MILF: Editorial--So What If....?

Editorial posted to  the MILF Website (Apr 16): So What If....?

If the MILF says there is urgency in finishing the three annexes in order for the parties to sign the comprehensive peace agreement, it is serious. It should not be interpreted as a weakness.

Time is ticking away so fast that it might deprive the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) of finishing its job to write the Basic Law within the allotted timeline. It is common, nay higher, interest that the Moro Question is addressed through peaceful means once and for all. A return to the old counter-insurgency approach will only bring us closer to the other abhorred path.

Let it be known that we are fully aware of the experts’ advice to negotiator not to exhibit their eagerness to finish the process because it will be interpreted as a weakness and the other side would utilize it to force concession. Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why there is a semblance of foot-dragging in the current peace process.

Everyone knows that solving this problem will benefit everybody, including the government. Therefore, the urgency and necessity of getting past through this mess should not only be the concern of the MILF but also of the government. In success -- or in failure -- both parties partake of the commodity. This is why the MILF is staking practically everything in the peace process to ensure its success.

However, let it be stated here also that as long as we are not responsible for the delay (or even collapse) of the talks, then so what if that happens? We entertain no remorse on our part; we will not be the villain; and it is very easy to explain our side. The blame will fall squarely on the guilty party.

There is no villain yet at this point in time. We still view the need of the government for more time to study their stand especially on the Annex on Wealth-sharing, which was already settled and initialed by the parties last February 27, as understandable. We know that President Benigno Aquino III is extremely preoccupied with many important things including the forthcoming May 13 national elections. We understand that haste makes waste.

However, it is our hope that immediately after this election, there will be no new request for more time to conduct due diligence study. If a small organization like the MILF can do its assignment very quickly, why not a state. We want to see a quick fix of the three Annexes: power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/312-so-what-if-?

Soldiers kill NPA member, hurt 4 in NCotabato clash

From the Philippine Star (Apr 16): Soldiers kill NPA member, hurt 4 in NCotabato clash

Soldiers gunned down a member of the New People's Army (NPA) and wounded four others on Monday as they foiled the rebels' attempt to intrude into a farming community in Magpet, North Cotabato, and extort money from the villagers.
 
Senior Inspector Elias Colonia, Magpet town police chief, said the encounter in  Barangay Don Panaka erupted when the NPAs opened fire at the members of the 84th Infantry Battalion sent to verify the reported presence of armed men collecting money from farmers.

Barangay Don Panaka is located at the border of the adjoining North Cotabato and Davao provinces.

The encounter waned only when the NPAs ran out of ammunition, forcing them to retreat. They were seen carrying four wounded companions.

Colonia said that according to barangay officials, two of the four wounded NPAs were adolescents identified only as Benjie and Henry, who sustained gunshot wounds in their lower torsos.

Colonia said the fleeing rebels left their slain comrade at the scene of the encounter.

1st Lt. Nash Sema, civil-military relations officer of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion, said local officials have received feelers from NPAs seeking “security pass” to enable them to bring their wounded companions to a hospital at the town proper of Magpet.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/16/931344/soldiers-kill-npa-member-hurt-4-ncotabato-clash

China criticizes US force strengthening in Asia

From the Philippine Star (Apr 16): China criticizes US force strengthening in Asia

In its latest account of national defense efforts, China said Tuesday that the United States is destabilizing the Asia-Pacific region by strengthening its military alliances and sending more ships, planes, and troops to the area.
 
The U.S. policy known as the "pivot" to Asia runs counter to regional trends and "frequently makes the situation tenser," the Defense Ministry said in its report on the state of China's defense posture and armed forces.

"Certain efforts made to highlight the military agenda, enhance military deployment and also strengthen alliances are not in line with the calling of the times and are not conducive to the upholding of peace and stability in the region," spokesman Yang Yujun told reporters at a news conference marking the report's release.

"We hope that the relevant parties would do more to enhance the mutual trust between countries in the region and contribute to peace and stability," Yang said.

China has consistently criticized Washington's deployment of additional ships and personnel to Asia, along with increasing cooperation both with treaty partners, including Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, as well other countries such as Vietnam that aren't traditional allies.

The U.S. is winding down its fighting in Afghanistan and calls the restructuring a natural reallocation of resources to the world's most economically dynamic region.

