From GMA News (Jan 18): PCG to check damage to Tubbataha Reef after US warship grounding
The Philippine Coast Guard will send a team to Tubbataha Reef to check for a possible oil spill and damage to the coral reef there, after a United States Navy minesweeper ran aground in the area earlier this week. Coast guard spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo said the team will include divers who will check on the damage to the coral reef, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Friday. Balilo was quoted in the report as saying the Coast Guard may also ask for an explanation from the US ship's crew on the circumstances that led to the incident.
On Thursday, the US Navy said the USS Guardian, its mine countermeasures ship, ran aground at Tubbataha Reef at 2:25 a.m. Jan. 17 while transiting the Sulu Sea. "The Avenger-class ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay, Olongapo City and was en route to her next port of call when the grounding occurred," the US Navy said. It added the ship got stuck on the reef, and the crew is working "to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship." An earlier US Navy report said no one was reported hurt in the incident.
The US Navy said the USS Guardian, forward-deployed to Sasebo in Japan, was commissioned on Dec. 16, 1989. It has a crew of about 80.
Possible damage to reef
An earlier effort to check the condition of the area where the warship has been stuck were hampered by the refusal of US Navy personnel to allow park rangers to inspect the place.
In expressing concern, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park supervisor Angelique Songco said, "An attempt [by park rangers to board the Navy ship] after identifying themselves was not entertained. They were told instead that the US embassy will negotiate with Tubbataha and that another US navy boat will be arriving."
"There is environmental damage here. Our rangers need to assess the coral damage but they cannot even go near the site," Songco added.
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a 97,030-hectare World Heritage Site consisting of two coral atolls that harbor a wide range of marine species including large marine life such as manta rays, sharks, and turtles.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/290868/news/nation/pcg-to-check-damage-to-tubbataha-reef-after-us-warship-grounding
Thursday, January 17, 2013
NPA seize soldier, policeman in Compostela Valley
From InterAksyon (Jan 18): NPA seize soldier, policeman in Compostela Valley
A soldier and a policeman were seized by New People’s Army guerrillas who had set up a checkpoint in Laak town, Compostela Valley Thursday, the military said. Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion, said 30 rebels, 12 of them in military uniform, set up the checkpoint at Sitio Mangob, Barangay Imelda at around 9 a.m.
The captives were identified as Private First Class Jezreel Culango, from a unit based in San Isidro, Davao del Norte and on his way to visit his girlfriend in Barangay Mangloy, and Police Officer 1 Ruel Pasion of the San Isidro police. The rebels then headed north towards Sitio Tugpahan, also in Barangay Imelda. Obligado said police and military personnel launched pursuit operations to rescue the two.
The incident happened the same day Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista assumed command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, an occasion the Communist Party of the Philippines greeted with orders to the NPA to step up offensives and two days after the longest ceasefire between the rebels and government forces ended on January 15.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52988/npa-seize-soldier-policeman-in-compostela-valley
A soldier and a policeman were seized by New People’s Army guerrillas who had set up a checkpoint in Laak town, Compostela Valley Thursday, the military said. Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commander of the Army's 10th Civil Military Operations Battalion, said 30 rebels, 12 of them in military uniform, set up the checkpoint at Sitio Mangob, Barangay Imelda at around 9 a.m.
The captives were identified as Private First Class Jezreel Culango, from a unit based in San Isidro, Davao del Norte and on his way to visit his girlfriend in Barangay Mangloy, and Police Officer 1 Ruel Pasion of the San Isidro police. The rebels then headed north towards Sitio Tugpahan, also in Barangay Imelda. Obligado said police and military personnel launched pursuit operations to rescue the two.
The incident happened the same day Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista assumed command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, an occasion the Communist Party of the Philippines greeted with orders to the NPA to step up offensives and two days after the longest ceasefire between the rebels and government forces ended on January 15.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52988/npa-seize-soldier-policeman-in-compostela-valley
Cultural worker Ericson Acosta out of jail, taken to National Kidney Institute
From InterAksyon (Jan 18): Cultural worker Ericson Acosta out of jail, taken to National Kidney Institute
Political prisoner Ericson Acosta (center), accompanied by Public Attorney's Office head Persida-Rueda Acosta (right) is flanked by supporters who welcomed him on his arrival at the NAIA3 Friday morning. Acosta, a poet and former editor of the UP Collegian, was granted temporary release by a Samar court to undergo treatment at the National Kidney Institute. (photo courtesy of Kaparatan)
Cultural worker and former UP Collegian editor Ericson Acosta, one of the best-known political prisoners in the country, arrived in Manila Friday morning and was taken to the National Kidney Institute for treatment of renal problems after he was granted reprieve by a Samar trial court.
The human rights alliance Karapatan, one of the groups working for Acosta’s release since his arrest by the military more than two years ago, quoted him as telling relatives and supporters who welcomed him at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 that it was his “first time to ride an airplane.”
Acosta, 40, who authorities claim is a leader of the communist rebels movement, was arrested in San Jorge town and was detained for 23 months at the Calbayog Sub-Provincial Jail while being tried by the Gandara Regional Trial Court on charges of illegal possession of explosives. His family and supporters maintain he was doing volunteer research work for a local peasant group when he was captured.
The court allowed his temporary release to undergo a medical check-up and treatment after Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta visited him with a medico-legal consultant who confirmed he is suffering from nephritis, a condition characterized by blood in the urine, lower back pains, fevers and painful urination and that no hospital in Samar is equipped to treat Acosta’s condition.
“Matagal na naming hinihintay ang mapatingnan si Eric (We have long waited to have Eric examined),” Karapatan quoted Acosta’s 80-year old mother, Liwayway, as saying. The group said Liwayway went to the airport alone because her husband, who has been working ceaselessly for their son’s release, also had an appointment with a doctor to treat a spinal condition.
“Gusto nga sana niyang sumama kay Attorney Persida pero hindi na niya kinaya ang sakit (He even wanted to go with Attorney Persida but he could no longer stand the pain),” she said. The PAO head has acknowledged that the case against Acosta was questionable because “there were no private complainants; these are all Army people in the list…”
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., a convenor of the Free Ericson Acosta Campaign, blamed the detainee’s condition on his alleged torture and incarceration at “the hands of a government that politicizes political opposition and what it arbitrarily tags as ‘enemies of the state’.” Karapatan said Acosta’s temporary release was granted amid a spike in the arrest of activists nationwide. Since last month, the group said authorities have arrested 28 members of activist organizations, among them government workers.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52989/free-for-now--cultural-worker-ericson-acosta-out-of-jail-taken-to-national-kidney-institute
Political prisoner Ericson Acosta (center), accompanied by Public Attorney's Office head Persida-Rueda Acosta (right) is flanked by supporters who welcomed him on his arrival at the NAIA3 Friday morning. Acosta, a poet and former editor of the UP Collegian, was granted temporary release by a Samar court to undergo treatment at the National Kidney Institute. (photo courtesy of Kaparatan)
Cultural worker and former UP Collegian editor Ericson Acosta, one of the best-known political prisoners in the country, arrived in Manila Friday morning and was taken to the National Kidney Institute for treatment of renal problems after he was granted reprieve by a Samar trial court.
The human rights alliance Karapatan, one of the groups working for Acosta’s release since his arrest by the military more than two years ago, quoted him as telling relatives and supporters who welcomed him at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 that it was his “first time to ride an airplane.”
Acosta, 40, who authorities claim is a leader of the communist rebels movement, was arrested in San Jorge town and was detained for 23 months at the Calbayog Sub-Provincial Jail while being tried by the Gandara Regional Trial Court on charges of illegal possession of explosives. His family and supporters maintain he was doing volunteer research work for a local peasant group when he was captured.
The court allowed his temporary release to undergo a medical check-up and treatment after Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Rueda-Acosta visited him with a medico-legal consultant who confirmed he is suffering from nephritis, a condition characterized by blood in the urine, lower back pains, fevers and painful urination and that no hospital in Samar is equipped to treat Acosta’s condition.
“Matagal na naming hinihintay ang mapatingnan si Eric (We have long waited to have Eric examined),” Karapatan quoted Acosta’s 80-year old mother, Liwayway, as saying. The group said Liwayway went to the airport alone because her husband, who has been working ceaselessly for their son’s release, also had an appointment with a doctor to treat a spinal condition.
“Gusto nga sana niyang sumama kay Attorney Persida pero hindi na niya kinaya ang sakit (He even wanted to go with Attorney Persida but he could no longer stand the pain),” she said. The PAO head has acknowledged that the case against Acosta was questionable because “there were no private complainants; these are all Army people in the list…”
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., a convenor of the Free Ericson Acosta Campaign, blamed the detainee’s condition on his alleged torture and incarceration at “the hands of a government that politicizes political opposition and what it arbitrarily tags as ‘enemies of the state’.” Karapatan said Acosta’s temporary release was granted amid a spike in the arrest of activists nationwide. Since last month, the group said authorities have arrested 28 members of activist organizations, among them government workers.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52989/free-for-now--cultural-worker-ericson-acosta-out-of-jail-taken-to-national-kidney-institute
AFP confirms operations near Tampakan mine site
From MindaNews (Jan 17): AFP confirms operations near Tampakan mine site
The military here confirmed ongoing military operations near the boundary of South Cotabato and Cotabato provinces that could include areas near the mine site of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Col. Edgardo “Boogie” de Leon, operations officer of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said a composite team of soldiers from the different military units under the 1002nd Brigade is moving towards the boundary near the area of responsibility of the neighboring 602nd Brigade.
De Leon, however, declined to reveal the exact location and direction of the government forces that are said to be running after heavily armed members of the New People’s Army who recently celebrated the 44th founding anniversary of its political arm, the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“We cannot divulge their exact positions for security reasons,” he said.
The military officer said intelligence reports from the 602IB allegedly monitored a column of NPA rebels getting into the direction of a remote military detachment during the Christmas season when a mutually agreed ceasefire was supposed to be in effect, prompting the AFP to launch the operations. De Leon said it is a routine security operation.
MindaNews earlier reported that five military trucks arrived in Tampakan Tuesday evening coming from the direction of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. The report quoted Capt. William Rodriguez, civil military officer of the 1002IB, as saying in a text message the soldiers reportedly “passed by the mines development site towards their detachments in Tampakan town.”
The statement of Rodriguez contradicted De Leon, who said the troop movement by the 1002IB is a coordinated operation with the 602IB aimed at flushing out NPA rebels in the area. The MindaNews report earlier said fugitive tribal leader Daguil Capion saw the soldiers arrive in Tampakan Tuesday evening.
In October, Capion’s wife Juvy and two sons were killed when elements from the 27th Infantry Battalion raked their hut in Kimlawis, Kiblawan with heavy automatic and machinegun fire. Capion cheated death by opting to sleep outside their house the night before the soldiers swooped down on their hut. The killing was immediately condemned by local Catholic churches here and international human rights groups.
Capion took arms in protest over the continued mining operations of SMI in the quad boundaries of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, Malungon in Sarangani and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. He has since admitted responsibility over the ambush-slayings of several people that included three SMI drill contractors and a security consultant and two security guards of the mining company. A warrant of arrest has been issued against Capion who is said to be leading at least 15 heavily armed Blaan tribe members who are opposing the mining operations of SMI.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/01/18/afp-confirms-operations-near-tampakan-mine-site/
The military here confirmed ongoing military operations near the boundary of South Cotabato and Cotabato provinces that could include areas near the mine site of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) in Tampakan, South Cotabato. Col. Edgardo “Boogie” de Leon, operations officer of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said a composite team of soldiers from the different military units under the 1002nd Brigade is moving towards the boundary near the area of responsibility of the neighboring 602nd Brigade.
De Leon, however, declined to reveal the exact location and direction of the government forces that are said to be running after heavily armed members of the New People’s Army who recently celebrated the 44th founding anniversary of its political arm, the Communist Party of the Philippines.
“We cannot divulge their exact positions for security reasons,” he said.
The military officer said intelligence reports from the 602IB allegedly monitored a column of NPA rebels getting into the direction of a remote military detachment during the Christmas season when a mutually agreed ceasefire was supposed to be in effect, prompting the AFP to launch the operations. De Leon said it is a routine security operation.
