From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 31): Feature: Comval receives substantial dev't. funds
Compostela Valley is receiving substantial funding assistance for health, agriculture and infrastructure development seen to bring people closer to government. Technical Working Team head Manolo Serafin Cayme of the Provincial Special Projects Management Committee revealed that funds are coming from the Office of Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), Davao Integrated Development Program (DIDP) and from European development assistance sources.... Cayme noted the improvement of lives in upland barangay Panansalan in Compostela town, and how residents had changed the way they regarded the government after having seen and benefited from the P15 million infrastructure (with agro-forestry component) projects funded by OPAPP through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) known as Pamana.... Having turned over the Panansalan road project to the LGU, OPAPP again allocated to the provincial government in June this year a P28-million fund for road rehabilitation, with bridge construction component, intended for the towns of Monkayo and Montevista to provide easy access to the towns’ far-flung areas.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591351474994
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Teacher donates to Kalahi-CIDSS project in Masbate town
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 1): Teacher donates to Kalahi-CIDSS project in Masbate town
A high school teacher from Cataingan, Masbate gave P5,000 as her personal contribution to the upcoming construction of a concrete pathway in a far-flung barangay of the said town. The Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Donors’ Forum held in Cataingan Astrodome last October 24 paved the way for Belma Vistones to share her experience in barangay Abaca where she almost lost her twins when she was pregnant.... It was when Kalahi-CIDSS came to Cataingan this year that the opportunity came for Belma to become one of its community volunteers. She serves as one of the members of the Barangay Representation Team (BRT) in the poblacion barangay in Cataingan.... BRT members represent the barangay in the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF) for criteria setting and for prioritization. In behalf of the community, they select the projects which sub-projects will be funded and implemented through Kalahi-CIDSS.... Kalahi-CIDSS is the flagship poverty-alleviation program of the Philippine government.... From 2003 to 2012, Kalahi-CIDSS project covered 48 municipalities from all of the six provinces of Bicol region, with a total of 1,327 barangays receiving development interventions for small-scale community projects. At present, Kalahi-CIDSS projects in Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon are funded by World Bank, while those in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur are financed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the United States of America....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771351669639
A high school teacher from Cataingan, Masbate gave P5,000 as her personal contribution to the upcoming construction of a concrete pathway in a far-flung barangay of the said town. The Kalahi-CIDSS (Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) Donors’ Forum held in Cataingan Astrodome last October 24 paved the way for Belma Vistones to share her experience in barangay Abaca where she almost lost her twins when she was pregnant.... It was when Kalahi-CIDSS came to Cataingan this year that the opportunity came for Belma to become one of its community volunteers. She serves as one of the members of the Barangay Representation Team (BRT) in the poblacion barangay in Cataingan.... BRT members represent the barangay in the Municipal Inter-Barangay Forum (MIBF) for criteria setting and for prioritization. In behalf of the community, they select the projects which sub-projects will be funded and implemented through Kalahi-CIDSS.... Kalahi-CIDSS is the flagship poverty-alleviation program of the Philippine government.... From 2003 to 2012, Kalahi-CIDSS project covered 48 municipalities from all of the six provinces of Bicol region, with a total of 1,327 barangays receiving development interventions for small-scale community projects. At present, Kalahi-CIDSS projects in Albay, Masbate, and Sorsogon are funded by World Bank, while those in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur are financed by the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the United States of America....
