16 people wounded in NPA attacks in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 3): 16 people wounded in NPA attacks in Mindanao



At least 11 government soldiers and five rescue volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross were wounded in a roadside explosion blamed by the military to communist rebels in the restive southern region of Mindanao.

The military’s Eastern Mindanao Command said the volunteers were on their way to pick up soldiers wounded in an earlier blast in Davao del Sur’s Bansalan town late Sunday. Among the wounded on the military side were two officers.

Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the rescue volunteers were in a convoy of three ambulances when hit by the bomb detonated by the New People’s Army.

“Five volunteers were hurt in NPA landmine blast. The ambulance was heavily damaged from the blast,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The military identified the wounded rescue volunteers as Henaro Dumayas, Alberto Cabual Jr, Arnel Generoso, Jun Dumayas and Bonita dela Cruz. And the injured soldiers as Lts. Ian Rogel Ngalew, Joesepher Ansay, Cpls. Joefrey Espina, Totoh Imar, Pfcs. Rowell De Guzman, Brian Ferrer, Jovane Adam, Edwin Mamalinta, Pvts. Gonzalo Gella, Rodel John Reynalda and militia Albert Velasco.

Caber said four rebels were also killed in the fighting that ensued following the attack.

Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the division commander, condemned the rebel attack, saying the NPA violated a treaty that banned the use of landmines, calling it a “cowardly act.” He also called on human rights groups to condemn the NPA atrocities and investigate the NPA on its continued use of landmines.

“We call on various human rights group to investigate this incident. We appeal to the peace-loving community to join us in bringing lasting peace in the region,” Cruz said.

He said since 2010, near 500 people had been either killed or wounded in landmine attacks perpetrated by the NPA in eastern Mindanao alone.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about the latest attack.

The rebels have been waging a secessionist war in the country for decades now.





Photos released by the military's Eastern Mindanao Command show three of the wounded rescue workers and their ambulance which was hit by a landmine blast in Davao del Sur's Bansalan town. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/03/16-people-wounded-in-npa-attacks-in.html

4 people seized in Jolo town

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 3): 4 people seized in Jolo town

Armed men clad in white robes have seized Monday three students of a private school and their family driver in the southern Filipino town of Jolo, police said.

Police said the victims – two children and a teenager – were in a car driven by Saddam Amlih, 24, on their way to Notre Dame School when a jeep used by the gunmen blocked their path on General Arolas Street in the village of Alat.

“They four victims were forcibly taken by seven armed in Tabligh attire and fled towards Patikul town,” police chief Abraham Orbita told The Manila Times. “Police forces responded as soon as we received the information, but did not catch up with the abductors. We are investigating the incident.”

Tabligh refers to a preacher and the robe they use is called thawb or thobe or kandura.

The mayor of Jolo, Hussin Amin, did not give any statement about the latest abduction and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the incident, but authorities have largely blamed Abu Sayyaf rebels for the spate of ransom kidnappings in the area.

Just last month, suspected Abu Sayyaf also abducted a couple – Bonifacio Salinas, 54, and his wife, Claire – who are both working for the Jolo Mainland Water District.

In December, police arrested an Abu Sayyaf member Haik Asgali alias Abu Aswad who was linked to the February 2012 kidnapping in Tawi-Tawi province of two European wildlife photographers Ewold Horn, 52, from Holland; and Lorenzo Vinciguerre, 47, from Switzerland.

Asgali, who was captured in Jolo town, is a nephew of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron.

The two foreigners, along with their Filipino guide Ivan Sarenas, 35, were abducted at gunpoint by five men in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town while taking photographs of wild birds, and handed them over to the Abu Sayyaf. Sarenas managed to escape, but the fate of the two foreigners is unknown.

The Abu Sayyaf also kidnapped the provincial treasurer of Sulu, Jess Cabilin, in Patikul town in November and was a released unharmed following a negotiation launched by his family.

Authorities tagged Cabelin's kidnappers as Ninok Sappari and Julli Ikit who were also implicated in the March 2012 kidnapping of Indian national Viju Kolara Veetil and other Filipinos in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/03/4-people-seized-in-jolo-town.html

Sulu Sultanate: KL has USD100-M Sabah fund

From ABS-CBN (Mar 3): Sulu Sultanate: KL has USD100-M Sabah fund

The sultanate of Sulu claimed yesterday that the Malaysian government has set up a “$100-million Sabah Protection Fund (SPF)” to obscure their proprietary rights over Sabah.