MindaNews earlier reported that five military trucks arrived in Tampakan Tuesday evening coming from the direction of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. The report quoted Capt. William Rodriguez, civil military officer of the 1002IB, as saying in a text message the soldiers reportedly “passed by the mines development site towards their detachments in Tampakan town.”
The statement of Rodriguez contradicted De Leon, who said the troop movement by the 1002IB is a coordinated operation with the 602IB aimed at flushing out NPA rebels in the area. The MindaNews report earlier said fugitive tribal leader Daguil Capion saw the soldiers arrive in Tampakan Tuesday evening.
In October, Capion’s wife Juvy and two sons were killed when elements from the 27th Infantry Battalion raked their hut in Kimlawis, Kiblawan with heavy automatic and machinegun fire. Capion cheated death by opting to sleep outside their house the night before the soldiers swooped down on their hut. The killing was immediately condemned by local Catholic churches here and international human rights groups.
Capion took arms in protest over the continued mining operations of SMI in the quad boundaries of Tampakan in South Cotabato, Columbio in Sultan Kudarat, Malungon in Sarangani and Kiblawan in Davao del Sur. He has since admitted responsibility over the ambush-slayings of several people that included three SMI drill contractors and a security consultant and two security guards of the mining company. A warrant of arrest has been issued against Capion who is said to be leading at least 15 heavily armed Blaan tribe members who are opposing the mining operations of SMI.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/01/18/afp-confirms-operations-near-tampakan-mine-site/
Outgoing AFP chief Dellosa bares death threats in war on corruption
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 17): Outgoing AFP chief Dellosa bares death threats in war on corruption
Revealing he had received death threats, outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Jessie Dellosa, on Saturday said the military needs to increase the number of personnel handling internal affairs in the course of improving and correcting purchase and budgetary procedures. He said battles in the front lines are not as difficult as battles within the Armed Forces of the Philippines, now that changes in the protocol for procurement of supplies had unearthed more anomalous transactions, this time in AFP-run hospitals.
Dellosa discussed this partly in his speech after he was given a testimonial parade by the Philippine Military Academy in honor of his retirement on Jan. 20, when he turns 56 years old. “In the furtherance of security sector reform, I would also like to emphasize that battles are fought not only in the front lines but also in our headquarters and workplaces to realize a more professional, efficient and morally upright military institution,” he said.
“All too often internal reform is much more difficult, as institutional and cultural barriers have prevented us from acknowledging our shortfalls and deficiencies. But change we must and malpractices we must spurn,” Dellosa said. “My experience in this office leads me to say that the AFP needs to enhance the capability of [its] investigative staff and offices in view of the increasing and sensitive tasks they handle,” he said. These offices and personnel, he said, probe abuses or infractions “that could potentially tarnish the image of the military.”
In a press conference, Dellosa said part of the reforms his administration undertook involved fixing the procedures for restocking and equipping military hospitals, where more anomalous transactions had been discovered. He, however, declined to provide details of the investigation and the amount of money involved in these irregularities. “Actually, we have received death threats,” Dellosa said. “But I have to continue this. Not only me but also other officers who are involved in reforms. We don’t mind [the threats], for as long as we are doing the right thing.”
Dellosa said his administration had reviewed the procurement and financial transactions of supply firms with hospitals, like the AFP Medical Center (V. Luna Hospital) “which did not receive the proper attention before and which turned up many anomalies.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/341747/outgoing-afp-chief-dellosa-bares-death-threats-in-war-on-corruption
Revealing he had received death threats, outgoing Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Gen. Jessie Dellosa, on Saturday said the military needs to increase the number of personnel handling internal affairs in the course of improving and correcting purchase and budgetary procedures. He said battles in the front lines are not as difficult as battles within the Armed Forces of the Philippines, now that changes in the protocol for procurement of supplies had unearthed more anomalous transactions, this time in AFP-run hospitals.
Dellosa discussed this partly in his speech after he was given a testimonial parade by the Philippine Military Academy in honor of his retirement on Jan. 20, when he turns 56 years old. “In the furtherance of security sector reform, I would also like to emphasize that battles are fought not only in the front lines but also in our headquarters and workplaces to realize a more professional, efficient and morally upright military institution,” he said.
“All too often internal reform is much more difficult, as institutional and cultural barriers have prevented us from acknowledging our shortfalls and deficiencies. But change we must and malpractices we must spurn,” Dellosa said. “My experience in this office leads me to say that the AFP needs to enhance the capability of [its] investigative staff and offices in view of the increasing and sensitive tasks they handle,” he said. These offices and personnel, he said, probe abuses or infractions “that could potentially tarnish the image of the military.”
In a press conference, Dellosa said part of the reforms his administration undertook involved fixing the procedures for restocking and equipping military hospitals, where more anomalous transactions had been discovered. He, however, declined to provide details of the investigation and the amount of money involved in these irregularities. “Actually, we have received death threats,” Dellosa said. “But I have to continue this. Not only me but also other officers who are involved in reforms. We don’t mind [the threats], for as long as we are doing the right thing.”
Dellosa said his administration had reviewed the procurement and financial transactions of supply firms with hospitals, like the AFP Medical Center (V. Luna Hospital) “which did not receive the proper attention before and which turned up many anomalies.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/341747/outgoing-afp-chief-dellosa-bares-death-threats-in-war-on-corruption
2 killed, 1 hurt as Moros clash at North Cotabato border
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 17): 2 killed, 1 hurt as Moros clash at North Cotabato border
At least two men were killed and another was wounded when armed groups belonging to rival Moro factions clashed over territorial claims in a village bordering North Cotabato and Maguindanao on Wednesday, according to the military. Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the clash between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front prompted authorities to block off a portion of the highway leading to the village to prevent motorists and commuters from getting caught in the crossfire.
Hermoso, quoting police, said the clash started when MILF members, led by a certain Commander Maguinda Sindangan, attacked the house of a certain Eddie Buisan in Barangay Malaya, Kabacan town past noon on Wednesday. Followers of Buisan, who is known as Commander Iranon Mansa of the MNLF, returned fire leading to a gunfight that ceased only after a team from the ceasefire committees of the government and MILF arrived. The highway was reopened to traffic when the clash ended, said Hermoso. He said the groups of Sindangan and Buisan each suffered a casualty. Their identities have yet to be determined. Hermoso said the feud is between the two armed leaders and not between the MILF and MNLF.
The ceasefire committees of the government and MILF are trying to find a peaceful solution to the land dispute between the two men, said Hermoso. The MILF is a group that broke off from the MNLF in protest of the MNLF’s signing of the Tripoli Agreement with the then Marcos dictatorship. The agreement was hardly enforced and the MNLF went to war fighting alongside the MILF in some of the bloodiest battles of the Moro rebellion. In 1996, the MNLF entered into a peace agreement with the then Ramos administration, leaving out the MILF in the process. The MILF in October last year entered into a framework peace agreement with the Aquino administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/342223/2-killed-1-hurt-as-moros-clash-at-north-cotabato-border
At least two men were killed and another was wounded when armed groups belonging to rival Moro factions clashed over territorial claims in a village bordering North Cotabato and Maguindanao on Wednesday, according to the military. Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the clash between members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front prompted authorities to block off a portion of the highway leading to the village to prevent motorists and commuters from getting caught in the crossfire.
Hermoso, quoting police, said the clash started when MILF members, led by a certain Commander Maguinda Sindangan, attacked the house of a certain Eddie Buisan in Barangay Malaya, Kabacan town past noon on Wednesday. Followers of Buisan, who is known as Commander Iranon Mansa of the MNLF, returned fire leading to a gunfight that ceased only after a team from the ceasefire committees of the government and MILF arrived. The highway was reopened to traffic when the clash ended, said Hermoso. He said the groups of Sindangan and Buisan each suffered a casualty. Their identities have yet to be determined. Hermoso said the feud is between the two armed leaders and not between the MILF and MNLF.
The ceasefire committees of the government and MILF are trying to find a peaceful solution to the land dispute between the two men, said Hermoso. The MILF is a group that broke off from the MNLF in protest of the MNLF’s signing of the Tripoli Agreement with the then Marcos dictatorship. The agreement was hardly enforced and the MNLF went to war fighting alongside the MILF in some of the bloodiest battles of the Moro rebellion. In 1996, the MNLF entered into a peace agreement with the then Ramos administration, leaving out the MILF in the process. The MILF in October last year entered into a framework peace agreement with the Aquino administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/342223/2-killed-1-hurt-as-moros-clash-at-north-cotabato-border
Military clears men in Atimonan shooting
From Rappler (Jan 17): Military clears men in Atimonan shooting
If the military is to be believed, what happened in Atimonan, Quezon, on January 6 was a shootout. Maj Gen Allan Luga, commander of the military's Southern Luzon Command, said that according to his men involved in the incident the 13 suspects fired at them at a checkpoint, prompting them to return fire. This contradicts reports showing that the police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have ruled out a shootout. All the 13 victims were killed, with most of them shot in the head. Luga said he's taking the Special Forces soldiers' word for it -- for now. Thus, not one of the 25 Army soldiers involved in the incident has been subjected to administrative proceedings. They are restricted to barracks, though.
Luga said he based his judgment on the statement made by Lt Col Abang, the Special Forces battalion commander assigned to the Atimonan checkpoints. "During the checkpoint operations when they blocked the two vehicles, they were fired upon that's why policemen and soldiers fired back," Luga told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo after the turnover ceremonies for the new chief of staff, Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista. "Malinaw na sinabi sa akin ng SF Battalion commander na inunahan sila," Luga added. Luga said he will allow the soldiers to be investigated by the NBI.
At the Philippine National Police, Director General Alan Purisima said they are now readying administrative charges against the police officers involved in the shooting. Purisima said the case of the police officers led by Supt Hansel Marantan is now with the Internal Affairs Service. The PNP earlier said noted the police violated several police operational procedures in the conduct of the checkpoint, such as not wearing the proper uniform and using unmarked vehicles.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/19926-military-clears-men-in-atimonan-shooting
If the military is to be believed, what happened in Atimonan, Quezon, on January 6 was a shootout. Maj Gen Allan Luga, commander of the military's Southern Luzon Command, said that according to his men involved in the incident the 13 suspects fired at them at a checkpoint, prompting them to return fire. This contradicts reports showing that the police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) have ruled out a shootout. All the 13 victims were killed, with most of them shot in the head. Luga said he's taking the Special Forces soldiers' word for it -- for now. Thus, not one of the 25 Army soldiers involved in the incident has been subjected to administrative proceedings. They are restricted to barracks, though.
Luga said he based his judgment on the statement made by Lt Col Abang, the Special Forces battalion commander assigned to the Atimonan checkpoints. "During the checkpoint operations when they blocked the two vehicles, they were fired upon that's why policemen and soldiers fired back," Luga told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo after the turnover ceremonies for the new chief of staff, Lt Gen Emmanuel Bautista. "Malinaw na sinabi sa akin ng SF Battalion commander na inunahan sila," Luga added. Luga said he will allow the soldiers to be investigated by the NBI.
At the Philippine National Police, Director General Alan Purisima said they are now readying administrative charges against the police officers involved in the shooting. Purisima said the case of the police officers led by Supt Hansel Marantan is now with the Internal Affairs Service. The PNP earlier said noted the police violated several police operational procedures in the conduct of the checkpoint, such as not wearing the proper uniform and using unmarked vehicles.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/19926-military-clears-men-in-atimonan-shooting
US Navy ship damaged coral in Tubbataha
From Rappler (Jan 17): US Navy ship damaged coral in Tubbataha
A US Navy minesweeper ran aground near Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park management is now investigating coral damage, a park official said on Thursday, January 17. Protected area superintendent and head of the Tubbataha management office Angelique Songco told Rappler that the ship "entered without a permit" in violation of section 19 of Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs National Park (TRNP) Act of 2009. Asked if there will be damage to the coral, she said: "Definitely, yes."
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park official explained that the amount of damage to the coral will be determined by a joint team of the USS Guardian and personnel from the marine park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Songco added that the once the damage is assessed, the owner of the ship – the US Navy – can expect to pay P12,000 per sqm of destroyed reefs. "The most probable cause is mis-navigation," said Major Oliver Banaria, commander of the AFP's 6th Civil Relations Group based in Palawan.