Beijing, however, sees it as specifically designed to contain China's diplomatic, military, and economic rise, and has sought to reassure Asian nations that China poses no threat to them. Despite that, China's fast-growing military and increasingly firm assertions of its territorial claims have concerned many countries, pushing them to seek stronger relations with the U.S., the region's traditional military superpower.

The pivot will see 60 percent of the Navy's fleet be deployed to the Pacific by 2020. Singapore will be home to four new U.S. Littoral Combat Ships designed to fight close to shorelines, while Indonesia is looking to buy a broad range of American hardware and take part in joint maneuvers. The Philippines is seeking to host more U.S. troops on a rotating basis and Australia has agreed to allow up to 2,500 Marines to deploy to the northern city of Darwin.

Meanwhile, in the face of natural disasters and North Korean threats, U.S. military relations with treaty partners South Korea and Japan are closer than ever.

In its report, the Defense Ministry again sought to assuage concerns about its more than 500 percent increase in defense spending over the past 14 years. China's defense budget is now the second largest in the world after the U.S., allowing it to acquire everything from better submarines and missiles to state-of-the-art fighters, aircraft carriers and electronic warfare systems, and helping spawn an arms race across Asia.

Much of the report was devoted to the military's contribution to U.N. peacekeeping efforts and disaster relief, portraying the People's Liberation Army as a force for regional and global stability.

Yet it also asserted the PLA's role as a guarantor of China's core interests, vowing to tolerate no violation of those.

"'We will not attack unless we are attacked, but we will surely counterattack if attacked.

Following this principle, China will resolutely take all necessary measures to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity," the report said.

http://www.philstar.com/world/2013/04/16/931400/china-criticizes-us-force-strengthening-asia

MILF wants 'quick fix' of 3 Bangsamoro deal annexes

From the Philippine Star (Apr 16): MILF wants 'quick fix' of 3 Bangsamoro deal annexes

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wants a “quick fix” of the three annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which the peace panels failed to finalize during the latest round of formal talks.
 
In an editorial posted on its website luwaran.com, the MILF expressed hopes that the government will no longer ask for additional time to study the annexes after the election.

The annexes of the FAB tackle issues on power and wealth sharing and normalization. It was signed last October by negotiators from both sides in Malacanang.

“It is our hope that immediately after this election, there will be no new request for more time to conduct due diligence study. If a small organization like the MILF can do its assignment very quickly, why not a state?” the editorial read.

“We want to see a quick fix of the three Annexes: power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and normalization,” it added.

The MILF, nevertheless, acknowledged the need for the government to look into the annexes but hopes there will be no more delays after the polls.

"There is no villain yet at this point in time. We still view the need of the government for more time to study their stand especially on the Annex on Wealth-sharing, which was already settled and initialed by the parties last February 27, as understandable,” the group said.

“We know that President Benigno Aquino III is extremely preoccupied with many important things including the forthcoming May 13 national elections,” it added.

The MILF stressed that “time is ticking away,” as it raised concerns that the Bangsamoro Transition Commission may not be able to craft the basic law within the allotted timeline.

“Everyone knows that solving this problem will benefit everybody, including the government. Therefore, the urgency and necessity of getting past through this mess should not only be the concern of the MILF but also of the government,” the MILF said.

The Aquino administration wants the law creating the new Bangsamoro region in place by 2015.

The government and the MILF concluded the 37th round of formal talks in Kuala Lumpur last week without finishing the annexes.

The 37th round of formal talks were supposed to be held last March, but the government deferred it to this month allegedly due to the need to conduct more studies on the annexes.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/16/931404/milf-wants-quick-fix-3-bangsamoro-deal-annexes

(UPDATE) Soldier killed by leftist rebels in Davao

From the Philippine Star (Apr 16): (UPDATE) Soldier killed by leftist rebels in Davao

A soldier was killed by sniper fire from members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army ( NPA) in southern Philippines on Monday, a military spokesman confirmed today.

Capt. Nathaniel Morales, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 1003rd Brigade, said Cpl. Zalde Sario of the 60th Infantry Battalion was hit in the stomach and died upon arrival at the Tagum City Regional Hospital in Davao del Norte.

Morales said Sario was leading a dialogue with residents of a community in a chapel in Sta. Fe Village in New Correla town when he was hit by a bullet fired from an M-14 rifle.

The Philippine Army condemned the NPA attack, saying it is in violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law which provides that places of worships and religious institutions must be respected and should not be used in launching attacks.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/16/931430/update-soldier-killed-leftist-rebels-davao

Sectoral Leader Nabbed by Combat Policemen Here

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Apr 16): Sectoral Leader Nabbed by Combat Policemen Here

A sugar workers’ organizer was arrested yesterday morning at their family house in the Central Manapla area, his nephew, Christian Tuayon, Bayan Muna-Negros Secretary-general, said.