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771351669639
Muslim leader to Leonen: Stay as government peace negotiator
From the Sun Star-Manila (Nov 1): Muslim leader to Leonen: Stay as government peace negotiator
A MUSLIM leader of the House of Representatives urged government chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen to finish the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) instead of aspiring for a Supreme Court (SC) post. Leonen is one of the candidates for the post vacated by Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Sereno was appointed in August by President Benigno Aquino III to replace ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona. Sulu Representative Tupay Loong, chairman of the House committee on Muslim affairs, said Leonen should finish his duty as government chief peace negotiator. "He should finish his job first. If his post will be passed on to another person, the peace process can go the other direction," Loong said. "The peace process is not yet over. His services are still needed. The Transition Commission will still be formed, and he has a crucial role in this process," the lawmaker added. Under the framework agreement, a Transition Commission shall be created to craft a Bangsamoro Basic Law, which shall then be submitted to Congress. Once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is signed by the President, a plebiscite shall be conducted in the envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro. House Deputy Majority Leader Romero Quimbo, for his part, said that Leonen, who was his professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, is "born for the Supreme Court"....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/11/01/muslim-leader-leonen-stay-government-peace-negotiator-251227
A MUSLIM leader of the House of Representatives urged government chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen to finish the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) instead of aspiring for a Supreme Court (SC) post. Leonen is one of the candidates for the post vacated by Associate Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Sereno was appointed in August by President Benigno Aquino III to replace ousted Chief Justice Renato Corona. Sulu Representative Tupay Loong, chairman of the House committee on Muslim affairs, said Leonen should finish his duty as government chief peace negotiator. "He should finish his job first. If his post will be passed on to another person, the peace process can go the other direction," Loong said. "The peace process is not yet over. His services are still needed. The Transition Commission will still be formed, and he has a crucial role in this process," the lawmaker added. Under the framework agreement, a Transition Commission shall be created to craft a Bangsamoro Basic Law, which shall then be submitted to Congress. Once the Bangsamoro Basic Law is signed by the President, a plebiscite shall be conducted in the envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro. House Deputy Majority Leader Romero Quimbo, for his part, said that Leonen, who was his professor at the University of the Philippines College of Law, is "born for the Supreme Court"....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/11/01/muslim-leader-leonen-stay-government-peace-negotiator-251227
NPA rebels attack troops
From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 1): NPA rebels attack troops
TWO people, a soldier and a militiaman, were injured in a New People’s Army (NPA) attack in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official said Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Captain Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Liboron and Mansawan villages, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental. The identities of both the wounded soldier and militiaman were not immediately available. Caber said the troops from the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion along with some militiamen were undertaking peace and development works when some 20 NPA rebels attacked them. The troops, although two of them were already wounded, managed to return fire resulting in a five-minute firefight sending the NPA rebels scampering to different directions, Caber said. He said the NPA rebels were believed to have suffered casualties as bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal route....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/11/01/npa-rebels-attack-troops-251211
TWO people, a soldier and a militiaman, were injured in a New People’s Army (NPA) attack in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official said Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Captain Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Liboron and Mansawan villages, Don Victoriano Chiongbian, Misamis Occidental. The identities of both the wounded soldier and militiaman were not immediately available. Caber said the troops from the Army’s 55th Infantry Battalion along with some militiamen were undertaking peace and development works when some 20 NPA rebels attacked them. The troops, although two of them were already wounded, managed to return fire resulting in a five-minute firefight sending the NPA rebels scampering to different directions, Caber said. He said the NPA rebels were believed to have suffered casualties as bloodstains were visible in their withdrawal route....
