Bernama: Malaysia ready for so-called Kiram reinforcements

From GMA News (Apr 9): Bernama: Malaysia ready for so-called Kiram reinforcements

Malaysiais ready to deal with so-called reinforcements for followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, its defense minister reiterated on Monday.

Defense minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi stressed Malaysia's police and military are not to be fooled around with.

"Although Kiram's family in Manila ... is making (a) fuss about sending more people to intrude Sabah, the Malaysian government and people are confident with our (military and police forces) ability," he said in a report by Malaysia's Bernama news agency.

On Monday, Malaysian forces intercepted at least 32 armed men suspected to be Kiram followers off the waters of Sabah.

Kiram's followers had engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2.

The deadly clashes triggered Malaysian offensives against Kiram followers starting March 5.

Meanwhile, Zahid said a territorial army that includes the people of Sabah will be set up to join the security forces in the Eastern Sabah Safety Zone (ESSZONE) soon.

He said interviews will be held to find suitable candidates. Those selected will receive monthly remuneration as normal soldiers.

Zahid also said the Eastern Sabah Safety Command (ESSCOM) center will be beefed up in terms of resources and manpower.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/302986/news/nation/bernama-malaysia-ready-for-so-called-kiram-reinforcements

Chinese fishing vessel does a Guardian, runs aground in Tubbataha

From GMA News (Apr 9): Chinese fishing vessel does a Guardian, runs aground in Tubbataha




Nearly three months after an incident involving a US minesweeper, a Chinese fishing vessel ran aground in Tubbataha Reef shortly before midnight Monday.

The incident involving the Chinese fishing vessel with hull number 63168 occurred at 11:40 p.m. Monday, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported Tuesday.

Initial information from the Tubbataha Management Office indicated the vessel ran aground some 1.1 nautical miles east of the ranger station.

Tubbataha Reef is a World Heritage site.

Park rangers were quoted in the dzBB report as saying the Chinese vessel had at least 12 crew members on board.

The Philippine Coast Guard has sent a search and rescue vessel (SARV-3503) to the area to investigate.

Monday night's incident occurred barely three months after the minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground in Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17.

Authorities estimated the USS Guardian damaged 2,345.67 square meters, and may fine the US government P58.4 million.

Coast Guard quizzes Chinese fishermen

An updated report by dzBB Palawan affiliate James Viernes said the Coast Guard’s BRP Romblon is expected to arrive in the reef area at 9:30 a.m.

Coast Guard Palawan and Task Force Tubbataha head Commodore Enrico Evangelista said they will conduct an inventory of the fishing vessel.

He said they will particularly look for weapons and illegal catch.

Evangelista also said they may turn over the fishermen to the Bureau of Immigration for “illegal entrance” into the country.

The Coast Guard may also check the damage to the reef and then tow the Chinese fishing vessel toward Puerto Princesa City.

The last time Philippine authorities attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen and seize poached marine life, in April last year, an international stand-off between the Philippines and China at Panatag Shoal near the Zambales coast resulted in the occupation by China of the shoal, a situation that persists one year later.

The dzBB report Tuesday morning said the Coast Guard is having problems communicating with the 12 Chinese fishermen in Tubbataha, and may need the services of an interpreter.

North islet

The Chinese fishing vessel ran aground on the eastern flank of the north islet, said World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines president Lory Tan.

Tan said WWF-Philippines is monitoring the area with a team from the Department of Science and Technology on Tuesday.

The USS Guardian ran aground on the south islet, Tan added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/302979/news/regions/chinese-fishing-vessel-does-a-guardian-runs-aground-in-tubbataha?ref=bannerh1

AFTER USS GUARDIAN | Chinese vessel runs aground in Tubbataha

From InterAksyon (Apr 9): AFTER USS GUARDIAN | Chinese vessel runs aground in Tubbataha

As wreckage of the US minesweeper USS Guardian had just been removed at Tubbataha Reef, another vessel, this time Chinese, ran aground at the marine protected area in Palawan.

A report from Tubbataha parks superintendent Angelique Songco said the Chinese fishing vessel with hull number 63168 ran aground some 1.1 nautical miles east of the Tubbataha Reef ranger station.

The fishing vessel had 12 crew members, allegedly Chinese poachers.

The Philippine Coast Guard said the incident occurred shortly before midnight Tuesday.

The ship's crew are "most probably are Chinese poachers and illegal entrants," the Coast Guard said.

A Coast Guard rescue vessel, SARV 3503, was deployed in the area to investigate.

The USS Guardian ran aground the reef last January 17 and it took more than two months to remove the wreckage. The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board earlier assessed the damage left by the USS Guardian at the reef to be at 2,345.67 square meters. A fine of P58.4 million will be imposed on the US Navy.

Four USS Guardian officers were also relieved because of the incident.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58980/after-uss-guardian--chinese-vessel-runs-aground-in-tubbataha

DVIDS: Timberlake visits airfield, greets Marines during Balikatan 2013

From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution Service (DVIDS) (Apr 7): Timberlake visits airfield, greets Marines during Balikatan 2013


Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake, left, greets Lance Cpl. Derek E. Arbuckle at Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines April 6 during exercise Balikatan 2013. Timberlake, commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force greeted Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing as they planned for future training evolutions scheduled to take place during the exercise. The exercise, in its 29th iteration, is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations. Arbuckle is a flight equipment technician with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Pfc. Kasey Peacock/Released)

CLARK AIR BASE, Philippines – Brig. Gen. Craig Q. Timberlake visited Marines working at Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines April 6 during exercise Balikatan 2013.

Timberlake, commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force greeted Marines with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, as they planned for future training evolutions scheduled to take place during the exercise.

“As Marines we are trained to respond to any crisis, and so far we are proving that by demonstrating our capabilities here during Balikatan,” said Timberlake. “Our partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been a long-standing alliance based on trust, mutual respect and dedication to one another.”

The exercise, in its 29th iteration, is an annual bilateral training evolution aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and U.S. militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations.

Timberlake visited the MAW to gather knowledge on its capabilities, and gain a better understanding of its role in the exercise.

“We wanted to show the general our expectations for the exercise, and how hard our Marines are working to get us there,” said Col. Jeff K. Arruda, commanding officer of Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF. “We got a lot of guys putting in a lot of hours to make sure everything runs smoothly for this exercise. Our goal is to demonstrate what we are capable of to the best of our ability.”

The MAW’s capabilities for the exercise include approximately 262 personnel, four MV-22B Osprey’s, one KC-130J Hercules and seven F/A-18 Hornets.

“A lot of preparation has been done on our part to ensure this exercise runs efficiently,” said Capt. Chris J. Kapey, a pilot with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265, 1st MAW, III MEF. “The bilateral training that we conduct out here not only increases our readiness in the Asia-Pacific Region, but keeps with our lasting relationship with our Filipino counterparts.”

