He shared his expertise by serving as resource person in CMAP trainings conducted by the PNP.

He was also known as the “Father of Police Intervention Training” as he was among the few who introduced it in the PNP.

At present, the Napolcom is chaired by Secretary Sarmiento with Vice Chairman Escueta, Commissioner Alejandro S. Urro, Commissioner Constancia P. De Guzman and Commissioner Serapio as regular members and PNP Chief PDG Ricardo C. Marquez as ex-officio Commissioner.

“The Napolcom welcomes the well-deserved appointment of Commissioner Serapio. His vast experience in law enforcement and participation as resource person in international law enforcement integration and cooperation will definitely be an asset to the Commission,” Escueta said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864137

4 Compostela Valley elementary schools get aid from military, NGOs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): 4 Compostela Valley elementary schools get aid from military, NGOs

In line with the military's community engagement missions, the 71st Infantry Battalion in partnership with Kiwanis Club of Golden Tagum and Pag-asa, Davao distributed educational supplies to four elementary schools in Compostela Valley Monday.

These schools are the Panibasan Elementary School in Macotown and Concepcion Elementary School, Tan-awan Elementary School in Sitio Tan-awan, Barangay Malinawon and Salvacion Elementary School, all in Mawab town.

A total of 200 bags, 681 school kits (notebook, pencils, and papers), and 314 shoes were distributed to 681 pupil beneficiaries.

The school bags included supplies that would help lessen the expenses of pupils and their parents for this year’s opening of classes, but also keep them motivated on important aspects of growth and development as they prepare to enter into the next school level.

The donation activity was done on behalf of the Children’s Hour, in an effort to support the growth and educational development of students in the country.

“This donation is the fruit of the concerted effort between 71IB, Children’s Hour, and Kiwanis International to express our commitment to education,” said 71st Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Davice Christopher G. Mercado

“We are grateful for the opportunity to be able to help the community in a simple way by providing school bags and supplies to our pupils as a source of encouragement to study well,” he added.

The activity was followed by the signing of memorandum of agreement between 71st Infantry Battalion and Kiwanis Club International with the school heads and barangay officials for the continuous support of the activity.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864259

2 more C-130s to join PAF fleet this year

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): 2 more C-130s to join PAF fleet this year

Two more Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft will be joining the inventory of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) this year.

This was disclosed by outgoing PAF head Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado in press briefing Tuesday.

The first aircraft will arrive this month while the second will arrive by September.

The two C-130s will be sourced from the US through its Excess Defense Articles Program. It is worth PHP1.6 billion.

The aircraft are based in Arizona's Davis-Mothan Air Base.

It is best known as the location of the US Air Force Materiel Command's 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft boneyard for all excess military and government aircraft.

With the arrival of these aircraft, the number of C-130s being operated by the PAF will increase to five.

These C-130 are the "T" model or the tactical airlifter basic models, PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said.

This is the C-130s earlier pledged by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg to the PAF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864277

Fallorina named new PAF commander (Bio data)

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Fallorina named new PAF commander

Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, the current Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff, will be replacing outgoing Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado who is retiring Wednesday after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56.

This was confirmed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in a briefing Tuesday.

Fallorina is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983. He will replace Delgado who is a member of PMA Class 1982.

The former is the most competent of all contenders for the position of PAF chief, Padilla said.

Fallorina started his flying career as a pilot of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing where he became a flight commander, instructor pilot, and test pilot of the UH-IH and B-205A-1 combat utility helicopters.

As a staff officer, the former also distinguished himself as a Comptroller and Resource Manager when he was assigned to the former Office of the Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Comptrollership (J-6) as a junior officer in 1994.

He later served as Chief, AFP Educational Benefit System in 2000, Air Force Internal Auditor 2006, Chief of the Air Force Resource Management in 2007 and as the Chairman of the PAF Bids and Awards Committee in 2010 and Chief of Air Staff in October 2013.

Fallorina also served as Squadron Commander, 206th Tactical Helicopter Squadron in 2002, Group Commander, 450th Maintenance and Supply Group in 2003, Tactical Operations Group, Sanga-Sanga in 2004 and as Wing Commander, 520th Air Base Wing in 2011 and from there he earned his first star.

He also served as Deputy Commander, 3rd Air Division in 2012 and later Commander, 1st Air Division in Clark Air Base, Pampanga in 2013 and earned his second star there.

And in Oct. 8, 2014, Fallorina was designated Vice Commander, PAF.

He is also a recipient of three Distinguished Service Stars, the Distinguished Aviation Cross, Silver Wing Medal and numerous Military Merit Medals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=864307