Abraham Idjirani, spokesman for the sultanate, told The STAR that the implementation of the SPF is allegedly being carried out by the Malaysian prime minister’s office in coordination with the Philippine government.

He said a reliable source in Malaysia told him that to justify the SPF, it was included in the budget of the prime minister in the form of economic aid to Muslim communities in the Philippines.

In reality, however, it was intended to muddle the sultanate’s legal rights over Sabah.

“The SPF is being used to fund black propaganda and sow confusion among the legitimate heirs of the sultanate, in particular, and the Filipino people, in general,” he said.

Idjirani has appealed to the Malaysian parliament to look into the implementation of the SPF and determine if it was really intended to finance livelihood programs for Filipino Muslims in Mindanao.

Idjirani reminded Malaysia and the Philippine government that any effort to demolish the “historic and moral rights” of the sultanate over Sabah will not prosper as the case is now pending before the International Court of Justice.

He said the petition to reclaim Sabah was filed on Sept. 24, 2004 and a month later, the United Nations acknowledged the appeal.

The UN, however, required the sultanate to get an endorsement from a sovereign state to pursue its claim.

The sultanate has also reminded the United States and other countries about their moral obligation to honor treaties forged by their governments with the sultanate in the past.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/03/14/sulu-sultanate-kl-has-usd100-m-sabah-fund

MILF: Editorial -- "Water cannot rise above its source"

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Mar 2): "Water cannot rise above its source"

The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is currently in full swing writing the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but in doing so, it is bound by the letter and spirit of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) as well as the four Annexes and the Addendum on Bangsamoro Waters (not to say of the other previously signed agreements by the parties). These are the controlling templates or mechanisms.

What is letter and spirit of a law or agreement?

It means what it says and its intention; meaning, the drafters of the BBL will have to follow these documents as written, but also know the intent behind what is written and follow that, too.

This is a message addressed to those who wanted the BBL to accommodate even those clearly outside the letter and spirit of these documents. Such a view of “autonomy within autonomy,” even if it is well-meant, is not possible. “The water cannot rise above its source,” so to speak.

Experts say that a good constitution, basic law or organic act has the following features namely: it must be well-written, comprehensive, partly rigid and partly flexible, and suitability. And without stating, it should provide for a bill of rights for the people.

To explain this further, a constitution must be well defined and precise. It should not have ambiguities and obscurities of language, because this may lead to conflicting interpretations.

Such a constitution will depend for its interpretation on the whims of the judges. It should be sufficiently comprehensive, covering the whole field of government. The powers of different organs of the government and various functionaries of the state must be clearly demarcated. A constitution that is detailed becomes a plaything in the hands of judiciary. It should not omit the main fundamentals and at the same time does not enter into needless details, since a detailed constitution is also liable to give rise to constitutional disputes. Besides, a detailed constitution indicates a sort of distrust in the various organs of the government and hampers its natural growth. It should neither be very rigid nor very flexible. A rigid constitution does not possess the qualities of adaptability and adjustability. With the changing needs of time a flexible constitution is liable to be perverted. The best constitution is one which combines both the elements of rigidity and flexibility. It must provide a method of change so that it may be changed and adopted without a revolution. And lastly, a good constitution should represent the needs of the time and should be suitable for social, political and economic needs of the people.

It is prudent enough to say that those who wish to make recommendations for inclusions in the draft BBL should only send those that are relevant to the task of the BTC, so as not to unnecessarily burden them. This will surely bring good tiding to the commissioners who are catching up time to finish the BBL soon.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/840-‘water-cannot-rise-above-its-source’

MILF: Tawi-tawi leaders express support for the B.T.C.

From the MILF Website (Mar 3): Tawi-tawi leaders express support for the B.T.C.



Bongao, Tawi-Tawi --- Governor Nurbert M. Sahali of this southernmost province in the ARMM ended what has been a lively public consultation with the reassuring words that they “support the crafting of an inclusive, doable and just Bangsamoro Basic Law.”
  