Greg Tuayon was immediately taken to the Manapla Police Station. Like many other activists slapped with various kinds of trumped-up charges and issued warrants of arrest, Tuayon likewise was accused of participating in the burning of transloading stations, participation in ambuscades and other criminal acts, although he is a mere organizer of sugar workers and not an armed guerilla.

Relatives in an interview with the NNF/NDB, said Tuayon was also former chairman of a youth activist organization in the province. Like many other activists slapped with trumped-up charges, the intent of government is to paralyze cause-oriented groups under Oplan Bayanihan, counter-insurgency strategy.

The RPSB police were the ones who arrested Tuayon.

He was campaigning for his partylist group, Anakpawis when arrested at his house in Manapla town, his nephew who was interviewed by NNF/NDB said.

About a dozen innocent activists and organizers in sectoral organizations have been slapped with trumped-up charges, records in NNF/NDB’s possession showed.

http://www.ndb-online.com/041613/local-news/local-news-sectoral-leader-nabbed-combat-policemen-here

Alleged rebel leader nabbed in Manapla

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 16): Alleged rebel leader nabbed in Manapla

This time, suspected New People's Army leader Greg Tuayon was not able to evade arrest.

Tuayon, alleged by the military and the police to be the head of the Regional Finance Bureau of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, was apprehended yesterday at his residence in Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, by virtue of arrest warrants for robbery-in-band, homicide and murder, issued by Cadiz Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Munez.

Supt. William Senoron, chief of the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, said Tuayon, who had managed to escape their operations last year in the same place, was also denied bail by the court, for the murder charge.

Tuayon, was arrested by the combined forces of the RIU 6, 6 th Special Action Force Battalion, 6 th Regional Public Safety Battalion, 62 nd Infantry Battalion and the local police headed by Supt. Mario Baquiran.

He not resist arrest, Senoron said.

Police records show that Tuayon, with the aliases of Ka Thomas, Mel and Egoy, allegedly also served as the deputy commander of the Northern Negros Front of KR-Negros.

His arrest brought to five the number of NPA leaders accounted for by the police and military in Negros Occidental within three weeks. They including Reniel Cellon and his wife, Mary Jane Magquilat, and two other rebel leaders who surrender to the 47 th Infantry Battalion in Candoni, police records also showed.

Col. Jon Aying, 303 rd Infantry Brigade commander, said Tuayon, as the Finance Bureau chief of KR-Negros, was the architect in raising and disbursing funds for the revolutionary movement in Negros.

His arrest, Aying said will be a setback to the fund-raising activities of the NPA, especially now that the election period is on.

Aying also linked Tuayon to the deaths of SSgt. Efraim Bagonoc and 1Lt. Archie Polenzo, who had participated in the raid of a military outpost in Brgy.Bug-ang, Toboso, two years ago.

The earlier arrest of Cellon, commander of the South West Front Sentro de Grabidad platoon, Magquilat and four others, at a Comelec checkpoint in Ilog, yielded two high-powered firearms, and hundreds of live ammunition and explosives. The two rebel leaders who gave themselves up to the 47IB, also surrendered four high-powered guns with bullets.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/16/topstory9.htm

Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon wounded in Basilan clash - Army

From InterAksyon (Apr 16): Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon wounded in Basilan clash - Army

Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon was slightly wounded when elite Army troops assaulted a camp occupied by 30 fighters of the extremist group in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Monday, the military said.

Colonel Carlito Galvez, commander of the Army's 104th Brigade, said Hapilon sustained a "slight wound" to the head during clashes in Barangay Silangkum that the military said killed up to eight Abu Sayyaf fighters, although only two bodies were recovered.

At least six others, including Hapilon and a nephew of his, were wounded, Galvez said.

Hapilon is the subject of several arrest warrants for murder, kidnapping and frustrated murder, among others.

He and his men have been tagged in the April 5, 1994 attack on Ipilo town, the attack on the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan in which they killed a number of the more than 50 civilians they took hostage, and the 2001 Dos Palmas kidnappings.

On March 23, Hapilon’s band released Australian kidnap victim Warren Richard Rodwell, who had been in captivity for more than a year.

Galvez said Monday’s operation was prompted by complaints from Basilan officials about Abu Sayyaf extortion.

