From the Daily Tribune (Apr 19): Rebels junk armed struggle, change group’s name
Having decided to surrender a long established principle of armed struggle to change the structure of society, the armed group known as Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB TPG) is now to be called as “Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan” or a Brotherhood for Social Progress" and would embrace now the system of Philippine government.
In 2000, an agreement was signed between the former rebel group and with the government, after the group’s three-day general assembly where they drafted their new constitution and by-laws and defined their new organizational directions.
Lawyer Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, undersecretary of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), said the formation of the Brotherhood for Social Progress is in line with the goal of the government to transform the RPM-P/RPA/ABB TPG into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization, as outlined by the proposed Closure Agreement Toward the Disposition of Arms and Forces.
Sandoval said the agreement is now under review for signing.
Sandoval added that the general assembly and the formation of the KPP serve as indicators of the TPG’s sincere intention of returning to the folds of government and into mainstream society.
Marlon de los Santos, KPP secretary, said “even without the signing, this is our way of showing the people that we intend to fulfill our obligation to the government by meeting the requirement of the peace agreement for the group’s institutional transformation.”
“We are tired of hiding and we want to use legitimate means to pursue our cause,” De los Santos said.
The KPP will pursue social justice as a key to lasting peace and genuine progress, De los Santos said.
“The new organization endeavors to improve economic conditions and welfare of its former combatant members and strengthen its capabilities so that it could effectively pursue its commitment to continue to work for the interest of the working masses and pursue substantial reforms for the betterment of the working people,” De los Santos added.
The KPP elected officers include Gilbert Arsenal as president; Placido Perfas as vice president; Marlon del os Santos as secretary; Fortunato Duran as treasurer, Antonio Bagabon as public information officer; Santos Malinao as auditor; Herminihildo Oliver as vice president for District 4 in situ; Ramel Factora as representative for Mindanao; Ivan Siosan as representative for Panay; Jon Reyes as representative for the National Capital Region; and Giovanni Banista as sergeant at arms.
The newly-formed organization’s membership includes the squad and territorial command officials of the former rebel group.
http://www.tribuneonline.org/index.php/metro-section/item/13044-rebels-junk-armed-struggle-change-group’s-name
Saturday, April 20, 2013
ANAD: NPA uses chapel to kill a Peace and Development Team leader
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 16): NPA uses chapel to kill a Peace and Development Team leader
ANAD PARTYLIST-MINDANAONEWS AND INFORMATION BUREAU
16 April 2013
NPA USES CHAPEL TO KILL A PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER
...
A Team Leader of the Philippine Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) Team was killed during a sniping incident perpetrated by the communist’s NPA at Purok7, Bgy Sta Fe, New Corella, Davao del Norte, at 11:20 a.m. of, April 15, 2013.
Two (2) NPAs armed with M14 rifle, positioned themselves at the Purok Chapel situated at a vantage high ground, approximately 100 Meters from the crowd fired upon the PDOP team on a dialogue with some civilians in the community for the proposed community project that they will be jointly undertake.
The attack hit Cpl Zalde G Sario of 60IB at his abdomen. Troops immediately retaliated with caution that made the NPA retreated. Cpl Sario was given First Aid and immediately rushed to Tagum City Regional Hospital but was pronounced Dead on Arrival.
LTC LLEWELLYN BINASOY, commander, 60th Infantry Battalion condemns the ungodly act of the bandits who are taking advantage on soldier’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
”It is provided in Part 4, Article 4, Section 8 that places of worship and religious institutions must be respected and should be spared from any military attack... Sa paggamit nila sa simbahan na taguan at base ng kanilang pag-atake upang mapatay ang ating sundalo ay isang pagpapakita ng kanilang kawalang respeto sa ating relihiyon at simbahan. ” LTC BINASOY pointed out further.
On his part, COL BUENAVENTURA C PASCUAL, the commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade stressed that “The sacrifices and heroism of our soldiers will not be put in vain. The fate of our comrade from treachery even inflames our commitment to go after these bandits, to stop and prevent them from further terrorizing our people. We will not allow them to deter our commitment to help the least of our brothers in exploring better opportunities in life. We firmly stand to that quest!” COL PASCUAL added.
16 April 2013
NPA USES CHAPEL TO KILL A PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER
...
A Team Leader of the Philippine Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) Team was killed during a sniping incident perpetrated by the communist’s NPA at Purok7, Bgy Sta Fe, New Corella, Davao del Norte, at 11:20 a.m. of, April 15, 2013.
Two (2) NPAs armed with M14 rifle, positioned themselves at the Purok Chapel situated at a vantage high ground, approximately 100 Meters from the crowd fired upon the PDOP team on a dialogue with some civilians in the community for the proposed community project that they will be jointly undertake.
The attack hit Cpl Zalde G Sario of 60IB at his abdomen. Troops immediately retaliated with caution that made the NPA retreated. Cpl Sario was given First Aid and immediately rushed to Tagum City Regional Hospital but was pronounced Dead on Arrival.
LTC LLEWELLYN BINASOY, commander, 60th Infantry Battalion condemns the ungodly act of the bandits who are taking advantage on soldier’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
”It is provided in Part 4, Article 4, Section 8 that places of worship and religious institutions must be respected and should be spared from any military attack... Sa paggamit nila sa simbahan na taguan at base ng kanilang pag-atake upang mapatay ang ating sundalo ay isang pagpapakita ng kanilang kawalang respeto sa ating relihiyon at simbahan. ” LTC BINASOY pointed out further.
On his part, COL BUENAVENTURA C PASCUAL, the commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade stressed that “The sacrifices and heroism of our soldiers will not be put in vain. The fate of our comrade from treachery even inflames our commitment to go after these bandits, to stop and prevent them from further terrorizing our people. We will not allow them to deter our commitment to help the least of our brothers in exploring better opportunities in life. We firmly stand to that quest!” COL PASCUAL added.
ANAD: Reestablishment of the CPP--CPP Five Year Plan (2010-2015)
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 16): Reestablishment of the CPP--CPP Five Year Plan (2010-2015)
Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan (PADEPA)
PADEPA 101
LESSON FOR THE DAY: April 16, 2013
... THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
By Arthur J. Tariman
National Council Member, ANAD Party-list
CPP Five-Year Plan (2010-2015)
• “The NPA must firmly and vigorously pursue the strategic line of protracted people's war. This involves encircling the cities from the countryside and accumulating sufficient armed strength here over a protracted period of time until it gains the capability to launch the strategic offensive against the enemy holdouts in the cities and seize political power on a nationwide scale…”
• “It must exercise flexibility in the use of tactics of concentration, dispersal and shifting. It concentrates strength superior to that of a target enemy unit for attack. It disperses to deprive the enemy of any visible target or when it conducts mass work among the people. It shifts position when it evades the attack of a superior enemy force and maneuvers to gain time or an advantageous position.”
• “The existing 110 guerrilla fronts must continuously be developed so that all or most of them become company-size fronts and give rise to new guerrilla fronts. They must increase to at least 180 guerrilla fronts in the next five years…”
Comment: This is in consonant with the objective of one guerilla front for each rural congressional district in the country.
• “Guerrilla fronts adjacent to each other are clustered to form a wider war theater that enables a wider scope of command, coordination, mutual support and maneuver…”
Comment: Such is the case in Claver, Surigao del Norte where three guerilla fronts had combined their strengths to simultaneously attacked three mining and mineral processing firms.
• “The Party must direct the formation of various levels of command in order to make effective deployment of NPA units for various objectives on varied scales…”
• “The NPA has already accumulated a critical mass for bold intensification of guerrilla warfare and advance toward a higher stage in the people's war. The people's army must relentlessly launch tactical offensives in order to seize weapons for creating new units, to increasingly change the balance of forces and to move from the stage of strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate. It must aim to accumulate 25,000 rifles in order to develop into the stage of the strategic stalemate…
• “Every level of command and every unit of the NPA must be conscious of its current armed strength, estimate and plan or target how many more weapons can be seized within a certain period and how to carry out the tactical offensives to seize weapons. The people's army must always be alert to opportunities for tactical offensives aimed at seizing weapons.
• “The whole array of the structure of force of the NPA which should include regional forces, local forces, people's militia and urban partisans must continue to wage intensive and extensive guerrilla warfare on the basis of an ever widening and deepening mass base in order to seize firearms and develop the capability of platoons and companies to wipe out enemy units. The main form of tactical offensives must be annihilative, the objective being to wipe out enemy units in order to seize weapons and demoralize the enemy forces.”
Comment: Heavily-guarded mining sites are good sources of firearms as proven in the Claver incident and other NPA raids and attacks prior to it. Additionally, the NPA has increased the use of roadside improvised explosive devices or IEDs targeting military vehicles that ferries troops and weapons. They are also targeting weak and/or isolated police and military detachments and patrol bases in the countryside, and ill-manned police stations in far-flung municipalities. Given a chance, they raiding parties of the NPA would kill everyone in a military detachment or police station to seize weapons and to demoralize government forces.
• “But certain other tactical offensives must be undertaken to inflict attrition and wear down the enemy forces. These include partisan warfare in urban areas, sparrow warfare, sniping operations, land mine warfare, interdiction of the fuel and supply lines of the enemy and destruction of military vehicles, depots and other fixed installations that are being used against the people's army…”
Comment: The NPA has been carrying out all these instructions from the CPP Central Committee.
TO BE CONTINUED.
PADEPA 101
LESSON FOR THE DAY: April 16, 2013
... THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
By Arthur J. Tariman
National Council Member, ANAD Party-list
CPP Five-Year Plan (2010-2015)
• “The NPA must firmly and vigorously pursue the strategic line of protracted people's war. This involves encircling the cities from the countryside and accumulating sufficient armed strength here over a protracted period of time until it gains the capability to launch the strategic offensive against the enemy holdouts in the cities and seize political power on a nationwide scale…”
• “It must exercise flexibility in the use of tactics of concentration, dispersal and shifting. It concentrates strength superior to that of a target enemy unit for attack. It disperses to deprive the enemy of any visible target or when it conducts mass work among the people. It shifts position when it evades the attack of a superior enemy force and maneuvers to gain time or an advantageous position.”
• “The existing 110 guerrilla fronts must continuously be developed so that all or most of them become company-size fronts and give rise to new guerrilla fronts. They must increase to at least 180 guerrilla fronts in the next five years…”
Comment: This is in consonant with the objective of one guerilla front for each rural congressional district in the country.
• “Guerrilla fronts adjacent to each other are clustered to form a wider war theater that enables a wider scope of command, coordination, mutual support and maneuver…”
Comment: Such is the case in Claver, Surigao del Norte where three guerilla fronts had combined their strengths to simultaneously attacked three mining and mineral processing firms.
• “The Party must direct the formation of various levels of command in order to make effective deployment of NPA units for various objectives on varied scales…”
• “The NPA has already accumulated a critical mass for bold intensification of guerrilla warfare and advance toward a higher stage in the people's war. The people's army must relentlessly launch tactical offensives in order to seize weapons for creating new units, to increasingly change the balance of forces and to move from the stage of strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate. It must aim to accumulate 25,000 rifles in order to develop into the stage of the strategic stalemate…
• “Every level of command and every unit of the NPA must be conscious of its current armed strength, estimate and plan or target how many more weapons can be seized within a certain period and how to carry out the tactical offensives to seize weapons. The people's army must always be alert to opportunities for tactical offensives aimed at seizing weapons.
• “The whole array of the structure of force of the NPA which should include regional forces, local forces, people's militia and urban partisans must continue to wage intensive and extensive guerrilla warfare on the basis of an ever widening and deepening mass base in order to seize firearms and develop the capability of platoons and companies to wipe out enemy units. The main form of tactical offensives must be annihilative, the objective being to wipe out enemy units in order to seize weapons and demoralize the enemy forces.”
Comment: Heavily-guarded mining sites are good sources of firearms as proven in the Claver incident and other NPA raids and attacks prior to it. Additionally, the NPA has increased the use of roadside improvised explosive devices or IEDs targeting military vehicles that ferries troops and weapons. They are also targeting weak and/or isolated police and military detachments and patrol bases in the countryside, and ill-manned police stations in far-flung municipalities. Given a chance, they raiding parties of the NPA would kill everyone in a military detachment or police station to seize weapons and to demoralize government forces.
• “But certain other tactical offensives must be undertaken to inflict attrition and wear down the enemy forces. These include partisan warfare in urban areas, sparrow warfare, sniping operations, land mine warfare, interdiction of the fuel and supply lines of the enemy and destruction of military vehicles, depots and other fixed installations that are being used against the people's army…”
Comment: The NPA has been carrying out all these instructions from the CPP Central Committee.
TO BE CONTINUED.
ANAD: Maoist NPA burned down heavy equipment, banana packing house....
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 15): Maoist NPA burned down heavy equipment, banana packing house....