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/11/01/npa-rebels-attack-troops-251211
Philippine Coast Guard announces plans to buy French OPV
From Defense & Security Intelligence & Analysis: IHS Jane's (Oct 31): Philippine Coast Guard announces plans to buy French OPV
The Philippine Coast Guard will buy new patrol craft from France to be deployed in offshore and reef areas near the disputed Spratly Islands. Rear Admiral Luis Tuason, Philippine Coast Guard commandant for operations, told reporters on 29 October that the manufacturer and class of vessels had yet to be decided but said new-build, waterjet- powered vessels designed for operations in deep and shallow waters would be sourced from France. "The president [Benigno Aquino] has ordered the procurement of additional ships for the coastguard," said Adm Tuason. "We have plans to buy one 82 m- and four 24 m-long patrol vessels from France." Adm Tuason said the presidential office would fund the purchase, with the four 24 m craft delivered by December 2013 and the 82 m vessel by early 2014. "We are finalising contract terms but the dates have already been set for delivery," he said, adding that the 82 m vessel would be capable of helicopter operations and operations in Sea State 4....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972931&channel=defence&subChannel=business
The Philippine Coast Guard will buy new patrol craft from France to be deployed in offshore and reef areas near the disputed Spratly Islands. Rear Admiral Luis Tuason, Philippine Coast Guard commandant for operations, told reporters on 29 October that the manufacturer and class of vessels had yet to be decided but said new-build, waterjet- powered vessels designed for operations in deep and shallow waters would be sourced from France. "The president [Benigno Aquino] has ordered the procurement of additional ships for the coastguard," said Adm Tuason. "We have plans to buy one 82 m- and four 24 m-long patrol vessels from France." Adm Tuason said the presidential office would fund the purchase, with the four 24 m craft delivered by December 2013 and the 82 m vessel by early 2014. "We are finalising contract terms but the dates have already been set for delivery," he said, adding that the 82 m vessel would be capable of helicopter operations and operations in Sea State 4....
http://www.janes.com/products/janes/defence-security-report.aspx?ID=1065972931&channel=defence&subChannel=business
Peace Messengers
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 1): Peace Messengers
In an unprecedented move, youth leaders from the various towns of this island province have committed to bind themselves as “messengers for peace.” This commitment came out during the four-day “Immaculate Concepcion’s 6th Vicariate Youth Congress” that ended on Tuesday here. Aside from the youth leaders, the gathering was also joined by the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade at the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish in Barangay Poblacion, in this town. “The Concepcion youth ministry and youth leaders were very enthusiastic in making themselves as messengers for peace,” said 1Lt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, commanding officer of the 42nd Civil Military Operation Company. The four-day youth congress with the theme “Kabatan-onan sa Dinagat: Maampingon sa Kinaiyahan ug Masaligon sa Gahum sa Kahitas-an!” (Youth of Dinagat: Care of Environment and Have Faith To Almighty), is a call to revitalize one’s faith and conviction towards life, also pledged to help the government in the peace and development in their respective localities....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379554/peace-messengers
In an unprecedented move, youth leaders from the various towns of this island province have committed to bind themselves as “messengers for peace.” This commitment came out during the four-day “Immaculate Concepcion’s 6th Vicariate Youth Congress” that ended on Tuesday here. Aside from the youth leaders, the gathering was also joined by the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade at the St. Peter and St. Paul Parish in Barangay Poblacion, in this town. “The Concepcion youth ministry and youth leaders were very enthusiastic in making themselves as messengers for peace,” said 1Lt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, commanding officer of the 42nd Civil Military Operation Company. The four-day youth congress with the theme “Kabatan-onan sa Dinagat: Maampingon sa Kinaiyahan ug Masaligon sa Gahum sa Kahitas-an!” (Youth of Dinagat: Care of Environment and Have Faith To Almighty), is a call to revitalize one’s faith and conviction towards life, also pledged to help the government in the peace and development in their respective localities....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379554/peace-messengers
Leyte Has New Army Chief
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 1): Leyte Has New Army Chief
The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army (PA) recently installed a new commander in the person of Col. Rafael C. Valencia who will serve as the Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8ID, PA, replacing Colonel Emmanuel G. Cacdac. The 802nd IB has jurisdiction over Northern and Leyte provinces....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379562/leyte-has-new-army-chief
The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army (PA) recently installed a new commander in the person of Col. Rafael C. Valencia who will serve as the Brigade Commander of the 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, 8ID, PA, replacing Colonel Emmanuel G. Cacdac. The 802nd IB has jurisdiction over Northern and Leyte provinces....