In a statement, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said it is closely coordinating with the US Embassy, the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard on this. The DFA also said it expects the Philippine government to look into the incident.
Rangers barred by US Navy
The US ship ran aground in Tubbataha Reef early morning Thursday. A statement from the US Pacific Fleet revealed that the USS Guardian, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, ran aground at 2.25 am near the world heritage site, which is about 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City.
The Park sent its Rangers Thursday morning to visit the ship but were barred by the Americans, according to Songco. "We have not yet been able to approach the boat as there are armed soldiers on deck," she said. As well as unauthorized entry, the USS Guardian is also liable to be charged with destroying and disturbing resources inside the marine protected area under section 26 of the TRNP Act. Park officials have not heard yet from the US Navy, the source added.
US ship came from Subic
Banaria said the incident was reported to them at 3 am. The ship came from a routine port call in Subic, Zambales last Monday, January 14. "The Avenger-Class ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay, Olongapo City and was en route to her next port of call when the grounding occurred. The ship is currently stuck on the reef, approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan. The crew is currently working to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship," the US Navy added in its statement. No injuries were reported among the 80-man crew and no fuel leak has been discovered.
A Nomad Islander plane from the Philippine Air Force conducted air reconnaissance over the area, while a patrol gunboat from the Coast Guard is on standby to assist the US ship.
'Baffling and lamentable'
http://www.rappler.com/nation/19918-us-navy-ship-damaged-coral-in-tubbataha
A US Navy minesweeper ran aground near Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea and the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park management is now investigating coral damage, a park official said on Thursday, January 17. Protected area superintendent and head of the Tubbataha management office Angelique Songco told Rappler that the ship "entered without a permit" in violation of section 19 of Republic Act 10067 or the Tubbataha Reefs National Park (TRNP) Act of 2009. Asked if there will be damage to the coral, she said: "Definitely, yes."
The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park official explained that the amount of damage to the coral will be determined by a joint team of the USS Guardian and personnel from the marine park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993. Songco added that the once the damage is assessed, the owner of the ship – the US Navy – can expect to pay P12,000 per sqm of destroyed reefs. "The most probable cause is mis-navigation," said Major Oliver Banaria, commander of the AFP's 6th Civil Relations Group based in Palawan.
In a statement, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said it is closely coordinating with the US Embassy, the Department of National Defense, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine Coast Guard on this. The DFA also said it expects the Philippine government to look into the incident.
Rangers barred by US Navy
The US ship ran aground in Tubbataha Reef early morning Thursday. A statement from the US Pacific Fleet revealed that the USS Guardian, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship, ran aground at 2.25 am near the world heritage site, which is about 98 nautical miles from Puerto Princesa City.
The Park sent its Rangers Thursday morning to visit the ship but were barred by the Americans, according to Songco. "We have not yet been able to approach the boat as there are armed soldiers on deck," she said. As well as unauthorized entry, the USS Guardian is also liable to be charged with destroying and disturbing resources inside the marine protected area under section 26 of the TRNP Act. Park officials have not heard yet from the US Navy, the source added.
US ship came from Subic
Banaria said the incident was reported to them at 3 am. The ship came from a routine port call in Subic, Zambales last Monday, January 14. "The Avenger-Class ship had just completed a port call in Subic Bay, Olongapo City and was en route to her next port of call when the grounding occurred. The ship is currently stuck on the reef, approximately 80 miles east-southeast of Palawan. The crew is currently working to determine the best method of safely extracting the ship," the US Navy added in its statement. No injuries were reported among the 80-man crew and no fuel leak has been discovered.
A Nomad Islander plane from the Philippine Air Force conducted air reconnaissance over the area, while a patrol gunboat from the Coast Guard is on standby to assist the US ship.
'Baffling and lamentable'
In a statement, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) called the incident "baffling and lamentable" and said that "a quick ocular inspection" shows that at least 10 m of the ship's hull have damaged the reef.
WWF called on the US Navy to coordinate directly with the park management through the embassy.
"The extent of damage to the reef must be determined. Furthermore, the swift, safe, and proper extrication of the vessel, should cause no further damage to the Park. This must be done without delay," the statement added.
Tubbataha – a multi-awarded conservation project and one of the world's best dive sites – is a 97,030-hectare World Heritage Site with two main atolls home to a huge variety of marine life species including large pelagics such as manta rays and sharks as well as pristine coral. 2013 is the 25th anniversary of the area's recognition by UNESCO.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/19918-us-navy-ship-damaged-coral-in-tubbataha
Kidnappers call victim's family
Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jan 17): Kidnappers call victim's family
THE kidnappers who are holding hostage a Zamboangueño businessman already established contact with the victim's family, a top police official said. The call came after almost a week of the abduction of 42-year-old businessman Edgar Fabella. Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Juanito Vaño said it follows that when kidnappers call the victim’s family, ransom demand follows.
Fabella was seized by five gunmen in front of his residence around 7:30 p.m. last Friday in the village of Maasin, 13 kilometers west of the city. He was forced to board on a motorized banca, which docked at the shore across his residence that sped towards Basilan. The victim owns and manages a general merchandise store and eatery.
Vaño said the family refused to say whether there is already a ransom demand. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo said they are verifying information concerning the captive's whereabouts. De Ocampo heads the Task Force Edgar activated to find solution to the abduction of Fabella.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/01/17/kidnappers-call-victims-family-263405
THE kidnappers who are holding hostage a Zamboangueño businessman already established contact with the victim's family, a top police official said. The call came after almost a week of the abduction of 42-year-old businessman Edgar Fabella. Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Juanito Vaño said it follows that when kidnappers call the victim’s family, ransom demand follows.
Fabella was seized by five gunmen in front of his residence around 7:30 p.m. last Friday in the village of Maasin, 13 kilometers west of the city. He was forced to board on a motorized banca, which docked at the shore across his residence that sped towards Basilan. The victim owns and manages a general merchandise store and eatery.
Vaño said the family refused to say whether there is already a ransom demand. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo said they are verifying information concerning the captive's whereabouts. De Ocampo heads the Task Force Edgar activated to find solution to the abduction of Fabella.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2013/01/17/kidnappers-call-victims-family-263405
Armed struggle not a solution, new AFP chief tells communist rebels
From the Sun Star (Jan 17): Armed struggle not a solution, new AFP chief tells communist rebels
The man behind the military's counter-insurgency program formally assumed on Thursday as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff with a call to the communist rebels to abandon their decades-old armed struggle. In his speech during the AFP Change of Command ceremonies, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista cited the framework agreement forged by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as "a national triumph for peace" and hoped that the communist rebels will also "pursue the road to peace."
"We hope that the [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)] will likewise pursue the road to peace and abandon the armed struggle. As we have long realized, armed struggle is not the solution to our problems," said Bautista.
Bautista led the formulation of the military's counter-insurgency program, the Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan." He was then the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, in the AFP when crafted the said plan in July 2010.
Colonel Arnulfo Burgos, AFP spokesman, earlier described Bautista's appointment as "very timely" since the IPSP Bayanihan "shifts to high gear" in its third year of implementation. "Being the chief architect of IPSP Bayanihan and now at the helm of the AFP, we are highly optimistic that he would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for our country," said Burgos.
Bautista is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Dimalupig class of 1981. In 1985, he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, among other pertinent academic credentials obtained from various institutions here and abroad during his career.
Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III gave his first challenge to the new AFP chief, which is to ensure a peaceful conduct of the May 2013 polls. "Ang hamon ko po sa inyo: ang AFP, kasama ng ating kapulisan, ang may obligasyon na siguruhing maidaraos nang mapayapa at may integridad ang darating na halalan. Nais nating mangibabaw ang boses ng bayan, at hindi ito mabusalan ng armas, takot, at karahasan," Aquino said in his speech.
On the other hand, Bautista guaranteed fairness in the part of the military. "We are likewise sworn to protect our democratic institutions and processes. Your AFP shall remain non-partisan in the upcoming May elections. You can count on us to assist in ensuring honest, credible, orderly and peaceful elections," Bautista said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/01/17/armed-struggle-not-solution-new-afp-chief-tells-communist-rebels-263354
The man behind the military's counter-insurgency program formally assumed on Thursday as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff with a call to the communist rebels to abandon their decades-old armed struggle. In his speech during the AFP Change of Command ceremonies, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista cited the framework agreement forged by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as "a national triumph for peace" and hoped that the communist rebels will also "pursue the road to peace."
"We hope that the [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)] will likewise pursue the road to peace and abandon the armed struggle. As we have long realized, armed struggle is not the solution to our problems," said Bautista.
Bautista led the formulation of the military's counter-insurgency program, the Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan." He was then the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, in the AFP when crafted the said plan in July 2010.
Colonel Arnulfo Burgos, AFP spokesman, earlier described Bautista's appointment as "very timely" since the IPSP Bayanihan "shifts to high gear" in its third year of implementation. "Being the chief architect of IPSP Bayanihan and now at the helm of the AFP, we are highly optimistic that he would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for our country," said Burgos.
Bautista is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Dimalupig class of 1981. In 1985, he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, among other pertinent academic credentials obtained from various institutions here and abroad during his career.
Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III gave his first challenge to the new AFP chief, which is to ensure a peaceful conduct of the May 2013 polls. "Ang hamon ko po sa inyo: ang AFP, kasama ng ating kapulisan, ang may obligasyon na siguruhing maidaraos nang mapayapa at may integridad ang darating na halalan. Nais nating mangibabaw ang boses ng bayan, at hindi ito mabusalan ng armas, takot, at karahasan," Aquino said in his speech.
On the other hand, Bautista guaranteed fairness in the part of the military. "We are likewise sworn to protect our democratic institutions and processes. Your AFP shall remain non-partisan in the upcoming May elections. You can count on us to assist in ensuring honest, credible, orderly and peaceful elections," Bautista said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/01/17/armed-struggle-not-solution-new-afp-chief-tells-communist-rebels-263354
3 NPA members surrender
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 17): 3 NPA members surrender
Three alleged members of the New People's Army surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sigma, Capiz, Monday, the military reported yesterday. Capt. Ryan Joseph Cayton of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division in Capiz identified them as Joecel Labanza “alias Ka Jacky/Nhene,” a medical officer of the Igabon Platoon, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay; Precy Ortiz “alias Ka Leah”, under commander Rhea from Montalban, Rizal; and Leo Glorian “alias Ka Rio”, finance and logistic officer of the Tugalbong Platoon, KR-P.
Cayton said too much hardship in the mountains, the unfulfilled promises of the NPA hierarchy, and the concern of the returnees for their families, drove the rebel cadres to give themselves up before soldiers of the 3ID. He said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commanding general of the 3ID based in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, assured the returnees of government assistance while they are in the process of relocation, and livelihood training programs.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/January/17/police.htm
Three alleged members of the New People's Army surrendered to the Philippine Army in Sigma, Capiz, Monday, the military reported yesterday. Capt. Ryan Joseph Cayton of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division in Capiz identified them as Joecel Labanza “alias Ka Jacky/Nhene,” a medical officer of the Igabon Platoon, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay; Precy Ortiz “alias Ka Leah”, under commander Rhea from Montalban, Rizal; and Leo Glorian “alias Ka Rio”, finance and logistic officer of the Tugalbong Platoon, KR-P.
Cayton said too much hardship in the mountains, the unfulfilled promises of the NPA hierarchy, and the concern of the returnees for their families, drove the rebel cadres to give themselves up before soldiers of the 3ID. He said Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commanding general of the 3ID based in Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, assured the returnees of government assistance while they are in the process of relocation, and livelihood training programs.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/January/17/police.htm
MILF firm on pushing for lead role in Bangsamoro transition
From GMA News (Jan 17): MILF firm on pushing for lead role in Bangsamoro transition
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will insist on leading the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and vowed to push for a clear agreement with the government stating such. At a forum in Makati City on Thursday, MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said it is only proper that the MILF lead the transition authority since it was the one that negotiated and signed a framework agreement with the government. “We are partners in the negotiation, we signed the framework agreement, we headed the transition commission and then all of the sudden someone has taken in place of the MILF leading the Transition Authority,” Iqbal told local and foreign reporters.