ANAD PARTYLIST-MINDANAO NEWS AND INFORMATION BUREAU
15 April 2013
MAOIST NPA BURNED DOWN HEAVY EQUIPMENT, BANANA PACKING HOUSE AND POULTRY FARMHOUSE AND HARASSED AN ARMY DETACHMENT IN NORTH-CENTRAL MINDANAO REGION EARLY TODAY
...
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Heavily armed men believed to be members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA) burned down brand new heavy equipment of two private contractors of Standard Filipino Company (STANFILCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dole Philippines, Inc. in two separate locations in northern Mindanao early today.
The armed men also razed a poultry farm, shot and wounded a worker, and harassed an Army detachment but injured none among the soldiers.
About 1:30 a.m., an undetermined number of armed men believed to be elements of Front 4B, NPA-North-Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) razed some heavy equipment owned by a private contractor of Stanfilco at Sitio Tapon, Brgy. Mat-I, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental Province.
At same time, another group of NPA men harassed the Army’s Mat-I Detachment but hurt none of the soldiers on duty.
About 5:30 a.m., some 50 suspected NPA men burned down the Agrenanas banana mini packing house at Brgy, Capehan, Libona town in Bukidnon Province. They also shot and wounded a worker identified as a certain Jaworski Revilla.
The attackers reportedly arrived onboard a green Isuzu Elf truck owned by a certain Datoon from Tamosan area of Brgy. Capehan.
The armed men also burned a poultry owned by Gama Farm at Purok 2, Brgy Capehan before withdrawing towards the village proper.
The Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4ID and the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion-10 are reportedly pursuing the attackers.
About 9 a.m. today however, some 50 fully-armed men with a female companion, all believed to be elements of Front 89, NPA-NCMR, conducted a checkpoint at the vicinity of Sitio San Isidro, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town apparently to divert government attention from pursuing the attackers in Libona and Claveria.
There is no immediate report of any contact between the pursuing government forces and the escaping Maoist terrorists. (ANAD Party-list-Mindanao News and Information Bureau)
15 April 2013
MAOIST NPA BURNED DOWN HEAVY EQUIPMENT, BANANA PACKING HOUSE AND POULTRY FARMHOUSE AND HARASSED AN ARMY DETACHMENT IN NORTH-CENTRAL MINDANAO REGION EARLY TODAY
...
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Heavily armed men believed to be members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA) burned down brand new heavy equipment of two private contractors of Standard Filipino Company (STANFILCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dole Philippines, Inc. in two separate locations in northern Mindanao early today.
The armed men also razed a poultry farm, shot and wounded a worker, and harassed an Army detachment but injured none among the soldiers.
About 1:30 a.m., an undetermined number of armed men believed to be elements of Front 4B, NPA-North-Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) razed some heavy equipment owned by a private contractor of Stanfilco at Sitio Tapon, Brgy. Mat-I, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental Province.
At same time, another group of NPA men harassed the Army’s Mat-I Detachment but hurt none of the soldiers on duty.
About 5:30 a.m., some 50 suspected NPA men burned down the Agrenanas banana mini packing house at Brgy, Capehan, Libona town in Bukidnon Province. They also shot and wounded a worker identified as a certain Jaworski Revilla.
The attackers reportedly arrived onboard a green Isuzu Elf truck owned by a certain Datoon from Tamosan area of Brgy. Capehan.
The armed men also burned a poultry owned by Gama Farm at Purok 2, Brgy Capehan before withdrawing towards the village proper.
The Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4ID and the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion-10 are reportedly pursuing the attackers.
About 9 a.m. today however, some 50 fully-armed men with a female companion, all believed to be elements of Front 89, NPA-NCMR, conducted a checkpoint at the vicinity of Sitio San Isidro, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town apparently to divert government attention from pursuing the attackers in Libona and Claveria.
There is no immediate report of any contact between the pursuing government forces and the escaping Maoist terrorists. (ANAD Party-list-Mindanao News and Information Bureau)
ANAD: Army soldier murdered by bandits in front of his son
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 19): Army soldier murdered by bandits in front of his son
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- Suspected NPA bandits murdered an Army soldier who was having lunch with his son inside his home in Magsaysay village here at around 12:30pm on April 17.
...
Corporal Bonifacio Piedad, 46, of the 29th Infantry Battalion was on a short leave to spend time with his family when the incident happened, police reports said.
Armed with M16 Assault Rifles, the suspects barged into the home of Piedad and shot the helpless victim in front of his 15-year old son.
On the same day, the bandits also released 4 unarmed off-duty militiamen whom they abducted in San Luis town.
San Luis town Mayor Ronald Corvera led the negotiations that resulted to the release of the victims at around 8:30am in Mahayahay village of the said town.
Gradually decimated by armed encounters with government troops, NPA bandits have resorted to robbery and murder of unarmed members of the government security forces.
https://www.facebook.com/anadpartylist#!/photo.php?fbid=10151867951599638&set=a.155410804637.146759.142922174637&type=1&theater
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- Suspected NPA bandits murdered an Army soldier who was having lunch with his son inside his home in Magsaysay village here at around 12:30pm on April 17.
...
Corporal Bonifacio Piedad, 46, of the 29th Infantry Battalion was on a short leave to spend time with his family when the incident happened, police reports said.
Armed with M16 Assault Rifles, the suspects barged into the home of Piedad and shot the helpless victim in front of his 15-year old son.
On the same day, the bandits also released 4 unarmed off-duty militiamen whom they abducted in San Luis town.
San Luis town Mayor Ronald Corvera led the negotiations that resulted to the release of the victims at around 8:30am in Mahayahay village of the said town.
Gradually decimated by armed encounters with government troops, NPA bandits have resorted to robbery and murder of unarmed members of the government security forces.
https://www.facebook.com/anadpartylist#!/photo.php?fbid=10151867951599638&set=a.155410804637.146759.142922174637&type=1&theater
NPA rebels launch own political campaign in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 20): NPA rebels launch own political campaign in Mindanao
Communist rebels launched their own political campaign in the southern Philippines and explaining to citizens their policies regarding the conduct of the May general elections in the country.
Allan Juanito, a spokesman for the New People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Command, said the campaign is in accordance to their “revolutionary” policies and that they set up check points in four provinces in the region and distributed pamphlets explaining their stand.
“Units of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command simultaneously put up checkpoints in several areas within four provinces. This is in accordance to the revolutionary policies regarding the conduct of 2013 election,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
“Pamphlets explaining the revolutionary movement’s stand and policies regarding the reactionary election were distributed,” he said.
Juanito said NPA units will continue to launch punitive actions against “environmentally-destructive” operations and exploitative foreign agribusiness companies that refuse to heed repeated warnings against the expansion of their plantations in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/npa-rebels-launch-own-political.html
Communist rebels launched their own political campaign in the southern Philippines and explaining to citizens their policies regarding the conduct of the May general elections in the country.
Allan Juanito, a spokesman for the New People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Command, said the campaign is in accordance to their “revolutionary” policies and that they set up check points in four provinces in the region and distributed pamphlets explaining their stand.
“Units of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command simultaneously put up checkpoints in several areas within four provinces. This is in accordance to the revolutionary policies regarding the conduct of 2013 election,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
“Pamphlets explaining the revolutionary movement’s stand and policies regarding the reactionary election were distributed,” he said.
Juanito said NPA units will continue to launch punitive actions against “environmentally-destructive” operations and exploitative foreign agribusiness companies that refuse to heed repeated warnings against the expansion of their plantations in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/npa-rebels-launch-own-political.html
Sayyaf group kidnaps Sulu trader for second time since 2005 – police
From GMA News (Apr 20): Sayyaf group kidnaps Sulu trader for second time since 2005 – police
The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Saturday kidnapped for the second time a coffee shop owner in Patikul town in Sulu province, the provincial police chief on Sunday said.
In an interview with reporters, Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, confirmed a certain Reynato Yanga, 53, a coffee shop owner in Brgy. Walled City in Patikul, has been kidnapped by the urban terrorist group.
Freyra noted this is not the first time Yanga was kidnapped. “Hindi naging cooperative [sa pulis], hindi tumulong mag-identify dun sa mga kidnaper noon, eh yun inulit sa kanya.”
Yanga was first abducted in March 2005.
“More or less 5:20 kaninang madaling-araw, malakas masyado ang ulan... dun sa isang coffee shop… na pag-aari nitong si Reynato Yanga, eh pinasok at kinuha siya ng limang armado,” Freyra noted. “Isinakay siya sa isang multicab.”
“KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) ‘yan pero hindi pa nag-aano [nagko-contact]. May mga suspect na ASG KFR (Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap-for-ransom),” the Sulu police chief added.
The multicab, which was used as a getaway vehicle of the perpetrators was later found in Brgy. Asturias of the same town.
The police, together with the Philippine Marines, were on a search operation on the victim and his kidnappers, Freyra said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304794/news/regions/sayyaf-group-kidnaps-sulu-trader-for-second-time-since-2005-police
The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Saturday kidnapped for the second time a coffee shop owner in Patikul town in Sulu province, the provincial police chief on Sunday said.
In an interview with reporters, Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, confirmed a certain Reynato Yanga, 53, a coffee shop owner in Brgy. Walled City in Patikul, has been kidnapped by the urban terrorist group.
Freyra noted this is not the first time Yanga was kidnapped. “Hindi naging cooperative [sa pulis], hindi tumulong mag-identify dun sa mga kidnaper noon, eh yun inulit sa kanya.”
Yanga was first abducted in March 2005.
“More or less 5:20 kaninang madaling-araw, malakas masyado ang ulan... dun sa isang coffee shop… na pag-aari nitong si Reynato Yanga, eh pinasok at kinuha siya ng limang armado,” Freyra noted. “Isinakay siya sa isang multicab.”
“KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) ‘yan pero hindi pa nag-aano [nagko-contact]. May mga suspect na ASG KFR (Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap-for-ransom),” the Sulu police chief added.
The multicab, which was used as a getaway vehicle of the perpetrators was later found in Brgy. Asturias of the same town.
The police, together with the Philippine Marines, were on a search operation on the victim and his kidnappers, Freyra said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304794/news/regions/sayyaf-group-kidnaps-sulu-trader-for-second-time-since-2005-police
Kiram 'brother' charged in Sabah over alleged intrusion — report
From GMA News (Apr 19): Kiram 'brother' charged in Sabah over alleged intrusion — report
A suspected coordinator and relative of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was charged before a court in Sabah Friday for his alleged role in the armed conflict between Kiram's followers and Malaysian security forces.
Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram was charged in the Lahad Datu Magistrate's Court with waging war against the King, and being a member of a terrorist group, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported.
But no plea was recorded even as the charge was read out to Amirbahar in the Suluk language before Lahad Datu Sessions Court judge Rajalingam a/l S.S.Maniam, who sat as a magistrate.
Waging war on the King is an offense punishable by death upon conviction. Amirbahar was charged before the court sitting in a special session at the Lahad Datu police headquarters.
The Bernama report described Amirbahar as 49 years old and a "brother" of Sulu Sultan Kiram, and defense minister of the Sulu sultanate. Amirbahar was arrested March 23.
Leading the prosecution were Trial and Appeal Division chief Datuk Nordin Hassan and deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, both from the Attorney-General's Chambers, and Lahad Datu DPP Shukor Abu Bakar.
Also on Friday, the court allowed the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the Tawau High Court. It set May 14 as the date for mention in that court.
Under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012, all security cases are to be tried in the high court.
With Friday's development, at least 20 Filipinos have now been charged in connection with the Sabah row, where Kiram's brother Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram led a group of armed Filipinos to Sabah.
The group engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2. The clashes prompted Malaysian offensives against Kiram's followers since March 5.
Aside from the 20 Filipinos, a Malaysian police corporal was also charged for failing to provide information on terrorist activities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304702/news/nation/kiram-brother-charged-in-sabah-over-alleged-intrusion-report
A suspected coordinator and relative of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was charged before a court in Sabah Friday for his alleged role in the armed conflict between Kiram's followers and Malaysian security forces.
Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram was charged in the Lahad Datu Magistrate's Court with waging war against the King, and being a member of a terrorist group, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported.
But no plea was recorded even as the charge was read out to Amirbahar in the Suluk language before Lahad Datu Sessions Court judge Rajalingam a/l S.S.Maniam, who sat as a magistrate.
Waging war on the King is an offense punishable by death upon conviction. Amirbahar was charged before the court sitting in a special session at the Lahad Datu police headquarters.
The Bernama report described Amirbahar as 49 years old and a "brother" of Sulu Sultan Kiram, and defense minister of the Sulu sultanate. Amirbahar was arrested March 23.
Leading the prosecution were Trial and Appeal Division chief Datuk Nordin Hassan and deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, both from the Attorney-General's Chambers, and Lahad Datu DPP Shukor Abu Bakar.
Also on Friday, the court allowed the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the Tawau High Court. It set May 14 as the date for mention in that court.
Under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012, all security cases are to be tried in the high court.
