Army major, 1 other soldier, killed in Basilan ambush

From InterAksyon (May 7): Army major, 1 other soldier, killed in Basilan ambush

Two soldiers, one of them an Army major, were killed Monday afternoon in an ambush staged by the Abu Sayyaf in Al Barka town, Basilan.

Colonel Carlito Galvez, commander of the Army's 104th Brigade, said about 180 soldiers from the 18th Infantry Battalion and civilians from the Office of the President were ambushed by about 30 Abu Sayyaf fighters in Sitio Pagtawanan, Barangay Magcawa at around 3 p.m.

Galvez said the soldiers and civilians were on their way to Barangay Bohe Piyang to distribute 20 goats to the community and check on projects of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process when gunmen led by Basir Kasaran and Musana Jamiri fired on them.

Major Alin Kannung, executive officer of the 32nd Infantry Battalion, and Technical Sergeant Ferdinand Costan were killed while four other soldiers of the 18th IB were also wounded.

"Government forces were subjected to mortar and sniper fires for three hours," Galvez said.

At least six of the extremist fighters were killed as reinforcements were rushed to the scene of the fighting.

Galvez said the ambush was possibly in retaliation for the April 15 military operation in Tipo-Tipo town in which eight Abu Sayyaf fighters were killed when their camp was overrun.

Kannung, said Galvez, has long been a target of the Abu Sayyaf because of his peace efforts in the province.

Aside from his stint in the 32nd IB, Kannung, 53, was also part of the monitoring team on the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

His body was brought to his home in Barangay Kalih in Al Barka.

The wounded soldiers were airlifted to Zamboanga City for medical treatment.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61156/army-major-1-other-soldier-killed-in-basilan-ambush

MNLF, MILF clash in North Cotabato left 1 dead, 3,000 evacuees

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): MNLF, MILF clash in North Cotabato left 1 dead, 3,000 evacuees

MATALAM, North Cotabato -- A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed during a clash with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters on Sunday night in a remote village here, police said.

About 3,000 individuals from three adjoining villages have fled to safer grounds when both sides, each with 200 fighters, traded bullets until Monday morning.

Chief Inspector Elias Dandan of Matalam police said the firefight was between the forces of Datu Dima Ambel, MNLF chair for North Cotabato, and a certain Commander Manzur of the MILF 108th base command.

Dandan said the MILF was to host a Bangsamoro Framework Agreement information forum in Barangay Marbol, Matalam, North Cotabato, an area also known as the bailiwick of Commander Ambel.

Commander Manzur claimed the MNLF fired the first shot after they took hostage a member of the MILF and disarmed him.

Dandan could not say who fired the first shot between MNLF and MILF forces.

Armed MILF and MNLF forces could see each other but did not fire when policemen, led by Inspector Dandan and backed by police provincial safety company, entered the conflict area to separate the warring groups.

“We serve as peacekeepers here,” Dandan told reporters. “Both the MNLF and MILF have agreed to a temporary cessation of hostilities," he added.

Commander Manzur said the MILF, office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, GPH-MILF peace panels were to conduct Bangsamoro Framework Agreement information drive on Sunday in Barangay Marbol, a known area of Commander Dima Ambel, chair of the MNLF in North Cotabato.

Ambel agreed to the holding of the forum provided the MILF would not bring in firearms.

“However, the MILF brought firearms and many of them are not from the area, that is a violation to our earlier agreement," he said.

But according to Commander Mansur, the armed MILF are native residents of Barangay Marbol and they did not violate any agreement.

At about 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Commander Mansur said the MNLF fired two M-79 grenades, one of which hit the rooftop of his home while the other in the newly paved Marbol highway. Sporadic firefights ensured between MNLF and MILF forces as evidence by dozens of empty shells found at the approach of Marbol Bridge.

No casualty was reported on the MNLF side.

As a result of the firefight, the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement information drive did not push through.

Dandan said the Matalam policemen and provincial police safety company have remained in the middle of MNLF and MILF forces.

Both Moro groups agreed to an informal ceasefire until the International Monitoring Team arrived and arranged a permanent ceasefire.