“In negotiation, we cannot allow vagueness. We have to be clear, otherwise you are just suspending the controversy to some other time. We have to be very clear right now,” he added. The latest round of negotations in Malaysia in December ended in impasse and without a signed joint statement when the government panel insisted on naming the Transition Authority as “Bangsamoro-led Transition Authority” instead of “MILF-led Transition Authority.” The Bangsamoro framework agreeement, signed in October 2012, states that all devolved authorities shall be vested in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority during the interim period.
It also states that “the ministerial form and Cabinet system of government shall commence once the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is in place." The Bangsamoro Transition Authority may also "reorganize the bureaucracy into institutions of governance appropriate thereto." In her New Year's message in December 2012, government panel head Miriam Coronel Ferrer said “both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the 'technical impasse' pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.” “We firmly believe that there is no deal-breaker in this process, in which much trust and effort have been invested, and for which much more support will be given,” she added.
Iqbal, for his part, said they trust President Benigno Aquino III but “the real assurance is in the document.” He said the government and MILF are expected to meet this month for another round of talks. He expects the annex on modalities and transitional arrangements to be finished first followed by the annex on power sharing.
Ferrer earlier said that the annexes would be finished in two months. She said there has been important breakthrough in coming to terms with the principles that will guide the “intergovernmental relations” between the Central and Bangsamoro governments and constituent parts such as the principle to settle conflicts in laws, programs or policies in a non-adversarial manner. She said this way harmony is maintained between and among the parts not only under the Aquino administration but also under all future national administrations.
Also, the three lists defining the allocation of powers – reserved to the Central government, devolved or exclusive to the Bangsamoro, and concurrent – are almost complete and only about four power-sharing issues remain to be discussed. “These remaining issues are substantial and rather technical. The parties have agreed to solicit advice from technical experts to help them find workable solutions,” she said.
She said there is a working consensus on a new and better sharing formula in relation to government revenues derived from the exploration and utilization of natural resources. “This wealth-sharing formula, a set of devolved taxes, and the system of block grants reflect the mutual desire of the two parties to achieve sustainable self-governance and fiscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro,” Ferrer had said.
She said that soon, the government and MILF panels will be presenting to the public a jointly produced road map that shall serve as the official guide to the implementation of the framework agreement signed in October last year.. “There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/290779/news/nation/milf-firm-on-pushing-for-lead-role-in-bangsamoro-transition
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will insist on leading the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and vowed to push for a clear agreement with the government stating such. At a forum in Makati City on Thursday, MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said it is only proper that the MILF lead the transition authority since it was the one that negotiated and signed a framework agreement with the government. “We are partners in the negotiation, we signed the framework agreement, we headed the transition commission and then all of the sudden someone has taken in place of the MILF leading the Transition Authority,” Iqbal told local and foreign reporters.
“In negotiation, we cannot allow vagueness. We have to be clear, otherwise you are just suspending the controversy to some other time. We have to be very clear right now,” he added. The latest round of negotations in Malaysia in December ended in impasse and without a signed joint statement when the government panel insisted on naming the Transition Authority as “Bangsamoro-led Transition Authority” instead of “MILF-led Transition Authority.” The Bangsamoro framework agreeement, signed in October 2012, states that all devolved authorities shall be vested in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority during the interim period.
It also states that “the ministerial form and Cabinet system of government shall commence once the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is in place." The Bangsamoro Transition Authority may also "reorganize the bureaucracy into institutions of governance appropriate thereto." In her New Year's message in December 2012, government panel head Miriam Coronel Ferrer said “both parties are open to consider options on the remaining eight or so issues, across the annexes, including the 'technical impasse' pertaining to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.” “We firmly believe that there is no deal-breaker in this process, in which much trust and effort have been invested, and for which much more support will be given,” she added.
Iqbal, for his part, said they trust President Benigno Aquino III but “the real assurance is in the document.” He said the government and MILF are expected to meet this month for another round of talks. He expects the annex on modalities and transitional arrangements to be finished first followed by the annex on power sharing.
Ferrer earlier said that the annexes would be finished in two months. She said there has been important breakthrough in coming to terms with the principles that will guide the “intergovernmental relations” between the Central and Bangsamoro governments and constituent parts such as the principle to settle conflicts in laws, programs or policies in a non-adversarial manner. She said this way harmony is maintained between and among the parts not only under the Aquino administration but also under all future national administrations.
Also, the three lists defining the allocation of powers – reserved to the Central government, devolved or exclusive to the Bangsamoro, and concurrent – are almost complete and only about four power-sharing issues remain to be discussed. “These remaining issues are substantial and rather technical. The parties have agreed to solicit advice from technical experts to help them find workable solutions,” she said.
She said there is a working consensus on a new and better sharing formula in relation to government revenues derived from the exploration and utilization of natural resources. “This wealth-sharing formula, a set of devolved taxes, and the system of block grants reflect the mutual desire of the two parties to achieve sustainable self-governance and fiscal autonomy for the Bangsamoro,” Ferrer had said.
She said that soon, the government and MILF panels will be presenting to the public a jointly produced road map that shall serve as the official guide to the implementation of the framework agreement signed in October last year.. “There are many more consensus points in the current draft annexes. These will be openly discussed in due time,” she said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/290779/news/nation/milf-firm-on-pushing-for-lead-role-in-bangsamoro-transition
MILF rogue commander attacks in N. Cotabato
From the Philippine Star (Jan 17): MILF rogue commander attacks in N. Cotabato
Two members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato were wounded when a rival group led by a rogue commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked them noontime Wednesday, triggering a 30-minute firefight. The hostilities at Barangay Kayaga in Kabacan, North Cotabato erupted when an MILF commander named Maguinda Simbangan and his followers surrounded a village where MNLF members reside and opened fire with rifles and grenades.
The police director of North Cotabato, Senior Supt. Danilo Peralta, said Simbangan and his men targeted an MNLF leader in the area, Eddie Buisan, also known as Commander Iranun Mansa.
Peralta said the two groups are squabbling over control of strategic patches of land at the border of Barangays Kayaga and Bulit in nearby Montawal town in Maguindanao. The conflict sent dozens of villagers running for their lives. Peralta said Simbangan belongs to the MILF’s 108th Base Command.
Two MNLF members who were wounded in the encounter, Nari Kamsa and Meno Maganaka, were rushed by responding barangay officials and policemen to the Kabacan Polymedic Cooperative Hospital. The military and police in Kabacan and Montawal were forced to close to traffic for almost two hours on a stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Highway traversing the areas where the two groups fought to prevent commuters and motorists from getting trapped in the crossfire.
Peralta said the hostilities waned only when members of the government-MILF ceasefire committee arrived to pacify the feuding factions. The Army’s 602nd Brigade, which has jurisdiction over Kabacan and Montawal towns, has asked the ceasefire committee to investigate on the incident and initiate efforts to reconcile the two groups.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/17/898046/milf-rogue-commander-attacks-ncotabato
Two members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in North Cotabato were wounded when a rival group led by a rogue commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) attacked them noontime Wednesday, triggering a 30-minute firefight. The hostilities at Barangay Kayaga in Kabacan, North Cotabato erupted when an MILF commander named Maguinda Simbangan and his followers surrounded a village where MNLF members reside and opened fire with rifles and grenades.
The police director of North Cotabato, Senior Supt. Danilo Peralta, said Simbangan and his men targeted an MNLF leader in the area, Eddie Buisan, also known as Commander Iranun Mansa.
Peralta said the two groups are squabbling over control of strategic patches of land at the border of Barangays Kayaga and Bulit in nearby Montawal town in Maguindanao. The conflict sent dozens of villagers running for their lives. Peralta said Simbangan belongs to the MILF’s 108th Base Command.
Two MNLF members who were wounded in the encounter, Nari Kamsa and Meno Maganaka, were rushed by responding barangay officials and policemen to the Kabacan Polymedic Cooperative Hospital. The military and police in Kabacan and Montawal were forced to close to traffic for almost two hours on a stretch of the Cotabato-Davao Highway traversing the areas where the two groups fought to prevent commuters and motorists from getting trapped in the crossfire.
Peralta said the hostilities waned only when members of the government-MILF ceasefire committee arrived to pacify the feuding factions. The Army’s 602nd Brigade, which has jurisdiction over Kabacan and Montawal towns, has asked the ceasefire committee to investigate on the incident and initiate efforts to reconcile the two groups.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/17/898046/milf-rogue-commander-attacks-ncotabato
Globe cellsite in Zamboanga bombed; 1 hurt
From the Philippine Star (Jan 17): Globe cellsite in Zamboanga bombed; 1 hurt
A Globe Telecom cellsite was bombed in Zamboanga del Norte on Tuesday morning, injuring a security guard. Authorities said an improvised explosive device was used in the bombing of the cellsite, located at Barangay Poblacion in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. The attack, meanwhile, had no effect on Globe's service in the area.
“Our guard on duty suffered very minor injuries and was immediately given treatment at a nearby Siocon medical clinic. Despite the unfortunate incident, our subscribers did not experience any service disruption as all mobile services are up and running in the Zamboanga area,” said Globe spokesperson Yoly Crisanto. Crisanto said Globe is waiting for the results of the official investigation from the Zamboanga police to determine possible motives behind the attack.
Globe reported it is currently undergoing a US$700 million network modernization program meant to completely transform its network. About 84 percent of the modernization has been completed, with the whole program set for completion within the 1st quarter of 2013. The company added 100 percent of Globe Telecom cellsites have already been upgraded in Davao, Cebu, CAMANAVA, South Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
A Globe Telecom cellsite was bombed in Zamboanga del Norte on Tuesday morning, injuring a security guard. Authorities said an improvised explosive device was used in the bombing of the cellsite, located at Barangay Poblacion in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte. The attack, meanwhile, had no effect on Globe's service in the area.
“Our guard on duty suffered very minor injuries and was immediately given treatment at a nearby Siocon medical clinic. Despite the unfortunate incident, our subscribers did not experience any service disruption as all mobile services are up and running in the Zamboanga area,” said Globe spokesperson Yoly Crisanto. Crisanto said Globe is waiting for the results of the official investigation from the Zamboanga police to determine possible motives behind the attack.
Globe reported it is currently undergoing a US$700 million network modernization program meant to completely transform its network. About 84 percent of the modernization has been completed, with the whole program set for completion within the 1st quarter of 2013. The company added 100 percent of Globe Telecom cellsites have already been upgraded in Davao, Cebu, CAMANAVA, South Luzon and the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Transition Commission to explore possibility of amending Constitution: MILF
From the Philippine Star (Jan 17): Transition Commission to explore possibility of amending Constitution: MILF
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to empower the Transition Commission to discuss whether there is a necessity to amend the Constitution, a senior MILF official said today. "One of the powers of the Transition Commission is to propose amendments to the Constitution if it is necessary. Meaning, we will reach a point whether it is necessary or not," Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the former Muslim rebel group MILF, said during a forum with the foreign press.
Mr. Iqbal said MILF considered that constitutional change is needed in order to implement the peace agreement with the government, "But the position of the government is that it is not necessary," he added. Under the peace framework agreement, which the Philippine government and the MILF inked in October last year, the 15-man Transition Commission will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law for the future Bangsamoro state in Mindanao.
According to their agreement, eight members of the Transition Commission will be nominated by the MILF, while the rest will be designated by the government.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/17/898364/transition-commission-explore-possibility-amending-constitution-milf
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to empower the Transition Commission to discuss whether there is a necessity to amend the Constitution, a senior MILF official said today. "One of the powers of the Transition Commission is to propose amendments to the Constitution if it is necessary. Meaning, we will reach a point whether it is necessary or not," Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the former Muslim rebel group MILF, said during a forum with the foreign press.
Mr. Iqbal said MILF considered that constitutional change is needed in order to implement the peace agreement with the government, "But the position of the government is that it is not necessary," he added. Under the peace framework agreement, which the Philippine government and the MILF inked in October last year, the 15-man Transition Commission will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law for the future Bangsamoro state in Mindanao.