With Friday's development, at least 20 Filipinos have now been charged in connection with the Sabah row, where Kiram's brother Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram led a group of armed Filipinos to Sabah.
The group engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2. The clashes prompted Malaysian offensives against Kiram's followers since March 5.
Aside from the 20 Filipinos, a Malaysian police corporal was also charged for failing to provide information on terrorist activities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304702/news/nation/kiram-brother-charged-in-sabah-over-alleged-intrusion-report
Palace to ‘ignore’ Kiram claims his supporters going to Sabah
From GMA News (Apr 20): Palace to ‘ignore’ Kiram claims his supporters going to Sabah
Malacañang on Saturday said it may soon ignore claims from the camp of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III that several groups are joining their ranks and may now be heading for Sabah.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Kiram’s camp had made several claims of “supporters” joining the group, but verification efforts had turned up negative results.
“Tuwing sinusubukan natin tingnan ang katotohanan laging negative sa ating reports," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She added the Kiram camp’s claims of Moro National Liberation Front fighters joining their ranks had “been a persistent report.”
“Nag-iiba lang sa numero (The only thing that changed is the figures they claim),” she said. Because of that, she said, “hindi na tayo magkukumento roon.”
In February, a group of armed Filipinos led by Kiram’s brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram went to Sabah and engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff.
The standoff ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2, which in turn led to offensives by Malaysian security forces against Kiram’s followers.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304765/news/nation/palace-to-ignore-kiram-claims-his-supporters-going-to-sabah
Malacañang on Saturday said it may soon ignore claims from the camp of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III that several groups are joining their ranks and may now be heading for Sabah.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Kiram’s camp had made several claims of “supporters” joining the group, but verification efforts had turned up negative results.
“Tuwing sinusubukan natin tingnan ang katotohanan laging negative sa ating reports," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She added the Kiram camp’s claims of Moro National Liberation Front fighters joining their ranks had “been a persistent report.”
“Nag-iiba lang sa numero (The only thing that changed is the figures they claim),” she said. Because of that, she said, “hindi na tayo magkukumento roon.”
In February, a group of armed Filipinos led by Kiram’s brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram went to Sabah and engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff.
The standoff ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2, which in turn led to offensives by Malaysian security forces against Kiram’s followers.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304765/news/nation/palace-to-ignore-kiram-claims-his-supporters-going-to-sabah
Abducted cops kill rebel guards in daring escape
From the Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Apr 20): Abducted cops kill rebel guards in daring escape
BUTUAN City––Two police officers from Loreto, Agusan del Sur who were taken by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Sunday escaped on Thursday after killing two guerrillas who were guarding them.
Police said the two officers––PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España––managed to escape and brought with them two AK47 assault rifles from Barangay Maitum in Loreto town.
Muñez and España, police said, managed to untie themselves and grabbed a rebel’s rifle which was used in shooting two guerrillas assigned to guard them.
The Caraga police quickly sent sent troops to Loreto for pursuit operations.
Police regional director Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas said the two Loreto policemen were merely doing their job in trying to arrest a homicide suspect when rebels came and snatched them away.
Napeñas lauded Muñez and España for their “bravery, strong determination and dedication.”
Insp. Chris Artihemius Devaras, Loreto police chief said the two officers were already safe and were reunited with their families.
Devaras said the officers escaped in the afternoon and reached the town police station in the evening with the help of the Provincial Public Safety Company, 14th Special Action Company and the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion.
He said the two police officers were undergoing and would be meeting with town and provincial officials.
“We will go after them (rebels). I am ordering massive pursuit operations against the abductors. What they are doing is no longer right. The two police officers were in that area because they responded to a reported hacking incident and then they got abducted,” said Napenas.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/abducted-cops-kill-rebel-guards-in-daring-escape.html
BUTUAN City––Two police officers from Loreto, Agusan del Sur who were taken by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Sunday escaped on Thursday after killing two guerrillas who were guarding them.
Police said the two officers––PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España––managed to escape and brought with them two AK47 assault rifles from Barangay Maitum in Loreto town.
Muñez and España, police said, managed to untie themselves and grabbed a rebel’s rifle which was used in shooting two guerrillas assigned to guard them.
The Caraga police quickly sent sent troops to Loreto for pursuit operations.
Police regional director Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas said the two Loreto policemen were merely doing their job in trying to arrest a homicide suspect when rebels came and snatched them away.
Napeñas lauded Muñez and España for their “bravery, strong determination and dedication.”
Insp. Chris Artihemius Devaras, Loreto police chief said the two officers were already safe and were reunited with their families.
Devaras said the officers escaped in the afternoon and reached the town police station in the evening with the help of the Provincial Public Safety Company, 14th Special Action Company and the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion.
He said the two police officers were undergoing and would be meeting with town and provincial officials.
“We will go after them (rebels). I am ordering massive pursuit operations against the abductors. What they are doing is no longer right. The two police officers were in that area because they responded to a reported hacking incident and then they got abducted,” said Napenas.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/abducted-cops-kill-rebel-guards-in-daring-escape.html
NPA camp seized, firearms recovered by government troops in Northern Samar
Just posted to the Samar News (Apr 13): NPA camp seized, firearms
recovered by government troops in Northern Samar
By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – An abandoned communist terrorist’s camp was recently discovered by government security forces atHappy Valley ,
San Isidro , Northern Samar
at around 10:30 in the morning today, April 13, 2013.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led 1LT Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has fifteen (15) bunkers that can accommodate more or less twenty (20) communist terrorists, one (1) kitchen, one (1) comfort room, three (3) outposts and has just been abandoned by the CTs as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops. After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four (4) cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from the peace-loving people as well as political.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area. The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.
LTC Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the continued support of the people in the government’s efforts of 'Winning the Peace'. “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to discover the NPA encampment, a staging place of their terroristic activities in the area. The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms is a big blow to the CTs considering that we have denied them of their safe haven and sanctuary and once again proven that the people are with us in our pursuit for peace in this part of the country”.
Vestuir also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c625.htm
By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – An abandoned communist terrorist’s camp was recently discovered by government security forces at
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led 1LT Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has fifteen (15) bunkers that can accommodate more or less twenty (20) communist terrorists, one (1) kitchen, one (1) comfort room, three (3) outposts and has just been abandoned by the CTs as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops. After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four (4) cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from the peace-loving people as well as political.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area. The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.
LTC Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the continued support of the people in the government’s efforts of 'Winning the Peace'. “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to discover the NPA encampment, a staging place of their terroristic activities in the area. The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms is a big blow to the CTs considering that we have denied them of their safe haven and sanctuary and once again proven that the people are with us in our pursuit for peace in this part of the country”.
Vestuir also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c625.htm
Phil. Army and NGO on a successful medical mission
Just posted to the Samar News (Apr 14): Phil. Army and NGO on a
successful medical mission
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
ORMOC CITY , Leyte – Philippine Army soldiers from 19th Infantry (Commando)
Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F Babera and members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a
Bisayan Community Club of Victoria from Australia
successfully conducted a medical mission to the poor families of Ormoc City
last April 14, 2013 at Claretian Mission Centre, Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City
The whole day activity which started at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm last Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists fromOrmoc
City Liberty , Cabingtan, Gaas, and Lake Danao
The Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission was in full support because he believes in serving his countryfolks in whatever form it may be. According to him, “we are grateful for the kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.” He is hopeful that this activity will prove that the government cooperates with the NGOs and the people to maintain the peace and order in theProvince of Leyte
“The Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing needs of medical assistance to the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economical challenges,” according to Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President. It was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then actively helping the less fortunate.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c626.htm
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
The whole day activity which started at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm last Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists from
The Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission was in full support because he believes in serving his countryfolks in whatever form it may be. According to him, “we are grateful for the kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.” He is hopeful that this activity will prove that the government cooperates with the NGOs and the people to maintain the peace and order in the
“The Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing needs of medical assistance to the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economical challenges,” according to Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President. It was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then actively helping the less fortunate.
72 more cops arrive for polls
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 20): 72 more cops arrive
for polls
Another company-sized unit of the police elite Special Action Force arrived in Negros Occidental to augment the local police in the maintenance of peace and order, and to conduct internal security operations, its commander, Supt. Mario Baquiran, yesterday said.
The 604th SAF Company, which is composed of 72 personnel, aside from the 39
assigned at the 6th SAF Battalion headquarters in Manapla, arrived nine months
after the 601st SAF Company came to Negros Occidental in July last year.
The SAF troopers are trained in domestic counter-terrorism, law enforcement and commando-type unconventional warfare.
Baquiran said they will serve as the rapid deployment force during the election in Negros Occidental. He also assured the impartiality of SAF in the election, following claims that they may be used by some politicians in northern Negros.
The 602nd and 603rd SAF companies are now assigned in Panay island.
Police records show that the 6th SAF Battalion had participated in the recent arrest of Greg Tuayon, alleged by the military to be the finance bureau chief of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, in Manapla.
Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they are forming a rapid deployment force and quick reaction teams to be deployed in strategic areas of the province during the election.
De la Paz and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday met with Comelec officials in Cadiz City, and discussed security preparations for the PCOS machines, polling precincts, and voters in the district level.
The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of two additional Special Action Force battalions.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/20/topstory3.htm
Another company-sized unit of the police elite Special Action Force arrived in Negros Occidental to augment the local police in the maintenance of peace and order, and to conduct internal security operations, its commander, Supt. Mario Baquiran, yesterday said.
The SAF troopers are trained in domestic counter-terrorism, law enforcement and commando-type unconventional warfare.
Baquiran said they will serve as the rapid deployment force during the election in Negros Occidental. He also assured the impartiality of SAF in the election, following claims that they may be used by some politicians in northern Negros.
The 602nd and 603rd SAF companies are now assigned in Panay island.
Police records show that the 6th SAF Battalion had participated in the recent arrest of Greg Tuayon, alleged by the military to be the finance bureau chief of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, in Manapla.
Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they are forming a rapid deployment force and quick reaction teams to be deployed in strategic areas of the province during the election.
De la Paz and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday met with Comelec officials in Cadiz City, and discussed security preparations for the PCOS machines, polling precincts, and voters in the district level.
The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of two additional Special Action Force battalions.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/20/topstory3.htm
DVIDS: Balikatan 2013 comes to an end
From DVIDS (Apr 18): Balikatan 2013 comes to an end
From left to right: U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; the honorable Honorio S. Azcueta, Filipino Under Secretary for National Defense, Brian Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines; Philippine Army Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director, stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Balikatan 2013 closing ceremony.
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Filipino and American troops reaffirmed decades of friendship and cooperation while aspiring toward a future of greater collaboration April 17 during the closing ceremony of exercise Balikatan 2013.
In an increasingly complex world in which threats continue to challenge the interests of the long time allies, senior leaders from the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines gathered on this urban military installation to praise the efforts of the approximately 6,800 troops who participated in the exercise.
“I can confidently state that the shoulder-to-shoulder spirit of Balikatan is stronger than ever. The cooperation, determination and professionalism of our men and women training so vigorously together over the past few weeks have made Balikatan a tremendous success,” said U.S. exercise director, U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We stand ready in solidarity to face tomorrow’s challenges.”
Robling noted the especially historic nature China’s fist ever involvement in exercise Balikatan. Several key Asian Pacific countries had long participated as observers in the exercise, but China’s presence at the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tabletop exercise portends a new era for exercise.
Nevertheless, Robling focused primarily on the strategic relationship between the U.S. and this island nation of 95 million people.
“Moving forward, we do so confident in the enduring strength of our alliance and the relationship between our peoples,” Robling said.
Filipino Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine exercise director, echoed Robling’s sentiments.
“We can look back with pride and celebrate what we have yet again accomplished as allies and friends,” Domingo said. “We have proven how technically we can work should-to-shoulder to achieve our common objectives. We have certainly raised the bar in terms of interoperability and operational readiness.”
In its 29th iteration, exercise Balikatan in the largest regularly scheduled exercise between the two World War II allies. The exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability between the two nations as well as ensuring capability to respond to humanitarian disasters. The official opening ceremony was held on April 5, but troops from both countries had been working for weeks in preparation for the three parts of the exercise.
Zambales province, north of the capital city of Manila, was the site of a host of humanitarian civic assistance projects. Troops in that region focused on medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.
The U.S. spent just shy of $400,000 on seven projects in Zambales. Approximately 236 engineers trained for 33 days during the projects that totaled more than 7,800 man-days of construction work.
Twelve-thousand Filipinos are estimated to benefit from these projects.
Highlights of their accomplishments include:
• Tapauc Foot Bridge: Construction of a 60-meter suspension foot bridge, including river bank stabilization and drainage improvements and culvert installation.
• Mangahhan Community Center: New building for community center as well as the renovation of a health clinic. Drainage improvements and construction of one new 12,000 gallon (45,000 liter) ferro-cement water cistern
• Omaya Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms as well as the reenovation of three existing classrooms. Access road improvements were also accomplished.