"They were being being pestered by the Abu Sayyaf. There were several incidents of kidnapping, extortion, and the politicians are complaining already," Galvez said.

Hapilon’s group was also reportedly extorting P1 million from contractors building the Basilan Circumferential Road.

 Galvez said military operations against Hapilon’s group are continuing.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59545/abu-sayyaf-commander-isnilon-hapilon-wounded-in-basilan-clash---army

Rebels seize police, militiamen in Caraga

From Rappler (Apr 16): Rebels seize police, militiamen in Caraga

Nine security personnel were seized by the New People's Army in the Caraga region on Sunday and Monday.

The personnel were seized in three separate incidents in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur, according to police and military reports.

The most recent was on Monday, April 15, when 4 militiamen were seized by the NPA in San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

Rubio Asalan, Mario Libanda, Tuloy Libanda and Rejoy Francisco, were on their way to Barangay Binicalan in San Luis when they were caught at Barangay Mahayhay by a group of 30 fully-armed rebels led by a certain Almie Asalan.

On Sunday, April 14, 5 other personnel were seized in two separate incidents.

Around 40 rebels harassed the Greenfields Patrol Base near Barangay Santa Juana in Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, where they seized 3 personnel and a civilian at a Mass.

They were identified as Evangeline Cabodbod, Leonardo Sevellejo and Danny Sevellejo. The civilian, whose identity was not released, was released later.

One militiaman, Liyo Daguim, was wounded, said Capt Christian Uy of the 4th Infantry Division.

In the evening, two policemen were seized in Barangay Poblacion in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, while they were surveilling a suspect in a crime.

PO2 Ronald Munez and PO1 Nemuel Espana from the Loreto municipal police station were seized at past 11 pm that night, said Caraga police spokesperson Supt Martin Gamba.

The militiamen were all off-duty at the time they were caught, said Uy.

The rebels holding them are now subject of pursuit operations.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/26400-rebels-police-army-caraga

NPA attacks govt troops, abducts civilians in Tagbina town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): NPA attacks govt troops, abducts civilians in Tagbina town

A Cafgu member under the 23rd Infantry Batallion based in Tagbina town here was reportedly wounded by suspected New People's Army rebels around 9:45 a.m. on Sunday.

In a press statement, the military said an undetermined number of NPA believed to be under Guerilla Front 14 of Northeastern Mindanao were responsible for the attack. Firefight ensued and lasted for about 20 minutes. The victim was hit in the stomach and immediately brought to Andres Soriano Memorial Hospital in Mangagoy, Bislig City for medical treatment.

The rebels also allegedly abducted three members of CAFGUs and three civilians while withdrawing from the area.

Prior to the incident, 75IB CMO Officer Jolito Borces said in a statement that some concerned citizens reported the presence of the identified individuals who were conducting extortion activities in the area.

The Police Provincial Office here confirmed the incident. As of this writing, the abducted civilians and Cafgu members are still in the hands of the rebels while the local government is conducting measures for negotiations and safety release of the victims.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1741366082040

Army conducts clearing operations in preparation for May 13 polls

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): Army conducts clearing operations in preparation for May 13 polls

A top military commander said they have conducted several security operations against the communist rebels as part of the preparation for the May 13 midterm national and local elections.

Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division said that from January to March, 2013, his troops conducted a total of four division-initiated military operations, 13- brigade initiated operations, 52 battalion level operations.

He revealed that the soldiers engaged the rebels in armed encounters 12 times because of these government-initiated-operations.

“Every month, each of my 11 battalions conducts a battalion-size operation, aside from the 5,800 small-size operations,” Bernardo said.
He also noted that the rebels conducted 37 hostile activities against the government troops, including nuisance harassments like firing from afar.

Bernardo said the rebels are also active, carrying out orders from their higher leadership to conduct tactical offensive against government soldiers.

He also disclosed that the operations resulted to two rebels being killed and seven soldiers who offered the supreme sacrifice.

“The best results of the operations were the surrender of sixty rebels to the government fold and the recovery of nine high-powered firearms,” Bernardo said.

He also said that the peace and development outreach program has been completed on 54 barangays for the past four months.

Bernardo said that currently, 204 barangays in the region are undergoing PDOP with the continued immersion of soldiers to the communities to assist local governments and national government agencies in the delivery of basic services to the residents.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381366084697

58IB New Commanding Officer assumes post

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 15): 58IB New Commanding Officer assumes post

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- A simple turn-over ceremony of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion of 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division was held at the Battalion Headquarters, Migbanday, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, April 12.