Throughout the exercise, the MAW will conduct mishap drills, navigation flights, day and night tactical recover of aircraft and personnel, aerial refueling, ship to shore extractions and other bilateral training with the AFP.

Other units participating in the exercise will conduct training in multiple regions throughout the Republic of the Philippines to include humanitarian civic assistance, ground military training operations and a natural disaster response command post exercise.

This year, the Philippines and the United States have invited a number of personnel from other regional partner nations to attend or observe the exercise including Australia, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam. The exercise is scheduled to run from April 5 to April 17.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104770/timberlake-visits-airfield-greets-marines-during-balikatan-2013

Local rescuers to get training from Hawaii National Guard in Subic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8): Local rescuers to get training from Hawaii National Guard in Subic

Search and rescue operators from flood-prone areas in Zambales will be receiving training on swift-water rescue from members of the Hawaii National Guard, as part of this year’s Balikatan military exercise (BK13) between the Philippines and the United States.

The Hawaii National Guard and the CBRNE Emergency Response Package Team (CERP-T) will also conduct a joint field training exercise in the form of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR). This simulated disaster-response activity will be held on April 10-17 at the training facility here of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire Department.

To maximize the training opportunity, 32 rescue operators from flood-prone municipalities in Zambales were invited to join the classroom training on swift-water rescue, said SBMA fire chief Ranny Magno.

Aside from swift-water rescue, the field training will focus on disaster-response scenarios on collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) utilizing the SBMA CSSR training facility.

The rescue training will be held while the annual RP-US Balikatan Military Exercise runs from April 5 to 17 in various places in Central Luzon, particularly in the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the rescue training would serve as a very timely preparation for the coming rainy season.

“Readiness and high response capability are the very key to effective disaster-response in areas hit by floods and other calamities to avoid loss of lives,” Garcia said.

He added that the SBMA Emergency and Rescue Team (SERT) has been enhancing its skills through trainings because of its commitment to provide search and rescue assistance in various emergency situations in the community.

More than 8,000 Filipino and American military personnel, complemented by 30 military aircraft, the US Navy ship USS Tortuga, and two Philippine Navy ships, will be participating in this year’s Balikatan training activity.

The primary objective of the USAR is to reinforce the humanitarian assistance and disaster-response capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said AFP USAR planner Commander Antonio Alexis Manuel Jr.

Manuel said the activity also aims to improve the capacity for joint and combined inter-operability and disaster-response readiness between the AFP and US Armed Forces.

To make the training realistic, AFP included emergency responders from AFP’s Northern Luzon Command, AFP rescue teams, Philippine National Red Cross emergency rescue unit, and the SBMA Fire and Rescue Team as training audience and participants.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=561365321197

Abogado named PMA chief

From the Manila Times (Apr 8): Abogado named PMA chief

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino 3rd has appointed four star-rank officers to vital positions in the military.

Military spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. on Monday said that leading the new batch of appointees was Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado, the current commander of the Central Command (CentCom).

Abogado will replace Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino as superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who is set to retire.

Abogado is a member of the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980. Prior to his designation as CentCom commander, he was the Navy’s vice commander, chief of Naval Staff, deputy commander of the Philippine Fleet, and commander of Assault Craft Force.

Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda replaced Abogado in simple turnover ceremonies yesterday at the CentCom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City.

CentCom is one of the AFP’s wide support commands combating terrorism and insurgency in the Visayas region.

Deveraturda was former commander of 2nd Air Division (AD), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans or J5 of the AFP, chef of the AFP Modernization Program Management Office and commander of the 15th Strike Wing and 570thComposite Tactical Wing.

Maj. Gen Romeo Poquiz, the current Air Force Inspector General (AFIG), will replace Deveraturda as commander of the 2nd AD. Poquiz was commander of the 710th Special Operations Wing and the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, J4 of the AFP.

Poquiz’ post as AFIG will be passed on to Brig. Gen Richard Siga-an, the current chief of AFP
Pension and Gratuity Management Center (PGMC). Prior to his current position, Siga-an served as the Air Force internal auditor.

Siga-an’s post will go to Col. Enrique Reyes, current deputy commander of the 15th Strike Wing.

Meanwhile, Col Arnold Mancita, former assistant chief of Air Staff for Logistics, formally assumed his post as wing commander of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing. He replaced Brig. Gen Alexander Bote who retired on April 5.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/45038-abogado-named-pma-chief

Idjirani: Firefight in Sabah continues

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 9): Idjirani: Firefight in Sabah continues

Fighting continued over the weekend in Lahad Datu, Sabah, between Malaysian security forces and the followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, the sultanate said Monday.

Abraham Idjirani, a spokesman for the sultanate, said Malaysian troops attacked the encampment of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram in Tanjung Batu on the afternoon of April 6, and again the following morning.

“According to the Raja Muda, no one among them was hurt. It was the Malaysians who attacked,” Idjirani said, pointing out that Royal Security Force remained in a defensive posture.

The leader of the Sabah contingent, the sultan’s younger brother, called the sultanate at about 11 a.m. Sunday, Idjirani.

Idjirani also said that they have yet to confirm reports that about 1,000 fighters from Tawi-Tawi and Sulu have slipped into Sabah to join Agbimuddin’s army.

Raja Muda only mentioned the arrival of 100 armed reinforcements, he added.

“Aside from lack of food, the RSF remained in fighting strength,” Idjirani said.

Also over the weekend, two men suspected of having links with the Sulu sultanate were arrested and detained in Sabah on Sunday, Bernama, Malaysian’s state-run news agency, reported.

Bernama quoted Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib as saying that the two men, whose nationalities were not disclosed, were arrested in Semporna under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act.

The two suspects were allegedly in possession of two letters from Sultan Kiram and “dangerous weapons”, Bernama said.

The arrests brought to 135 the number of suspects detained for alleged links to the sultanate’s army. At least 16 Filipinos have been formally charged in court.

The Sabah conflict started on Feb. 12 when 235 followers of the sultanate of Sulu sailed to the disputed territory. The so-called Sulu Royal Security Force was led by the sultan’s brother, Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram.

The Malaysian government gave the Sulu intruders until March 1 to surrender then attacked the group despite President Aquino’s appeal for “maximum tolerance.”

What followed was a series of firefights between Kiram ‘s men and Malaysian security forces. Based on Malaysians’ tally, 68 Filipinos and eight policemen and soldiers have been killed so far.

The Sulu sultanate claims Sabah as part of its territory, insisting that the land is only leased to Malaysia.

Sabah historically belonged to the sultanate until it was leased to a British company in the 1800s. The British colonial government ceded the territory to Malaysia when it gained independence in 1963.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/04/09/idjirani-firefight-in-sabah-continues/

Another US warship visits Manila

From the Business Mirror (Apr 8): Another US warship visits Manila
















A COMBAT ship of the US Navy is due to arrive on Tuesday in Manila, a statement from the US Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday.