In the seaside resort of Sandbar Lepa back-dropped by the towering Bongao Peak, the young governor last February 14 hosted the multi-sectoral dialogue with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) which is presently drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Mohagher Iqbal, BTC Chairman, led 12 other commissioners in answering various questions from the people of Tawi-Tawi.  Two commissioners were unable to attend due to health reasons.

Academicians from the Mahardika Institute of Technology and Mindanao State University raised questions on the future status of local governments as well as that of the GRP-MNLF Final Peace Agreement of 1996.

An oblate sister asked how Christians and other non-Muslims would be treated under the Bangsamoro Government.

The head of a municipal fire station wondered how the Bangsamoro would differ from the present ARMM.

Another recurring topic, the constitutionality of the BBL, was also inquired.

The commissioners took turns in explaining that the privileges of local governments would not be diminished but can be reformed pursuant to good governance; that the 42 consensus points reached in the Tripartite Review talks might be incorporated in the BBL; that non-Muslims would not be discriminated and that religious freedom is guaranteed; and that the Bangsamoro would have an asymmetric relations with the GPH, a more powerful and different governmental relations than that of the present-day ARMM.

The possible constitutional issues that may be raised would have to be addressed by the Government of the Philippines since the BBL is a product of negotiations between the MILF and GPH.

As in Sulu, Chairman Iqbal urged the participants to understand deeply the addendum on Bangsamoro waters. The document, he stressed, is a victory for the people of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu since their rightful, historic and legal claim over the resources of Sulu Sea are now truly restored to them.

Gov. Sahali was joined by his sister Congresswoman Ruby Sahali of the lone district of Tawi-Tawi in expressing support to the BTC.

Many officials of the provincial government also attended, with Provincial Administrator Atty. Kadirie Sahali thanking the BTC for its visit so that they can be updated.

Gov. Sahali appealed to the BTC that their “hopes and needs be reflected in the basic law.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/842-tawi-tawi-leaders-express-support-for-the-btc

MILF: BLMI engages in consultation sorties in Moro Island Provinces

From the MILF Website (Mar 3): BLMI engages in consultation sorties in Moro Island Provinces



The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) based at Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, is currently engaged in series of advocacies and consultation sorties in Moro Island Provinces that kicked-off on February 8. Tasked by the Institute were Sheik Sam Alabat, Extension Service Unit Officer and this writer who is the BLMI’s Research Unit officer.
   

The salient features of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four (4) annexes; the Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters and Zone of Joint Cooperation; updates on the GPH – MILF Peace process and the proposed Ministerial Form of Government; political party formation; and electoral system were discussed.

The tandem of Alabat and Tahir first landed at Isabela city where a consultation was made. The activity was facilitated by Yakan City Political Committee in Basilan Province on February 8, 2014 where most of the participants came from the academe, students and local government officials.

On February 9, another advocacy was conducted at the same venue and was facilitated by the Basilan Province Political Committee. The FAB, its four annexes and other related issues were also discussed. This time the participants were residents from the remote municipalities of the province.

On February 10, the BLMI team proceeded to Jolo, Sulu, and conducted similar advocacy for Central Sulu. The program was held at Sulu State College (SSC) Gym and attended by participants from various sectors who wanted updates on the current GPH – MILF Peace process.

On February 12, Southern Sulu got its turn. It was held at Sulu Notre Dame Training Center. The participants were local fisher folks and community leaders from Siasi, Pandami and Tongkil.

On February 15, another advocacy was held at the Sulu Agricultural School where a large number of residents from various sectors of society flocked to the venue.

Endowed with noble objectives and strong determination, the BLMI Team continued its journey to the farthest island of Tawi –Tawi.

 The activity was held on February 17. Sheik Alabat and this writer, a native of Tandubas, Tawi –Tawi travelled by pump- boat towards the Municipalities of Sapa- Sapa and Bannaran.  The travel took us almost four (4) hours from Bongao Municipality to Bannaran Island before reaching the venue. What was more impressing to us upon our arrival was the patience and determination of the residents who have been there for two days waiting for our arrival. At the Celebes Sea while crossing the Island, the rough sea was very evident.