Lieutenant Colonel George L Banzon, Commanding Officer of the unit relinquished his leadership of 58IB to Lieutenant Colonel Evan M Bermudo as the new Battalion Commander of the unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Bermudo, prior to this new designation, held various positions in the Philippine Army such as: the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training, G8; Operation Officer of Task Force PANAY; Chief Management Fiscal Office, Executive Officer of 47IB and Executive Officer of 301st Brigade all of 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division based at Camp General Macario Peralta Jr, Jamindan, Capiz. His most recent assignment was with 402nd Infantry “Stringers” Brigade as the unit’s Executive Officer.

He replaced Lieutenant Colonel George L Banzon, who is set to assume his new post as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division.

In his message, Ltc Banzon, extended his thanks and gratitude to the officers and enlisted personnel of the unit for their untiring support and dedication to service rendered during his incumbency as battalion commander.

He encouraged all officers and personnel to offer their sincere dedication and support to his successor since the success of a Commander and the unit he is leading is on the hands of all the members of the unit - officers and enlisted personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Bermudo in his assumption speech vowed to give his best in order to lead the unit to greater successes. He also urged the personnel to help him sustain the successes of the unit in the past and helped him accomplish the given mission for the unit.

Major General Nestor A Añonuevo, Commander, 4ID, extended his congratulations to Ltc Banzon as the outgoing Commanding Officer of 58IB and to Ltc Bermudo as the incoming Commanding Officer of 58IB.

“I’m very thankful to Ltc Banzon for his dedication of service as Battalion Commander and for his contributions in our internal peace and security operations in the province of Misamis Oriental which has been very helpful in improving the peace and security development in the province and the neighbouring municipalities of Agusan del Norte. To Ltc Bermudo, you have my confidence that you are the right person to lead this unit and I believed that you can equal or even surpass what Ltc Banzon had accomplished,” Major General Añonuevo said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461365928240

Australia-based NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): Australia-based NGO partners with military for medical mission in Ormoc City

The Philippine Army’s 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F. Babera has partnered with a Bisayan Community Club based in Victoria, Australia, in the conduct of a medical mission to poor families of Ormoc City on April 14.

The medical mission was conducted at the Claretian Mission Centre at Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City by army soldiers and the members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan Community Club in Victoria, Australia.

The whole day medical mission which started at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. of Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists from Ormoc City who rendered free services such as operation tuli (circumcision) and dental and medical consultations. Other services provided were transportation and free haircut.

1Lt. Babera said there were at least 350 beneficiaries who came from several barangays, namely Liberty, Cabingtan, Gaas, and Lake Danao, formerly guerilla bases influenced by the communist terrorists.

Meanwhile, Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S. Nacnac said he immediately accepted upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission because he believes in serving his country folks in whatever form it may be.

He expressed gratitude to the “kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.”

He is hopeful that this activity will send the message on how successful the cooperation between the government and NGOs and the people can be in facilitating delivery of basic services and in maintaining the peace and order in the Province of Leyte.

Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President, on one hand said the Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing need for medical assistance of the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economic challenges.

The Share-Me-A-Dream, a Bisayan community club based in Victoria, Australia was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then has been actively helping the less fortunate.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141366026889

Military to turn over internal peace and security tasks to LGUs in Samar, Nothern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 16): Military to turn over internal peace and security tasks to LGUs in Samar, Nothern Samar 

In the next two years, the military will turn over to local governments the principal responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Samar and Northern Samar provinces.

The 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Catbalogan City, Samar vowed that all the provinces of Region 8 will become “manageable conflict-affected and ready for development provinces” in 2016.

“In the next two years, we will be handing over to the LGUs of Samar and Northern Samar the responsibility for Internal Peace and Security of their respective provinces-meaning, all the provinces of Region 8 by 2016 will become Manageable Conflict-Affected and Ready for Development Provinces,” Lieutenant Colonel Leo Lorenzo Madroňal, assistant chief of staff for civil-military operations, said.

Madroňal said the military has already turned over to the LGUs of Leyte, Eastern Samar, Biliran and Southern Leyte provinces the responsibility maintaining internal peace and security in the said areas. He said these provinces had been declared either “insurgency-free” or “manageable conflict–affected and ready for development.”