The vessel is the tenth US warship to visit the country this year.

USS Freedom (LCS1), the US Navy’s first littoral combat ship, will arrive in Manila on Tuesday for its first port visit in Southeast Asia. The visit will highlight the strong historic, community, and military relations between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the statement said.

 

It said the port visit will be an opportunity for the ship’s crew to refuel and receive supplies for the next period of its eight-month deployment.

 

“From Manila, the ship will proceed to Singapore, where it is scheduled to participate in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference. The ship is also expected to take part in select phases of the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercise series in Southeast Asia.

 

 Freedom’s visit to Manila is unrelated to Balikatan 13, which opened on April 5,” the Embassy said.

“While in Manila, the Freedom’s crew will also be given opportunity for rest and recreation. The Freedom has a crew of 91, and its Filipino-American crew members will use the port call to take time off with their relatives and friends. The families of Filipino-American sailors aboard Freedom hail from Manila, Quezon, Tarlac, and Zambales,” it added.

 

Commissioned in 2008, USS Freedom’s maiden overseas deployment started with its departure from its homeport San Diego, California, on March 1. The first-in-its-class ship has since transited the Pacific Ocean and made port visits in Hawaii and Guam.

 

Several days ago, the amphibious dock landing ship, USS Tortuga (LSD46), arrived in Manila to participate in the April 5 to 17 Exercise Balikatan, where 8,000 Filipino and American soldiers are participating.

 

Last month the submarine USS Ohio, the destroyer USS Decatur, submarine tenders USS Frank Cable and USS Emory S. Land (AS39) and the US 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge visited Manila. The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Stockdale (DDG106) visited in February.

 

The Los Angeles-class submarine USS Cheyenne (SSN773) and the Avenger-class minesweeper USS Guardian (MCM5) visited in January. The Guardian, however, met its demise on the Tubbataha Reef, on Sulu Sea, where it ran aground.

 

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/11796-another-us-warship-visits-manila

CPP/NPA: Two fascist soldiers killed and one wounded in Apatan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga

Posted to the CPP Website (Apr 8): Two fascist soldiers killed and one wounded in Apatan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga

Tipon Gil-ayab
Spokesperson
NPA Kalinga Provincial Operations Command (Lejo Cawilan Command)

The Lejo Cawilan Command warmly congratulates the Marcial Daggay Front, its Red Commanders and Red Fighters, in outmaneuvering one platoon of the fascist troops in an encounter yesterday at exactly 9 A.M. in Mount Koldingon in Sitio Tamiing, Barangay Apatan, Pinukpuk. The firefight resulted in the death of 2 reactionary Philippine army and the wounding of another one. With no casualty, the NPA team retreated safely.

On the 3rd week of March, 2013, a turn-over ceremony was held at HQ of the 501st IBde at Calanan, Tabuk. The 17th IB and the 21st IB swapped areas of responsibility, the former now assigned to Kalinga and the latter has been transferred to the province of Cagayan. Right after Holy Week, the 17th IB began company-sized operations in the municipalities of Balbalan and Pinukpuk, which are still ongoing.

Making no pretensions, the AFP and the PNP is again violating COMELEC rules and is making a mockery of the electoral system. As has always been done in the past elections, the fascist soldiers in their on-going combat, intelligence and “peace and development team” operations are spreading smear propaganda and great fear among the masses against progressive candidates and party lists in the upcoming bourgeois electoral sarsuela. The reactionary AFP and PNP in Kalinga are now in cahoots with the diehard anti-people officials and candidates who have already started their vote-buying activities in order to cling to the seat of power or grab the seat of power in the province, presently controlled by landlords and compradors servile to US imperialism.Their common goal is to accelerate the imposition of “development” aggression projects of the US-Aquino 2 regime in mining, hydro-dam and geothermal projects in Kalinga and in other provinces of the Cordillera and Northern Luzon.

Guided by the CPP Central Committee in its statement on the 44th founding anniversary of the NPA, all NPA units in Kalinga must continuously seize the initiative to launch tactical offensives in order to contribute to the winning of ever greater victories in our people’s war nation-wide. The total victory of the national-democratic revolution through the people’s war is the only genuine and right path for the entire Filipino people to free themselves from enslavement, oppression and exploitation of US imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism.

Red salute to the Red Commanders and fighters that victoriously fought against elements of the 17th IB in Apatan, Pinukpuk, Kalinga!

Long live the 44th Founding Anniversary of the NPA!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130408_two-fascist-soldiers-killed-and-one-wounded-in-apatan-pinukpuk-kalinga

AFP loses 200 guns in Zambo fire

From the Philippine Star (Apr 8): AFP loses 200 guns in Zambo fire

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lost more than 200 assault rifles and machine guns in a fire that razed its firearms supply building in Zamboanga del Sur shortly after midnight last Saturday.

Reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said the blaze that hit the 1st Infantry Division Training Unit (1DTU) supply building at Upper Labangan, Pulacan in Pagadian City, was preceeded by an explosion.

Among the burned weapons were calibers .50, and .30 machine guns, an M60 machine gun, 51 M-14 assault rifles, an M-653 rifle, an M4 rifle, an M-79 grenade launchers, four M16 with M203 grenade launcher, two spare barrels for M60 machine guns, 131 M16 assault rifles, four K-3 assault rifles (Minimi), four spare barrels for K3 rifles and five caliber .45 pistols.

Initial investigation conducted by fire probers showed faulty electrical connections could have triggered the fire. There was no mention, of the explosion that reportedly occurred before the blaze.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Richard Cafino said the fire reportedly started in the room of Capt. Orlando Tamayo, a relieved IDTU officer, who was on a new assignment in Misamis Occidental.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/09/928443/afp-loses-200-guns-zambo-fire

Air Force general assumes post as Central Command chief

From the Philippine Star (Apr 8): Air Force general assumes post as Central Command chief

An Air Force general assumed on Monday his post as commander of the military forces in the Visayas and vowed to end insurgency in the island.

Maj. Gen. Roy Deveraturda took over as chief of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom), succeeding Vice Adm. Edgar Abogado, who has been named Superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Deveraturda will be supervising the troops securing the entire Visayas, including known insurgency hotbeds like Negros and Samar.

Deveraturda said the military cannot be complacent even if some areas in Visayas like Cebu, Bohol and parts of Samar, Leyte, Negros and Panay have been declared insurgency-free.

“We simply cannot let our guards down. We must keep the momentum consistent and high. There will be no letting-up in this undertaking,” Deveraturda said in his assumption speech.

“Such accomplishment must be sustained to transform the rest of Centcom focus areas, particularly in Negros, Panay and Samar, to ultimately attain an insurgency-free Visayas. This goal is within reach,” he added.

Prior to his appointment as Central Command chief, Deveraturda was head of the Air Force’s 2nd Division.