The attendees were mostly fishermen and farmers from the neighboring island municipalities. One of the attendees said that, “Our fatigue and anxiety were relieved after listening to the updates on the GPH-MILF Peace Process”.
The BLMI team returned back to Bongao on February 18 where another engagement with the Tawi- Tawi members of the academe, students and LGU Officials was undertaken on February 19. It was held at Bongao Beach Side Hotel.
This writer while engaging in consultation and advocacies in Western Mindanao uses Sinama and Tausog dialects to be more effective.

The attendees expressed their profound gratitude to BLMI and its sponsors for providing valuable information and making them a part of the peace journey. On its part the BLMI expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the different political committees, CSO’s and PO’s for the warm welcome, active participation and cooperation they made during the conduct of the activities.

There is still a long way to go before the Bangsamoro people can truly achieve lasting peace and freedom but with the interest shown by beneficiaries of the advocacies made by BLMI, the realization of the aspiration of the Moro people for right to self-determination is beyond reach.

These outreach programs were realized through the unending  support of The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Aus-Aid,  two of various International Non –Government Institutions which are GPH-MILF partners in peace building endeavors in Mindanao for the past many years.

The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) based at Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, is currently engaged in series of advocacies and consultation sorties in Moro Island Provinces that kicked-off on February 8. Tasked by the Institute were Sheik Sam Alabat, Extension Service Unit Officer and this writer who is the BLMI’s Research Unit officer.

The salient features of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and its four (4) annexes; the Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters and Zone of Joint Cooperation; updates on the GPH – MILF Peace process and the proposed Ministerial Form of Government; political party formation; and electoral system were discussed.

The tandem of Alabat and Tahir first landed at Isabela city where a consultation was made. The activity was facilitated by Yakan City Political Committee in Basilan Province on February 8, 2014 where most of the participants came from the academe, students and local government officials.

On February 9, another advocacy was conducted at the same venue and was facilitated by the Basilan Province Political Committee. The FAB, its four annexes and other related issues were also discussed. This time the participants were residents from the remote municipalities of the province.

On February 10, the BLMI team proceeded to Jolo, Sulu, and conducted similar advocacy for Central Sulu. The program was held at Sulu State College (SSC) Gym and attended by participants from various sectors who wanted updates on the current GPH – MILF Peace process.

On February 12, Southern Sulu got its turn. It was held at Sulu Notre Dame Training Center. The participants were local fisher folks and community leaders from Siasi, Pandami and Tongkil.

On February 15, another advocacy was held at the Sulu Agricultural School where a large number of residents from various sectors of society flocked to the venue.

Endowed with noble objectives and strong determination, the BLMI Team continued its journey to the farthest island of Tawi –Tawi.

The activity was held on February 17. Sheik Alabat and this writer, a native of Tandubas, Tawi –Tawi travelled by pump- boat towards the Municipalities of Sapa- Sapa and Bannaran.  The travel took us almost four (4) hours from Bongao Municipality to Bannaran Island before reaching the venue. What was more impressing to us upon our arrival was the patience and determination of the residents who have been there for two days waiting for our arrival. At the Celebes Sea while crossing the Island, the rough sea was very evident.

The attendees were mostly fishermen and farmers from the neighboring island municipalities. One of the attendees said that, “Our fatigue and anxiety were relieved after listening to the updates on the GPH-MILF Peace Process”.
The BLMI team returned back to Bongao on February 18 where another engagement with the Tawi- Tawi members of the academe, students and LGU Officials was undertaken on February 19. It was held at Bongao Beach Side Hotel.

This writer while engaging in consultation and advocacies in Western Mindanao uses Sinama and Tausog dialects to be more effective.

The attendees expressed their profound gratitude to BLMI and its sponsors for providing valuable information and making them a part of the peace journey. On its part the BLMI expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the different political committees, CSO’s and PO’s for the warm welcome, active participation and cooperation they made during the conduct of the activities.

There is still a long way to go before the Bangsamoro people can truly achieve lasting peace and freedom but with the interest shown by beneficiaries of the advocacies made by BLMI, the realization of the aspiration of the Moro people for right to self-determination is beyond reach.