• San Pasqual Foot Bridge: Construction of a 57-meter suspension foot bridge.
• Rabanes Elementary School: Renovation of four classrooms, construction of a new restroom as well as installation of one new 10,000 liter rainwater harvesting system and extensive site improvements.
• So Lawen Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms. Massive drainage system constructed and river bank stabilization.
• Looc Ferro-Cement Cistern. Construction of one new 12,000 gallon ferro-cement water cistern.
Meanwhile, a command post exercise was held at Camp O’Donnell that included combined and joint training for a typhoon-based humanitarian assistance/disaster relief response.
Field training exercises, which included a host of U.S. Marine Corps assets to include the MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 fighter jets and Amphibious Assault Vehicles, tested the mettle of the combined teams working in temperatures that regularly topped 100 degrees. U.S. service members shared tactics, techniques and procedures in a host of military scenarios throughout the field exercises.
Their Filipino counterparts, meanwhile, shared their expertise in jungle warfare, which included a highly publicized capture and consumption of a wild jungle lizard. Before the scorching sun rose and during its descent, U.S. Marines reveled in the opportunity to learn Filipino martial arts from expert AFP instructors.
“The exercises may have been exhausting…, but I believe we have learned many things that will benefit our respective defense forces,” said AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105379/balikatan-2013-comes-end
From left to right: U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; the honorable Honorio S. Azcueta, Filipino Under Secretary for National Defense, Brian Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines; Philippine Army Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director, stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Balikatan 2013 closing ceremony.
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Filipino and American troops reaffirmed decades of friendship and cooperation while aspiring toward a future of greater collaboration April 17 during the closing ceremony of exercise Balikatan 2013.
In an increasingly complex world in which threats continue to challenge the interests of the long time allies, senior leaders from the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines gathered on this urban military installation to praise the efforts of the approximately 6,800 troops who participated in the exercise.
“I can confidently state that the shoulder-to-shoulder spirit of Balikatan is stronger than ever. The cooperation, determination and professionalism of our men and women training so vigorously together over the past few weeks have made Balikatan a tremendous success,” said U.S. exercise director, U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We stand ready in solidarity to face tomorrow’s challenges.”
Robling noted the especially historic nature China’s fist ever involvement in exercise Balikatan. Several key Asian Pacific countries had long participated as observers in the exercise, but China’s presence at the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tabletop exercise portends a new era for exercise.
Nevertheless, Robling focused primarily on the strategic relationship between the U.S. and this island nation of 95 million people.
“Moving forward, we do so confident in the enduring strength of our alliance and the relationship between our peoples,” Robling said.
Filipino Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine exercise director, echoed Robling’s sentiments.
“We can look back with pride and celebrate what we have yet again accomplished as allies and friends,” Domingo said. “We have proven how technically we can work should-to-shoulder to achieve our common objectives. We have certainly raised the bar in terms of interoperability and operational readiness.”
In its 29th iteration, exercise Balikatan in the largest regularly scheduled exercise between the two World War II allies. The exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability between the two nations as well as ensuring capability to respond to humanitarian disasters. The official opening ceremony was held on April 5, but troops from both countries had been working for weeks in preparation for the three parts of the exercise.
Zambales province, north of the capital city of Manila, was the site of a host of humanitarian civic assistance projects. Troops in that region focused on medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.
The U.S. spent just shy of $400,000 on seven projects in Zambales. Approximately 236 engineers trained for 33 days during the projects that totaled more than 7,800 man-days of construction work.
Twelve-thousand Filipinos are estimated to benefit from these projects.
Highlights of their accomplishments include:
• Tapauc Foot Bridge: Construction of a 60-meter suspension foot bridge, including river bank stabilization and drainage improvements and culvert installation.
• Mangahhan Community Center: New building for community center as well as the renovation of a health clinic. Drainage improvements and construction of one new 12,000 gallon (45,000 liter) ferro-cement water cistern
• Omaya Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms as well as the reenovation of three existing classrooms. Access road improvements were also accomplished.
• San Pasqual Foot Bridge: Construction of a 57-meter suspension foot bridge.
• Rabanes Elementary School: Renovation of four classrooms, construction of a new restroom as well as installation of one new 10,000 liter rainwater harvesting system and extensive site improvements.
• So Lawen Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms. Massive drainage system constructed and river bank stabilization.
• Looc Ferro-Cement Cistern. Construction of one new 12,000 gallon ferro-cement water cistern.
Meanwhile, a command post exercise was held at Camp O’Donnell that included combined and joint training for a typhoon-based humanitarian assistance/disaster relief response.
Field training exercises, which included a host of U.S. Marine Corps assets to include the MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 fighter jets and Amphibious Assault Vehicles, tested the mettle of the combined teams working in temperatures that regularly topped 100 degrees. U.S. service members shared tactics, techniques and procedures in a host of military scenarios throughout the field exercises.
Their Filipino counterparts, meanwhile, shared their expertise in jungle warfare, which included a highly publicized capture and consumption of a wild jungle lizard. Before the scorching sun rose and during its descent, U.S. Marines reveled in the opportunity to learn Filipino martial arts from expert AFP instructors.
“The exercises may have been exhausting…, but I believe we have learned many things that will benefit our respective defense forces,” said AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105379/balikatan-2013-comes-end
CA affirms conviction of Dos Palmas kidnappers
From the Sun Star (Apr 19): CA affirms conviction of Dos Palmas kidnappers
ELEVEN members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf will continue to suffer in jail for abducting 20 people including American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan nearly 12 years ago.
The Court of Appeals (CA) said Wednesday the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 69 did not commit any error in late 2007 when it penalized members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with 20 counts of life imprisonment for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
Convicted are Bas Ismael, Bashier Ordonez, Sonny Asali, Margani Iblong Hapilon, Radzmar Sangkula, Kamar Ilias Ismael Jaafar, Guillermo Salcedo, Haber Akimuddin Asari, Tuting Hannoh while the petitions of Alzen Jandul, Daud Baru were junked for failure to file appellant’s brief, which contains arguments why the lower court ruling must be reversed.
Set to be freed is Marvin Vincent Rueca, who was acquitted because he was able to prove that he was working at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Manila during the abduction.
The appellate court also required the ASG members to pay P5.2 million to the victims and families of the kidnapping incident, which cost the lives of Martin, Guillermo Sobero, Eldren Morales, Armando Bayona and Sonny Dacquer.
To recall, the ASG assaulted the resort on May 27, 2001 and brought with them people to Basilan through speedboats.
Businessman Reghis Romero was freed on June 2, 2001 in Lamitan, Basilan after paying ransom while Gracia was rescued by soldiers on June 7, 2002 in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/19/ca-affirms-conviction-dos-palmas-kidnappers-278372
ELEVEN members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf will continue to suffer in jail for abducting 20 people including American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan nearly 12 years ago.
The Court of Appeals (CA) said Wednesday the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 69 did not commit any error in late 2007 when it penalized members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with 20 counts of life imprisonment for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
Convicted are Bas Ismael, Bashier Ordonez, Sonny Asali, Margani Iblong Hapilon, Radzmar Sangkula, Kamar Ilias Ismael Jaafar, Guillermo Salcedo, Haber Akimuddin Asari, Tuting Hannoh while the petitions of Alzen Jandul, Daud Baru were junked for failure to file appellant’s brief, which contains arguments why the lower court ruling must be reversed.
Set to be freed is Marvin Vincent Rueca, who was acquitted because he was able to prove that he was working at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Manila during the abduction.
The appellate court also required the ASG members to pay P5.2 million to the victims and families of the kidnapping incident, which cost the lives of Martin, Guillermo Sobero, Eldren Morales, Armando Bayona and Sonny Dacquer.
To recall, the ASG assaulted the resort on May 27, 2001 and brought with them people to Basilan through speedboats.
Businessman Reghis Romero was freed on June 2, 2001 in Lamitan, Basilan after paying ransom while Gracia was rescued by soldiers on June 7, 2002 in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/19/ca-affirms-conviction-dos-palmas-kidnappers-278372
Rebs seize policeman after 2 other cops escape
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 20): Rebs seize policeman after 2 other cops escape
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Friday seized another police officer, this time in North Cotabato, barely a day after the two policemen they had earlier abducted in Agusan del Sur made a daring escape from captivity.
PO2 Mike Ali, a member of the town’s police force, was walking to his farm in Barangay Tahontong with his wife and son when they were snatched by NPA rebels at around 10 a.m., according to Felix Patrimonio, administrator of Arakan town in North Cotabato.
Patrimonio said Ali’s wife and son were unharmed and were subsequently released by the rebels. “It was she who alerted the police about her husband’s abduction,” Patrimonio said.
The authorities immediately launched a manhunt operation, he added.
In Agusan del Sur, the NPA had confirmed the escape of P01 Nemuel España and P02 Allan Muñez on Thursday.
NPA rebels seized the two officers on Monday as the two were returning to a police station in Loreto township in southern Agusan del Sur province after investigating an incident in a nearby village.
Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo said that late Thursday, Muñez was able to grab an AK-47 rifle from one of the guards and shoot him and another guerrilla. The officers then fled from the rebel camp but got separated.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/394059/rebs-seize-policeman-after-2-other-cops-escape
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on Friday seized another police officer, this time in North Cotabato, barely a day after the two policemen they had earlier abducted in Agusan del Sur made a daring escape from captivity.
PO2 Mike Ali, a member of the town’s police force, was walking to his farm in Barangay Tahontong with his wife and son when they were snatched by NPA rebels at around 10 a.m., according to Felix Patrimonio, administrator of Arakan town in North Cotabato.
Patrimonio said Ali’s wife and son were unharmed and were subsequently released by the rebels. “It was she who alerted the police about her husband’s abduction,” Patrimonio said.
The authorities immediately launched a manhunt operation, he added.
In Agusan del Sur, the NPA had confirmed the escape of P01 Nemuel España and P02 Allan Muñez on Thursday.
NPA rebels seized the two officers on Monday as the two were returning to a police station in Loreto township in southern Agusan del Sur province after investigating an incident in a nearby village.
Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo said that late Thursday, Muñez was able to grab an AK-47 rifle from one of the guards and shoot him and another guerrilla. The officers then fled from the rebel camp but got separated.
It was unclear if the guerrillas were killed or just wounded.
Ka Aris Francisco, NPA spokesperson in Agusan del Sur, said in a media statement that the NPA now considers the two policemen “fugitives,” who would be “rearrested” on sight.
He did not provide details involving the escape but the Caraga regional police office said Muñez was able to wrestle an AK47 from one of their guards and used this to shot two other rebels.
He and España then took advantage of the chaos and dashed toward their freedom.
The rebels said the officers were “arrested” at a gambling den following complaints from villagers that the pair was involved in extortion, drunken disturbances and drug pushing.
In the Caraga police report, Muñez, still clinging on to the AK47, reached the Loreto police station late night Thursday. España followed a few minutes later.
Jorge Madlos, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front in Mindanao, had earlier justified the seizure of the two police officers “because of mounting complaints against their unlawful activities.”
“There were also reports the two may have been involved in illegal drugs as well,” he said.
Francisco said while the NPA has gathered pieces of evidence that showed the two policemen had been abusive in their duties, their “crimes” were not enough to put them on trial by the revolutionary court.
Francisco said the NPA was to set free the two police officers, as it did to four militiamen, whom, guerrillas had also seized in Agusan del Sur this week. But because they had escaped from custody, they were now considered “fugitives from the laws of the People’s Democratic Government and are targets for rearrest.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/394059/rebs-seize-policeman-after-2-other-cops-escape
3 killed, 1 injured in surprise NPA attack
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 20): 3 killed, 1 injured in surprise NPA attack
Landmines detonated by the alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed one soldier, two Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary(CAA) and injured one while they were on their way to Brgy Tigbawon, Gandara Samar last April 18, 2013, at around 6:30 am.
In a report from Colonel Dante Barotilla, Commanding Officer of the Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 8th Infantry Division (ID), his troops from Purog CAA Detachment, Charlie Company, 52IB led by Sgt Ronald Dalumpines were conducting routine security operations when a civilian in the nearby barangay informed Dalumpines regarding the presence of armed men in the said barangay who were removing posters of local candidates and changing them with the posters of party list candidates.
When Dalumpines and his troops arrived in the vicinity of the barangay where the armed men were reportedly seen, three landmines exploded followed by burst of fire from automatic weapons targeting the troops which caused the death of one soldier and two CAAs.
Dalumpines and his men reportedly encountered around 30 NPA personnel. The fire fight lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew towards barangay San Antonio of same municipality bringing with them casualties.
“This incident will not stop us to go after the perpetrators (NPAs) not only to honor the sacrifices of our fallen comrades but more importantly to keep our communities of peace-loving people secure and away from harm,” Barotilla said.
Meanwhile, Capt. Amado Gutierrez, the Chief Public Affairs officer of 8ID disclosed that the recent incident which he described as a dastardly act of violence by the NPA is brazenly a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement On Respect For Human Rights And International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIL) as stipulated in Part III, Article 2, Section 15 of the accord which prohibits the use of landmine, and other laws on warfare.”