Deveraturda also served as the Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and chief of the Modernization Program Management Office. He was also a former commander of the 15th Strike Wing and 570th Composite Tactical Wing.

Meanwhile, the military implemented some reassignments due to the promotion and retirement of some officers.

Abogado has been appointed PMA Superintendent, succeeding Lt. Gen. Ireneo Espino, who will retire on Thursday.

A graduate of PMA class ’80, Abogado held key Navy posts including Vice Commander, Chief of Naval Staff, Deputy Commander of the Philippine Fleet, and Commander of Assault Craft Force.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz, the outgoing Air Force Inspector-General, has been named commander of the 2nd Air Division. He was a former commander of the 710th Special Operations Wing and Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics.

Succeeding Poquiz as Air Force Inspector-General is Brig. Gen. Richard Siga-an, the outgoing head of the Armed Forces Pension and Gratuity Management Center.

Col. Enrique Reyes, the outgoing deputy commander of the 15th Strike Wing, will succeed Poquiz as the military’s pension chief.

Meanwhile, Col. Arnold Mancita has been named Wing Commander of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing, succeeding Brig. Gen. Alexander Bote, who retired last week.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/08/928352/air-force-general-assumes-post-central-command-chief

Fresh clashes between troops, rebels in Ifugao

From the Philippine Star (Apr 8): Fresh clashes between troops, rebels in Ifugao

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Communist guerrillas reportedly killed two government security forces in fresh clashes in remote Pinukpuk town in Kalinga Sunday, a day after rebels slew three policemen and hurt three more in an ambuscade Friday morning in Asipulo, Ifugao.

Tipon Gil-ayab, spokesman of the Kalinga based-Lejo Cawilan Command of the CPP-NPA said rebels from the Marcial Daggay Front outmaneuvered one platoon of government troopers in an encounter Sunday 9 A.M. in Mount Koldingon in sitio Tamiing, Barangay Apatan, Pinukpuk.

The firefight resulted in the death of two government troopers though the Philippine Army’s 5th Division based in Gamu, Isabela through its spokesman Col. Loreto Magundayao said only a soldier-- Corporal Gerry Malana – was wounded on his right hand.

The rebel spokesman said no one from the NPA were either killed or hurt while Magundayao said they believe there were rebel casualties who were dragged by their comrades while retreating.

On Friday morning, policemen from the Regional Public Safety Batallion, Ifugao and Benguet fought NPA guerrillas in sitio Nangkatinge, barangay Namal, Asipulo resulting in the death of -- Police Inspector George Lauro, the leader of the team; Police Officer 2 Jody Lino Mamgue; and Police Officer 2 John Codod; and wounding of -- Police Officers 2 Marcial Angaga; Solomon Pao-iton and Police Officer 1 Abdon Angayon.

According to Gil-ayab, NPA units in Kalinga are on their toes to “seize the initiative (in) launching tactical offensives in order to contribute to the winning of ever greater victories in our people’s war nation-wide.”

Police and the Philippine Army said security operations are still continuing in both Kalinga and Ifugao provinces.

In the late 80s till the 90s, the insurgency in Asipulo was on its peak, said Magundayao, but was “decimated” after government counter-insurgency efforts.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/08/928364/fresh-clashes-between-troops-rebels-ifugao

Undetected flight highlights need to upgrade AFP capability

From the Philippine Star (Apr 8): Undetected flight highlights need to upgrade AFP capability

The flight of two unidentified aircraft over Pag-asa Island highlights the need to improve the military’s monitoring capabilities, an official said Monday.

Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of the Palawan-based Armed Forces Western Command, said that while the aircraft were detected by their troops, their capabilities are limited

“The capability upgrade of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is continuous because that is exactly what we need to address the minimum credible deterrence,” Guerrero said in an interview.

“We’re banking on the programs for the upgrade of our equipment and that is exactly the interest of security – to ensure that our borders are protected,” he added.

Guerrero said they would continue to fulfill their duty despite their limitations.

“We are on toes. We are continuously monitoring,” he said.

On Thursday, two unidentified aircraft were seen0 passing at high speed and high altitude over Pag-asa in Palawan.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues, said the aircraft were seen at around 9:50 a.m. and were headed north from the southwest.

Pag-asa is the second largest island in the Spratly archipelago, the subject of a long-standing territorial dispute in the region.

Kalayaan, a fifth class municipality in Palawan is located on Pag-asa and is inhabited by civilians and soldiers from the Armed Forces Western Command.

China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/08/928372/undetected-flight-highlights-need-upgrade-afp-capability

Reds storm Camarines mining firm, burn equipment

From the Philippine Star (Apr 9): Reds storm Camarines mining firm, burn equipment

CAMARINES NORTE, Philippines – Armed men believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA) destroyed four heavy equipment in a pre-dawn raid on an international mining firm in Labo, Camarines Norte shortly after midnight Sunday.

The rebels, numbering around 80, swooped down on Bohai Top International Mining Corp. in Barangay Napaod, Labo town at past 1 a.m. and set two dump trucks and two payloaders on fire, said town police chief Superintendent Efren Tublan.

He said the rebels disarmed the two security guards and threatened to shoot the workers if they resisted.

The military said the attack was sparked by the refusal of the firm’s management to give in to the rebels’ extortion demand. The company is reportedly owned by Peein Man, a Chinese national.

Authorities have yet to determine the value of the property destroyed in the attack.

Army troops are pursuing the rebels who fled towards Barangay Benit also in Labo town.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/09/928444/reds-storm-camarines-mining-firm-burn-equipment

Peace talks with the MILF resume today

From the Philippine Star (Apr 8): Peace talks with the MILF resume today



Peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are expected to resume today in Malaysia after being postponed last month.

MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said the agenda of the talks would be the annexes of the Bangsa-moro framework agreement.

“It will push through on April 9 and the agenda is the same,” Jaafar told The STAR in a phone interview yesterday.

“We are optimistic because most of the issues have been settled. Hopefully we can finish the discussions in this meeting,” he added.

The annexes involve matters on wealth and power sharing and normalization.

Jaafar said the recent developments in Sabah, including the supposed regrouping of the Sulu sultanate forces, would not affect the talks.

The 37th round of exploratory talks was supposed to take place last March 25 but the government requested for its postponement.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said the President deems it necessary to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes.

Both panels are expected to finalize the annexes this month.

MILF chief negotiator and Transition Commission chair Mohagher Iqbal said the annexes could be finished before the May 13 elections.

There were speculations that the postponement was related to the Sabah conflict involving Malaysian forces and the followers of the Sulu sultanate. Malaysia serves as the third party facilitator of the negotiations.

MILF and government negotiators have repeatedly claimed that the peace process is not related to the Sabah conflict.

The government and the MILF signed the Bangsamoro framework agreement last Oct. 15 to pave way for the creation of a new entity that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The agreement also provided for a Transition Commission that would draft the law creating the Bangsamoro entity. The 15-man body was formed through an executive order issued by President Aquino last December.