According to their agreement, eight members of the Transition Commission will be nominated by the MILF, while the rest will be designated by the government.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/17/898364/transition-commission-explore-possibility-amending-constitution-milf
Militant groups used typhoon victims in Montevista blockade -Guv
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16): Militant groups used typhoon victims in Montevista blockade -Guv
Provincial Gov. Arturo Uy this morning alleged typhoon victims were just being used to stage a protest rally yesterday in Montevista town which fully blockaded an intersection of the national highway going to Butuan City and to towns of Compostela and New Bataan.
In a phone interview, he bared reports of municipal mayors of typhoon Pablo-affected towns telling him that buses were rounding up morning of January 15 in barangays, and that someone was convincing people to come along because boxer-politician would be distributing relief assistance. “It was a disguise as it was a well-planned and well-fueled activity,” he said.
He failed to reveal the towns where the rounding up was made but he identified Tagum City-based Metro Shuttle Bus Company as among the owners of the buses used to transport protest rally participants allegedly by militant groups. He revealed being told by the Metro Bus Shuttle owner that the ones hiring the buses declared the units be used for a tree planting activity. “Ten buses from the Metro Shuttle were supposed to be hired but only three were released,” he said.
Montevista Information Officer Edwin Antia reported yesterday noon that around 2,000 people led by militant groups staged a protest rally blocking the flow of traffic to and from Butuan City, and to and from towns of Compostela and New Bataan. Aside from raising national issues such as land reform and criticizing the national government, the group aired dissatisfaction over distribution of relief assistance, alleging that some failed to receive their fair share, and that far-flung barangays had not been reached.
The rally was organized in time with the foreign donors visit to severely-hit town New Bataan led by Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman. Among the foreign donor’s in convoy to visit New Bataan, Compostela Valley were representatives of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United Nations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN OCHA), World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); the governments of New Zealand, Australia and Spain.
Social Welfare regional information officer Carmela C. Duron revealed the donors’ convoy took an alternate route going to New Bataan, skirting the militant rally but Soliman together with Uy faced the group. Antia said the protesters demanded that 10,000 sacks of rice be given them for distribution to typhoon victims but Uy told them the provincial government had none of such volume of rice while Soliman explained to them how the government ensured equal relief distribution.
The group pushed its rally until about 10:00 in the evening yesterday (Jan. 15) and eventually dispersed when the provincial government sent them 1,877 family food packs with 10 kilos of rice and another 300 sacks of rice supply from WFP and DSWD. Early this morning, Antia said the Montevista intersection of the national highway had been cleared except for littered garbage and tarpaulin streamers left by those who joined the rally.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591358322986
Provincial Gov. Arturo Uy this morning alleged typhoon victims were just being used to stage a protest rally yesterday in Montevista town which fully blockaded an intersection of the national highway going to Butuan City and to towns of Compostela and New Bataan.
In a phone interview, he bared reports of municipal mayors of typhoon Pablo-affected towns telling him that buses were rounding up morning of January 15 in barangays, and that someone was convincing people to come along because boxer-politician would be distributing relief assistance. “It was a disguise as it was a well-planned and well-fueled activity,” he said.
He failed to reveal the towns where the rounding up was made but he identified Tagum City-based Metro Shuttle Bus Company as among the owners of the buses used to transport protest rally participants allegedly by militant groups. He revealed being told by the Metro Bus Shuttle owner that the ones hiring the buses declared the units be used for a tree planting activity. “Ten buses from the Metro Shuttle were supposed to be hired but only three were released,” he said.
Montevista Information Officer Edwin Antia reported yesterday noon that around 2,000 people led by militant groups staged a protest rally blocking the flow of traffic to and from Butuan City, and to and from towns of Compostela and New Bataan. Aside from raising national issues such as land reform and criticizing the national government, the group aired dissatisfaction over distribution of relief assistance, alleging that some failed to receive their fair share, and that far-flung barangays had not been reached.
The rally was organized in time with the foreign donors visit to severely-hit town New Bataan led by Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman. Among the foreign donor’s in convoy to visit New Bataan, Compostela Valley were representatives of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), United Nations for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN OCHA), World Food Program (WFP), UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA); the governments of New Zealand, Australia and Spain.
Social Welfare regional information officer Carmela C. Duron revealed the donors’ convoy took an alternate route going to New Bataan, skirting the militant rally but Soliman together with Uy faced the group. Antia said the protesters demanded that 10,000 sacks of rice be given them for distribution to typhoon victims but Uy told them the provincial government had none of such volume of rice while Soliman explained to them how the government ensured equal relief distribution.
The group pushed its rally until about 10:00 in the evening yesterday (Jan. 15) and eventually dispersed when the provincial government sent them 1,877 family food packs with 10 kilos of rice and another 300 sacks of rice supply from WFP and DSWD. Early this morning, Antia said the Montevista intersection of the national highway had been cleared except for littered garbage and tarpaulin streamers left by those who joined the rally.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1591358322986
Army's 903rd Brigade, 9th Battalion adjudged best units in 9ID for 2nd Sem, 2012
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16): Army's 903rd Brigade, 9th Battalion adjudged best units in 9ID for 2nd Sem, 2012
The 903rd Infantry Brigade and 9th Infantry Battalion consistently maintained their titles being Best Brigade and Battalion, respectively, of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division for second semester in 2012.
Col. Joselito E Kakilala, newly installed commander of 903rd Brigade who replaced newly promoted BGen Felix J Castro Jr AFP, and Lt. Col. Julian C Pacatan, 9IB commanding officer, received the Command Certificates of Recognition awarded by Major Gen Romeo V Calizo, 9ID commanding general, after the New Year’s call and Command Conference at 9ID headquarters on January 10, 2013. The 903rd Brigade covers Sorsogon and Masbate provinces in the conduct of Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO), while the 9IB, under the Brigade’s operational control, covers Masbate province.
Kakilala noted that considering the imperatives of IPSP “Bayanihan” and its emphasis on both combat and non-combat dimensions of military operations, the Brigade during the period, had accomplished more than the expected output including neutralization of seven NPA personalities: killed two unidentified lawless elements; apprehension of three lawless members; and, one surrendered.
Along with the combat operations, he added, 24 firearms were gained (20 high powered/ four low powered), although many of these were outside the focus area. The recovered firearms included: eight M16, one M653, one M14, two Garand rifles, one Cal. 38 revolver; one .45 Cal pistol; eight homemade shotguns; 12 landmines (Anti-tank); five improvised claymore mines (anti-personnel); 30 Molotov bombs; and other subversive documents.
Kakilala furthered that the establishment of a Barangay Defense System (BDS) acted as Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) in the cleared barangays especially in holding areas. “This has been proven effective as the CNNs find difficulty in recovering lost areas particularly in Castilla, Pilar, and Donsol municipalities, all in Sorsogon,” he added.
“Similarly, the unit pursued efforts to link with agencies that could help in the development of the communities in Sorsogon and Masbate. It has opted to focus its efforts in certain areas rather than have projects in many dispersed barangays. By pouring in development projects in selected focus areas, the improvement could easily be felt by the people and there is a higher chance of success. Neighboring communities will eventually also benefit from the improved economic environment,” he explained.
Kakilala also bared that the 903rd Brigade has been active in the programs of Pamana Convergence for Sorsogon which involves representatives from the different government agencies has been a good venue to recommend infrastructure projects and target areas for development. The two covered provinces in its area have received funds for development - Sorsogon P40 million (seven focus municipalities) and Masbate P68 million (three focus municipalities). Furthermore, in Masbate, P500-million infrastructure projects are programmed next year.
The unit also facilitated the conduct of four Medical, Dental, Optical and Legal Missions sponsored by UNTV Channel 37 in Brgy San Francisco; Brgy Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon; Brgy Rizal, Sorsogon City; Brgy Poblacion, Pilar Sorsogon together with the elements of 31st Infantry Battalion, staff and volunteers of Clinic ni Kuya and Kamanggagawa Foundation Inc. with the support of LGUs and DepEd.
The Brigade, according to Kakilala, was able to establish links with the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc for the construction of classroom buildings in Pandan National High School in Castilla, Sorsogon and another in Cabangcalan Elementary School in Aroroy, Masbate.
Moreover, the Pinoy Big Brother, Sagip Kapamliya Foundation, Maalaala Mo Kaya Program, the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Battalion, and the 565th Engineer Battalion partnered in the construction of a two-classroom school building in Sitio Mababoy, Brgy Guinhadap, Monreal, Masbate.
The Lewis College and ABS-CBN are the other partners for education. The Brigade has now 22 Bayanihan scholars enrolled at the college, while two other scholars who took Tesda courses were sponsored by ABS-CBN foundation.
The Brigade also partnered with the Fiber Industries Development Authority (FIDA) for the abaca planting projects in Brgy Pandan and Salvacion in Castilla. The one-hectare nursery in each barangay has already been emplaced. It is a long time program that will benefit these barangays as well as adjacent ones and municipalities in the near future.
Kakilala concluded that the Army's 903rd Brigade has been able to perform exceedingly well in its combat and non-combat operations. This could be attributed to a pool of well-motivated, well-trained, and experienced personnel who get the job done.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=801358316516
The 903rd Infantry Brigade and 9th Infantry Battalion consistently maintained their titles being Best Brigade and Battalion, respectively, of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division for second semester in 2012.
Col. Joselito E Kakilala, newly installed commander of 903rd Brigade who replaced newly promoted BGen Felix J Castro Jr AFP, and Lt. Col. Julian C Pacatan, 9IB commanding officer, received the Command Certificates of Recognition awarded by Major Gen Romeo V Calizo, 9ID commanding general, after the New Year’s call and Command Conference at 9ID headquarters on January 10, 2013. The 903rd Brigade covers Sorsogon and Masbate provinces in the conduct of Internal Peace and Security Operations (IPSO), while the 9IB, under the Brigade’s operational control, covers Masbate province.
Kakilala noted that considering the imperatives of IPSP “Bayanihan” and its emphasis on both combat and non-combat dimensions of military operations, the Brigade during the period, had accomplished more than the expected output including neutralization of seven NPA personalities: killed two unidentified lawless elements; apprehension of three lawless members; and, one surrendered.
Along with the combat operations, he added, 24 firearms were gained (20 high powered/ four low powered), although many of these were outside the focus area. The recovered firearms included: eight M16, one M653, one M14, two Garand rifles, one Cal. 38 revolver; one .45 Cal pistol; eight homemade shotguns; 12 landmines (Anti-tank); five improvised claymore mines (anti-personnel); 30 Molotov bombs; and other subversive documents.
Kakilala furthered that the establishment of a Barangay Defense System (BDS) acted as Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) in the cleared barangays especially in holding areas. “This has been proven effective as the CNNs find difficulty in recovering lost areas particularly in Castilla, Pilar, and Donsol municipalities, all in Sorsogon,” he added.
“Similarly, the unit pursued efforts to link with agencies that could help in the development of the communities in Sorsogon and Masbate. It has opted to focus its efforts in certain areas rather than have projects in many dispersed barangays. By pouring in development projects in selected focus areas, the improvement could easily be felt by the people and there is a higher chance of success. Neighboring communities will eventually also benefit from the improved economic environment,” he explained.
Kakilala also bared that the 903rd Brigade has been active in the programs of Pamana Convergence for Sorsogon which involves representatives from the different government agencies has been a good venue to recommend infrastructure projects and target areas for development. The two covered provinces in its area have received funds for development - Sorsogon P40 million (seven focus municipalities) and Masbate P68 million (three focus municipalities). Furthermore, in Masbate, P500-million infrastructure projects are programmed next year.
The unit also facilitated the conduct of four Medical, Dental, Optical and Legal Missions sponsored by UNTV Channel 37 in Brgy San Francisco; Brgy Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon; Brgy Rizal, Sorsogon City; Brgy Poblacion, Pilar Sorsogon together with the elements of 31st Infantry Battalion, staff and volunteers of Clinic ni Kuya and Kamanggagawa Foundation Inc. with the support of LGUs and DepEd.
The Brigade, according to Kakilala, was able to establish links with the ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya Foundation, Inc for the construction of classroom buildings in Pandan National High School in Castilla, Sorsogon and another in Cabangcalan Elementary School in Aroroy, Masbate.
