Police arrest leader of notorious terrorist Al Khobar group

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 7): Police arrest leader of notorious terrorist Al Khobar group


Terrorist suspect Jabide Abdul alias Zabide/Beds, leader of Al Khobar Group. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/PNP-PIO
A leader of a notorious terrorist group believed to be responsible in several bomb attacks in Central Mindanao since 2006 that killed 31 persons and wounded more than a hundred others, has been arrested by police authorities in Sultan Kudarat, a Philippine National Police official said Thursday.

In a belated report, Police Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP-Public Information Office chief, said suspect Jabide Abdul alias Zabide/Beds was arrested in Barangay (village) Titulok, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

Abdul, the supposed senior leader of the Al-Khobar Group, was subject of several warrants of arrest for crimes of multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, multiple attempted murder and destruction of property.

A P3.3-million reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.

Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, Director of the PNP Intelligence Group said Al Khobar is a group of extortionists believed to be based in the marshlands of Maguindanao and is responsible for the spate of bombings in the central Mindanao region since 2006.

“The group was allegedly created in support of Jemaah Islamiya (JI) and Foreign Militant Jihadists (FMJ) groups. It was intended to serve as a special unit concentrating on explosive component use and extortion schemes across Cotabato areas,” Villacorta said, adding that the group first turned into a kidnap-for-ransom group before it became an extortion group.

Al Khobar is known to target businesses and even local governments in the central Mindanao region, Villacorta said, noting that it has been blamed for the series of bomb attacks on bus companies and commercial establishments in the region from 2007 to 2009.

“A member of the group usually calls the target before the attack and demands ‘protection money’ to prevent such planned attack on their business. If the money is not paid, an attack is carried out,” the police official said.

Al-Khobar Group is allegedly responsible for the following attacks:

1. October 10, 2006 bombing of a crowded in Makilala, North Cotabato during the town’s founding anniuversary. 6 killed, 40 wounded

2. May 10, 2007 bombing of a Weena Bus at the Cotabato Terminal. 3 killed, 15 wounded

3. July-August 2007, three separate bombing of Yellow Bus Line units in Sultan Kudarat. 1 killed,  4 wounded

4. August 5, 2007 bombing in Kidapawan City. 1 killed

5. 2007 Bombing of Sugni Superstore in Kabacan, North Cotabato

6. January 30, 2008 bombing at Philbest Canning Corporation in Tambler, General Santos City. 4 killed, 28 wounded.

7. April 2, 2008 bombing of a Metro Shuttle Bus in Digos City. 6 killed, 30 wounded

8. May 8, 2008 bombing of a passenger van in Midsayap, North Cotabato. 4 wounded

9. June 2008 bombing of a Weena Bus at Bansalan Terminal in Davao del Sur. 10 killed, 14 wounded.

10. May 22, 2009 bombing in Kidapawan City. 9 wounded.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/522479/police-arrest-leader-of-notorious-terrorist-al-khobar-group

C. Mindanao bombing suspect finally nabbed

From the Philippine Star (Nov 8): C. Mindanao bombing suspect finally nabbed

After a month-long surveillance, a Moro ordnance expert, who had a P1.5-million bounty for his involvement in more than a dozen deadly bombings in Central Mindanao in recent years, was finally arrested at the Maguindanao-Sultan Kudarat boundary, police said yesterday.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (CIDG-ARMM) announced the arrest of Kaharudin Lacman Silongan only yesterday as his exact identity had gone through extensive verification.

Silongan is also known among local Moro secessionist factions as Commander Tagah Dagadas, whose group is operating in secluded areas at the boundary of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.

CIDG-ARMM agents cornered Silongan at the border of Ampatuan town and Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat while onboard a passenger jeepney bound for the town proper of Shariff Aguak, also in Maguindanao.

Silongan was ranked 17th in the list of most wanted men in the country, according to the CIDG-ARMM.

Silongan, a known henchman of foreign-trained bomber Basit Usman, was implicated in bombings of buses, transport terminals and commercial establishments in Central Mindanao from early 2000 to late 2007.

Police recommended that Silongan be detained outside of Mindanao to prevent his cohorts from “rescuing” him.

Silongan was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 23 in North Cotabato in connection with a bombing attack in 2007 in Kidapawan City.