These outreach programs were realized through the unending  support of The Asia Foundation (TAF) and Aus-Aid,  two of various International Non –Government Institutions which are GPH-MILF partners in peace building endeavors in Mindanao for the past many years.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/841-blmi-engages-in-consultation-sorties-in-moro-island-provinces

5 PNP execs seek time to explain 900 missing guns

From the Philippine Star (Mar 3): 5 PNP execs seek time to explain 900 missing guns



Five Philippine National Police (PNP) officials, ordered investigated by President Aquino over 900 missing high-powered firearms, asked for one more week to give their side of the issue.

Director Gil Meneses of the PNP Civil Security Group; Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta of the Police Regional Office 3; Chief Superintendent Tom Rentoy of the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies; Senior Superintendent Regie Catiis, the executive officer of the PNP Directorate for Comptrollership; and Senior Superintendent Eduardo Acierto Jr. asked that they be given until Friday to answer the allegations against them.

The five police officials were “invited for questioning” by Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Chief Superintendent Benjie Magalong over the 900 AK-47 and Armalite rifles procured by a security agency but later could not be found.

Magalong gave the five police officials up to Feb. 23 to present themselves for investigation before CIDG probers, but their lawyer sought a one-week extension on Feb. 28.

Facing court trial

 

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., the PNP Deputy Chief for Administration, warned that should the five officials fail to present their sides on the issue, they will be charged in court.

Rojas stressed that it is still PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima who has the final say on the case against the five officials.

Rentoy officially retired on Feb. 26 while Meneses, who is set to retire in June, has already filed for non-duty status.

Meneses and Petrasanta used to be former directors of the PNP Firearms and Explosives Office while Catiis and Acierto were former chiefs of the licensing division of the PNP-FEO.

Reports showed that Twin Pines Inc., a licensed importer of firearms, gun parts, ammunition and shooting accessories, sold the AK-47 and M-16 Armalite rifles to JTC Mineral Mining Corp., which operates in the Caraga region.

The weapons supposedly were to be used by the mining firm’s security forces tasked to defend its interests against the New People’s Army and other criminals in the region.

However, police officers tasked to conduct a nationwide gun check discovered last year that the weapons were missing from JTC’s inventory.

Initially, the five police officials claimed that the purchase of the high-powered firearms was “aboveboard” and passed all the requirements.

Aquino, however, got wind of the alleged anomaly and ordered Purisima to conduct a deeper investigation.

http://www.philstar.com/metro/2014/03/03/1296414/5-pnp-execs-seek-time-explain-900-missing-guns

PN gets RIMPAC exposure

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2): PN gets RIMPAC exposure

In a bid to further professionalize the Philippine Navy (PN), two of its officers will be deployed to participate in this year's RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise).

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said that the unnamed officers will be attending the RIMPAC planning conference in California this April.

"And the same officers will be attending the actual exercises (off) Hawaii on July. The said officers will act as staff officers during the exercises," he added.

And when asked whether these PN officials will be observing the exercises aboard one of the naval vessels, Fabic stressed that this will be determined during the planning conference.

"Usually they join other staff in (US Pacific Fleet) headquarters (in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) during exercises. They will act as staff officers during the war games," the PN spokesperson stressed.

RIMPAC is the world's largest international maritime warfare exercise.

It is held biennially during June and July of even-numbered years from Honolulu, Hawaii.

It is hosted and administered by the United States Navy's Pacific Fleet, headquartered at Pearl Harbor, in conjunction with the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and Hawaii National Guard forces under the control of the Governor of Hawaii.

The US invites allied military forces from the Pacific Rim nations to participate.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621275

Efforts now underway to upgrade PHL MPAC force

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): Efforts now underway to upgrade PHL MPAC force

Efforts to upgrade the Navy's small craft force are now underway as the Department of National Defense (DND) has allocated P270 million to acquire three MPACs (multi-purpose assault craft) capable of mounting and firing missiles.

DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo said the sum includes "mission essential equipment and an initial logistic support packages."

The money will be sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

He added that interested bidders should also equipped these MPACs with provisions for advanced weapons system (remote weapon systems and missile launch system).

Mission essential equipment includes day/night electronic navigation systems, communication suites, safety-of-life-at-sea, propulsion system and seamanship and ship-handling gears.

Winning bidders must be able to deliver the MPACs within 540 working days of the opening of the letter of credit.

Interested parties must have experience on a similar project within the last 10 years.