A source said the MILF wanted to put up a satellite camp in Barangay Marbol which is a known bailiwick of the MNLF. Ambel allegedly did not like the idea of MILF putting up a camp in his territory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=522932

Army, BCDA forge pact for Clark Green City project

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): Army, BCDA forge pact for Clark Green City project

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija -- The Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) and the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Clark Green City project, a ranking military official said on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Pio Catapang, Jr., commanding general of the 7ID, said the MOA aimed to further the ties between the two government organizations and cater to the progress of the Clark area in Pampanga.

Catapang said that prior to the actual signing of the MOA, a briefing on Clark Green City project, which aims to create a bigger and better Fort Bonifacio-like developed area, was held.

Under the MOA, it was mandated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), particularly the 7ID, which holds responsibility of the Clark-Tarlac areas, to ensure the security of the area and the execution of the project.

Dubbing Pampanga as the heart of Central Luzon, Catapang said he was happy to have known of the proposed projectwhich will cut off the remaining remnants of insurgency in the said province.

"Actually, there is no more insurgency, only extortionists. They have lost their ideology. Insurgency is dead and we are now heading to peace, development, and prosperity," he said.

He said there is no more internal security threats but rather threats coming from outside like global warming, international crime which includes human smuggling, arm smuggling, cybercrime, drugs, and maritime security.

He also said that the 7ID is now deviating from just fighting the local extortionists but focusing on contributing to the development of Central Luzon.

The 7ID is willing to fully collaborate on the progressive project as it will benefit and safeguard not only the modernization of the 45,000-hectare military camps under 7ID the but also the entire nation, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=522880

Army soldiers clash with suspected rebels in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): Army soldiers clash with suspected rebels in NegOr

Army soldiers clashed with an estimated 30 suspected New People’s Army (NPA)rebels in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental on Monday morning.

A team of soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion, led by Cpl. Jesus A. Alamon, was on combat patrol around 9:30 a.m. Monday at Sitio Cadlum in Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina when they came across the group of suspected rebels and engaged them in a running gun battle.

The armed men are believed to be members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas-South East Front (KRSB-SEF), operating in the southwestern portions of Negros Oriental.

No casualties were reported during the firefight which lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes after which the suspected insurgents withdrew towards the northeast, according to Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in the adjacent town of Siaton.

Recovered items from the encounter site include 113 pieces of spent shells of caliber 5.56 M-16, 89 pieces of empty shells of caliber 7.62 M-14, 98 pieces of caliber .30 carbine, one compass, one stethoscope, one sphygmomanometer, six paracetamol tablets, four family pictures, three kilos of corn grits, one bottle of cymbush insecticide and an X-ray film result of a certain Sita Dacaldacal.

Lt. Col. Sison said his troops were conducting combat patrol to verify a report from civilians on Sunday on the presence of armed men in the area.

He reiterated that due to pressure on the rebels with the continuous conduct of combat operations, the NPA has apparently failed in its purported goal to campaign for the political candidates the underground movement is supporting in the May 13 polls.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Sison has disclosed that the NPA is likely to take advantage of the upcoming mid-term elections by launching tactical offensives against soft targets, military detachments and vital installations.

The battalion commander said he is constantly meeting with the security officers of the different vital installations in his area of coverage to avert possible attacks by the NPA at the height of the elections.

The Philippine Army commander said they have been on red alert since May 1 in preparation for next week’s polls.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=522974

MILF: Advocacy on FAB held at Zamboanga Peninsula

From the MILF Website (May 6): Advocacy on FAB held at Zamboanga Peninsula

About 6,000 Bangsamoro people actively participated in a three-day advocacy on the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro held at Camp Salman Al-Farishey, Datu Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay from April 27-29, 2013.

It was organized by the Zamboanga Peninsula Political Committee and 113th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF). Various speakers were invited to talk on the contents and salient features of the FAB.
Mr. Nasrullah Muhammad, a representative from the Office of the First Vice- Chairman oriented the participants on the FAB. He said that, “it is better if every Bangsamoro individual can share the letter and intent of FAB and its essence to his/her brothers and sisters.

Ameer Jamah Mukaddam, Provincial Chairman of the Kalibugan Province challenged every municipal chairman and the different sectors to do their roles and fulfill their responsibilities by extending to many people the objectives of the FAB and its benefits to the people. He also added that, “it is of great importance that many people will be oriented and familiarized with the noble undertaking of advocating the Peace Agreement”.