Silongan was also tagged as among a group of foreign-trained bombers behind a spate of recent bombings in Koronadal City, Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/08/1254133/c.-mindanao-bombing-suspect-finally-nabbed

Top Muslim militant behind Mindanao bombing arrested

From the Manila Times (Nov 7): Top Muslim militant behind Mindanao bombing arrested

A TOP Muslim militant tagged as behind several bombings in Central Mindanao that killed more than 30 people in the past seven years has been arrested by government security forces.

 Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG) Director Chief Supt. Abelardo Villacorta identified the militant as Jabide Abdul alias Zabide/Beds, a senior leader of the Al-Khobar group.

Villacorta said Jabide was apprehended last Tuesday afternoon by combined police operatives in Brgy. Titulok, Bagum-bayan, Sultan Kudarat.

The operation leading to Jabide’s capture was carried out by joint elements of the Task Force Sanglahi-Alpha, operatives from the Regional Intelligence Unit-12 of the IG, Special Project Mindanao Khilafa Islamiya (SPMKI) and Regional Safety Battalion-12.

Villacorta said that Jabide was arrested based on several warrants of arrests issued by several courts in Mindanao for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, multiple attempted murder and destruction of property.

He added that a joint order from the Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government has set a reward of P3.3 million for any information leading to Jabide’s arrest.

Police records showed that the Jabide-led Al-Khobar Group was responsible for the series of deadly attacks in Mindanao.

http://manilatimes.net/top-muslim-militant-behind-mindanao-bombing-arrested/51152/

Japan putting missiles on Pacific gateway island

From the Manila Times (Nov 7): Japan putting missiles on Pacific gateway island

Japan’s military is to station four unarmed missiles on an island that sits on the gateway to the Pacific, officials said on Thursday, for a major drill that has made China nervous.

The exercise, aimed at bolstering defense of Japan’s southern islands, has already seen a launching system and a loader for Type-88 surface-to-ship missiles installed on Miyako island.

“This is the first time” that missile systems have been taken to Miyako, said a spokesman for the Joint Staff of the Self Defense Forces, adding that the missiles could not be fired in their present state.

“The drill is designed for the defense of islands,” he said.

While the Japanese military makes no secret of the fact these missiles are not operable, observers say their deployment serves to remind anyone watching of Japan’s capabilities.

The missiles were expected to arrive on Thursday and it was not clear how long they would stay for.

The Self Defense Forces began their 18 days of war games on November 1, with 34,000 military personnel, six vessels and 360 aircraft.

The exercise comes amid growing nervousness in Japan and other parts of Asia over China’s surging military might, which has seen it expand its naval reach into the Pacific Ocean as it squabbles with Tokyo over the ownership of islands in the East China Sea.

It also has separate disputes with numerous countries over competing claims to territories in the South China Sea, which China claims as virtually all its own.

Chinese naval assets stationed in the north of the country are somewhat hemmed in by the chain of Japanese islands that separate the East China Sea and the Pacific. The strait between Miyako and the main island of Okinawa offers one of the few direct access points.

Tokyo has officially said the drill is not aimed at any specific nation, but Japanese leaders have openly expressed their disquiet as China escalates its territorial claims.

The Self Defense Force is also preparing to form a special amphibious unit, much like the US Marine Corps, whose remit would be to defend small islands and to take them back in case of enemy attacks.

Beijing has routinely sent government vessels to disputed islands in the East China Sea, staging dangerous face-offs between the two nations’ coastguards.

The ongoing Japanese drill has irritated Beijing, where local media said there was no doubt it was targeting China.

http://manilatimes.net/japan-putting-missiles-on-pacific-gateway-island/51154/

MNLF laughs off AFP claim of dead Malik

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 7): MNLF laughs off AFP claim of dead Malik

The Moro National Liberation Front yesterday laughed off claims that Ustadz Habier Malik is already dead, claiming the top MNLF commander is now busy preparing his men to continuously defend the principles Bangsamoro Republic.

“Malik is busy preparing to defend the MNLF’s genuine principles,” lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, spokesman of the MNLF Nur Misuari faction, told The Tribune.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that “obviously” Malik is already dead as the MNLF Misuari faction, particularly Fontanilla, has not came up with proof to dispute the reported killing of Malik.