The law, which will be certified as urgent by the President, will have to be approved by local residents through a plebiscite.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/09/928542/peace-talks-milf-resume-today

AFP still unable to identify intruding aircraft

Posted to InterAksyon (Apr 8): AFP still unable to identify intruding aircraft



Aerial view of Pag-asa island, where two foreign aircraft flew over recently, in file photo. ABIGAIL KWOK, INTERAKSYON.COM

The military has yet to verify the identity of two aircraft that intruded into Philippine territory at the West Philippine Sea last week, and said it was not letting down its guard, expecting further incursions.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said this was not the first time that foreign aircraft flew over Philippine territory in the disputed Spratly islands. He admitted authorities were having some difficulty verifying the identity of the aircraft, presumably fighter jets, as these flew at high speed and at high altitude.

Major General Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Armed Forces’ Western Command, said they would not speculate as to where the two aircraft came from, but said this incident only showed the immediate need to upgrade the military's capability in external defense.

"It's still for verification [because they were flying at very high altitude, so it was hard for our units to verify]," Guerrero told reporters.

The Philippine Navy reported sightings of two unidentified aircraft passing at high speed and high altitude over the vicinity of Pag-asa Islands on the morning of April 4. The two aircraft were headed north coming from the southwest.

"The Philippine Navy remains vigilant and committed to its mandate of securing the country's maritime domains - notwithstanding limitations in its naval and air assets that continue to conduct sovereignty patrols in West Philippine Sea," said Colonel Edgard Arevalo, the designed Navy spokesman on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Guerrero said the military has intensified its monitoring on intrusions in the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines and Vietnam have in recent months tangled with China on their overlapping claims in the disputed maritime zone, with a standoff in the Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province hogging the headlines for months.

Last weekend, China announced plans to step up infrastructure development in two disputed isles, Paracels and Sansha, with a view to making pit stops for tourists on cruise ships at these places part of a tourism program.

The move is seen to heighten apprehension about Chinese expansion in the region.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58939/afp-still-unable-to-identify-intruding-aircraft

US Navy ship to dock in Manila on its first visit to Southeast Asia

From InterAksyon (Apr 8): US Navy ship to dock in Manila on its first visit to Southeast Asia



(Photo by James Evans/Wikipedia)

Another United States navy ship will arrive in Manila on Tuesday for its first-ever port visit in Southeast Asia, the US Embassy in Manila announced on Monday.

However, the visit of the USS Freedom (LCS-1), the US Navy's first littoral combat ship, however is not related to the ongoing Balikatan military exercises between the US and Philippines.

The USS Freedom is designed to conduct missions in shallow waters, capable against submarines and ships as well as minesweeping and humanitarian relief.

The USS Freedom was commissioned on November 8, 2008 with its home port in San Diego.

According to the US Embassy, the ship's crew which also includes Filipino-Americans will use the time to relax and visit relatives in Manila, Quezon, Tarlac, and Zambales. The ship will also refuel and receive supplies.

From Manila, the ship will then head to Singapore to participate in the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference as well as in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training exercises in Southeast Asia.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/58944/us-navy-ship-to-dock-in-manila-on-its-first-visit-to-southeast-asia

Detained 'royal army' can't afford reduced bail

From Rappler (Apr 8): Detained 'royal army' can't afford reduced bail



ROYAL ARMY. Suspected members of the Royal Security Force are detained at a naval facility in Tawi-Tawi. File photo by Rappler/Carmela Fonbuena

The 38 suspected members of the Royal Security Force (RSF) of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III will stay in detention at the naval facility in Tawi-Tawi.

Tawi-Tawi acting Judge Peter Eisma on Monday morning, April 8, issued a ruling that cuts their bail by 50% from P164,000 to P82,000 each, according to Tawi-Tawi Clerk of Court Rino Sajili.

It's an amount they still cannot afford, according to Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta, who is representing the suspected RSF members.

"They have to pay a total of P3.1 million. It's down from P6.2 million. Pero hindi pa rin kaya (But they still cannot afford it)," Acosta told Rappler in a phone interview.

PAO earlier asked for P9,000 bail to cover all 3 charges filed against them -- violation of election gun ban, illegal possession of firearms, and inciting to war. PAO's motion asked for P3,000 per charge.
The Department of Justice opposed the P3,000 bail on the ground that it is "too low."

Acosta said they immediately filed a motion on Monday to ask the court to reconsider its ruling and grant their original request.

In an earlier ruling, the court granted PAO's motion to reinvestigate the case. But the suspected RSF members will stay in detention unless they are able to post bail.

File photo. Rappler/Carmela Fonbuena

 

Acosta is in Tawi-Tawi capital Bongao to receive the court order. She said she will travel to Panglima Sugala - where the 38 are detained - on Tuesday, April 9, to discuss their next moves.
 

Sulu Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani earlier confirmed that 22 of the 38 arrested in Tawi-Tawi belong to their Royal Security Force.

The 38 are currently detained at a naval facility in Panglima Sugala in Tawi-Tawi. The 38 were arrested in two batches - the first batch of 35 intercepted by the Philippine Navy and the second batch of 3 intercepted by the Philippine Coast Guard.

They sailed to Lahad Datu in February to stake the claim of the Sultanate of Sulu on Sabah. Malaysia claims about 70 RSF members have been killed since the standoff between the RSF and Malaysian security forces.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recorded as of April 7 a total of 6,609 evacuees from Sabah since the standoff.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25758-detained-royal-army-reduced-bail-sabah

Malaysia nabs 32 Filipinos - report

From Rappler (Apr 8): Malaysia nabs 32 Filipinos - report

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - Malaysian security forces on Monday, April 7, stopped a boat carrying 32 armed Filipinos, according to a report by the Agence France-Presse.

Malaysian state media Bernama reported the police has not identified the nationalities of the 32, however.

Sabah police chief Hamza Taib said the group, armed with guns and machetes, was arrested about 12 nautical miles from the state's east coast, less than an hour away by boat from the southern Philippines. They were believed to be trying to join a two-month-old incursion into the east Malaysian state of Sabah.

The group's wooden motor boat was towed to Sandakan on the east coast of Sabah on Borneo island but no details were given of where the 32 are being held.

 

More than 200 armed Islamist followers of the self-styled "Sultan of Sulu" -- a new-defunct southern Philippine sultanate -- landed in February to claim Sabah for their leader, reviving a centuries-old territorial row.

The incursion and a Malaysian counter-assault in early March left at least 68 militants dead along with 10 security personnel, according to authorities, and strained relations with Manila.

But authorities appear to have failed to catch most of the militants, leading to a prolonged security crisis which has forced Malaysia to relocate villages on the coast considered vulnerable to infiltration.