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379562/leyte-has-new-army-chief
Kalinga Gets P24.4-M Development Funding
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 1): Kalinga Gets P24.4-M Development Funding
Some P24.4 million was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund various PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that will benefit this city and four other municipalities in Kalinga.... He said Pasil will receive P12.7 million for 10 projects like the construction of the Ableg concrete footbridge, Coop-Dangla suspension footbridge, Dangla footbridge, Gawaan (Galdang)-Puapo footpath, Abulao footbridge, improvement of the Ableg-Cagaluan irrigation canal, and also another one at the Cagaluan, Kurat irrigation system, Katalbawan-Tanap communal irrigation system, and purchase of a dump truck. Tanudan will get P4.2 million for four improvement projects all located in Lubo. These include the improvement of the Caburao-Sarong irrigation canal, Ilang foot trail, Magtorong-Casaplitan irrigation canal, and construction of the Lubo-Gaang road.... Pinukpuk receives P1.7 million for two projects like the construction of warehouse and drying pavement, and purchase of two rice milling machines and two units of thresher.... The PAMANA-DILG fund is part of the economic support program of the Aquino administration for peace and development projects in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379569/kalinga-gets-p244m-development-funding
Some P24.4 million was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fund various PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) projects of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that will benefit this city and four other municipalities in Kalinga.... He said Pasil will receive P12.7 million for 10 projects like the construction of the Ableg concrete footbridge, Coop-Dangla suspension footbridge, Dangla footbridge, Gawaan (Galdang)-Puapo footpath, Abulao footbridge, improvement of the Ableg-Cagaluan irrigation canal, and also another one at the Cagaluan, Kurat irrigation system, Katalbawan-Tanap communal irrigation system, and purchase of a dump truck. Tanudan will get P4.2 million for four improvement projects all located in Lubo. These include the improvement of the Caburao-Sarong irrigation canal, Ilang foot trail, Magtorong-Casaplitan irrigation canal, and construction of the Lubo-Gaang road.... Pinukpuk receives P1.7 million for two projects like the construction of warehouse and drying pavement, and purchase of two rice milling machines and two units of thresher.... The PAMANA-DILG fund is part of the economic support program of the Aquino administration for peace and development projects in vulnerable and conflict-affected areas.
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/379569/kalinga-gets-p244m-development-funding
RAM plans to write story to correct ‘lies’ told about them
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1): RAM plans to write story
to correct ‘lies’ told about them
Inspired by Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile’s book, Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan and his comrades in the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) are planning to write their own story to correct the alleged “lies” and “falsehood” written about them. “It’s a work in progress,” Honasan told INQUIRER.net over the phone on Thursday, “This is our contribution to history.” He said he and other RAM members started talking about writing a book two or three years ago, which they intend to leave for their children, grandchildren, and the young generation, who would like to know their side of the story. Honasan lamented that 90 percent of what was written about the group was wrong. “For example, (some people said we launched) seven coup attempts. That’s a total inaccuracy. Kasinungalingan yan [That’s a lie],” the senator said.... Honasan said they have records and pictures to back up their story....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/299658/ram-plans-to-write-story-to-correct-lies-told-about-them
Inspired by Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile’s book, Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan and his comrades in the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM) are planning to write their own story to correct the alleged “lies” and “falsehood” written about them. “It’s a work in progress,” Honasan told INQUIRER.net over the phone on Thursday, “This is our contribution to history.” He said he and other RAM members started talking about writing a book two or three years ago, which they intend to leave for their children, grandchildren, and the young generation, who would like to know their side of the story. Honasan lamented that 90 percent of what was written about the group was wrong. “For example, (some people said we launched) seven coup attempts. That’s a total inaccuracy. Kasinungalingan yan [That’s a lie],” the senator said.... Honasan said they have records and pictures to back up their story....