Bidders must be the suppliers themselves, Manalo added.

The PN currently operates a force of six MPACs.

Three of the PN's MPACs are sourced from Taiwan while the remaining three were ordered from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation, which is based in Subic Bay, Zambales.

These ships are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter and a top speed of 45 knots.

Each one cost around P90 million.

It has a range 300 nautical miles.

The hull is made of high-quality aluminum and is crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel.

It is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.

The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation.

It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621314

11 soldiers, 5 others wounded in 2 Davao del Sur landmine attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 3): 11 soldiers, 5 others wounded in 2 Davao del Sur landmine attacks
 
Five civilians and 11 soldiers were wounded as New People's Army (NPA) fighters conducted two landmine attacks in Bansalan town, Davao Del Sur Sunday.

The latest explosion occurred in Sitio Tower, Barangay Managa, 7:30 p.m.

This attack hit an ambulance convoy who were out to help the 11 soldiers wounded in the first landmine blast in Sitio Balutakay, Managa town around 11:18 a.m.

Col. Marcos Norman Flores, Jr., 1002nd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the wounded civilians as Henaro Dumayas, Alberto Cabual, Jr., Arnel Valeroso, Ivan Malingo and Bonita Dela Cruz.

All five are members of the Davao Del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Dumayas, who sustained wounds in the left forearm, left thigh and inferior side of the head, and Cabual, who was wounded at his left arm, are in critical condition at the Digos Doctors Hospital while the other three suffered slight wounds.

Initial reports said that Menandro Villanueva, Secretary of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee personally ordered the landmining of the civilian ambulance.

“We condemn to the highest degree this barbaric, brutal and inhumane act of the NPA clearly and gravely violating the Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.

We call on various human rights group including the Karapatan, who remained mum whenever the NPA commits serious human rights violations but are active whenever there are alleged, unfounded and deceitful propaganda against the government, to put a stop and to condemn the heinous crimes of the NPA,” Flores said.

Earlier in the morning, troops of 39th Infantry Battalion under 1st Lt. Ian Rogel Ngalew, were victimized by another NPA landmine while conducting security patrols in Sitio Balutakay, Managa town.

This started an hour-long firefight which resulted in the wounding of 11 soldiers, two of them officers,

On the other hand, community members reported that the NPA brought with them four dead members and several wounded from the firefight.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=621460

Freed MILF commander vows to work for lasting peace in Mindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 2): Freed MILF commander vows to work for lasting peace in Mindanao

In the presence of lawmen and truce monitoring team from here and abroad, Wahid Tundok, the ground commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, vowed to help in the government-MILF peace-building efforts, saying his freedom from arrest was a product of the peace process.

“First of all, I thank God and the people responsible for my custody and eventual freedom,” said Tundok, commander of the MILF 118th Base Command, who was arrested by police agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group at a Marine checkpoint here on Feb. 23 and placed under the Army custody of the 6th Infantry Division before his release two days after.

A regional trial court judge, George Jabido, recalled the warrant for his arrest as he was just among the other John Does that allegedly participated in the storming of villages in 2008 by MILF marauders, then led by Ameril Umra Kato, who later severed ties by organizing his own Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement with armed followers calling themselves as `freedom fighters.’

Tundok, according to government and MILF peace negotiators, is also covered by a ceasefire protocol on temporary immunity from arrest.

During a courtesy call on Saturday at the 6th ID headquarters at Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, Tundok apologized before police and military officers, and members of the International Monitoring Team, the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee of the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Ad-Hoc Joint Action Group, and local government units, represented by Sharif Aguak Mayor Zahara Ampatuan and Datu Saudi Mayor Samsodin Dimaukom.

The 62-year old Tundok promised to take the path of peace in whatever capacity even to the point of bringing back to the fold misguided comrades in arms.

“We have had enough of violence as a means to resolve animosity and misunderstanding, and now is the time to overcome evil with good by supporting the government-MILF peace initiative,” Tundok, speaking in the vernacular, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“For the sake of our children and the next generation, let’s give peace a chance so that we can live peacefully and harmoniously in the land of our forebears who fought and died in vain. Peace not fist, and love instead of hatred for one another is what Allah wants of us,” Tundok said.