Philippine media earlier Monday had cited Muslim rebels as saying that 1,000 gunmen were trying to break through a naval blockade to support the fight against Malaysian security forces.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/25799-malaysia-holds-32-filipinos-trying-to-join-incursion

Minor rebel returnee endorsed to DavNor's social welfare office

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8): Minor rebel returnee endorsed to DavNor's social welfare office

Military authorities endorsed a minor under the care of the Provincial Welfare and Development Office of Davao del Norte, following her surrender after four months of joining the rebel movement.

Lt. Colonel Llewellyn Binasoy, commanding officer of the 60th Infantry Battalion handed over Ana (not her real name), 17 to the PSWD-Davao del Norte for stress debriefing and medical treatment due to her suffering in the company of rebels under front committee 34 of the New People’s Army.

He said he is pleased that the minor surrendered so that she can start anew and pursue life in a better perspective.

“We are happy to save her life. We will help her to gather herself and start a new life normally,” Binasoy said.

In her statement, Ana claimed she could no longer bear the hunger and hardships in all their tactical operations against the authorities.

She said oftentimes, they were on the run while evading soldiers in the mountains.

Ana claimed seeing the excesses of the rebels when they attempted to kill her uncle and held two of her relatives.

She said she could hardly accept also the pre-arranged relationship between her and one of the members of the rebels.

“I was forced to join them because of fear, when they threw a rifle on the ground in front of me. The rebels said I have to go with them since my father prearranged my relation with one of their members to be his wife,” Ana said.

She said her ordeal run from December 2012 up to March 25 this year, when she returned to the folds of the law through the help of her former employer who brought her to the military on April 2.

Colonel Buenaventura Pascual, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade expressed his commitment to help and protect the members of the indigenous peoples who are vulnerable to deception and exploitation by the rebels.

“We will maintain our reaching out activities with the indigenous communities to provide them with ample protection,” he said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381365388012

Stronger AFP, PNP presence in rebel-affected areas on Election Day

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8): Stronger AFP, PNP presence in rebel-affected areas on Election Day

The Davao City Police Office is planning to augment the number of police and soldiers in three districts of the city under the election-watch list to guarantee that the residents will cast their votes despite the presence of the rebels.

Speaking in the Monday’s Kapihan sa SM, Senior Superintendent Ronald de la Rosa, director of the DCPO said the presence of both the police and soldiers will be maximized in the countryside so that the residents will participate in the political exercise.

He projected a relatively peaceful conduct of elections in the city proper because of the absence of intense rivalry among local politicians.

“We will double our presence in the barangays so that the residents will feel secure and comfortable in going out and casting their votes given the presence of soldiers and policemen in their locality,” De la Rosa said.

He said the DCPO will seek support from the Police Regional Office XI and the soldiers in the areas of concern for more warm bodies to guard the periphery of the police precincts within the 50-meter radius.

De la Rosa said the DCPO alone has 1,360 policemen to be deployed during the elections.

“The Joint Election Security Coordinating Committee is meeting every now and then to thresh out all peace and order concerns,” he said.

He said that the local police are more concerned on the areas where there are known presence of the rebels given their propensity to conduct harassment to catch attention in order for businessmen and politicians to give in to their extortion and permit to campaign and to win fees, respectively.

De la Rosa said 10 barangays within the three districts classified under the election watch list include Barangays Mapula, Lumiad, Panialum, Malabog and Paradise Embac in Paquibato District; Barangays Malamba and Tamugan in Marilog District; and Barangays Carmen, Tambobong and Tawan-tawan in Baguio District.

“All in all, we have ten barangays in the city placed under the election-watch list for the May 2013 elections because of the presence of the rebels,” De la Rosa said.

He said mere presence of the rebels brandishing their firearms is enough to instil fear among the residents not to go out and to cast their votes, consequently leading to a failure of elections.

De la Rosa also affirmed that the latest burning of two heavy equipment at the diversion road two weeks ago, was an offshoot of an extortion by the rebels on a construction firm which did not yield to their demand for a sum of money.

He said that even politicians are vulnerable to extortion, even with the absence of any complaint from them about being disturbed by the mulcting activities of the rebels.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381365401817

U.S. Embassy to observe Philippine Day of Valor on April 9

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 8): U.S. Embassy to observe Philippine Day of Valor on April 9

The United States Embassy in Manila and its affiliated offices will be closed to the public on Tuesday, April 9 in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor.

In a statement, the United States joins the Philippines in honoring the sacrifices and heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought in World War II, particularly those who fought in Bataan in defense of freedom and democracy.

The Embassy and its affiliated offices will resume services on Wednesday, April 10. (U.S. Embassy, Manila-Public Affairs Section/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=241365401889

'Arrest of top leader turns NPA upside down in Negros Occ'

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): 'Arrest of top leader turns NPA upside down in Negros Occ'

The fall of one of the top leaders of New People’s Army (NPA)in Negros Occidental will certainly turn the group upside down, according to commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Major General Jose Mabanta Jr. said the arrest of Reneil Cellon, commander of the Sentro de Grabidad platoon of the Southwest Front Committee of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros will add to the “worsening crisis” within the notorious rebel movement.

Cellon was nabbed in a checkpoint staged by the joint forces of Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police along the national highway in Brgy. Dancalan, Ilog, Negros Occidental last April 5.

Also arrested was Cellon’s wife Mary Jane Magquilat (a.k.a. Ka Chin-Chin) and companions Jose Ditomal, 41; Rodrigo Maricasa, 49; Antonio Estaniel, 51; and Edson Gonzales, 20.

Mabanta claimed that the NPA in Negros Occidental is presently experiencing turmoil under the leadership of former priest Frank Fernandez.

He also noted that their arrest shows the strong collaboration between the state security forces and the community.

Military records showed that Cellon and his wife have pending arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder.

He reportedly led several assassination activities of NPA and numerous encounters with the 61st and 47th Infantry Battalions.

He was also responsible for the ambush of 2Lt. Jose Angelo Esguerra, as well as the raid and destruction of mining firm properties in Sipalay City.

The 38-year-old Magquilat, on the other hand, is the alleged head of the Education Bureau of the South West Front Committee.

She also acts as the political officer of the rebel unit commanded by her husband.

On March 2012, she was also arrested by the 47th Infantry Battalion in Kabankalan City but was released due to lack of arrest warrants.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514270

Army foils attempt to destroy DOLE plantation, one killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Army foils attempt to destroy DOLE plantation, one killed

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Government troopers killed a suspect in a 20-minute fierce firefight with about 30 armed groups near the army’s 36th Infantry Battalion in Tago, Surigao del Sur Sunday morning.

Lt. Col. Eugenio Julio Osias, IV, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said on Monday that an unidentified member of the armed groups, believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, was killed in the firefight.

Initial investigation disclosed that the members of the army’s 36th IB were conducting security patrol past 1:00 a.m. Sunday near its headquarters at Barangay Dayo-an in Tago, Surigao del Sur, when they encountered the armed groups.