“This only proves once again the treachery that characterizes the NPAs,” Gutierrez said.
Moreover, Major General Gerardo T. Layug, Commander, 8ID stressed that the incident will not in any way deter the military to pursue the mandate entrusted to us “but rather steel our resolve to ‘Win the Peace’ in Eastern Visayas for the benefit of our people we have sworn to serve and secure.”
“We salute the heroism of our troops who unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of that lasting peace so that sustainable development will be attained for our people in this part of our country,” Layug added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=8477&sid=1&subid=5
Landmines detonated by the alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed one soldier, two Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary(CAA) and injured one while they were on their way to Brgy Tigbawon, Gandara Samar last April 18, 2013, at around 6:30 am.
In a report from Colonel Dante Barotilla, Commanding Officer of the Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion (IB), 8th Infantry Division (ID), his troops from Purog CAA Detachment, Charlie Company, 52IB led by Sgt Ronald Dalumpines were conducting routine security operations when a civilian in the nearby barangay informed Dalumpines regarding the presence of armed men in the said barangay who were removing posters of local candidates and changing them with the posters of party list candidates.
When Dalumpines and his troops arrived in the vicinity of the barangay where the armed men were reportedly seen, three landmines exploded followed by burst of fire from automatic weapons targeting the troops which caused the death of one soldier and two CAAs.
Dalumpines and his men reportedly encountered around 30 NPA personnel. The fire fight lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew towards barangay San Antonio of same municipality bringing with them casualties.
“This incident will not stop us to go after the perpetrators (NPAs) not only to honor the sacrifices of our fallen comrades but more importantly to keep our communities of peace-loving people secure and away from harm,” Barotilla said.
Meanwhile, Capt. Amado Gutierrez, the Chief Public Affairs officer of 8ID disclosed that the recent incident which he described as a dastardly act of violence by the NPA is brazenly a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement On Respect For Human Rights And International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIL) as stipulated in Part III, Article 2, Section 15 of the accord which prohibits the use of landmine, and other laws on warfare.”
“This only proves once again the treachery that characterizes the NPAs,” Gutierrez said.
Moreover, Major General Gerardo T. Layug, Commander, 8ID stressed that the incident will not in any way deter the military to pursue the mandate entrusted to us “but rather steel our resolve to ‘Win the Peace’ in Eastern Visayas for the benefit of our people we have sworn to serve and secure.”
“We salute the heroism of our troops who unfortunately paid the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of that lasting peace so that sustainable development will be attained for our people in this part of our country,” Layug added.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=8477&sid=1&subid=5
2 rebels killed in encounter with soldiers
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 20): 2 rebels killed in encounter with soldiers
Two unidentified men believed to be New People’s Army guerrillas were left dead after a 10-minute firefight with the Army in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, on Friday afternoon.
Maj. Angelo S. Guzman, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur, said the encounter happened in a wooded part of Barangay (village) Antipolo, Iriga City, at around 2:40 p.m.
A team of soldiers under the 42nd Infantry Battalion was patrolling the area when they encountered about 10 members of the New People’s Army, Guzman said.
None of the soldiers was hurt in the incident.
He said the Army was able to recover one M16 rifle and an M3653 assault rifle along with the bodies after the firefight, he said.
He added the Army had been on the lookout for the same group prior to the encounter after residents complained of extortion activities in the village.
Guzman said the bodies of the slain men were brought to the city proper, just about 1.3 kilometers from the encounter site, and placed in the custody of the city government awaiting families to claim them.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/394373/2-rebels-killed-in-encounter-with-soldiers
Two unidentified men believed to be New People’s Army guerrillas were left dead after a 10-minute firefight with the Army in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, on Friday afternoon.
Maj. Angelo S. Guzman, spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur, said the encounter happened in a wooded part of Barangay (village) Antipolo, Iriga City, at around 2:40 p.m.
A team of soldiers under the 42nd Infantry Battalion was patrolling the area when they encountered about 10 members of the New People’s Army, Guzman said.
None of the soldiers was hurt in the incident.
He said the Army was able to recover one M16 rifle and an M3653 assault rifle along with the bodies after the firefight, he said.
He added the Army had been on the lookout for the same group prior to the encounter after residents complained of extortion activities in the village.
Guzman said the bodies of the slain men were brought to the city proper, just about 1.3 kilometers from the encounter site, and placed in the custody of the city government awaiting families to claim them.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/394373/2-rebels-killed-in-encounter-with-soldiers
Abu Sayyaf kidnap police general's cousin
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 20): Abu Sayyaf kidnap police general's cousin
Gunmen believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) abducted on Saturday a 53-year old man morning in Sulu who turned out to be a cousin of a police general assigned in western part of Mindanao.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, director of the Sulu provincial police, said this was the second time that Reynato Yanga was kidnapped - the first was in 2005 wherein he allegedly did not cooperated with cops in terms of at least identifying his abductors.
"He owns a coffee shop in downtown Jolo where the incident occurred," said Freyra, adding that the incident happened at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Walled City.
While the incident occurred near the police station of Jolo, Freyra said there were heavy rains during the time of the incident, which might have prevented people from noticing the incident.
As soon as Yanga reportedly opened his coffee shop, at least five armed men barged inside and took him at gunpoint.
He was then boarded on a multicab before they the getaway car took off, leaving behind a motorcycle that was also used by the perpetrators.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in Barangay Asturias.
"We believe that this is a case of kidnap-for-ransom," said Freyra.
Yanga is reportedly a cousin of Chief Supt. Mario Yanga, the deputy regional director for Administration - the number two man in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Freyra said pursuit operations headed by the elite Marine commandos have already been launched to safely recover the victim.
Asked about the suspect, Freyra said they believe it was perpetrated by the Urban Terrorist Group of the Abu Sayyaf.
Kidnapping-for-ransom is a common easy money scheme in most parts of central and western part of Mindanao.
Aside from ASG, other armed groups are also engaged in the illegal activity, with some of them turning over their victim to the Abu Sayyaf, much like the recent case of Australian Warren Rodwell who was earlier released by his captors after allegedly paying P4 million.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=8496&sid=1&subid=5
Gunmen believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) abducted on Saturday a 53-year old man morning in Sulu who turned out to be a cousin of a police general assigned in western part of Mindanao.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, director of the Sulu provincial police, said this was the second time that Reynato Yanga was kidnapped - the first was in 2005 wherein he allegedly did not cooperated with cops in terms of at least identifying his abductors.
"He owns a coffee shop in downtown Jolo where the incident occurred," said Freyra, adding that the incident happened at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Walled City.
While the incident occurred near the police station of Jolo, Freyra said there were heavy rains during the time of the incident, which might have prevented people from noticing the incident.
As soon as Yanga reportedly opened his coffee shop, at least five armed men barged inside and took him at gunpoint.
He was then boarded on a multicab before they the getaway car took off, leaving behind a motorcycle that was also used by the perpetrators.
The vehicle was later found abandoned in Barangay Asturias.
"We believe that this is a case of kidnap-for-ransom," said Freyra.
Yanga is reportedly a cousin of Chief Supt. Mario Yanga, the deputy regional director for Administration - the number two man in the Zamboanga Peninsula region.
Freyra said pursuit operations headed by the elite Marine commandos have already been launched to safely recover the victim.
Asked about the suspect, Freyra said they believe it was perpetrated by the Urban Terrorist Group of the Abu Sayyaf.
Kidnapping-for-ransom is a common easy money scheme in most parts of central and western part of Mindanao.
Aside from ASG, other armed groups are also engaged in the illegal activity, with some of them turning over their victim to the Abu Sayyaf, much like the recent case of Australian Warren Rodwell who was earlier released by his captors after allegedly paying P4 million.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=8496&sid=1&subid=5
'Pablo' fact-finding mission stranded by 'military harassment'
From InterAksyon (Apr 20): 'Pablo' fact-finding mission stranded by 'military harassment'
Members of a fact-finding mission looking into the murder of a community leader and alleged irregularities in the delivery of relief to victims of typhoon “Pablo” were stranded Saturday night in a hinterland village of Baganga, Davao Oriental because of what they described as military harassment.
Among the 69 members of the mission are five journalists -- one from Manila-based Pinoy Weekly, another from Davao Today, two from Kilab Multimedia and a columnist of SunStar -- nuns, doctors, psycho-social therapist, scientists and human rights workers.
Reached by phone, Francis Morales, executive director of Balsa Mindanao, one of the mission organizers, said they were forced to spend Saturday night in Sitio Cabuyao in Barangay Binondo after the drivers of the trucks they were supposed to take back to Baganga proper abandoned their vehicles.
He said they were informed that soldiers of the 67th Infantry Battalion had “harassed” and scared off the drivers, “who had been waiting for us.”
InterAksyon is trying to contact the military for comment.
Morales said they had only enough food and water for the night and were worried about where to get provisions if there were any more delays on Sunday.
Marilou Tuburan of Davao Today said the village they were staying in was half a day’s walk from the town center and between two troop concentrations, one an hour’s walk away, the other about two hours’ walk distance.
Although Morales said they had not been directly threatened, “there are so many checkpoints” at which they were held at length since they started the mission on April 18.
“On April 19 alone, we had to go through five checkpoints,” he said.
Aside from this, Morales said they had to clear logs and rocks residents had informed them had been placed on the roads by soldiers, apparently to block their way.
“At one point, the road was actually dug up,” he said.
Among the mission’s objectives is to investigate the death of Cristina Morales Jose, a councilwoman of Binondo and a leader of Barug Katawhan, an organization of Pablo survivors form Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
She was gunned down on March 4, about a week after she joined Pablo survivors who staged protests at the Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Davao City over what they said was the delayed and anomalous delivery of relief.
The mission is also looking into reports that the distribution of relief goods is being used by some politicians to boost their candidacy in the May 13 elections.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59899/pablo-fact-finding-mission-stranded-by-military-harassment
Members of a fact-finding mission looking into the murder of a community leader and alleged irregularities in the delivery of relief to victims of typhoon “Pablo” were stranded Saturday night in a hinterland village of Baganga, Davao Oriental because of what they described as military harassment.
Among the 69 members of the mission are five journalists -- one from Manila-based Pinoy Weekly, another from Davao Today, two from Kilab Multimedia and a columnist of SunStar -- nuns, doctors, psycho-social therapist, scientists and human rights workers.
Reached by phone, Francis Morales, executive director of Balsa Mindanao, one of the mission organizers, said they were forced to spend Saturday night in Sitio Cabuyao in Barangay Binondo after the drivers of the trucks they were supposed to take back to Baganga proper abandoned their vehicles.
He said they were informed that soldiers of the 67th Infantry Battalion had “harassed” and scared off the drivers, “who had been waiting for us.”
InterAksyon is trying to contact the military for comment.
Morales said they had only enough food and water for the night and were worried about where to get provisions if there were any more delays on Sunday.
Marilou Tuburan of Davao Today said the village they were staying in was half a day’s walk from the town center and between two troop concentrations, one an hour’s walk away, the other about two hours’ walk distance.
Although Morales said they had not been directly threatened, “there are so many checkpoints” at which they were held at length since they started the mission on April 18.
“On April 19 alone, we had to go through five checkpoints,” he said.
Aside from this, Morales said they had to clear logs and rocks residents had informed them had been placed on the roads by soldiers, apparently to block their way.
“At one point, the road was actually dug up,” he said.
Among the mission’s objectives is to investigate the death of Cristina Morales Jose, a councilwoman of Binondo and a leader of Barug Katawhan, an organization of Pablo survivors form Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.
She was gunned down on March 4, about a week after she joined Pablo survivors who staged protests at the Department of Social Welfare and Development office in Davao City over what they said was the delayed and anomalous delivery of relief.
The mission is also looking into reports that the distribution of relief goods is being used by some politicians to boost their candidacy in the May 13 elections.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59899/pablo-fact-finding-mission-stranded-by-military-harassment
No compromise in Tubbataha-Chinese vessel case
From Rappler (Apr 20): No compromise in Tubbataha-Chinese vessel case
ARRESTED. These Chinese fishermen are facing criminal and administrative charges. Photo from the Facebook account of theTubbataha
Reefs Natural
Park
The government will pursue charges against 12 Chinese fishermen caught in a vessel that ran aground in Tubbataha, Malacañang said Saturday, April 20.
The 157-foot ship was removed from Tubbataha, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reef, on Friday, April 19.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte noted that charges had already been filed against the Chinese fishermen. She said the government does not see any basis for a compromise. "We never compromise on the damages, those are mandated by law, and those are done and valued according to what the law dictates so we only follow the law," Valte said over dzRB.
Chinese officials based in Manila have reportedly been pushing for the release of the fishermen, who face charges of poaching and attempted bribery. Both of those charges carry maximum jail sentences of 12 years.