Moreover, the Pinoy Big Brother, Sagip Kapamliya Foundation, Maalaala Mo Kaya Program, the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Battalion, and the 565th Engineer Battalion partnered in the construction of a two-classroom school building in Sitio Mababoy, Brgy Guinhadap, Monreal, Masbate.
The Lewis College and ABS-CBN are the other partners for education. The Brigade has now 22 Bayanihan scholars enrolled at the college, while two other scholars who took Tesda courses were sponsored by ABS-CBN foundation.
The Brigade also partnered with the Fiber Industries Development Authority (FIDA) for the abaca planting projects in Brgy Pandan and Salvacion in Castilla. The one-hectare nursery in each barangay has already been emplaced. It is a long time program that will benefit these barangays as well as adjacent ones and municipalities in the near future.
Kakilala concluded that the Army's 903rd Brigade has been able to perform exceedingly well in its combat and non-combat operations. This could be attributed to a pool of well-motivated, well-trained, and experienced personnel who get the job done.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=801358316516
144 former CPLA members apply for integration to AFP
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16): 144 former CPLA members apply for integration to AFP
One hundred forty-four former Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) members and their dependents have applied for integration to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Col. Roger Salvador, commanding officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, said the applicants are mostly dependents of former CPLA fighters. He said they are now processing their applications at Camp Upi in Gamu, Isabela. “Their training will start upon release of funds from the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP),” Salvador said, adding, “ this is a special training separate from the regular AFP quota.”
He said the standard qualifications for soldier-candidates shall apply – 18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, pass the AFP battery test, at least 5’2” in height, physically and mentally fit. “They will be trained at the 5th Infantry Division’s Camp Melchor Dela Crus, Upi, Gamu, Isabela for six months,” he said.
These recruits, Salvador said, came from the Arsenio Humiding group, now known as the Cordillera Forum on Peace and Development, and Michael Sugguiyao Jr. group, the original Conrado Balweg comrades.
The integration of these former combatants into the AFP fulfills a commitment of the government's memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the CBA-CPLA that calls for the group's disposition of arms and forces and provides for development projects in their areas. It also completes the provision of Executive Order 49 mandating the AFP to lead the process of winding down the group's army integration as guided by Administrative Order 18.
It can be recalled that AO 18 signed in 2001 set out the first wave of integration of 164 CPLA members into the armed forces. To jumpstart the integration, the former rebels underwent a two-month candidate soldier course and a 45-day specialization training. They will then be deployed to areas under the watch of the 5ID as part of the training. The final stage of the integration process is the incorporation of the new soldiers into the tactical units of the military.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171358304275
One hundred forty-four former Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) members and their dependents have applied for integration to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Col. Roger Salvador, commanding officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade, said the applicants are mostly dependents of former CPLA fighters. He said they are now processing their applications at Camp Upi in Gamu, Isabela. “Their training will start upon release of funds from the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP),” Salvador said, adding, “ this is a special training separate from the regular AFP quota.”
He said the standard qualifications for soldier-candidates shall apply – 18-24 years old, at least high school graduate, pass the AFP battery test, at least 5’2” in height, physically and mentally fit. “They will be trained at the 5th Infantry Division’s Camp Melchor Dela Crus, Upi, Gamu, Isabela for six months,” he said.
These recruits, Salvador said, came from the Arsenio Humiding group, now known as the Cordillera Forum on Peace and Development, and Michael Sugguiyao Jr. group, the original Conrado Balweg comrades.
The integration of these former combatants into the AFP fulfills a commitment of the government's memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the CBA-CPLA that calls for the group's disposition of arms and forces and provides for development projects in their areas. It also completes the provision of Executive Order 49 mandating the AFP to lead the process of winding down the group's army integration as guided by Administrative Order 18.
It can be recalled that AO 18 signed in 2001 set out the first wave of integration of 164 CPLA members into the armed forces. To jumpstart the integration, the former rebels underwent a two-month candidate soldier course and a 45-day specialization training. They will then be deployed to areas under the watch of the 5ID as part of the training. The final stage of the integration process is the incorporation of the new soldiers into the tactical units of the military.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171358304275
Army doctors treat 2,000 Sorsogon villagers in medical mission
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Army doctors treat 2,000 Sorsogon
villagers in medical mission
A civic mission recently conducted by the Philippine Army’s (PA) 31st Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon province gave free medical, dental and optical services to about 2,000 barangay residents in Irosin town. Doctors, nurses and other medical staffers from the PA’s 9th Infantry Division, a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in-charge of the internal security of Bicol and based in Pili, Camarines Sur, along with the town’s Rural Health Unit, provided the services conducted in cooperation with the UNTV, a national television network.
The mission held in Barangay Gabao, Irosin was also supported by the PA’s 903rd Infantry Brigade based in Castilla, Sorsogon, the mother unit of the 31st IB. It was assisted by barangay officials and teachers of the Gabao National High School.
In a statement reaching here Thursday, Col. Joselito Kakilala, the 903rd IB commanding officer, said the PA’s 31st IB identified Barangay Gabao as the venue of the mission based on the urgent needs of villagers, mostly farmers, for medical, dental and other services necessary to keep them able and healthy. Most of those treated were suffering from dental and eye problems as well as common illnesses like cold, cough and fever. Malnourished children were also served food in a feeding activity as part of the mission, Kakilala said.
Apart from medical, dental and optical services, the mission also provided free medicines, physical therapy, haircut and health counseling, he added. Irosin is a third class agricultural town at the foot of Bulusan Volcano that is considered as highly infested by insurgency and prone to calamities of volcanic eruptions and floods. The PA’s 31st IB, which handles security operations against New People’s Army (NPA) units operating in the area, is based in a barangay near the boundaries of Irosin and Juban towns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=488330
A civic mission recently conducted by the Philippine Army’s (PA) 31st Infantry Battalion based in Sorsogon province gave free medical, dental and optical services to about 2,000 barangay residents in Irosin town. Doctors, nurses and other medical staffers from the PA’s 9th Infantry Division, a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in-charge of the internal security of Bicol and based in Pili, Camarines Sur, along with the town’s Rural Health Unit, provided the services conducted in cooperation with the UNTV, a national television network.
The mission held in Barangay Gabao, Irosin was also supported by the PA’s 903rd Infantry Brigade based in Castilla, Sorsogon, the mother unit of the 31st IB. It was assisted by barangay officials and teachers of the Gabao National High School.
In a statement reaching here Thursday, Col. Joselito Kakilala, the 903rd IB commanding officer, said the PA’s 31st IB identified Barangay Gabao as the venue of the mission based on the urgent needs of villagers, mostly farmers, for medical, dental and other services necessary to keep them able and healthy. Most of those treated were suffering from dental and eye problems as well as common illnesses like cold, cough and fever. Malnourished children were also served food in a feeding activity as part of the mission, Kakilala said.
Apart from medical, dental and optical services, the mission also provided free medicines, physical therapy, haircut and health counseling, he added. Irosin is a third class agricultural town at the foot of Bulusan Volcano that is considered as highly infested by insurgency and prone to calamities of volcanic eruptions and floods. The PA’s 31st IB, which handles security operations against New People’s Army (NPA) units operating in the area, is based in a barangay near the boundaries of Irosin and Juban towns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=488330
ComVal gov belies hoarding of relief goods
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): ComVal gov belies hoarding of relief
goods
Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy on Thursday belied the charges of militant protesters who barricaded the highway section in Montevista town Tuesday that local officials have been hoarding for political purpose the relief goods intended for the victims of typhoon "Pablo."
In a press conference he called Thursday morning at Molave Hotel in Tagum City, the governor said there are only remaining and excess relief goods such as rice that are stored in various affected barangays after the first round of distribution was made and are awaiting for the next distribution, thus the look that it was like being hoarded. He said he would not tolerate hoarding of relief goods and vowed he would lead in prosecuting anyone who would do it.
At the same time, Uy charged that militant organizers allegedly gypped typhoon victims who took part in last Tuesday's disruptive highway barricade when they were promised that Manny Pacquiao and Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would be coming to a gathering in Montevista to give them money and relief goods.
In the same press conference, 10th Infantry Division- Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Lyndon Paneza corroborated the governor's statement that the protestors were gypped by their leaders. He said protesting victims who were not from Montevista could not go immediately home because they were ferried by buses and cargo trucks already contracted and paid by the militant organizers. Paneza said even the management of the Uy family-owned Metro Shuttle buses was gypped by the militant leaders who reportedly made an excuse that the hired units would be used by University of Mindanao students for their tree -planting activity in Montevista on that day.
The military official told reporters that most of the protesters came "not from Comval" but from Davao City, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur. The militant leaders from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and its allied organizations claimed to have mobilized more than 5,000 typhoon victims who barricaded the Montevista section of the Davao-Butuan national highway from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., which caused for long traffic stretching to estimated 25 kms. stranding thousands of passengers and motorists.
They protested over the alleged hoarding and hiding of relief goods for political purpose including the pilferage and swapping of quality rice with the poor-quality National Food Authority(NFA)rice by barangay and local officials, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=488255
Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy on Thursday belied the charges of militant protesters who barricaded the highway section in Montevista town Tuesday that local officials have been hoarding for political purpose the relief goods intended for the victims of typhoon "Pablo."
In a press conference he called Thursday morning at Molave Hotel in Tagum City, the governor said there are only remaining and excess relief goods such as rice that are stored in various affected barangays after the first round of distribution was made and are awaiting for the next distribution, thus the look that it was like being hoarded. He said he would not tolerate hoarding of relief goods and vowed he would lead in prosecuting anyone who would do it.
At the same time, Uy charged that militant organizers allegedly gypped typhoon victims who took part in last Tuesday's disruptive highway barricade when they were promised that Manny Pacquiao and Davao City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would be coming to a gathering in Montevista to give them money and relief goods.
In the same press conference, 10th Infantry Division- Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Lyndon Paneza corroborated the governor's statement that the protestors were gypped by their leaders. He said protesting victims who were not from Montevista could not go immediately home because they were ferried by buses and cargo trucks already contracted and paid by the militant organizers. Paneza said even the management of the Uy family-owned Metro Shuttle buses was gypped by the militant leaders who reportedly made an excuse that the hired units would be used by University of Mindanao students for their tree -planting activity in Montevista on that day.
The military official told reporters that most of the protesters came "not from Comval" but from Davao City, Davao Oriental and Agusan del Sur. The militant leaders from Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) and its allied organizations claimed to have mobilized more than 5,000 typhoon victims who barricaded the Montevista section of the Davao-Butuan national highway from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., which caused for long traffic stretching to estimated 25 kms. stranding thousands of passengers and motorists.
They protested over the alleged hoarding and hiding of relief goods for political purpose including the pilferage and swapping of quality rice with the poor-quality National Food Authority(NFA)rice by barangay and local officials, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=488255
U.S. Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship runs aground in Tubbataha Reefs in Palawan
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): U.S. Avenger-class mine
countermeasures ship runs aground in Tubbataha Reefs in
Palawan
The USS Guardian, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship of the U.S. Navy ran aground at the South Islet of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the island municipality of Cagayancillo in Palawan early morning Thursday. Commodore Rustom Peña, the highest ranking officer of the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST), confirmed reports to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the USS Guardian, a part of the Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 of the U.S. Navy assigned to the 7th Fleet and forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, hit the bottom of shallow water in the Tubbataha at around 3 a.m. “Yes, that incident was first reported to us by the management office of Tubbataha. The Western Command (WESCOM) Headquarters has been informed also, and it has now sent an aircraft to the area to find out and make reports,” he said.
The USS Guardian arrived Sunday in the Philippines and dropped anchor in Subic Bay, Olongapo City for standard refueling and stopover to reload provisions. The ship also made the port call for its crew of 80 navy sailors to rest and recreate. It was supposed to make its next port call in Puerto Princesa but Peña said the plan was cancelled before USS Guardian even left Subic.
“I am not aware why they are in Tubbataha because we thought they are no longer sailing to Puerto Princesa,” said Peña. A profile of the ship found on the Internet said the minesweeper’s crew includes eight Filipino-Americans.
In late 2007, the minesweeper with another, USS Patriot (MCM-7) sought to make a port call in HongKong’s Victoria Harbor to take refuge from an approaching storm, but China denied them entry for unknown reasons.