Osias said that the suspected NPA rebels, also armed with “jungle bolos,” were on their way to cut and sabotage the banana plantation of DOLE company in the area when they encountered the government troopers.

“The rebels were surprised of the presence of the government troopers who were conducting a security patrol of the area at that time,” Osias said.

He said the armed groups withdrew after a 20-minute firefight leaving their an unidentified comrade who was killed in the ensuing gun battle.

Osias said the army turned over the rebel’s body to members of the police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) who arrived on the scene to collect evidences of the armed encounter.

Recovered from the scene was one AK 47 rifle beside the body of the suspected NPA rebel. No soldier was killed or hurt in the incident, Osias added.

The military has adopted security plans to secure companies with stakes in Mindanao after the NPA rebels made a daring attack on the Del Monte Philippines, Inc. main camp in Manolo Fortich and the DOLE plantation in Impasug-ong, all of Bukidnon in February this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514289

Rebel group in Negros keen on returning to mainstream

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Rebel group in Negros keen on returning to mainstream

Squad leaders of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group are serious in returning to the mainstream society.

The RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group will hold a general assembly starting Tuesday in an undisclosed venue to tackle the steps they will go through before they leave the mountains and end their armed struggle.

Stephen Paduano, their former national commander, said there are about 300-500 RPA-ABB Tabara Paduano Group squad leaders that will attend in their three-day assembly.

Paduano said their fellow RPA-ABB have to be oriented of the peace process since they are set to sign the closure peace agreement with the national government.

If realized, the closure peace pact will mark the transformation of RPA-ABB from an armed group to a socio-political organization, according to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

To ensure their protection and development, OPPAP has signed separate agreements with the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental to formalize their convergence efforts in helping rebels get sustained livelihood programs, among others.

OPAPP will also provide policy guidance and directions to assist the local government units concerned in identifying the ideal projects and interventions in communities affected by armed conflict.

Funds for these projects will be sourced from the PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities), the government’s program and framework for peace and development.

The RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Negros Regional Party Committee. It served as the military arm of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa sa Pilipinas (RPMP).

The peace talks between the national government and RPMP-RPA-ABB started in December 1999 during the term of then President Joseph Estrada. In 2000, Estrada signed a ceasefire agreement with the group.

Among the provisions of 2000 ceasefire agreement were the establishment of a joint enforcement and monitoring committee (JEMC), release of political prisoners and reintegration assistance, implementation of development projects and other policy reforms.

Some of the provisions of the agreement, however, were not fully implemented since Estrada's ouster from office.

In 2007, the RPMP-RPA-ABB split into two factions – the Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) and the Nilo de la Cruz (NDCG) faction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514222

Army accuses NPA of killing a farmer in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Army accuses NPA of killing a farmer in Negros Oriental

The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental has accused the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) of killing a farmer in Siapo, San Jose town over the weekend.

The victim, a certain Cirilo Sienes, 40 years old, a farmer from Sitio Guinlungsuran of Siapo, was allegedly murdered by members of the NPA at around 4 p.m. of Saturday, according to 1Lt. Lito Orbita, civil-military operations officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion.

Orbita, in a news release, disclosed that Sienes was tilling a small parcel of land when he was shot in the forehead by suspected NPA members. Sienes died on the spot.

Two spent shells of caliber .45 and a computerized letter allegedly from the NPA’s “Rachelle Mae Palang Command South East Negros” were found in the crime scene, Lt. Orbita said in his news releas.

According to Orbita, the letter disclosed that the NPA’s “Kangaroo Court” decided to execute Sienes for his non cooperation and support for the NPA’s ideology and struggle.

The killing of Cirilo Sienes could likely be considered as part of NPA’s post anniversary offensive effort, targeting peace-loving civilian who refuses to embrace their futile ideology, Orbita added.

Since January this year, two (2) blatant killings were perpetrated by members of the NPA under the South Eastern Front Komiteng Rehiyon Sentral Bisayas (SEF-KRSB) operating in Southern Negros Oriental, the 79th IB spokesperson disclosed.

Orbita also quoted Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commanding officer of the 79th IB as describing the NPA’s “heinous crime an act of cowardice, targeting defenseless, peace-loving civilians who are deliberately shunning away from armed struggle”.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514334

Palace: No truth in reported 'regrouping' of Sulu Sultanate Royal armies in Sabah

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Palace: No truth in reported 'regrouping' of Sulu Sultanate Royal armies in Sabah

Malacanang on Monday dismissed reports of alleged regrouping of the fighters of the Sulu Sultanate’s royal security force under the command of Agbimuddin Kiram in Lahad Datu, Sabah.

"I spoke to (Defense) Secretary Voltz Gazmin, there is no truth to that (alleged regrouping). We have no confirmation on that," said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.

Lacierda said the Malaysian authorities are doing "mopping up operations" to clear the area of armed fighters of the Sulu Sultanate.

"As far as we’re concerned, our concern is primarily those Filipinos returning from Sabah and we continue to provide assistance for them," he stressed.

Sulu Sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani earlier said around 135 fighters of Agbimuddin regrouped and were reinforced by around 100 armed supporters from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

"They have regrouped and were even augmented. The only problem they have right now is the lack of food," said Idjirani in an interview with reporters.

Lacierda said the alleged regrouping of the Sulu Sultanate royal security forces will of help ease the tension in Sabah.

"We want a peaceful resolution. If they (Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram) claim to want a peaceful resolution, they should be moving towards that direction. We don’t see that happening on their side. They have still been saying incendiary statements which is not good for this country, which is not good for the Filipinos in Sabah, because that compel so much, so many Filipinos to come home to the Philippines," he said.

"Kung ang pamilya Kiram ay gusto po ng isang mapayapang resolusyon, siguro hindi maganda ‘yung magpapadala ka ng reinforcement again (If Kiram's family really want peaceful resolution, it is not good that they send reinforcement again). But we have no confirmation on that point," he stressed.

Lacierda said the government's main concern now is "to assist those Filipinos who are returning home."

"Hindi naman kargo ng mga Kiram ‘pag umuuwi sila e. Kargo po ng gobyerno po ng Pilipinas (It's not Kiram who takes care of the returning Filipinos from Sabah, it is the responsibility of the Philippine government). It is our duty. It’s our obligation to provide assistance to the Filipinos returning from Sabah," he noted.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=514287

Philippine Government appoints lawyer Sivananthan to represent its nationals

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Philippine Government appoints lawyer Sivananthan to represent its nationals

Senior lawyer Datuk N. Sivananthan has been appointed by the Philippine government to represent 15 of its nationals who are facing charges at the Tawau High Court for allegedly waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and involvement in terrorism.

Sivananthan, when contacted by Bernama, confirmed the appointment and said Kota Kinabalu-based lawyer James Tsai will be making an application at the High Court for him to be admitted on an ad-hoc basis to represent all the accused. The case has been set for mention on April 12.