Prosecutors said the fishermen, who were arraigned Friday, tried to bribe Tubbataha rangers, offering them US$2,400 to be released.
Avoid repeat
Lawyers and various sectors in Palawan have complained about the fact that previously detained Chinese nationals caught poaching on Philippine waters were usually just deported, the charges against them eventually dropped.
The 12 Chinese fishermen have been in detention since sanctuary rangers on April 8 found their vessel jammed onto the Tubbataha Reef, roughly 1,600 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass.
Hundreds of dead pangolins or scaly anteaters - a protected species - were later discovered in their ship.
At a hearing in Puerto Princesa Friday, the men entered a plea of not guilty to the poaching charge, while their lawyer Alex Jagmiz asked for more time to prepare his case.
Serious charges are also being prepared over possession of the pangolins.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/27020-no-compromise-tubbataha-chinese-vessel-case
ARRESTED. These Chinese fishermen are facing criminal and administrative charges. Photo from the Facebook account of the
The government will pursue charges against 12 Chinese fishermen caught in a vessel that ran aground in Tubbataha, Malacañang said Saturday, April 20.
The 157-foot ship was removed from Tubbataha, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reef, on Friday, April 19.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte noted that charges had already been filed against the Chinese fishermen. She said the government does not see any basis for a compromise. "We never compromise on the damages, those are mandated by law, and those are done and valued according to what the law dictates so we only follow the law," Valte said over dzRB.
Chinese officials based in Manila have reportedly been pushing for the release of the fishermen, who face charges of poaching and attempted bribery. Both of those charges carry maximum jail sentences of 12 years.
Prosecutors said the fishermen, who were arraigned Friday, tried to bribe Tubbataha rangers, offering them US$2,400 to be released.
Avoid repeat
Lawyers and various sectors in Palawan have complained about the fact that previously detained Chinese nationals caught poaching on Philippine waters were usually just deported, the charges against them eventually dropped.
The 12 Chinese fishermen have been in detention since sanctuary rangers on April 8 found their vessel jammed onto the Tubbataha Reef, roughly 1,600 kilometers from China's nearest major landmass.
Hundreds of dead pangolins or scaly anteaters - a protected species - were later discovered in their ship.
At a hearing in Puerto Princesa Friday, the men entered a plea of not guilty to the poaching charge, while their lawyer Alex Jagmiz asked for more time to prepare his case.
Serious charges are also being prepared over possession of the pangolins.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/27020-no-compromise-tubbataha-chinese-vessel-case
30IB commemorates 40th Founding Anniversary
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19): 30IB commemorates 40th Founding Anniversary
The 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, Philippine Army (30IB, PA) commemorated recently its 40th Founding Anniversary through the conduct of various activities that emphasized the Philippine Army’s commitment to continuously support the nation’s goal of environment protection, delivery of social services to the people, and development.
Seventy-four youngsters were circumcised and given free medicine during the joint Operation “Tuli” and 60 children benefited in a Mass Feeding program conducted by the 30IB, PA in cooperation with the Provincial Health Office, Barangay Council of Banbanon, 4th Forward Support Medical Company, Service Support Battalio,4ID, PA, held at the Barangay Gymnasium of Barangay Banbanon, San Francisco, and at the Headquarters of 30IB in Sta. Cruz, Placer, all in Surigao del Norte.
Fifty assorted fruit-bearing trees were also planted during the tree-planting activity at the Military Reservation Area in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
The commemoration culminated with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Msgr. Tirso Alcala, parish priest of Barangay Sta. Cruz, attended by military personnel, dependents, and visitors held at the battalion's headquarters.
In his message, 30IB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Vincent B. Iringan said that the 30IB troop continues to reach out to be stakeholders’ partner for peace and development and build a strong foundation of trust and confidence with the local government units, local government agencies, and other stakeholders in the communities.
He also said that the troops had proven once again among the communities "that no matter how different our views in life are, and regardless of our profession, we can unite for a common goal and that is to have peaceful and developed communities."
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1721366338216
The 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, Philippine Army (30IB, PA) commemorated recently its 40th Founding Anniversary through the conduct of various activities that emphasized the Philippine Army’s commitment to continuously support the nation’s goal of environment protection, delivery of social services to the people, and development.
Seventy-four youngsters were circumcised and given free medicine during the joint Operation “Tuli” and 60 children benefited in a Mass Feeding program conducted by the 30IB, PA in cooperation with the Provincial Health Office, Barangay Council of Banbanon, 4th Forward Support Medical Company, Service Support Battalio,4ID, PA, held at the Barangay Gymnasium of Barangay Banbanon, San Francisco, and at the Headquarters of 30IB in Sta. Cruz, Placer, all in Surigao del Norte.
Fifty assorted fruit-bearing trees were also planted during the tree-planting activity at the Military Reservation Area in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte.
The commemoration culminated with a Thanksgiving Mass officiated by Msgr. Tirso Alcala, parish priest of Barangay Sta. Cruz, attended by military personnel, dependents, and visitors held at the battalion's headquarters.
In his message, 30IB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Vincent B. Iringan said that the 30IB troop continues to reach out to be stakeholders’ partner for peace and development and build a strong foundation of trust and confidence with the local government units, local government agencies, and other stakeholders in the communities.
He also said that the troops had proven once again among the communities "that no matter how different our views in life are, and regardless of our profession, we can unite for a common goal and that is to have peaceful and developed communities."
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1721366338216
Moro NGO strengthens speakers’s bureau for FAB campaign
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19): Moro NGO strengthens speakers’s bureau for FAB campaign
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Moro rights advocate Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) is empowering its members as well as area coordinators and coordinators with regard to communicating the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) by holding a speakers’ bureau training.
The training held in nearby Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province from April 15 – 16 was conducted in partnership with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute with support from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).
The training sought to raise the awareness on the FAB as well as the prospects and opportunities that it’s final implementation would bring as well as build the capacities of the participants as peace advocates and communicators as they inform their respective communities about the agreement.
“Let us advocate peace and justice towards genuine governance in our homeland, the Bangsamoro. We are fighting for justice, so we must be just in seeking our right to self-determination," Esmael A. Abdula, KDFI senior programs advisor told the participants.
Abdula presented the history of the Mindanao conflict, including its root causes and the status.
He stressed that the FAB is the key towards the establishment of a Just, Peaceful and Humane society in Mindanao.
Meanwhile Nasrullah Mohammad, MILF focal person for the humanitarian, rehabilitation development component of the International Monitoring Team, explained the FAB which was signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He shared inputs on the Bangsamoro territory, identity, and the Bangsamoro basic law being framed by the Transition Commission. He also shared insights on the current conversation on the revenue generation, wealth and power sharing, basic rights and normalization.
“If ever the Agreements of both panels are implemented, there will be social, political, economic, cultural and traditional empowerments in our homeland. We have to work harder to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” he concluded.
Susan “Toots” Ople, president of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute shared strategies and techniques to become good communicators.
“To become a speakers’ bureau member is a responsibility, mission, and struggle of individuals to inform the people thru information campaigns in support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Ople said.
“Knowing Bangsamoro is an excitement to everyone who is looking for peace and justice in Mindanao. It is an opportunity for all to invest in businesses, build infrastructures, livelihood projects, big institutions of learning and develop beautiful landscapes in Mindanao,” she added.
Estelle Ople Osorio, director for training and education of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, walked the participants through public speaking tools and techniques for effective speech delivery.
A workshop provided an opportunity for participants to apply those techniques.
Participants were from the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611366349147
KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato -- Moro rights advocate Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) is empowering its members as well as area coordinators and coordinators with regard to communicating the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) by holding a speakers’ bureau training.
The training held in nearby Tacurong City in Sultan Kudarat province from April 15 – 16 was conducted in partnership with the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute with support from the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPAPP).
The training sought to raise the awareness on the FAB as well as the prospects and opportunities that it’s final implementation would bring as well as build the capacities of the participants as peace advocates and communicators as they inform their respective communities about the agreement.
“Let us advocate peace and justice towards genuine governance in our homeland, the Bangsamoro. We are fighting for justice, so we must be just in seeking our right to self-determination," Esmael A. Abdula, KDFI senior programs advisor told the participants.
Abdula presented the history of the Mindanao conflict, including its root causes and the status.
He stressed that the FAB is the key towards the establishment of a Just, Peaceful and Humane society in Mindanao.
Meanwhile Nasrullah Mohammad, MILF focal person for the humanitarian, rehabilitation development component of the International Monitoring Team, explained the FAB which was signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He shared inputs on the Bangsamoro territory, identity, and the Bangsamoro basic law being framed by the Transition Commission. He also shared insights on the current conversation on the revenue generation, wealth and power sharing, basic rights and normalization.
“If ever the Agreements of both panels are implemented, there will be social, political, economic, cultural and traditional empowerments in our homeland. We have to work harder to support the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” he concluded.
Susan “Toots” Ople, president of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute shared strategies and techniques to become good communicators.
“To become a speakers’ bureau member is a responsibility, mission, and struggle of individuals to inform the people thru information campaigns in support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro,” Ople said.
“Knowing Bangsamoro is an excitement to everyone who is looking for peace and justice in Mindanao. It is an opportunity for all to invest in businesses, build infrastructures, livelihood projects, big institutions of learning and develop beautiful landscapes in Mindanao,” she added.
Estelle Ople Osorio, director for training and education of Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, walked the participants through public speaking tools and techniques for effective speech delivery.
A workshop provided an opportunity for participants to apply those techniques.
Participants were from the provinces of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1611366349147
Military commanders propose measures to strengthen disaster preparedness
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 18): Military commanders propose measures to strengthen disaster preparedness
COMPOSTELA VALLEY -- Military commanders in typhoon Pablo-hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental have proposed measures to strengthen disaster preparedness, mitigation and response during the recently conducted Typhoon Pablo Lessons Learned/After Action Review.
The review was organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN OCHA) in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), held in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley and in Mati City in Davao Oriental.
During the workshops which were aimed to identify successes, challenges and recommendations, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Angelito De Leon suggested the need to adopt a sisterhood policy with other local government units (LGUs) to establish an automatic response during disaster.
Citing typhoon Pablo as experienced in badly-hit towns in the Compostela Valley towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Montevista, Monkayo and Laak, he said rescuers and responders were victims themselves who would have needed help from areas not affected by the typhoon.
“If the sister town of New Bataan would have been a town of Davao del Norte which was not affected, then, there would have been automatic response. Same with the barangays; that would become an automatic standard operating procedure to respond,” he said.
Handling area of responsibility (AOR) covering Compostela Valley, De Leon also proposed to tap military reservists to form part of the first response teams at the barangay level.
“We have organized reservists whom we can call upon to serve during emergencies, during disaster,” he said.
Holding military ranks, reservists are organized and trained inactive force multipliers of the military, who can be called to serve the country in times of war but, De Leon said they can become active force to carry out emergency response during calamities upon orders of the military.
Meanwhile, to address possible communication break down during disaster, De Leon saw the need for LGUs down to the barangay level to set up a back up communication system using hand-held radios such as ICOMS and Motorola, aside from having telecommunication services.
“We suggest that LGUs should be equipped with civilian type of radio communication system as alternative to cellular phones, “ he said gleaning from the bogged down communication when Typhoon Pablo toppled telco lines and towers.
In a workshop in Mati City, 67th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela saw the need for humanitarian response hub to be set up close to the area that it serves, to cut short the travel time of delivering goods and services.
In an interview, Mortela further aired his views of better preparing for disaster such clearing of residential houses in geographically risky areas along river banks and shorelines.
He also pointed out the importance of pre-identifying evacuation centers built and designed according to standards to withstand natural calamities such as typhoon.
He moved on to suggest ways of seriously protecting the environment saying mountains need not be robbed of its trees but they instead be replanted to recover vegetation as natural protection from landslides and flashfloods.
Mortela also saw the need for food security in times of disaster; not only stockpiling of relief goods but preparing the kind of crops that can easily be grown to provide immediate sustenance after occurrence of natural calamities.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1541366188517
COMPOSTELA VALLEY -- Military commanders in typhoon Pablo-hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental have proposed measures to strengthen disaster preparedness, mitigation and response during the recently conducted Typhoon Pablo Lessons Learned/After Action Review.
The review was organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN OCHA) in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), held in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley and in Mati City in Davao Oriental.
During the workshops which were aimed to identify successes, challenges and recommendations, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Angelito De Leon suggested the need to adopt a sisterhood policy with other local government units (LGUs) to establish an automatic response during disaster.
Citing typhoon Pablo as experienced in badly-hit towns in the Compostela Valley towns of New Bataan, Compostela, Montevista, Monkayo and Laak, he said rescuers and responders were victims themselves who would have needed help from areas not affected by the typhoon.
“If the sister town of New Bataan would have been a town of Davao del Norte which was not affected, then, there would have been automatic response. Same with the barangays; that would become an automatic standard operating procedure to respond,” he said.