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/299658/ram-plans-to-write-story-to-correct-lies-told-about-them
Military still considers B’laan anti-mining activist a bandit
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1): Military still considers B’laan anti-mining activist a bandit
The Army still considers B’laan anti-mining activist Dagil Capion a bandit leader wanted for a string of crimes even though the military command has put on trial 13 soldiers accused of killing his wife and children two weeks ago in Davao del Sur. Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division in Davao City, told the Inquirer that progressive groups have been insistent in “connecting” Capion to anti-mining protests and have “capitalized” on the deaths of the civilians. “That’s the problem because police records show that Capion has long been wanted for a string of crimes,” Paniza told the Inquirer by phone. Capion is wanted for the murder of three people and was a cattle rustler as well, the official said. Anti-mining groups have described Capion as a B’laan tribal leader opposed to large-scale mining in the area. Asked if the soldiers’ court-martial was a way to appease those lambasting the military for the deaths of Capion’s family members, Paniza said “No.” “The Army investigated the incident because civilians were killed. We cannot turn a blind eye to it. Our soldiers have to answer why this happened. We would determine the procedure that took place,” Paniza said....
The Army still considers B’laan anti-mining activist Dagil Capion a bandit leader wanted for a string of crimes even though the military command has put on trial 13 soldiers accused of killing his wife and children two weeks ago in Davao del Sur. Lieutenant Colonel Lyndon Paniza, spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division in Davao City, told the Inquirer that progressive groups have been insistent in “connecting” Capion to anti-mining protests and have “capitalized” on the deaths of the civilians. “That’s the problem because police records show that Capion has long been wanted for a string of crimes,” Paniza told the Inquirer by phone. Capion is wanted for the murder of three people and was a cattle rustler as well, the official said. Anti-mining groups have described Capion as a B’laan tribal leader opposed to large-scale mining in the area. Asked if the soldiers’ court-martial was a way to appease those lambasting the military for the deaths of Capion’s family members, Paniza said “No.” “The Army investigated the incident because civilians were killed. We cannot turn a blind eye to it. Our soldiers have to answer why this happened. We would determine the procedure that took place,” Paniza said....
Spokesman of the 10th Infantry Division Lieutenant
Colonel Lyndon Paniza: Capion is bandit. Photo from
http://rudedolfo.blogspot.com
60k visitors to flock Libingan ng mga Bayani
From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): 60k visitors to flock Libingan ng mga Bayani
As many as 60,000 people are expected to visit the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ cemetery) this weekend, the Army said Thursday. Cabunoc said they do not expect any untoward incident during the long weekend despite the influx of visitors. “The number of expected visitors (at the Libingan ng mga Bayani) ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 daily,” Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said in an interview. “We do not see untoward incidents happening because the soldiers securing the cemetery are organized,” he said. Cabunoc said about 100 soldiers have been deployed to secure the burial facility. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams and Ambu-Medic Teams have also been positioned for security and medical support. Cabunoc said the Army’s Grave Services Unit has undertaken the necessary preparations to ensure the convenience of the cemetery’s visitors.... The 117-hectare Libingan ng mga Bayani serves as tribute to deceased soldiers and other prominent Filipinos. It serves as the final resting place of deceased presidents, dignitaries, national artists, scientists, boy scouts, and Armed Forces chiefs. Among those interred in the cemetery are President Carlos Garcia and President Diosdado Macapagal, veterans of World War II and the Korean War and Medal for Valor awardees. It was established in May 1947 as the Republic Memorial Cemetery and was renamed Libingan ng mga Bayani on October 27, 1954. More than 47,000 have been interred in the heroes’ cemetery, which is being administered by the Army....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865780