Peña said they might also send a Philippine Navy patrol ship in the area to see if the USS Guardian needs assistance, or just waiting for the water to rise. As of this writing, he’s waiting for orders from the WESCOM. As standard operating procedure (SOP), and because Tubbataha is a marine protected area, its management office is expected to send an official maritime protest to the U.S. Embassy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488210
The USS Guardian, an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship of the U.S. Navy ran aground at the South Islet of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in the island municipality of Cagayancillo in Palawan early morning Thursday. Commodore Rustom Peña, the highest ranking officer of the Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST), confirmed reports to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the USS Guardian, a part of the Mine Countermeasures Squadron 7 of the U.S. Navy assigned to the 7th Fleet and forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, hit the bottom of shallow water in the Tubbataha at around 3 a.m. “Yes, that incident was first reported to us by the management office of Tubbataha. The Western Command (WESCOM) Headquarters has been informed also, and it has now sent an aircraft to the area to find out and make reports,” he said.
The USS Guardian arrived Sunday in the Philippines and dropped anchor in Subic Bay, Olongapo City for standard refueling and stopover to reload provisions. The ship also made the port call for its crew of 80 navy sailors to rest and recreate. It was supposed to make its next port call in Puerto Princesa but Peña said the plan was cancelled before USS Guardian even left Subic.
“I am not aware why they are in Tubbataha because we thought they are no longer sailing to Puerto Princesa,” said Peña. A profile of the ship found on the Internet said the minesweeper’s crew includes eight Filipino-Americans.
In late 2007, the minesweeper with another, USS Patriot (MCM-7) sought to make a port call in HongKong’s Victoria Harbor to take refuge from an approaching storm, but China denied them entry for unknown reasons.
Peña said they might also send a Philippine Navy patrol ship in the area to see if the USS Guardian needs assistance, or just waiting for the water to rise. As of this writing, he’s waiting for orders from the WESCOM. As standard operating procedure (SOP), and because Tubbataha is a marine protected area, its management office is expected to send an official maritime protest to the U.S. Embassy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488210
Newly-appointed AFP chief committed to building credible defense posture
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Newly-appointed AFP chief committed to
building credible defense posture
Despite acknowledging the role of diplomacy in resolving brewing territorial issues, newly-appointed Armed Forces chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista Thursday said he is committed to building a credible defense posture for the country. "As we support the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of territorial issues, we shall endeavor to provide a credible defense posture worthy of the heroism of our forefathers. We need to upgrade our joint and combined operations capabilities to be able to contain any external threats," he said during his assumption speech at the AFP headquarters in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
With this development, Bautista said the military will continue in its mission of ensuring regional and international peace and stability. He added the military will aim to do this through the so-called "Global Bayanihan" or strengthened and increased bilateral and multilateral engagements with neighbors and allies.
"We will endeavor to send more United Nations peacekeeping forces and develop capabilities to assist other nations in responding to natural calamities, just as our friends and allies have come to our aid in times of disaster," the newly-appointed AFP chief stressed.
And with the growing challenge of climate change to development and progress, Bautista also vowed to utilize more military resources in alleviating this growing threat. "Indeed, in recent years, the effects of climate change have been more adverse than armed conflict. This is an emerging concern that we need to pay serious attention to," Bautista stated. With this mission set, the new AFP chief pledged to continue to upgrade the military's disaster rescue and relief operations capabilities and take part in proactive measures such as environmental protection to mitigate adverse effects of disasters.
"Of course, we must ensure that the AFP, as an organization, is capable of performing its mandated tasks. Thus, I will carry on and sustain security sector reform initiatives that we have already started, focusing on two major agenda: capability development and professionalization," he pointed out. Bautista also pledged to give priority to developing a professional, strong and fully-mission capable joint force. "We will develop our mission-essential capabilities in internal security, territorial defense, and disaster rescue and relief operations, as well as build-up a robust and reliable reserve force," the AFP head pointed out.
With his appointment now a done deal, Bautista also took this opportunity to extend his heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked with me in this path to our nation’s peace and security. "Those who have journeyed with me in my 33 years in the service, my mentors and companions in my intellectual pursuits while at the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Military Academy and Marist School, my superiors, friends and colleagues in the armed forces including and most specially to those who have gone before us in service to our nation.
I dedicate my service as chief-of-staff, AFP to all of you," Bautista emphasized. But most of all, the AFP chief said he is dedicating this this final chapter in his military service to his father, the late Brig. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista. "The bedrock from where I stand here before you today - he was and will always be my inspiration and role model as a soldier for peace," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488237
Despite acknowledging the role of diplomacy in resolving brewing territorial issues, newly-appointed Armed Forces chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista Thursday said he is committed to building a credible defense posture for the country. "As we support the peaceful and diplomatic resolution of territorial issues, we shall endeavor to provide a credible defense posture worthy of the heroism of our forefathers. We need to upgrade our joint and combined operations capabilities to be able to contain any external threats," he said during his assumption speech at the AFP headquarters in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
With this development, Bautista said the military will continue in its mission of ensuring regional and international peace and stability. He added the military will aim to do this through the so-called "Global Bayanihan" or strengthened and increased bilateral and multilateral engagements with neighbors and allies.
"We will endeavor to send more United Nations peacekeeping forces and develop capabilities to assist other nations in responding to natural calamities, just as our friends and allies have come to our aid in times of disaster," the newly-appointed AFP chief stressed.
And with the growing challenge of climate change to development and progress, Bautista also vowed to utilize more military resources in alleviating this growing threat. "Indeed, in recent years, the effects of climate change have been more adverse than armed conflict. This is an emerging concern that we need to pay serious attention to," Bautista stated. With this mission set, the new AFP chief pledged to continue to upgrade the military's disaster rescue and relief operations capabilities and take part in proactive measures such as environmental protection to mitigate adverse effects of disasters.
"Of course, we must ensure that the AFP, as an organization, is capable of performing its mandated tasks. Thus, I will carry on and sustain security sector reform initiatives that we have already started, focusing on two major agenda: capability development and professionalization," he pointed out. Bautista also pledged to give priority to developing a professional, strong and fully-mission capable joint force. "We will develop our mission-essential capabilities in internal security, territorial defense, and disaster rescue and relief operations, as well as build-up a robust and reliable reserve force," the AFP head pointed out.
With his appointment now a done deal, Bautista also took this opportunity to extend his heartfelt gratitude to all who have walked with me in this path to our nation’s peace and security. "Those who have journeyed with me in my 33 years in the service, my mentors and companions in my intellectual pursuits while at the University of the Philippines, the Philippine Military Academy and Marist School, my superiors, friends and colleagues in the armed forces including and most specially to those who have gone before us in service to our nation.
I dedicate my service as chief-of-staff, AFP to all of you," Bautista emphasized. But most of all, the AFP chief said he is dedicating this this final chapter in his military service to his father, the late Brig. Gen. Teodulfo Bautista. "The bedrock from where I stand here before you today - he was and will always be my inspiration and role model as a soldier for peace," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488237
Aquino challenges AFP to fulfill mandate in ensuring peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Aquino challenges AFP to fulfill mandate in ensuring peace
President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged the Armed Forces to fulfill its duty in ensuring peace and order and preserving the integrity of the 2013 mid-term elections in the country. In his speech during the Testimonial Review in honor of former Chief of Staff of the AFP Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa and Change of Command Ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Thursday, the Chief Executive acknowledged the significant role of the AFP in preserving the integrity of the country's elections.
"Ang hamon ko po sa inyo: ang AFP, kasama ng ating kapulisan, ang may obligasyon na siguruhing maidaraos nang mapayapa at may integridad ang darating na halalan. Nais nating mangibabaw ang boses ng bayan, at nang hindi ito mabusalan ng armas, takot, at karahasan," thePresident said. Aquino said he expects the AFP, now under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, to uphold the sovereignty, support the Constitution, and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all enemies.
"Saligang Batas ang dapat ninyong kilingan; taumbayan ang dapat ninyong panigan. Pangalagaan ninyo ang karapatan ng mamamayan na malayang makapili ng kanilang mga pinuno. Ang gusto natin: tapat, patas, at naaayon sa batas ang darating na eleksyon mula sa kampanya hanggang sa proklamasyon ng mga bagong pinuno," he said.
With the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act last December, Aquino expressed confidence the AFP can now better perform its mandate of upholding the sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times. "Kaya nga po, sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong paunang pondo ang ilalaan natin sa ating Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon. Bukod pa ito sa dalawampu’t walong bilyong pisong pondo na nailaan na para sa modernisasyon ng AFP sa ilalim po ng ating administrasyon. Ikumpara natin ito sa tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong ginastos para sa modernisasyon sa loob ng labinlimang taon bago tayo manungkulan," he noted.
"Dagdag pa sa mga makabagong kagamitan tulad ng mga helicopters, mga modernong barko, at armas, nariyan din ang handog nating disente at abot-kayang mga tahanan. Aabot na nga po sa humigit-kumulang 53,000 housing units ang maipapatayo natin ngayong taon," he stressed.
The new law is a manifestation of the government's unwavering commitment to the AFP, the President noted. The President also cited Dellosa's contributions in pursuing efforts to attain genuine peace. "Ang nakalipas pong taon ay minarkahan ng hamon at tagumpay para sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Nariyan ang tagumpay ng nilagdaang Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; sa wakas, abot-kamay na ang inaasam nating kapayapaan sa Mindanao," he said.
"Mula sa pagpapaunlad ng inyong kakayahan, hanggang sa pagtitiwala at pagkilala ng taumbayan sa integridad ng inyong institusyon, nakikita na natin ang pagbabagong tinatamasa ng kasundaluhan. Sinisimulan na nga po natin ang makabuluhang siklo ng pag-unlad. Sa paglago ng ekonomiya, umaangat din ang kapasidad nating tutukan at tugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488363
President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged the Armed Forces to fulfill its duty in ensuring peace and order and preserving the integrity of the 2013 mid-term elections in the country. In his speech during the Testimonial Review in honor of former Chief of Staff of the AFP Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa and Change of Command Ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City Thursday, the Chief Executive acknowledged the significant role of the AFP in preserving the integrity of the country's elections.
"Ang hamon ko po sa inyo: ang AFP, kasama ng ating kapulisan, ang may obligasyon na siguruhing maidaraos nang mapayapa at may integridad ang darating na halalan. Nais nating mangibabaw ang boses ng bayan, at nang hindi ito mabusalan ng armas, takot, at karahasan," thePresident said. Aquino said he expects the AFP, now under the leadership of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, to uphold the sovereignty, support the Constitution, and defend the territory of the Republic of the Philippines against all enemies.
"Saligang Batas ang dapat ninyong kilingan; taumbayan ang dapat ninyong panigan. Pangalagaan ninyo ang karapatan ng mamamayan na malayang makapili ng kanilang mga pinuno. Ang gusto natin: tapat, patas, at naaayon sa batas ang darating na eleksyon mula sa kampanya hanggang sa proklamasyon ng mga bagong pinuno," he said.
With the signing of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act last December, Aquino expressed confidence the AFP can now better perform its mandate of upholding the sovereignty and defending the territorial integrity of the country at all times. "Kaya nga po, sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong paunang pondo ang ilalaan natin sa ating Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon. Bukod pa ito sa dalawampu’t walong bilyong pisong pondo na nailaan na para sa modernisasyon ng AFP sa ilalim po ng ating administrasyon. Ikumpara natin ito sa tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyong pisong ginastos para sa modernisasyon sa loob ng labinlimang taon bago tayo manungkulan," he noted.
"Dagdag pa sa mga makabagong kagamitan tulad ng mga helicopters, mga modernong barko, at armas, nariyan din ang handog nating disente at abot-kayang mga tahanan. Aabot na nga po sa humigit-kumulang 53,000 housing units ang maipapatayo natin ngayong taon," he stressed.
The new law is a manifestation of the government's unwavering commitment to the AFP, the President noted. The President also cited Dellosa's contributions in pursuing efforts to attain genuine peace. "Ang nakalipas pong taon ay minarkahan ng hamon at tagumpay para sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Nariyan ang tagumpay ng nilagdaang Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro; sa wakas, abot-kamay na ang inaasam nating kapayapaan sa Mindanao," he said.