Handling area of responsibility (AOR) covering Compostela Valley, De Leon also proposed to tap military reservists to form part of the first response teams at the barangay level.
“We have organized reservists whom we can call upon to serve during emergencies, during disaster,” he said.
Holding military ranks, reservists are organized and trained inactive force multipliers of the military, who can be called to serve the country in times of war but, De Leon said they can become active force to carry out emergency response during calamities upon orders of the military.
Meanwhile, to address possible communication break down during disaster, De Leon saw the need for LGUs down to the barangay level to set up a back up communication system using hand-held radios such as ICOMS and Motorola, aside from having telecommunication services.
“We suggest that LGUs should be equipped with civilian type of radio communication system as alternative to cellular phones, “ he said gleaning from the bogged down communication when Typhoon Pablo toppled telco lines and towers.
In a workshop in Mati City, 67th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Krishnamurti Mortela saw the need for humanitarian response hub to be set up close to the area that it serves, to cut short the travel time of delivering goods and services.
In an interview, Mortela further aired his views of better preparing for disaster such clearing of residential houses in geographically risky areas along river banks and shorelines.
He also pointed out the importance of pre-identifying evacuation centers built and designed according to standards to withstand natural calamities such as typhoon.
He moved on to suggest ways of seriously protecting the environment saying mountains need not be robbed of its trees but they instead be replanted to recover vegetation as natural protection from landslides and flashfloods.
Mortela also saw the need for food security in times of disaster; not only stockpiling of relief goods but preparing the kind of crops that can easily be grown to provide immediate sustenance after occurrence of natural calamities.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1541366188517
Army confident of insurgency waning in Davao Oriental as government addresses roots of dissent
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19): Army confident of insurgency waning in Davao Oriental as government addresses roots of dissent
A top military officer expressed confidence that the insurgency problem in Davao Oriental will totally die down as the government and stakeholders continue to reach out and strengthen the effort to assist former rebels to start life anew.
Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade said the provision of livelihood checks to the nine rebel returnees only shows the seriousness of government to address the roots of insurgency.
“This endeavor proves that the government, along with its various agencies, civic and volunteer organization partners, are sincere in resolving insurgency in the country,” he said.
1Lt. Isis Achanzar said that nine former rebels received a total of P495,000 livelihood assistance during the launching of the half-way house for former rebels and the turn-over of the insurgency campaign from the military to the local government of Davao Oriental last week.
The amount was divided equally to the returnees with each of them receiving P55,000.
She recalled that eighty former rebels in the area were also given livelihood training skills and financial assistance in 2012.
“Majority of them avail of the services from government provided through the halfway house in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Achanzar said.
Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental said the halfway house is designed to prepare the former rebels to be integrated back to their community.
She said facility will provide comprehensive services such as counselling sessions, spiritual enrichment services, educational services, health services, skills and livelihood trainings, sports development, therapy session and workshops coming from various agencies.
“With all these interventions, we look at the half-way house as a project that will provide an environment for the total healing and preparation of rebel returnees for complete integration in mainstream society,” Malanyaon said.
One of the recipients could hardly believe that he is one of the beneficiaries.
Angelo Corte was overwhelmed and thanked the government that despite their involvement in the rebel group, they were given a chance to return to the folds of the law.
“I am very thankful that even being a rebel before, I can still benefit such things from the government,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381366248353
A top military officer expressed confidence that the insurgency problem in Davao Oriental will totally die down as the government and stakeholders continue to reach out and strengthen the effort to assist former rebels to start life anew.
Colonel Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade said the provision of livelihood checks to the nine rebel returnees only shows the seriousness of government to address the roots of insurgency.
“This endeavor proves that the government, along with its various agencies, civic and volunteer organization partners, are sincere in resolving insurgency in the country,” he said.
1Lt. Isis Achanzar said that nine former rebels received a total of P495,000 livelihood assistance during the launching of the half-way house for former rebels and the turn-over of the insurgency campaign from the military to the local government of Davao Oriental last week.
The amount was divided equally to the returnees with each of them receiving P55,000.
She recalled that eighty former rebels in the area were also given livelihood training skills and financial assistance in 2012.
“Majority of them avail of the services from government provided through the halfway house in Barangay Don Martin Marundan in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Achanzar said.
Governor Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental said the halfway house is designed to prepare the former rebels to be integrated back to their community.
She said facility will provide comprehensive services such as counselling sessions, spiritual enrichment services, educational services, health services, skills and livelihood trainings, sports development, therapy session and workshops coming from various agencies.
“With all these interventions, we look at the half-way house as a project that will provide an environment for the total healing and preparation of rebel returnees for complete integration in mainstream society,” Malanyaon said.
One of the recipients could hardly believe that he is one of the beneficiaries.
Angelo Corte was overwhelmed and thanked the government that despite their involvement in the rebel group, they were given a chance to return to the folds of the law.
“I am very thankful that even being a rebel before, I can still benefit such things from the government,” he said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381366248353
New WESCOM chief vows support for Palawan development
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 18): New WESCOM chief vows support for Palawan development
The new chief of the Western Command, Maj. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero has pledged to double security efforts in Palawan to help the province achieve its development goals.
Guerrero, who replaced Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban as WESCOM commander last April 1, said in a statement he would continue focusing on the three major aspects of developmental support for the province - that of ensuring territorial integrity of the areas under the command's jurisdiction, enhancing disaster response management, and strengthening partnerships with the civil groups – “with a doubled military effort.”
"We will address the internal security concerns, we will continue to support the environmental groups and local government units' initiatives to sustain environmental protection efforts and, of course, we will find ways to further enhance disaster response in the province," Guerrero assured.
He said these tasks are not new to him, having served as PMC Commandant prior to his appointment as WESCOM chief because he has been undertaking the same in other parts of the country where he was assigned.
"We will put the right people on the ground and we will assure you that [the military] will continue working with the people of Palawan to achieve the purpose of our presence here [in the province]," the newly-installed WESCOM commanding general said.
Guerrero also said, he is not daunted by the challenges posed by limited resources that WESCOM has at its disposal because he believes the men and women of the different units under the Unified Command can augment its lack of physical assets.
The marine officer, however, stressed that “the cooperation of the local community is an essential factor in ensuring the success of the military's mission.”
He appeals to the public to observe the spirit of "Bayanihan" or communal volunteerism that is the core of the military's Internal Peace and Security Plan.
Guerrero previously served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Brigade and as Superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981.
He finished his Masters of Military Study and Command and Staff College in Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, USA; took up Foreign Officers Tactical Intelligence Course in Queensland, Australia, and tactical, operational and strategic command courses in various military institutions in the country.
Prior to his assumption as commandant on August 24, 2010, he was the commander of the Joint Task Force Comet for almost one year in Sulu.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421366171641
The new chief of the Western Command, Maj. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero has pledged to double security efforts in Palawan to help the province achieve its development goals.
Guerrero, who replaced Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban as WESCOM commander last April 1, said in a statement he would continue focusing on the three major aspects of developmental support for the province - that of ensuring territorial integrity of the areas under the command's jurisdiction, enhancing disaster response management, and strengthening partnerships with the civil groups – “with a doubled military effort.”
"We will address the internal security concerns, we will continue to support the environmental groups and local government units' initiatives to sustain environmental protection efforts and, of course, we will find ways to further enhance disaster response in the province," Guerrero assured.
He said these tasks are not new to him, having served as PMC Commandant prior to his appointment as WESCOM chief because he has been undertaking the same in other parts of the country where he was assigned.
"We will put the right people on the ground and we will assure you that [the military] will continue working with the people of Palawan to achieve the purpose of our presence here [in the province]," the newly-installed WESCOM commanding general said.
Guerrero also said, he is not daunted by the challenges posed by limited resources that WESCOM has at its disposal because he believes the men and women of the different units under the Unified Command can augment its lack of physical assets.
The marine officer, however, stressed that “the cooperation of the local community is an essential factor in ensuring the success of the military's mission.”
He appeals to the public to observe the spirit of "Bayanihan" or communal volunteerism that is the core of the military's Internal Peace and Security Plan.
Guerrero previously served as Commanding Officer of the 1st Marine Brigade and as Superintendent of the Marine Corps Training Center. He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1981.
He finished his Masters of Military Study and Command and Staff College in Marine Corps University in Quantico, Virginia, USA; took up Foreign Officers Tactical Intelligence Course in Queensland, Australia, and tactical, operational and strategic command courses in various military institutions in the country.
Prior to his assumption as commandant on August 24, 2010, he was the commander of the Joint Task Force Comet for almost one year in Sulu.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421366171641
4ID New Operations Officer assumes
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 18): 4ID New Operations Officer assumes
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- A simple turn-over ceremony of the new Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division was held at the Command Conference Room, April 17.
Lieutenant Colonel George L Banzon assumed the position as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation.
Prior to this assignment, Lt Colonel Banzon held various positions in the Philippine Army such as; the Operation Officer of 403RD Infantry Brigade in 2005; Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of 4ID in 2006; Group Commander, 4TH Army Training Group, Training Doctrine and Command Philippine Army in 2009; Commanding Officer, 4TH Division Training Unit 2010; and his most recent designation was being the Battalion Commander of the 58TH Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion based in Migbanday, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
Lieutenant Colonel Banzon in his message committed to continue the effort in improving the operational capability of the Division. He added that he will strictly implement existing standard operating procedures and policies in relation to military operation, and will exert efforts to formulate more policies to improve more the systems in place.
Colonel Maurito L Licudine, relinquished his command and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support extended by the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the office during his two years tenure as the Divisions Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3. He also expressed deep gratitude to the Commander, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division for the trust and confidence on him letting him continue to serve in position which he held for more than two years.
Major General Nestor A Añonuevo, Commander, 4ID, extended his congratulations to Col Licudine as the outgoing Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3 and to Ltc Banzon as the incoming Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3.
“I’m very thankful to Col Licudine for his dedication of service as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3 and for his contributions to the accomplishment of the command’s missions which helped in improving the peace, security and development in the Division’s Area of Responsibility. To Ltc Banzon, you have my confidence that you are the right person for the position, your experiences prepared you for this and I believed that you can equal or even surpass what Col Licudine had accomplished,” Major General Añonuevo said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461366247032
CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- A simple turn-over ceremony of the new Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division was held at the Command Conference Room, April 17.
Lieutenant Colonel George L Banzon assumed the position as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation.
Prior to this assignment, Lt Colonel Banzon held various positions in the Philippine Army such as; the Operation Officer of 403RD Infantry Brigade in 2005; Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, G3 of 4ID in 2006; Group Commander, 4TH Army Training Group, Training Doctrine and Command Philippine Army in 2009; Commanding Officer, 4TH Division Training Unit 2010; and his most recent designation was being the Battalion Commander of the 58TH Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion based in Migbanday, Claveria, Misamis Oriental.
Lieutenant Colonel Banzon in his message committed to continue the effort in improving the operational capability of the Division. He added that he will strictly implement existing standard operating procedures and policies in relation to military operation, and will exert efforts to formulate more policies to improve more the systems in place.
Colonel Maurito L Licudine, relinquished his command and expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering support extended by the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the office during his two years tenure as the Divisions Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3. He also expressed deep gratitude to the Commander, 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division for the trust and confidence on him letting him continue to serve in position which he held for more than two years.
Major General Nestor A Añonuevo, Commander, 4ID, extended his congratulations to Col Licudine as the outgoing Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3 and to Ltc Banzon as the incoming Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3.
“I’m very thankful to Col Licudine for his dedication of service as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operation, G3 and for his contributions to the accomplishment of the command’s missions which helped in improving the peace, security and development in the Division’s Area of Responsibility. To Ltc Banzon, you have my confidence that you are the right person for the position, your experiences prepared you for this and I believed that you can equal or even surpass what Col Licudine had accomplished,” Major General Añonuevo said.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461366247032
87th Army battalion in Samar cited for excellent performance
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): 87th Army battalion in Samar cited for
excellent performance
The Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry “Hinirang” Battalion, the youngest army battalion deployed inSamar to augment the
troops in the area and to beef up the government’s counterinsurgency drive, was
cited for its commendable achievements in its three years stint in the
province.
Gen. Gerardo Layug, commander of the 8th Infantry Division based inCatbalogan City
87IB commander Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro, Jr. received two citations – the Most Combat Efficient and Central command Best Infantry Battalion - during its 3rd anniversary celebration.
Five soldiers and one militiaman were also awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Devices for their commendable engagement with the notorious NPA combatants.
Three years ago, the 87IB was activated pursuant to General Orders No. 145 dated April 9, 2010.
Consisting of about 500 soldiers, 190 of whom served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping teams inLiberia
and Haiti Samar- one of the areas with a huge concentration of
communist rebels.
In year 2012, aside from its series of minor accomplishments in its area of responsibility (AOR), the 87th IB big break came when they discovered the biggest NPA bomb factory in Paranas,Samar in 2012.