Sivananthan, 47, and James Tsai also will represent other Filipinos who are still being detained by police during the Ops Daulat.

Sivananthan was the first Malaysian to be admitted to the list of counsels at the International Criminal Court based at the Hague and he is the vice-president of the International Criminal Bar since 2010 and was re-elected for another two-years recently.

So far, 16 people have been charged in connection with the incursion with the first of eight Filipinos charged on March 20, followed by seven more on April 1.

A police corporal was also charged in the same court on April 1 with intentionally refraining from disclosing information on terrorist acts, under Section 130M of the Penal Code which carries a maximum seven years' jail or a fine or both upon conviction.

According to official figures released by police up to yesterday, a total of 135 were arrested so far under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) and 70 other intruders were killed in shoot-outs with security forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=514351

DOJ starts probe of Atimonan rubout case

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): DOJ starts probe of Atimonan rubout case

The first preliminary investigation of the bloody Atimonan shooting incident ended Monday after two hours of hearing.

The incident claimed the lives of 13 individuals in Atimonan, Quezon last Jan. 6.

The relatives and supporters of the victims, who are also the private complainants themselves in the case, and representatives of the National Bureau of Investigation attended the hearing.

The 11 Army soldier-respondents in the multiple murder charges, as well as the members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives of the Quezon Provincial Police Office, who were charged with "obstruction of justice," were all present during the hearing.

However, the 14 policemen-respondents in the multiple murder charges who are all under "restrictive custody" failed to appear.

During the hearing, the Army soldier-respondents submitted their joint counter-affidavit.

However, the respondents later withdrew their joint counter-affidavit upon learning that not all the private complainants have submitted their complaint-affidavits.

Atty. Elmer Train, counsel of the respondent-soldiers, argued they have the right to obtain a copy of all the complaint-affidavit to make sure that the contents of their counter-affidavit can answer the accusations stated in the affidavit of the complainants.

In the middle of the heated deliberation, the chairman of the investigating panel Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva called for a "recess."

When the hearing resumed, Villanueva announced that they are allowing the camp of the respondent-soldiers to withdraw their counter-affidavit, which was based on the findings of the NBI.

The panel ordered six of the 13 complainants to submit their affidavits until Thursday and Friday (April 11-12), 2013.

By Friday, the camp of the respondent soldiers will be furnished a copy of all the complaint-affidavits.

The next hearing was set on April 19, 2013 wherein the respondents are required to submit their respective counter-affidavits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=514374

52 Davao Norte barangays free from NPA influence

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): 52 Davao Norte barangays free from NPA influence

The Philippine Army (PA) here has cleared 52 barangays in five local government units of the province free from the influence of the communist rebels.

The PA’s Area Clearing and Validation Board (ACVB) recently declared the CNN or the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) has lost their influence in 13 barangays of Panabo City; 17 in Tagum City; four from the municipality of Kapalong; 14 from Asuncion; and four barangays in San Isidro town.

The clearance came as a result of the military’s peace and development outreach program (PDOP), which deployed peace and development teams that carried out medical civic action programs (MEDCAP), feeding program, livelihood projects, and "Gulayan sa Barangay," among other interventions.

Brig. Gen. Yerson Depayso, deputy commander of the 10th Infantry Division, who presided over the ACVB meeting here recently, bared the barangays which were obviously not infiltrated by the CNN, such as those in the poblacion area of most LGUs, were no longer subjected to rigid assessment.

Instead, these areas will be turned over to the Philippine National Police (PNP)for clearing, as per resolution of the joint peace and security council, according to him.

While the PDOP continues in the rest of the barangays of the province, Depayso challenged both the army ground commanders, the LGUs and other agencies to maintain the areas which were already declared as clear from CNN influence.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario welcomed the army clearance given to the barangays, as he emphasized the importance of the tag to the development of the communities.

“No matter what we do in trying to provide the services to the people, but if the CNN continues to have a hold of our people in the barangays, all our development efforts would surely be futile,” he said.

As he puts it, the governor looks forward to the day the whole of Davao del Norte will officially be declared by the AFP as totally cleared from CNN influence, for the province to completely offer a safe haven for investors and tourists alike.

Del Rosario said the province has been actively assisting the army in fighting insurgency through its convergence for peace and development program.

Since 2011, the province has joined forces with the army, the police and other agencies in bringing medical, health, social and other basic government services to residents of depressed and far-flung communities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514068

Authorities foil bombing in Basilan province

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): Authorities foil bombing in Basilan province

A bombing attempt on a business establishment in Isabela City, Basilan province was foiled when an improvised bomb was discovered before it exploded on Monday morning.

Isabela City police commander Supt. Albert Larubis said combined police and military explosive ordinance demolition (EOD) personnel safely diffused the improvised bomb around 8:30 a.m. Monday.

Larubis said the improvised bomb was discovered when a worker saw a white plastic bag containing electrical wires at the building rented by the Philippine Motor Incorporated, a motorcycle display center, in Barangay East Side, Isabela City.

Larubis said the worker immediately reported to the building owner who, in turn, reported to the police.

The police and military EOD personnel “conducted the render safe procedure and were able to successfully diffuse the IED (improvise explosive device),” he said.

Recovered were a pipe containing trinitrotoluene (TNT), silicon control rectifier, a nine-volt battery and an improvise blasting cap, he said.

Larubis said he placed the police force on alert status to thwart any bombing attempt in Isabela City.

Larubis urged residents to be calm but vigilant by immediately reporting the presence of people acting suspiciously in their community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=514177

ANAD: Reestablishment of the CPP--Armed Struggle as the Primary Form of Struggle

Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Website (Apr 8): Reestablishment of the CPP--Armed Struggle as the Primary Form of Struggle

 

Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan or PADEPA

PADEPA 101

LESSON FOR THE DAY: April 8, 2013

... THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

By Arthur J. Tariman
National Council Member, ANAD Party-list

Armed Struggle as the Primary Form of Struggle.

The general line of the National Political Design of 1969 carries the political line of heightening class struggle and specifies armed struggle as the primary form of struggle.

Thus to put the concept of armed struggle into actual practice, the CPP established the New People’s Army or NPA on March 29, 1969 – same founding day of Red China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

By emphasizing the glaring contrast between the oppressor and the oppressed, Joma Sison aimed to heighten class struggle.

Peasants in the rural areas are to be lured into the so-called agrarian revolution. Workers in the urban areas are organized and agitated to stage strikes against their employers. Youth and students would be continuously subjected to psychological operations to make them drift away from their authorities at home, in school and in the community. And the national bourgeoisie has to be factionalized thru tactical alliances to make it possible to focus the broadest front on the narrowest target.

All these would continuously cause friction in the society that will build up the heat of conflict in the entire country – all paving the way for the attainment of a social condition that would be ripe for the revolution.

TOMORROW’S LESSON: Echelon of Alliances and United Front

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