“Dapat palakasin ng BIAF ang kanilang tungkulin bilang mga sundalo ng mga Bangsamoro. Dapat din nilang gawin ang nararapat bilang Mujahideen at iwasan ang mg hakbang na makasisira sa usaping pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng pamahalaan at ng MILF”, said Battalion Commander Maulana Mukaddam. (“The BIAF should strengthen their role as soldiers of the Bangsamoro and as Mujahideen they should avoid any act that may imperil the peace process between the government and the MILF, said Battalion Comdr. Maulana Mukaddam)

Malaysian IMT, Julkipli Hasim also shared his thoughts. He said that, “We must value the peace process in order to achieve lasting peace and so that development will take place especially in the Bangsamoro homelnd, Mindanao”.

Malik Abdul Karim, Deputy Chairman of Committee on Information said that, “We must avoid gossips and creating hearsays for they are obstructive to the peace process. We must all be optimistic so that we can achieve what we’ve been longing for: genuine peace, security, progress and achieve our rights to our own homeland”.

The advocacy served as an avenue to all the members for establishing rapport and camaraderie, thus, made everyone more committed on the realization of the Bangsamoro aspiration for sled-determination. The gathering finally ended with smiles and handshakes; the participants felt contented with what they heard and learned from the speakers. The organizers are contemplating to organize more advocacy programs so that more areas in the peninsular will become recipient of similar program.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/339-advocacy-on-fab-held-at-zamboanga-peninsula

CSupt. Napenas lashes out at insurgents

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): CSupt. Napenas lashes out at insurgents

Police Regional Office XIII chief Getulio P. Napenas minces no words in lashing out at the communist insurgents whom he said are out not only to undermine our democratic system but also to disrupt the peacefulness and orderliness of the May 13, 2013 midterm polls.

The Caraga top cop called the NPA rebels "evil" and the Philippine Army Special Forces and their SCAA units "good" while commending them for successfully defending their patrol base against a numerically- superior and heavily-armed NPA rebels who attacked their patrol base located in Brgy. San Antonio, RTR town, Agusan del Norte, 4:30 dawn Saturday.

Napenas, in his message Monday morning during the traditional flag-raising ceremony, said that "good will always triumph over evil." Napenas added that there's no justification why the rebels will harass the CAFGUs and the Army Special Forces whose presence were there just to maintain peace and order in the area and to do community service. "What honor can a group earn for harassing or fighting their fellow Filipinos?" Napenas said.

He said there is no honor in store to a group who forbid candidates to go to a certain place for failure to pay the so-called "permit to campaign" or "permit to win" fees, which according to him are actually extortion activities.

"It is dishonorable, according to him when top communist leader Jose Maria Sison said over the weekend in national papers that his bunch of rebels will intensify their fighting against the government. Its not honorable, he further said, to a group who had the gut to write on a wall which he read at a certain place during his visit to Surigao del Sur province saying, "Rebolusyon, hindi Eleksyon!"(Revolution and not Election!).

Napenas said that "Revolution is the law of the unlearned, the law of the jungle, the way of communism and terrorism. Election is the way of democracy, where the subjects can enjoy their right to elect their leaders or be elected to elective positions."

According to him, communism thrives on the people's passivity. "Let those who wanted to play with communism go to North Korea. There, they really will experience the reality of communism," he said.

Napenas cited the case of Cambodia during the Khmer Rogue takeover where the communist killed all the learned people which resulted to the so-called "Killing Fields." He said that during his travels in Europe, he actually saw the backwardness of the places which were once under communism.

He cited Serbia, Kosovo and Albania which were then under Russian communism as very underdeveloped places. "There is more development under a democratic system of governance than under communism" Napenas stressed.

It will be recalled that at dawn Saturday, about 100 fully armed rebels believed to be a combined force of the Regional Sentro De Grabidad (RSDG) and Guerilla Front 21 of the Northeastern Mindanao Revolutionary Committee (NEMRC) attacked a Special Civilian Active Auxiliary (SCAA) patrol base in Brgy San Antonio, RTR town, Agusan del Norte.