The battalion also neutralized one of the biggest security threats in the name of one Ka Beloy, a member of the Section Committee Isabela in March 2013.
All of these accomplishments were considered “a victory” by the military in its battle against the communist movement."
Meanwhile, the 87th IB celebrated their 3rd anniversary by planting trees, conducting fun run, medical and dental activities dedicated to the people of San Jose de Buan town.
Gen.Layug, other military officials and the Mayor Ananias Rebato lauded the men and women behind the 87th Infantry Battalion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=518205
The Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry “Hinirang” Battalion, the youngest army battalion deployed in
Gen. Gerardo Layug, commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in
87IB commander Lt. Colonel Cerilo Balaoro, Jr. received two citations – the Most Combat Efficient and Central command Best Infantry Battalion - during its 3rd anniversary celebration.
Five soldiers and one militiaman were also awarded Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Devices for their commendable engagement with the notorious NPA combatants.
Three years ago, the 87IB was activated pursuant to General Orders No. 145 dated April 9, 2010.
Consisting of about 500 soldiers, 190 of whom served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping teams in
In year 2012, aside from its series of minor accomplishments in its area of responsibility (AOR), the 87th IB big break came when they discovered the biggest NPA bomb factory in Paranas,
The battalion also neutralized one of the biggest security threats in the name of one Ka Beloy, a member of the Section Committee Isabela in March 2013.
All of these accomplishments were considered “a victory” by the military in its battle against the communist movement."
Meanwhile, the 87th IB celebrated their 3rd anniversary by planting trees, conducting fun run, medical and dental activities dedicated to the people of San Jose de Buan town.
Gen.Layug, other military officials and the Mayor Ananias Rebato lauded the men and women behind the 87th Infantry Battalion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=518205
Lamitan peace council requests deployment of additional troops
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 20): Lamitan peace council requests
deployment of additional troops
The Lamitan City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has requested the police and military authorities to augment its forces to prevent occurrence of violent incidents in that city.
The request was made through a resolution authored by Councilor Joaquin Puri that was approved during the CPOC emergency meeting on Friday.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay has convened the CPOC in an emergency meeting where they discussed measures to prevent further occurrence of violent incidents after two simultaneous bomb explosions rocked the city Thursday night.
Last April 13, three people, including a father of a mayoralty candidate, were wounded in a shooting incident.
The additional forces will help double up the security as they will assist and support the already deployed policemen and military forces in the maintenance of law and order inLamitan
City
The resolution was addressed to the Basilan police provincial command and the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade.
The CPOC also passed another resolution condemning in the strongest form Thursday night’s twin bombings and the April 13 shooting.
Thursday night’s twin bombings destroyed one of the campaign vehicles of Lamitan City Vice-Mayor Arleigh Eisma, who is running for mayor.
Wounded in last April 13’s shooting incident were Henry Furigay, the father of Councilor Hegem, who is running for mayor, Bernard Cuevas and Hadja Mariam Sergio.
Henry is the elder brother of Mayor Roderick Furigay, who is running for vice-mayor while his wife is seeking election for mayor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=518289
The Lamitan City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has requested the police and military authorities to augment its forces to prevent occurrence of violent incidents in that city.
The request was made through a resolution authored by Councilor Joaquin Puri that was approved during the CPOC emergency meeting on Friday.
Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay has convened the CPOC in an emergency meeting where they discussed measures to prevent further occurrence of violent incidents after two simultaneous bomb explosions rocked the city Thursday night.
Last April 13, three people, including a father of a mayoralty candidate, were wounded in a shooting incident.
The additional forces will help double up the security as they will assist and support the already deployed policemen and military forces in the maintenance of law and order in
The resolution was addressed to the Basilan police provincial command and the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade.
The CPOC also passed another resolution condemning in the strongest form Thursday night’s twin bombings and the April 13 shooting.
Thursday night’s twin bombings destroyed one of the campaign vehicles of Lamitan City Vice-Mayor Arleigh Eisma, who is running for mayor.
Wounded in last April 13’s shooting incident were Henry Furigay, the father of Councilor Hegem, who is running for mayor, Bernard Cuevas and Hadja Mariam Sergio.
Henry is the elder brother of Mayor Roderick Furigay, who is running for vice-mayor while his wife is seeking election for mayor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=518289
AFP winning battles vs insurgents in Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19): AFP winning battles vs insurgents in
Samar
Government troops are winning the battle against insurgents in this part ofSamar amid sporadic encounters between the two camps.
A report from the Philippine Army (PA) disclosed that a total of seven camps of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been recovered since the start of the year.
The latest was an NPA camp inSan Isidro in Northern Samar that was overtaken by the 20th Infantry
Battalion. The camp has 15 bunkers that accommodate more or less 20 people, a
kitchen, a comfort room and three outposts.
They also recovered four caliber .38 revolvers at the camp.
In Pambujan and Las Navas towns, a series of encounters also took place which resulted in the recovery of some explosives and war devices believed to be abandoned by the NPA’s Rudante Urtal Command operating inNorthern
Samar .
Recovered war items include eight landmines, two detonator sets, 10 pieces blasting caps and 200 meters long electrical wirings placed separately under the 22 NPA bunkers in the area.
The NPA camp has two kitchens and can accommodate 40 to 50 rebels. The military troops also recovered paraphernalia such as revolutionary song book, hand held radios, NPA codes, and assorted medicines.
In 2012, a total of 131 NPA camps was seized or discovered by the military. Eight camps were recovered with NPA resistance and 123 of these camps were seized without resistance.
Lt. Colonel Arvin R. Lagamon, commanding officer of the 63rd IB said the series of engagements against the NPA rebels is a clear manifestation that the government forces are continuously performing its tasks in securing the communities particularly inNorthern
Samar Province
“We will further strengthen and intensify our security operations to protect the lives of the innocent civilians from any terroristic activities of the NPA rebels in the communities,” Lagamon further said.
M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City while saying that the NPA defies the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) between the government and the NDF by using landmines in their terroristic activities, lauded his troops for their dedication in the service of the people and their efforts to accomplish their given tasks even at the risk of endangering their lives.
“The 8ID troops will continue in performing their mandate of protecting the people, securing the region and ensuring that the delivery of basic services to the people inEastern Visayas will remain
unhampered despite threat from the enemies,” Gen. Layug said in a statement.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=518107
Government troops are winning the battle against insurgents in this part of
A report from the Philippine Army (PA) disclosed that a total of seven camps of the New People’s Army (NPA) has been recovered since the start of the year.
The latest was an NPA camp in
They also recovered four caliber .38 revolvers at the camp.
In Pambujan and Las Navas towns, a series of encounters also took place which resulted in the recovery of some explosives and war devices believed to be abandoned by the NPA’s Rudante Urtal Command operating in
Recovered war items include eight landmines, two detonator sets, 10 pieces blasting caps and 200 meters long electrical wirings placed separately under the 22 NPA bunkers in the area.
The NPA camp has two kitchens and can accommodate 40 to 50 rebels. The military troops also recovered paraphernalia such as revolutionary song book, hand held radios, NPA codes, and assorted medicines.
In 2012, a total of 131 NPA camps was seized or discovered by the military. Eight camps were recovered with NPA resistance and 123 of these camps were seized without resistance.
Lt. Colonel Arvin R. Lagamon, commanding officer of the 63rd IB said the series of engagements against the NPA rebels is a clear manifestation that the government forces are continuously performing its tasks in securing the communities particularly in
“We will further strengthen and intensify our security operations to protect the lives of the innocent civilians from any terroristic activities of the NPA rebels in the communities,” Lagamon further said.
M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug, Commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Camp Lukban, Catbalogan City while saying that the NPA defies the signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) between the government and the NDF by using landmines in their terroristic activities, lauded his troops for their dedication in the service of the people and their efforts to accomplish their given tasks even at the risk of endangering their lives.
“The 8ID troops will continue in performing their mandate of protecting the people, securing the region and ensuring that the delivery of basic services to the people in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=518107
Morales: "'Pabaon' AFP officers not yet off the hook"
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19): Morales: "'Pabaon' AFP officers not
yet off the hook"
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday clarified that the respondents in the so-called "Pabaon" case are not yet off the hook.
It can be recalled Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the recommendations of the Ombudsman panel that twice reviewed the resolution of the Department of Justice which conducted the preliminary investigation of the complaint for plunder filed by complainant Col. George Rabusa.
In the two Ombudsman panel reports (one focusing on plunder and the other on possible violation of other crimes), the Ombudsman affirmed the DOJ panel's recommendation to dismiss the charges as against 11 respondents, and reversed the DOJ panels's finding of probable cause as against the 11 other respondents for insufficiency of evidence.
"It is up to the parties to avail, if they so wish, of the remedy of filing a motion for reconsideration. This is why the Office has been silent in discussing or explaining the merits of the case outside of those written in the approved report. One party might charge us of opening another party's eyes on what to do," Morales said.
Morales also clarified that contrary to allegations she did not exercise the power to conduct case build-up, she pointed out one of the recommendations she approved was the conduct of fact-finding investigation on the "alleged misuse or irregular purchase of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) sometime in 2001" and the request to the Commission on Audit (COA) to "conduct a Fraud Audit on the following projects: a) CMO Project Balik Baril Program, b) CMO Project Sunshine/Millennium Aurora, c) Utulization of MNL Personal Service Funds, [and] d) Utilization of funds covering the Allotment Advices[,]" and additionally on the "purchase of Howitzer Ammunition from the Government of Thailand and the bank account claimed by Rabusa that he opened and maintained[.]"
Morales disclosed the Ombudsman has been conducting a case build-up since September 2012, including requesting the COA Chairperson to submit copies of any COA audit findings on the said projects.
She explained she had expected to complete the case build-up within a few months after the Ombudsman panel reports were approved, so that a third report could encapsulate everything.
Considering, however, the additional time needed by the field investigators, the letters requesting early resolution of the review of the DOJ resolution, and the additional or entirely new evidence not touched upon in the DOJ proceedings which have been and could still be gathered from the Ombudsman case build-up, the Ombudsman decided to release the approved Ombudsman panel report months after their approval.
The Ombudsman panel, chaired by directors Ireneo Paldeng and Maria Olivia Elena Roxas, said the panel realized its authority to review was confined only to passing upon the findings and recommendations of the DOJ panel, and it was on this account it recommended the conduct of a case build-up by the Ombudsman and the conduct of a fraud audit by the COA.
"Not affording the respondents a chance to confront any new evidence that may surface during the case build-up will run afoul of the due process requirement," Paldeng said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=518075
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday clarified that the respondents in the so-called "Pabaon" case are not yet off the hook.
It can be recalled Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved the recommendations of the Ombudsman panel that twice reviewed the resolution of the Department of Justice which conducted the preliminary investigation of the complaint for plunder filed by complainant Col. George Rabusa.
In the two Ombudsman panel reports (one focusing on plunder and the other on possible violation of other crimes), the Ombudsman affirmed the DOJ panel's recommendation to dismiss the charges as against 11 respondents, and reversed the DOJ panels's finding of probable cause as against the 11 other respondents for insufficiency of evidence.
"It is up to the parties to avail, if they so wish, of the remedy of filing a motion for reconsideration. This is why the Office has been silent in discussing or explaining the merits of the case outside of those written in the approved report. One party might charge us of opening another party's eyes on what to do," Morales said.
Morales also clarified that contrary to allegations she did not exercise the power to conduct case build-up, she pointed out one of the recommendations she approved was the conduct of fact-finding investigation on the "alleged misuse or irregular purchase of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) sometime in 2001" and the request to the Commission on Audit (COA) to "conduct a Fraud Audit on the following projects: a) CMO Project Balik Baril Program, b) CMO Project Sunshine/Millennium Aurora, c) Utulization of MNL Personal Service Funds, [and] d) Utilization of funds covering the Allotment Advices[,]" and additionally on the "purchase of Howitzer Ammunition from the Government of Thailand and the bank account claimed by Rabusa that he opened and maintained[.]"
Morales disclosed the Ombudsman has been conducting a case build-up since September 2012, including requesting the COA Chairperson to submit copies of any COA audit findings on the said projects.
She explained she had expected to complete the case build-up within a few months after the Ombudsman panel reports were approved, so that a third report could encapsulate everything.
Considering, however, the additional time needed by the field investigators, the letters requesting early resolution of the review of the DOJ resolution, and the additional or entirely new evidence not touched upon in the DOJ proceedings which have been and could still be gathered from the Ombudsman case build-up, the Ombudsman decided to release the approved Ombudsman panel report months after their approval.
The Ombudsman panel, chaired by directors Ireneo Paldeng and Maria Olivia Elena Roxas, said the panel realized its authority to review was confined only to passing upon the findings and recommendations of the DOJ panel, and it was on this account it recommended the conduct of a case build-up by the Ombudsman and the conduct of a fraud audit by the COA.
"Not affording the respondents a chance to confront any new evidence that may surface during the case build-up will run afoul of the due process requirement," Paldeng said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=518075
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