"Mula sa pagpapaunlad ng inyong kakayahan, hanggang sa pagtitiwala at pagkilala ng taumbayan sa integridad ng inyong institusyon, nakikita na natin ang pagbabagong tinatamasa ng kasundaluhan. Sinisimulan na nga po natin ang makabuluhang siklo ng pag-unlad. Sa paglago ng ekonomiya, umaangat din ang kapasidad nating tutukan at tugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=488363
De Lima on Atimonan incident: Not a shootout
From the Business Mirror (Jan 17): De Lima on Atimonan incident: Not a shootout
THE 13 people killed in an alleged shootout in Quezon were deliberately mowed down inside their vehicles by policemen and soldiers jointly manning a checkpoint, witnesses and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Thursday. “Definitely, not a shootout,” de Lima said when asked by reporters if the incident in Atimonan, Quezon, was a shootout as alleged by the involved policemen and soldiers, headed by Supt. Hansel Marantan.
De Lima, agents and officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and some individuals, who witnessed the incident, went to Quezon and re-enacted the incident. The re-enactment was joined by soldiers. The witnesses, who are now in the custody of the NBI, have been admitted into the government’s witness protection program.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to file obstruction of justice and insubordination charges against Marantan. Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr., National Police spokesman, said the continued non-cooperation by Marantan to the National Police’s fact-finding team is tantamount to unduly withholding the truth behind the death of 13 persons in the Atimonan incident on January 6. “The National Police is duty-bound to provide the public with a reasonable explanation of the actions of all police personnel involved in the incident, Marantan included,” Cerbo said in a statement.
It is precisely the objective of the fact-finding team under the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to determine whether violations of policy, particularly the Police Operational Procedures (POP) were violated in the incident, he said. “Much as the personnel involved rightfully deserve due process and the benefit of the doubt under the presumption of regularity in the performance of duty, Marantan’s continued refusal to give his statement and turnover evidence to DIDM investigators constitute obstruction of justice and outright insubordination,” Cerbo said.
“In this case, Marantan is now deemed as having waived his right to present his side. From here, the National Police will now initiate procedural actions to determine the administrative culpability of all parties concerned. “We leave it to the DOJ [Department of Justice]-NBI to complete the criminal aspect of investigation for prosecution. Rest asured the PNP will cooperate fully with the DOJ-NBI in this case,” Cerbo added.
During the re-enactment, the witnesses, whose identities the NBI refused to disclose, claimed there had been no checkpoint as claimed by the soldiers and policemen and that the checkpoint sign was only put up after the carnage had been committed. The witnesses recalled that a lone military truck blocked the path of the two Mitsubishi Montero sports-utility vehicles bearing alleged gambling lord Vic Siman and his group that included three soldiers and three policemen, including Supt. Alfredo Consemino.
Two soldiers approached the first vehicle and ordered its occupants to get off, but the occupants of the Montero did not budge, prompting the soldiers and policemen to shoot the vehicle. The witnesses heard the first volley of fire lasting for about 20 seconds. After the firing had ceased, a single shot was heard from inside the first vehicle before two of its occupants, Tirso Lontok and Jimbeam Justiniano, came out of the vehicle.
But the witnesses said the two victims were ignored, as they heard somebody from the blocking team ordered the troops to continue shooting, this time, including the second vehicle. The second volley of fire lasted for about 10 seconds.
The claims of the witnesses belied photographs that were taken by policemen from the scene of the crime several hours after the incident, showing at least two of the occupants of the two vehicles, managed to run a few meters away from their Monteros and traded shots with the checkpoint personnel.
Investigators, even from the National Police, hinted earlier that the bodies of all the victims could have been fixed in order to make it appear that they really traded shots, altering the evidence. NBI investigators also initially believed that some of the guns taken from the victims could have been either planted or deliberately fired after the killing had already taken place.
On Wednesday all of the policemen involved in the incident went to the NBI, which is investigating the incident, supposedly to give their side. But the policemen, headed by relieved Police Regional Office 4 director Chief Supt. James Melad, did not submit affidavits, saying they would only do so after reading the results of the report of the National Police fact-finding body that initially looked into the incident.
Although Melad was not involved in the alleged shootout, he was relieved of his post based on the principles of command responsibility. Other police officials, including Senior Supt. Valeriano de Leon, Quezon police director, were also temporarily taken out of their posts.
Melad said they will only submit their affidavits if they have already seen the fact-finding team report. He maintained the incident was a shootout, as claimed by his men. He also said the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission knew the operation, and the only thing the agency did not approve was its funding.
The Armed Forces Southern Luzon Command chief, Major Gen. Alan Luga, on other hand, said the soldiers—25 members of the Army’s First Special Forces Battalion—involved in the incident claimed it was a shootout. Both Melad and Luga said they support and will cooperate with the ongoing NBI investigation. They also promised the cooperation of their men.
U.S. mine sweeper stuck in protected Philippine reef
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 17): U.S. mine sweeper stuck in protected Philippine reef
A U.S. Navy mine sweeper ran aground on Tubattaha Reef in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines, but there was no immediate reports of fuel or oil leaks, officials said Thursday. Officials said the USS Guardian hit the protected atoll late Wednesday and the extent of damage to the coral reef is also unknown as Filipino and U.S. officials would not give details of the accident, except that the ship came from Subic Bay in Zambales province in Luzon Island. Tubbataha, a marine sanctuary, is just 98 nautical miles southeast of Palawan province. The 68-meter USS Guardian, manned by a crew of 62 officers and sailors, is based in Japan and equipped with Mine neutralization system and two .50 caliber machine guns. U.S. troops are deployed in the Philippines and training Filipino soldiers in anti-terrorism warfare.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20130117074327
A U.S. Navy mine sweeper ran aground on Tubattaha Reef in the Sulu Sea in the Philippines, but there was no immediate reports of fuel or oil leaks, officials said Thursday. Officials said the USS Guardian hit the protected atoll late Wednesday and the extent of damage to the coral reef is also unknown as Filipino and U.S. officials would not give details of the accident, except that the ship came from Subic Bay in Zambales province in Luzon Island. Tubbataha, a marine sanctuary, is just 98 nautical miles southeast of Palawan province. The 68-meter USS Guardian, manned by a crew of 62 officers and sailors, is based in Japan and equipped with Mine neutralization system and two .50 caliber machine guns. U.S. troops are deployed in the Philippines and training Filipino soldiers in anti-terrorism warfare.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20130117074327
MILF reps to attend FOCAP forum in Makati City today
From the MILF Website (Jan 17): MILF reps to attend FOCAP forum in Makati City today
The MILF peace panel had accepted the invitation of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) to attend its annual Prospects Forum in Makati City today. A source at the MILF central office told Luwaran that MILF peace panel chairperson Mohagher Iqbal will speak for the MILF on what lies ahead of the quest of peace in Mindanao. Iqbal will be accompanied by Abdulla Camlian, also member of the MILF peace panel, and MILF peace panel consultant, Sukrey Saaber.
However, speakers from the MILF and government will not speak at the same time and they deal on different subjects. The forum will also tackle prospects for the country in 2013 in the areas of security, politics and economy/business.
The principal guest speaker of this year FOCAP forum will be no less than President Benigno Aquino III. Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel, head of the GPH peace panel, was also invited and is confirmed to be in attendance.
According to organizers, each speaker is allotted 10-15 minutes to speak and after which an open forum will follow immediately. NHK Manila bureau Chief Keiichi Tanaka is the current president of the FOCAP. FOCAP was founded in 1974 to safeguard press freedom during the height of President Ferdinand E. Marco’s Martial Law regime.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3043:milf-reps-to-attend-focap-forum-in-makati-city-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
The MILF peace panel had accepted the invitation of the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) to attend its annual Prospects Forum in Makati City today. A source at the MILF central office told Luwaran that MILF peace panel chairperson Mohagher Iqbal will speak for the MILF on what lies ahead of the quest of peace in Mindanao. Iqbal will be accompanied by Abdulla Camlian, also member of the MILF peace panel, and MILF peace panel consultant, Sukrey Saaber.
However, speakers from the MILF and government will not speak at the same time and they deal on different subjects. The forum will also tackle prospects for the country in 2013 in the areas of security, politics and economy/business.
The principal guest speaker of this year FOCAP forum will be no less than President Benigno Aquino III. Prof. Miriam Ferrer-Coronel, head of the GPH peace panel, was also invited and is confirmed to be in attendance.
According to organizers, each speaker is allotted 10-15 minutes to speak and after which an open forum will follow immediately. NHK Manila bureau Chief Keiichi Tanaka is the current president of the FOCAP. FOCAP was founded in 1974 to safeguard press freedom during the height of President Ferdinand E. Marco’s Martial Law regime.
http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3043:milf-reps-to-attend-focap-forum-in-makati-city-today&catid=31:general&Itemid=41
NPA to frustrate Oplan Bayanihan chief's AFP term--CPP
From the CPP Website (Jan 17): NPA to frustrate Oplan Bayanihan chief's AFP term--CPP
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) predicted that newly appointed AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will end his term in frustration as he is bound to fail miserably in his declared objective of “rendering irrelevant” the New People’s Army (NPA) in the next few years. Bautista is widely regarded as the author of Oplan Bayanihan, the current counterinsurgency operational plan of the AFP.
“General Bautista cannot stop the momentum of growth of the New People’s Army,” said the CPP.
“The New People’s Army continues to grow in number and in terms of firepower and is bound to increase in a more rapid pace in the coming years as the crisis of the ruling system worsens and subjects the mass of workers and peasants and middle class sectors to more intolerable conditions of oppression and exploitation,” said the CPP.
“Over the next few years, the NPA and the people’s militias will be able to initiate more frequent and widespread tactical offensives at the front, regional, inter-regional and national levels,” said the CPP.
“The worsening abuses committed by the AFP and its attached paramilitaries under the Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression further incite the Filipino people to wage armed resistance in their effort to advance their struggle for land reform, resist the incursion of foreign mining and plantation operations, fight for better working conditions and higher wages, stand against the demolition of communities and oppose the government’s abandonment of education, health and other public services.”
“As during the time of Marcos, the abuses committed by the reactionary military and police are among the biggest reasons for the initial motivation of people to join the New People’s Army,” said the CPP. “With the mastermind of Oplan Bayanihan himself at the helm of the AFP, the CPP anticipates the military to commit worsening cases of human rights abuses accompanied by more publicity gimmicks to cover up such abuses,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/npa-to-frustrate-oplan-bayanihan-chief-s-afp-term-cpp
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) predicted that newly appointed AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista will end his term in frustration as he is bound to fail miserably in his declared objective of “rendering irrelevant” the New People’s Army (NPA) in the next few years. Bautista is widely regarded as the author of Oplan Bayanihan, the current counterinsurgency operational plan of the AFP.
“General Bautista cannot stop the momentum of growth of the New People’s Army,” said the CPP.
“The New People’s Army continues to grow in number and in terms of firepower and is bound to increase in a more rapid pace in the coming years as the crisis of the ruling system worsens and subjects the mass of workers and peasants and middle class sectors to more intolerable conditions of oppression and exploitation,” said the CPP.
“Over the next few years, the NPA and the people’s militias will be able to initiate more frequent and widespread tactical offensives at the front, regional, inter-regional and national levels,” said the CPP.
“The worsening abuses committed by the AFP and its attached paramilitaries under the Oplan Bayanihan war of suppression further incite the Filipino people to wage armed resistance in their effort to advance their struggle for land reform, resist the incursion of foreign mining and plantation operations, fight for better working conditions and higher wages, stand against the demolition of communities and oppose the government’s abandonment of education, health and other public services.”
“As during the time of Marcos, the abuses committed by the reactionary military and police are among the biggest reasons for the initial motivation of people to join the New People’s Army,” said the CPP. “With the mastermind of Oplan Bayanihan himself at the helm of the AFP, the CPP anticipates the military to commit worsening cases of human rights abuses accompanied by more publicity gimmicks to cover up such abuses,” said the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/npa-to-frustrate-oplan-bayanihan-chief-s-afp-term-cpp
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