Police accounts said the base-defenders held their ground against the enemy until the reinforcement teams from the Special Forces led by Capt. Bautista, Commanding Officer of the 9SF Company and 1Lt. Balatbat based in Pianing, Butuan City arrived in the area. The firefight lasted for about four hours until the enemy withdrew towards the northern direction.

Pursuing troops recovered an M14 Rifle, a backpack (near the patrol base), a tampered Elisco M16 Rifle, a shotgun, three improvised explosives (at 20 kilos each), six rolls electric wires, three bundles of detonating cord, six blasting caps, 20 more backpacks containing personal belongings, four handgrenades, four bangalores, a rifle grenade, a hand held radio, a Nokia cellular Phone, six ignition board switch, assorted medical supplies, an M14 fully loaded magazine, an empty AK47 magazine, assorted ammunitions for AK47, M16 and M14 and 25 liters of gasoline.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=523109

Human rights abuses on the decline -- CHR

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): Human rights abuses on the decline -- CHR

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has announced that there is a significant reduction in the number of cases and victims of enforced disappearance, extra-judicial killings, torture and other forms of ill-treatment from 2010 to 2013.

The announcement on the drop was made by CHR Chairperson Loretta Ann P. Rosales on Friday in the Ulat sa Bayan 2013 that marked its 26th year foundation anniversary held at CHR Multi-Purpose Hall, Commonwealth Ave., Diliman Quezon City.

Rosales cited that based from the comparative report of Martus-based Executive Information Service (MAREIS) that CHR is using to monitor human rights violations, in the first quarter of 2013, there are only 2 cases and 2 victims in the number of enforced disappearance,; 14 and 2 in 2012; 16 and 24 in 2011; while 34 and 53 in 2010.

In the first quarter of 2013, the number of cases and victims of extra judicial killings validated by CHR noted a drop to 15 and 30, in comparison to 43 and 48 in 2012; 61 and 93 in 2011; and 89 and 138 in 2010.

The number of cases and victims of torture and other forms of ill-treatment validated in the 1st quarter of 2013 also declined to 6 and 6; from the 39 and 63 in 2012; 55 and 68 in 2011; and 41 and 53 in 2010.

Rosales pointed out that the drop was due to a quite number of variables working together.

“Government’s paradigm shift in addressing internal armed conflict focusing on the political, rather than the militarist approach; sustained dialogue between CHR and the Security Sector, focused on human rights law enforcement and security sector reforms; peace building process especially in Mindanao with the MILF, better confidence in government by the poor and business sectors because of anti-corruption drive and others,” Rosales said when asked what are the factors that contributed to the decline.

However, Rosales cautioned that while there are clear indications on the drop that should not be taken as a reason to be happy and be contented.

“Radically, with the concerted efforts of different agencies and LGUs working together it is going down but it never really disappeared,” she added.

“The mere fact that there are still cases of enforced disappearance signifies, extra-judicial killings, torture and other forms of ill-treatment that much concerted efforts still needs to be done in the road towards ending impunity,” she stressed out.

She expressed hope that the people will participate to make human rights a way of life by encouraging exercise of vigilance in guarding and protecting against perpetrators of human rights violations.

“I hope that people and different civil society groups will have deeper understanding to stand firmly against the perpetrators of human rights violations to send them the messages that they are not being tolerated and allowed in our society in whatever way,” she then added.

When asked what is the message she wants to impart to those who undauntedly commit human rights violations, she plead to them to end impunity and said: "They should fully understand that concerted efforts from different sectors are working together for the delivery of criminal justice to the victims as a way to combat them".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=522928

Soldiers, NPAs clash in Zamboanga

From the Philippine Star (May 5): Soldiers, NPAs clash in Zamboanga

Government troops clashed with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) collecting so-called permit to campaign fees from candidates in a town in Zamboanga del Norte Friday morning, military officials said yesterday.

Villagers informed the soldiers, who are members of the 10th Infantry Battalion, on the location of the NPA rebels, said Capt. Jefferson Somera, spokesman for the Army’s 1st Infantry Division.

Somera said the firefight, which lasted for one and half hours, occurred in the hinterlands of Leon Postigo town.