As many as 60,000 people are expected to visit the Libingan ng mga Bayani (heroes’ cemetery) this weekend, the Army said Thursday. Cabunoc said they do not expect any untoward incident during the long weekend despite the influx of visitors. “The number of expected visitors (at the Libingan ng mga Bayani) ranges from 50,000 to 60,000 daily,” Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said in an interview. “We do not see untoward incidents happening because the soldiers securing the cemetery are organized,” he said. Cabunoc said about 100 soldiers have been deployed to secure the burial facility. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Teams and Ambu-Medic Teams have also been positioned for security and medical support. Cabunoc said the Army’s Grave Services Unit has undertaken the necessary preparations to ensure the convenience of the cemetery’s visitors.... The 117-hectare Libingan ng mga Bayani serves as tribute to deceased soldiers and other prominent Filipinos. It serves as the final resting place of deceased presidents, dignitaries, national artists, scientists, boy scouts, and Armed Forces chiefs. Among those interred in the cemetery are President Carlos Garcia and President Diosdado Macapagal, veterans of World War II and the Korean War and Medal for Valor awardees. It was established in May 1947 as the Republic Memorial Cemetery and was renamed Libingan ng mga Bayani on October 27, 1954. More than 47,000 have been interred in the heroes’ cemetery, which is being administered by the Army....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865780
Military eyes EU aid on human rights
From the Philippine Star (Nov 1): Military eyes EU aid on human rights
The military on Thursday said it may receive a capacity-building assistance from the European Parliament owing to its efforts to educate soldiers about respect for human rights. The matter was discussed during a meeting between military officials and European Parliament member Norica Nicolai Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.... “A possible capacity-building assistance for the AFP’s human rights efforts is seen by European Parliament member Norica Nicolai,” Burgos said in a statement. “Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating on-going efforts of the military in addressing human rights issues among its ranks,” he added. It remains unclear what type of assistance could be provided to the AFP, which has been criticized by militant groups for supposedly waging a brutal anti-insurgency drive in the countryside. AFP Human Rights Office chief Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the Philippines, through its partnership with the European Union, has manifested its continuing efforts in upholding human rights and the International Humanitarian Law. “We said we need a continuing capacity building program for soldiers and units. Minister Nicolai said she will work to support this,” Tutaan told The STAR.....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865765
The military on Thursday said it may receive a capacity-building assistance from the European Parliament owing to its efforts to educate soldiers about respect for human rights. The matter was discussed during a meeting between military officials and European Parliament member Norica Nicolai Tuesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said.... “A possible capacity-building assistance for the AFP’s human rights efforts is seen by European Parliament member Norica Nicolai,” Burgos said in a statement. “Nicolai expressed her enthusiasm for future cooperation and assistance for the AFP after validating on-going efforts of the military in addressing human rights issues among its ranks,” he added. It remains unclear what type of assistance could be provided to the AFP, which has been criticized by militant groups for supposedly waging a brutal anti-insurgency drive in the countryside. AFP Human Rights Office chief Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the Philippines, through its partnership with the European Union, has manifested its continuing efforts in upholding human rights and the International Humanitarian Law. “We said we need a continuing capacity building program for soldiers and units. Minister Nicolai said she will work to support this,” Tutaan told The STAR.....
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=865765
13 soldiers blamed for death of pregnant B'laan woman, 2 kids, to be given counsels by Army
From Rappler (Nov 1): 13 soldiers blamed for death of pregnant B'laan woman, 2 kids, to be given counsels by Army
The thirteen soldiers facing court martial proceedings for their supposed tactical lapse in their October 18 encounter with a group of rebels in Davao del Sur will be given counsels by the Philippine Army. Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc on Thursday said the court martial proceedings wouldl be "beneficial" for the accused soldiers because "they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves." Juvy Capion, who was pregnant, and her, sons, Pop, 13, and John, 8, were killed during the encounter in the province's Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan town. Capion's husband, a B'laan tribesman, has been waging armed resistance to a large-scale mining operation in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Based on the recommendation of the Board of Inquiry, Army officer 1st Lt. Dante Jimenez and the 12 other soldiers will face court martial proceedings for violations of the Articles of War 76 (Misbehaviour before the Enemy) of the Rules of Engagement – particularly rules 4 and 5; the Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman) and the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47003/13-soldiers-blamed-for-death-of-pregnant-blaan-woman-2-kids-to-be-given-counsels-by-army