Toks Ebrahim, CCCH consultant, speaking in behalf of MILF chief of staff Sammy Almanzor, also thanked government peacekeepers, led by the 6th ID commander, Maj. Gen. Romeo Gapuz, and others that appealed for calm and sobriety in the handling of a volatile situation amid the anticipation for a final peace deal.

Malaysian Navy Admiral Abdul Rahman, IMT head of mission, said the issue on Tondok’s arrest was properly resolved through mutual endeavor to preserve peace.

“It demonstrated the true partnership of the GPH-MILF to prevent an impasse by amicably putting a closure to the case,” which Rahman said “could have led to the escalation of another war.”

He cited the tact with which Gapuz took Tundok into his custody, mindful of preserving his decency and integrity as a person under suspicion.

The Malaysian head of mission, however, warned the MILF that the government peace initiative “should not be used as a license to commit abusive acts to derail the talks.

“Instead, let’s continue to find ways to find true peace in Mindanao,” Rahman said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/581700/freed-milf-commander-vows-to-work-for-lasting-peace-in-mindanao

PNP seeks talks with ex-rebels securing claimants

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 3): PNP seeks talks with ex-rebels securing claimants

Police have reached out to former members of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) for a dialogue after they were identified in a Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) report as providing security to land claimants and squatters here.

Speaking at the Cordillera Regional Law Enforcement Coordination Committee meeting here on Thursday, Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, regional police director, said he had informed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp) about evidence linking the militia formed by slain rebel priest Conrado Balweg to squatting groups and ancestral land claimants.

The report identified CPLA members who allegedly provide protection to claimants, who have since acquired Certificates of Ancestral Land Title (CALTs).

Some of the CALTs, however, cover disputed lands because these have encroached on government reservations, parks and other government facilities.

On Thursday, the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) discussed the complaints aired by three town mayors about armed CPLA men who had been recruiting villagers and protecting pocket mines and disputed lands in the Cordillera.

Vice Mayor Edwin Bandao of Bakun town, Mt. Province, said armed men identified themselves as CPLA members and urged villagers to join their ranks, promising them financial aid if the proposed Cordillera autonomous region is approved.

“But the villagers who signed the membership forms were shocked when the CPLA men began collecting a P400 membership fee days later,” he said.

Mayor Florencio Bentrez of Tuba town, Benguet province, reported to the PPOC that CPLA men were protecting small-scale mines and disputed lands in his town.

The Opapp’s response to the CIDG report would be discussed during the dialogue that would address the issue.

Balweg and the government, through then President Corazon Aquino, formally ceased hostilities after the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution that led to the creation of the Cordillera Administrative Region.

In 2011, President Aquino, Corazon Aquino’s son, signed a closure agreement with CPLA officials to conclude the peace talks, which obliged the government to accept eligible militiamen into the military and the state forest guard service, and to provide development to communities where the former CPLA members live.

The agreement, which was facilitated by Opapp, also required the CPLA to disarm and disband. The militia has been converted into a nongovernment organization dedicated to improving Cordillera economies.

But the CIDG report that was sent to Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan on Feb. 5 identified former CPLA members who were allegedly acting as “protection groups, short for privately armed groups,” for land claimants, Nerez told the committee.

The report was prepared for the city government, which went to court to nullify at least five disputed CALTs. Vincent Cabreza, with a report from Kimberlie Quitasol, Inquirer Northern Luzon

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/581735/pnp-seeks-talks-with-ex-rebels-securing-claimants

8 soldiers wounded in Davao Sur landmine attack

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 2): 8 soldiers wounded in Davao Sur landmine attack
Eight soldiers were wounded in a landmine attack by suspected New People’s Army rebels in the hinterland village of Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, on Sunday night, a police report said.

Senior Supt. Ronaldo Llanera, provincial police chief, identified the wounded soldiers only by their last names as Lt. Ngalew, Cpl. Espina, Cpl. Imar, Pfc. de Guzman, Pfc. Adam, Pfc. Mamalinta, Pvt. Gella and Pvt. Reynalda.

Three civilian rescuers—Alberto Cabuab, Arnel Valeroso and Genaro Dumayas—were also wounded when a landmine hit a Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management ambulance.