The statement was made during the a recent Regional Development Council 8, technical planning group workshop.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221365989057

US-PHL engineering brigade turns over two-classroom school building in Puerto Princesa

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): US-PHL engineering brigade turns over two-classroom school building in Puerto Princesa

For everyone involved in its construction, the two-classroom school building built by the joint engineering brigade of the US and Philippine armed forces in the coastal community of Barangay Tagburos in this city was not merely a school building; it is also a “demonstration of what can be achieved when everyone cooperates and no one cares who gets the credit.”

The newly-constructed school buildings were formally turned-over by the military to the school administration of Aplaya Elementary School in Tagburos on Tuesday in a ceremony held at the school campus.

“With the construction of this school building, we have demonstrated that nothing is impossible when we work together,” said Chief Master Edwin Gonzales, Officer-in-Charge of the US Naval Mobile Construction Brigade (NMCB) Five.

Members of the US mobile construction brigade worked with their Philippine Navy (PN) counterparts for 65 days to complete the project that costs P2.4 million.

The materials used for the construction of the school building came from the excesses of the engineering projects made during the Balikatan exercises, a bilateral military training between the US and Philippine military, last year.

According to Western Command (Wescom) chief Major Generl Rustico Guerrero, the project is part of their US counterpart’s commitment to make education in developing countries like the Philippines more accessible to the children.

His predecessor, retired Lt. Gen. Juancho M. Sabban, nominated the school to be the recipient of the engineering project.

Domingo Padul, City schools division superintendent of the Department of Education (DepEd), said that the newly constructed school facility answers the lack-of-classroom problem that the school faces with its students that are more than the capacity of the classrooms they have.

He added that it is inspiring that the US-RP collaborated in accomplishing a project that will not only upgrade the capacity of their school, but most importantly, the students.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516860

2 NPA leaders fall in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): 2 NPA leaders fall in Negros Occidental

The police and the military in Negros Occidental were able to arrest two suspected New People's Army leaders (NPA) in less than two weeks this month.

Arrested on Monday was Greg Tuayon inside his house in Barangay Purisima, Manapla town. Tuayon was apprehended by virtue of the arrest warrants issued by Cadiz City Regional Trial Court Judge Renato Muñez for robbery-in-band, homicide and murder.

Military reports state that Tuayon used to head the Regional Finance Bureau of the Komiteng Rehiyonal (KR)-Negros of NPA. He was also allegedly serving as the deputy commander of the Northern Negros Front of KR-Negros.

He was also linked by the military to the assassinations of SSgt. Efraim Bagonoc and 1Lt. Archie Polenzo.

Authorities also claimed that he led the raid of their military outpost in Brgy.Bug-ang, Toboso town, two years ago.

Reniel Cellon was arrested last April 5 in a checkpoint held in Kabankalan City.

Cellon, commander of the Sentro De Grabida Platoon of the NPA South West Front Committee, is wanted for murder and frustrated murder.

He was linked by the military to numerous incidents of rebel liquidation in southern Negros, with PFC John Ilisan, former rebels and paramilitary troopers as victims.

303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. John Aying said the apprehension of the two will be a huge setback for NPA in Negros Occidental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516906

Army official confirms intensified combat operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Army official confirms intensified combat operations

A top military commander confirmed the link of several deliberate security operations against the communist rebels in preparation for the May 13 elections.

Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division said on Tuesday that from January to March, his troops conducted a total of four division-initiated military operations, 13-brigade initiated operations, 52 battalion level operations.

He revealed that the soldiers engaged the rebels in armed encounters 12 times because of these government-initiated-operations.

“Every month, each of my 11 battalions conducts a battalion-size operation, aside from the 5,800 small-size operations,” Bernardo said.

He also noted the rebels conducted 37 hostile activities against the government troops, including nuisance harassment like firing from afar.

Bernardo said the rebels are also active, carrying out orders from their higher leadership to conduct tactical offensive against government soldiers.

He also disclosed that the operations yielded two rebels killed and seven soldiers, who offered the supreme sacrifice.

“The best results of the operations were the surrender of 60 rebels to the government fold and the recovery of nine high-powered firearms,” Bernardo said.

He also said the peace and development outreach program (PDOP) has been completed on 54 barangays for the past four months.

Bernardo said that currently, 204 barangays in the region are undergoing PDOP with the continued immersion of soldiers to the communities to assist local governments and national agencies in the delivery of basic services to the residents.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516840

Gunman shoots militiaman in Lamitan City

From the Philippine News Agenc (Apr 16): Gunman shoots militiaman in Lamitan City

The police is conducting an in-depth probe to unmask the lone gunman behind the near-fatal shooting of a militiaman in Lamitan City, Basilan province on Monday.