The thirteen soldiers facing court martial proceedings for their supposed tactical lapse in their October 18 encounter with a group of rebels in Davao del Sur will be given counsels by the Philippine Army. Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc on Thursday said the court martial proceedings wouldl be "beneficial" for the accused soldiers because "they will be given the opportunity to defend themselves." Juvy Capion, who was pregnant, and her, sons, Pop, 13, and John, 8, were killed during the encounter in the province's Barangay Kimlawis, Kiblawan town. Capion's husband, a B'laan tribesman, has been waging armed resistance to a large-scale mining operation in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Based on the recommendation of the Board of Inquiry, Army officer 1st Lt. Dante Jimenez and the 12 other soldiers will face court martial proceedings for violations of the Articles of War 76 (Misbehaviour before the Enemy) of the Rules of Engagement – particularly rules 4 and 5; the Article of War 96 (Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Gentleman) and the Article of War 97 (Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline)....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/47003/13-soldiers-blamed-for-death-of-pregnant-blaan-woman-2-kids-to-be-given-counsels-by-army
European parliamentarian meets military on human rights
From Rappler (Nov 1): European parliamentarian meets military on human rights
A member of the European Parliament met with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and, the military said, expressed an interest in extending assistance to its efforts to protect human rights.
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., head of the AFP Human Rights Office, said they were “surprised” that Norica Nicolai “was already well-aware of our efforts in promoting and protecting the Human Rights, and all our undertakings on the adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.” He said this indicated “the AFP’s advocacies have already reached the international community thus opening our windows for more possible avenues for assistance and collaborations.” AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa described the meeting with Nicolai as a positive step for the military. “We see this as another avenue for us to expound and reaffirm our commitment towards the protection and promotion of Human Rights, and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law,” he said. “The AFP recognizes that the respect for human rights is at the core of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. In order for our soldiers to be guided with the right values and advocacy, the military continues to invest extensively in human rights,” Dellosa added....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46983/european-parliamentarian-meets-military-on-human-rights
A member of the European Parliament met with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and, the military said, expressed an interest in extending assistance to its efforts to protect human rights.
Brigadier General Domingo Tutaan Jr., head of the AFP Human Rights Office, said they were “surprised” that Norica Nicolai “was already well-aware of our efforts in promoting and protecting the Human Rights, and all our undertakings on the adherence to the International Humanitarian Law, and the Rule of Law.” He said this indicated “the AFP’s advocacies have already reached the international community thus opening our windows for more possible avenues for assistance and collaborations.” AFP chief of staff General Jessie Dellosa described the meeting with Nicolai as a positive step for the military. “We see this as another avenue for us to expound and reaffirm our commitment towards the protection and promotion of Human Rights, and adherence to the International Humanitarian Law and Rule of Law,” he said. “The AFP recognizes that the respect for human rights is at the core of the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan. In order for our soldiers to be guided with the right values and advocacy, the military continues to invest extensively in human rights,” Dellosa added....
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/46983/european-parliamentarian-meets-military-on-human-rights
2 injured in NPA attack in Misamis Occidental
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1): 2 injured in NPA attack in Misamis
Occidental
A soldier and a militiaman were injured in an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official disclosed Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Barangay Liboron and Mansawan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian town, Misamis Occidental. Caber did not release the name of the injured soldier and militiaman except that the soldier belongs to the 55th Infantry Battalion. Caber said the soldiers were undertaking peace and development works when around 20 NPA rebels attacked them....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=467746
A soldier and a militiaman were injured in an attack staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Misamis Occidental, military official disclosed Thursday. Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said the attack took place Tuesday night in the boundary of Barangay Liboron and Mansawan, Don Victoriano Chiongbian town, Misamis Occidental. Caber did not release the name of the injured soldier and militiaman except that the soldier belongs to the 55th Infantry Battalion. Caber said the soldiers were undertaking peace and development works when around 20 NPA rebels attacked them....
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=467746
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