The wounded civilians were on their way to the first landmine attack site when they were hit by another explosion.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/581776/8-soldiers-wounded-in-davao-sur-landmine-attack

Malaysia on lookout for ‘leader from Sulu’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 3): Malaysia on lookout for ‘leader from Sulu’

Malaysia’s security forces are closely monitoring information that another leader from Sulu in the Philippines plans to enter Sabah in order to meet with local political figures.

Sabah police commissioner Hamza Taib said that should the Sulu leader—whom he did not name—follow the proper channels of entry into Sabah, this would not be a problem.

“But if he threatens the security of the state, the police will act accordingly.

“At the moment, we are keeping an eye on the individual (a senior leader of a Sulu group), who is planning to come to Malaysia to meet with a political leader.

“As far as I am concerned, this individual can enter Malaysia legally as we are a free country and we do not stop people from coming here,” he said.

“However, if anyone tries to cause chaos or threaten us, we will not hesitate to take stern action,” he told reporters after launching the second phase of a motorcycle patrolling unit at Taman Suria near Penampang here yesterday.

Hamza was commenting on a statement by the inspector general of the  police, Khalid Abu Bakar, that a senior leader of a Sulu group was planning to enter Sabah.

The Sulu leader reportedly claimed his group was not related to the one led by Agbimuddin Kiram, the brother of the late self-proclaimed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram, which entered Lahad Datu’s coastal village of Tanduo on Feb. 12 last year, demanding the return of Sabah to the Sultanate of Sulu.

Hamza said Malaysia police were ready to face any group that would threaten the country’s sovereignty.

“This is a warning. Do not try to cause chaos or underestimate our security forces as we are always ready to face any threat to protect our country,” he said, adding that security forces under the Eastern Sabah Security Command were ready to defend the country.

Hamza also said there had been information of possible intrusions by various groups since the assault on Tanduo but none had been successful since Malaysian forces had remained vigilant.

In February last year, some 200 armed men calling themselves the Royal Army of the Sulu sultanate invaded a vast Malaysian region, sparking a security crisis that left dozens of people dead. Stunned, Malaysia responded by sending in ground troops and launching air strikes. Police arrested over a hundred people and scores have since been charged with “terrorism.”

The offensive was reportedly led by the brother of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, who died in Quezon City only months after the incident.

The late sultan’s wife, Fatima, told The Associated Press that her husband, before he died, ordered his family and followers to keep alive the historic territorial claims to Sabah state in neighboring Malaysia.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99796/malaysia-on-lookout-for-leader-from-sulu

AFP: winning the peace needs convergence of efforts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 2): AFP: winning the peace needs convergence of efforts

In a move to win the peace in Western Visayas,  the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Bayanihan has converged efforts of all stakeholders in the region.

As said by Major General John Bonafos, Central Command Commander based in Camp Lapu-Lapu City during a Peace Forum in Negros Occidental, "Winning the peace cannot be done by the AFP or the PNP alone. We need the concerted efforts of every citizen and for each to lend a helping hand for peace to reign and development to happen in this part of the country."

As reported by MGen. Aurelio Baladad, Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, in 2013, the 3rd ID was able to neutralize 66 CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN) members where 44 have abandoned the armed struggle and joined mainstream society; 17 were arrested with warrants, captured or apprehended and 5 were killed in encounters. A total of 44 NPA camps were also captured in the whole region with Negros registering the highest at 24.

The return of several NPA members to mainstream society and abandoning their camps are indications of the waning CNN group in the region. According to these former rebels, the armed struggle is a futile cause and not a solution to societal problems. They also appreciated the efforts of the military, LGUs and government agencies, civil society organizations and the people themselves who have been working together in the spirit of Bayanihan in addressing the issues especially in the countryside.

In 2013, the province of Antique was declared as Manageable Conflict-Affected and Development Ready province with the the 3rd ID able to degrade the CNN capabilities of further expanding their group. No record of encounter has been recorded with the NPA in the province in the last two years.

While the province of Aklan has been declared as insurgency-free in December 2011. Baladad said that "we are looking forward to other provinces in Western Visayas to be free from communist affectation in the near future. We will continue our efforts this year and work even more together with other stakeholders in pursuing our goal for the region to be insurgents free and move faster towards development."

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=971393577638