Lamitan City police commander Chief Insp. Abmer Ismael identified the victim as Richard Macotocruz, 25.

Macotocruz is a militiaman in Barangay Bohe Tambis in the Municipality of Tuburan.

The victim was inside a lodging house where he resides in Barangay Maligaya, Lamitan City, when shot by the lone suspect, Ismael said.

The suspect fled aboard a motorcycle, he disclosed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516919

Army: Ilocos Sur is now insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Army: Ilocos Sur is now insurgency-free

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Ilocos Sur headed by Gov. Luis Chavit Singson passed a resolution declaring the province as insurgency – free upon the recommendation of the Philippine Army (PA) here.

Lieutenant Colonel Desiderio Alaba, commander of the Army’s 81st Infantry Battalion based in Narvacan town, said this was realized considering that no more barangay in the province is threatened by the New People’s Army (NPA).

“The NPA had already ceased to exist in the province because their numerous members and key leaders already surrendered to the government authorities resulting to their dwindling strength,” he said.

According to Alaba, the passage of PPOC Resolution No. 1, series 2013 declaring Ilocos Sur as peaceful and investment – friendly province is very significant to economic development.

“With the formal declaration of the province as insurgency – free, we are now expecting more investors and businesses here,” he stressed.

However, the anti-insurgency efforts in the province will still be sustained by the AFP-PNP-Local Government Unit (LGU) with the cooperation of local folks, he said.

As a result of the declaration of Ilocos Sur as insurgency – free, the LGU now assumes the lead rule in the anti–insurgency campaign "though our forces will maintain ack- up rule,” he explained.

Governor Singson said the province will now enhance its economic potential growth by attracting more investors and by exploiting its potentials as a safe tourist destination.

“We will now fully implement our numerous anti-poverty programs in the 768 barangays in the province as we are now enjoying peace, safety and security,” Singson added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516939

Suspected NPAs abduct 2 Caraga policemen

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Suspected NPAs abduct 2 Caraga policemen

Two policemen were abducted by an armed group while heading back to the Loreto Municipal Police Station in Loreto town, Agusan del Sur, Sunday evening.

PSupt. Martin M. Gamba, in an interview Tuesday morning, identified the abducted victims as Police Officer 2 Ronald Allan Munez and PO1 Lemuel Espana. The two, according to Gamba, responded to an alarm regarding a hacking incident in Sitio Molo, Barangay Poblacion, Loreto town and were heading back to their station around 11:15 p.m. when six heavily armed suspects abducted them.

The armed group, according to Gamba, were believed to be members of the CPP-NPA Guerilla Front 34, who were known to operate in the area. Until this time, there were no ransom demands nor conditions received by their families nor the police.

Gamba said the provincial police office already formed a crisis management committee at the municipal level to deal with the situation. Attempts of negotiations for the immediate release of the victims are now being conducted, Gamba said. The police and the military in the region are presently conducting a rescue operation for the two abducted cops.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516764

Military recovers 2 bodies of 8 reported slain ASGs in Basilan operation

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Military recovers 2 bodies of 8 reported slain ASGs in Basilan operation

The military on Tuesday recovered the bodies of two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands, out of the eight reported slain, during the offensive in Barangay Silangkum, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan Monday.

Col. Carlito Galvez, 104th Infantry Brigade commander, one of the units that participated in the assault, said that six ASG men were also wounded in the encounter.

He added that one of the injured was ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon and his nephew.

Galvez said Hapilon sustained a slight wound in the head while his nephew was hit in the shoulder.

However, both managed to escape during the heavy fighting which erupted around 5:40 a.m. Monday.

Galvez added that his snipers saw four ASG men go down in fighting.

The exchange of gunfire lasted for more than three hours after which the ASG men fled out. He said many ASG men were seen fleeing dragging with them their wounded.

The assault was designed to eradicate the presence of the lawless group in the area who were reportedly pestering the contractors building the P2-billion, 12-kilometer Basilan Circumferential Road.

The bandits were allegedly demanding P1 million as protection money or else they would harass the construction crews.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516793

Aquino pledges continued cooperation with ASEAN members in Declaration of Conduct of Parties in South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Aquino pledges continued cooperation with ASEAN members in Declaration of Conduct of Parties in South China Sea

President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday assured visiting Sultan of Brunei, His Majesty Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, of continued cooperation in the implementation of the Declaration of e Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and for the adoption of a Code of Conduct.