Lt. Col. Leonel Nicolas, commanding officer of the 10th IB, said they recovered a 357 magnum revolver, three sacks of food stuff, medical equipment and 50 rounds of live ammunition for M16 at the scene.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/05/938382/soldiers-npas-clash-zamboanga     

AFP: Army stops 50 NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte; 3 alleged rebs caught in Quezon

From GMA News (May 6): AFP: Army stops 50 NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte; 3 alleged rebs caught in Quezon

Government forces repelled about 50 members of the New People's Army who attacked a militia detachment in Remedios Trinidad Romualdez town, Agusan del Norte early Friday morning, 4th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Leo Bongosia said Sunday.

According to a belated report, Bongosia said that the rebels attacked the detachment, which was manned by some 20 soldiers and militiamen, in San Antonio village at around 4 a.m. Friday.

Bongosia added that the rebels withdrew after three hours and 40 minutes of trading fire with the government forces. There are no injuries or fatalities on the government's side.

An M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, a shotgun, magazines, assorted ammunition, four hand grenades and bomb components were among the items recovered from the area, said Bongosia.

Pagbilao operation

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines' 1st Special Forces Battalion captured three individuals, allegedly members of the New People's Army, in Pagbilao, Quezon Sunday afternoon, according to AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos.

Burgos said that the forces, led by a Capt. Moral, raided a house in Ilayang Palsabangon village at around 2:30 p.m. after receiving information from civilians that the house was being occupied by at eight supposed NPA rebels led by an Alexander Sarmiento, alias Daniel.

"Eight NPA personalities were reported present inside the house. When the troops arrived, they scampered, leaving behind three companions, including a female, and several firearms," Col. Alex Capina, commander of the Army’s 201st Brigade, said in a phone interview.

The identities of the three captured were not immediately known.

Capina said the soldiers recovered three M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, an M653 baby armalite, an M203 grenade launcher, and documents.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/306942/news/regions/afp-army-stops-50-npa-rebels-in-agusan-del-norte-3-alleged-rebs-caught-in-quezon

Palace: NPA attack on Negros mining site shows insincerity in peace process

From GMA News (May 5): Palace: NPA attack on Negros mining site shows insincerity in peace process

The attack by New People’s Army guerrillas on a mining compound in Negros Occidental Friday night and a subsequent encounter that killed at least five soldiers Saturday is another proof of the communists’ insincerity in the peace process, a Malacañang official said Sunday.

But deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also reiterated the Armed Forces of the Philippines remains ready to protect the citizenry.

“Pinakita nila ang insincerity nila when it comes to talking peace and wanting to come to the negotiating table, hindi nila tinigilan eh,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

“They said they want to talk peace but it seems they never stop attacking our own kababayan,” she added.

On Saturday, at least five soldiers were killed in an encounter with NPA rebels in Sipalay town in Negros Occidental. The rebels had raided the Philex Mining Corp. compound in Barangay Camindangan in Sipalay City Friday night.

During the one-hour firefight at Sitio Omas in Barangay Camindangan at about 7:40 a.m., five soldiers were killed and two were wounded, state-run Philippines News Agency reported.

Investigation showed the rebels raided the Philex compound at about 9 p.m. Friday and burned down two employee bunkhouses.

They also set fire to a tractor with drilling machine, a generator set, a handheld radio, and some of the workers’ personal belongings.

Soldiers from the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade pursued the rebels and engaged them in a firefight.

The latest attack came shortly after Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison warned of intensified attacks by the NPA due to the government’s plan to stop formal peace talks in favor of a new approach.

Valte said that despite last weekend’s incident, the AFP “will continue to protect the citizenry.”

“Ipagpapatuloy ng ating kasundaluhan ang pag-protect sa ating kababayan,” she said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/306932/news/nation/palace-npa-attack-on-negros-mining-site-shows-insincerity-in-peace-process

MILF: Kiamba-AYA holds Islamic Symposium and Leadership Enhancement Program

From the MILF Website (May 6): Kiamba-AYA holds Islamic Symposium and Leadership Enhancement Program



The Agency for Youth Affairs (AYA) of Kiamba, Sarangani Province conducted Islamic Symposium and Leadership Enhancement Program for Bangsamoro Youth at Datu Dani Elementary School, this muncipility last May 01, 2013.

The program was aimed at enhancing the leadership of Bangsamoro Youth in the locality and instilling on them Islamic wisdom so that they shall become future good and trusted leaders for the Bangsamoro.