"As a brother nation in ASEAN, our country is committed to nurturing our relationship. We commit to enhancing cooperation with Brunei and with all Southeast Asian states, not only through economic and cultural engagements, but also through dialogue for maritime security," the President said in his remarks during the ceremonial toast in honor of the Sultan of Brunei.

"This is our pledge to continue working with our neighbors in implementing the commitments of ASEAN member states in the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and in moving forward with negotiations for the adoption of a Code of Conduct," he stressed.

President Aquino expressed confidence that Sultan Bolkiah being the chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), "the region will move further along the straight path towards harmony and sustainable progress."

"I look forward to working with Your Majesty in building a Southeast Asia that is truly an abode of peace for all peoples," he said.

Sultan Bolkiah arrived at 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City on board the Royal Brunei Airlines Airbus (340-212) for a two-day state visit upon the invitation of President Aquino.

He was welcomed by Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and local officials of Pasay City.

Brunei is hosting the ASEAN ministerial and leaders’ summit scheduled on April 24-25, 2013.

Sultan Bolkiah, for his part, said his country is looking forward to increased trade and cooperation with the Philippines as he cited the contribution of Filipino workers to the oil-rich kingdom's economy.

"Over the years, our public and private sectors as well as our peoples have established close ties that reflect the quality and strength of our relationship. I am pleased to see our governments working together on projects and initiatives in agriculture, education, defense, and more recently in energy," said Bolkiah during the ceremonial toast held in Malacanang.

"Brunei is happy to be hosting more than 20,000 of your citizens who are making important contribution to our development. I believe that there are also many opportunities for our people to explore in further promoting trade and investment between Brunei and the Philippines," he noted.

Sultan Bolkiah also assured the Philippines of his continued support for the peace process in Mindanao.

Brunei is actively involved in the Mindanao peace process as a member of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) that oversees the implementation of a ceasefire between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"I would like to commend you, Mr. President, for the initiatives you have taken to promote peace and reconciliation in the southern Philippines, and I wish to assure you that Brunei will continue to provide assistance in your peacekeeping efforts," he stressed.

"Since my last visit here five years ago, I am much impressed by the progress and development which has taken place in the Philippines. Mr. President, I am happy to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and cooperation that exist between our two countries," he said.

As this year's ASEAN chair, Sultan Bolkiah said, "Brunei will continue to work closely with the Philippines towards achieving concrete outcomes in economic growth and social progress, and in promoting regional peace and stability."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516825

Authorities seal exit-entry points in northern Palawan to capture NPAs who raided pearl farm

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 16): Authorities seal exit-entry points in northern Palawan to capture NPAs who raided pearl farm

Police and military authorities have sealed possible exit and entry points in northern Palawan to prevent fleeing armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who raided a pearl farm in the town of Taytay and briefly held hostage six of its employees on Monday afternoon.

Colonel Andrei Costales, commanding officer of the 3rd Marine Brigade stationed in this city, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that Western Command Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero has ordered them and troops belonging to the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 4 to seal all exits and entry points north of the province.

“We have established checkpoints in several road areas in the north, and we’ve sent marine troops to piers, boat landing areas, wharfs, all points they might use to get out of the province,” Costales said, adding the marines will be working jointly with elements of the Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPPO) under Sr. Supt. Atanacio Macalan Jr.

Among the entry points that have now been tightly secured are Coron pier, since the armed NPAs are said to be from Mindoro, according to the marine brigade commanding officer.

The NPA group, numbering 17, were reportedly led by a man who introduced himself as only “Ka Arnel,” raided the pearl farm around 12:45 p.m. Monday.

The PPPO identified the six workers of the pearl farm as Marcelo Millado, Edgardo Ramos, Nestor Dula, Jovin Descartin, Villamor Hernandez and Marjun Diulon, who were briefly taken hostage as human shields and later abandoned on a beach. The six workers were able to get back to the farm around 4:00 p.m.

Costales said one of the angles they are investigating was that the raid was done after the NPAs maybe failed to collect “revolutionary tax” from the operator of the pearl farm, Jacques Branellec.

A hot pursuit operation remains on the armed group who were said to have fled towards the Calamianes Group of Islands.

Costales said the latest figure they have is that only about 40 members of the NPA are active in Palawan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516822