The participants came from various barangays of the municipality of Kiamba who actively participated in the whole day activity. They brought with them their own food provisions.

The participants were impressed and enlightened on the topics delivered by the resource speakers, Sheikh Mukhtar Musa (a master of Philosophy in Islamic Studies, Master of Arts in Politics and International Relations, and Bachelor of Arts in Usuluddin in Pakistan) and Sheik Alimuddin Glang, a hafiz and graduate of Islamic Shari’ah.

The program was supported by the MILF political Committee and Committee on Dawah and Masajid Affairs in the said municipality, assisted by the Associated Youth for Good Governance (AYGG), Inc .As a whole, the program was a complete success due to the efforts by organizers and support from partners in the community.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/337-kiamba-aya-holds-islamic-symposium-and-leadership-enhancement-program

MILF: MILF reeterates 'hands-off policy' for nth time in May 13 polls

From the MILF Website (May 6): MILF reeterates 'hands-off policy' for nth time in May 13 polls

“We will not support any candidate officially during the May 13 Philippine national elections. However, we appeal to our people and members who wish to participate to vote for candidates who are genuinely pro-people and pro-peace process and reject those who are corrupt, oppressive, and violent.”

This was the statement of Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF secretariat, after emerging from the meeting of the MILF central committee last May 2 which MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim personally presided, after a long absence.

Murad only returned last April 28 after visiting several countries in Asia and the Middle East. He rushed home just in time for the launching of the FASTRAC (Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities) in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last April 29.

In partnership with the MILF, the United Nations and World Bank launched the FASTRAC, which is a three-year program that would provide on-demand technical assistance in the run-up to the establishment of the Bangsamoro, the new autonomous political entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by June 30, 2016.

“FASTRAC will provide on-demand advisory services and access to the most relevant national and international expertise to contribute and help move forward with the peace process especially in the drafting of the Basic Law that will reflect the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for genuine autonomy while establishing the basis for efficient and accountable government,” UN Resident Director Luiza Carvalho said in her message during the launching.

This is the nth time that the MILF reiterated this long-standing “hands-off policy” on Philippine elections to maintain its integrity as an apolitical organization, one that truly represents and articulates the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people for their right to exercise right to self-determination.

“The MILF is beyond partisan politics and considers everyone as part of its constituency,” Ameen added.

Ameen also explained that the MILF is a revolutionary Islamic organization, borrowing the words of the late MILF Chairman Salamat Hashim, which strives for changes within the ambit of Islam.

He said that the MILF conserves all the fundamentals of Islam and those principles derived therefrom but it is progressive in as far as approaches, methodologies, tactics are concerned.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/336-milf-reeterates-hands-off-policy-for-nth-time-in-may-13-polls

AFP gets two new spokespersons

From Malaya (May 6): AFP gets two new spokespersons

ARMED Forces chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has designated a brigadier general and a major as new mouthpieces of the military, in place of Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos who has been named commander of the Army’s Civil Military Operations Group.

Army Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan is the new military spokesman, in concurrent capacity as AFP internal auditor. He is a classmate of Bautista at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981.

The new chief of the AFP public affairs office, which was also held by Burgos, is Maj. Ramon Zagala, the assistant chief of staff for civil military operations of the Special Forces Regiment, an elite unit of the Army.

Burgos was designated AFP spokesman and PAO chief in March 2010 by then AFP chief Gen. Delfin Bangit. Burgos went on to serve as PAO chief though the military designated a separate spokesman twice - then Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta and Rear Adm. Jose Miguel Rodriguez. In 2011, the function of AFP spokesman was again given to Burgos, in addition to his job as PAO chief.

Burgos said Tutaan will address the “more pressing issues.” He said Zagala can also make public pronouncements while advising the AFP chief “on matters pertaining to public affairs of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

Before assuming as AFP internal auditor Tuesday last week, Tutaan was chief of the AFP Human Rights Office.

Tutaan’s post as AFP HRO chief will go Col. Rhoderick Parayno, the outgoing chief of the Army’s Human Rights Office.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/30277-afp-gets-two-new-spokespersons

Communist rebels call for truce in North Cotabato to allow release of abducted cop

From InterAksyon (May 6): Communist rebels call for truce in North Cotabato to allow release of abducted cop

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Southern Mindanao called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to declare a ceasefire in North Cotabato to pave the way for the release of a policeman the rebels have been holding captive since April 19.

Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of NDFP-Southern Mindanao, said the NDF will release Police Officer 3 Maula Tato Ali once the military declares a ceasefire in the towns of Arakan, Magpet, Antipas, and President Roxas in North Cotabato and Baguio and Marilog districts in Davao City.

The said areas are under the 84th Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division.

Ali was seized by the rebels last April 19 in Barangay Batobato, President Roxas town.
Del Mundo said the decision to release the policeman came after "subsequent investigation...showed that he did not commit significant offenses against the masses and the revolutionary forces."

Ali was also not involved in the alleged cover-up in the death of Fr. Fausto "Pops" Tentorio in October 2011.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61066/communist-rebels-call-for-truce-in-north-cotabato-to-allow-release-of-abducted-cop

Army deploys 6 battalions in Masbate, other parts of Bicol

From InterAksyon (May 6): Army deploys 6 battalions in Masbate, other parts of Bicol

The Philippine Army in Bicol has deployed an augmentation force of six battalions in the six provinces of the region, especially in the island province of Masbate, in an effort to prevent possible bloodshed and ensure honest and peaceful elections.

Army Major Angelo Guzman, spokesman of the Army's 9th Infantry Division, said the six additional battalions from the Army’s regional command is equivalent to close to 800 soldiers.

Guzman said the augmentation troops will re-enforce the current forces assigned in these areas that will ensure the peaceful and secured conduct of national and local polls here.

The bulk of the force will be sent to the island province of Masbate, which authorities and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) have classified as an election hot spot.

Prior the sendoff of the reinforcement soldiers, Archbishop Rolando Octavus J. Tria Tirona of the Arcdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur held a Mass at the Metropolitan Naga Cathedral and gave his blessings for the protection of the government forces and the Philippine National Police, public school teachers and volunteers who will be deployed for election duties.

In his homily, the prelate asked the Army and PNP to protect the votes of the people.
“With the vested authority in you and the courage you possess, let us protect the votes of the Bicolanos by performing honestly our duty,” Tirona told the law enforcers.
The augmentation soldiers belong to the 9ID’s “Task Group Bicol (TG Bicol).”

Guzman said the TG Bicol is the Army’s election-monitoring unit in the region.
It was activated last January and is headed by Brig. Gen. Felix J. Castro Jr., the 9ID assistant division commander.

“This Holy Mass led by Archbishop Tria Tirona is a big morale-booster for our soldiers, especially those who will be deployed for election duty. Your Army under the 9th Infantry Division is one with the Bicolanos in our common direction to have an honest, orderly, safe, peaceful and credible election,” Castro said.

Two days ago, the PA in Bicol deployed one platoon (30 soldiers) from Task Group Bicol’s reserve company in Masbate to beef up the security requirements in the province.

The additional platoon was deployed for election duty in Milagros town of Masbate, Lieutenant Col. Julian Pacatan, the commander of the Army’s 9th Infantry Battalion.

“We can now focus on Mobo, Aroroy, Placer, Cawayan, Balud, and Monreal,” he said.
In January this year, the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company, composed of 100 soldiers, was deployed in Masbate.

Another platoon of the Task Group Bicol Reserve Company is on standby alert at the 9ID headquarters in Camarines Sur, which can be immediately mobilized anywhere in the region should election security requires,” Castro said.

Major Gen. Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo, Solcom chief, said they are closely watching the island province of Masbate following intense political rivalries among politicians who are employing members of the communist guerrillas as private armies.

The PNP in Bicol identified at least two private armies -- the Villaruel and Arizobal groups with 38 members -- in the province.

The island province of Masbate was earlier tagged as among the 15 election hot spot areas in the county. Due to this, the PNP and AFP deployed thousands of troops to beef up security in Bicol region.

The provinces of Masbate, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte are considered as election hot spots.

“Every battalion has at least a company-sized election task unit or around 130 soldiers. Every province has one battalion. But on election day the whole 9th ID or around 4,500 soldiers and 4,000 militiamen or Cafgus will be deployed for election day,” Guzman said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61062/election-hot-spot--army-deploys-6-battalions-in-masbate-other-parts-of-bicol