“He (Malik) is too busy,” said Fontanilla.

A Tribune source corroborated Fontanilla’s claims that Malik is alive.

“From the last information we have, he (Malik) is moving constantly around Zamboanga Peninsula with a handful of trusted aides,” the source said.

Malik, who is perceived to be a Misuari loyalist, was among the five MNLF commanders who led more than 300 fighters in laying siege on Zamboanga City last Sept. 9.

The Misuari followers subsequently took around 200 civilian hostages from at least five barangays in Zamboanga City. The incident resulted in sporadic clashes that lasted for 20 days and led to the killing of more than 200 MNLF fighters, more than 20 government security forces and 12 civilians.

 Fontanilla lamented alleged “injustices” committed against both the captured MNLF fighters and innocent civilians.

“There are injustices committed against the people as a result of Zamboanga City conflict. Wounded and arrested suspects were not treated, evacuees are discriminated,” said Fontanilla.

Fontanilla also cited the arrest of five Army men tagged in alleged looting at the height of the armed conflict as solid evidence that the military committed abuses in Zamboanag City.

Relatedly, the Army leadership yesterday clarified that the five soldiers, now detained at the Army Custodial Center, are still under investigation for possible court martial proceedings.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, deputy chief of the Army Public Affairs, said that the investigation against the five, whose identities were withheld, is ongoing.

“At present, the investigating team is in the process of interviewing witnesses before it can conclude the investigation and determine the culpability of the accused soldiers. After which, it shall seek legal opinion from the Army’s Judge Advocate General Office,” said Bacus in a statement.

“If there exists probable cause that would warrant the filing of administrative cases against the five, then the case shall be referred to the General Court Martial,” he added.

 As a matter of procedure and for security reasons, Bacus said the Army decided not to disclose yet the names of the accused.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/mnlf-laughs-off-afp-claim-of-dead-malik

A strategic pearl for US-Philippine ties

From the Asia Times (Nov 7): A strategic pearl for US-Philippine ties

Nearly 600 kilometers southwest of the Philippine capital, workers are building an access road to link the mainland of Luzon to Oyster Bay on the island province of Palawan. The pristine island is a major tourist destination, but the project is not aimed at luring foreign travelers, rather to transform the bay into what officials are referring to as a "mini Subic".

Like Subic Bay, north of Manila and once the site of the United States' largest military facility in the Asia-Pacific, Oyster Bay's cove includes a deep natural harbor capable of hosting large vessels, including warships. Unlike Subic, Oyster Bay opens directly on the South China Sea, strategically situated 150 kilometers from hotly contested and potentially hydrocarbon-rich maritime territories in the Spratly Islands.

President Benigno Aquino's government has allocated around 500 million pesos (US$12 million) to Oyster Bay's initial groundwork, with piers, dry docks and ship repair yards also on the drawing boards. Construction of the naval port, part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' broad modernization drive, is slated for completion in 2016, coinciding with the end of Aquino's six-year term.

As maritime tensions have flared with China, Aquino has given his backing to a US$1.8 billion military modernization program, including plans to bolster the country's external defense capabilities through new air and naval bases at Subic. At the same time, the government is hammering out a bilateral strategic deal with Washington that if completed would allow the US to deploy on a rotational basis a larger number of security forces on Philippine soil, including at the new facility at Oyster Bay. Washington has so far committed limited finance to the project from the US Defense Department's contingency funds.

Manila's development of Oyster Bay has been driven in part by rising traffic at Subic, particularly as more American battleships drop anchors at its piers. According to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), 72 US warships and submarines visited Subic between January and June this year. That figure compares with 88 US naval vessel visits in 2012, 54 in 2011 and 51 in 2010. The figures exclude port calls made in Manila and other ports outside Subic.

More US naval activity is likely if Manila and Washington, strategic allies under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty and 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement, agree to augment their defense ties through a new framework agreement under negotiation. Talks have recently stalled on various details, including ownership of proposed naval radar installations, but Manila is expected to develop Oyster Bay regardless of whether a new US strategic agreement is reached.

The Philippine Navy arguably needs more base space to accommodate new procurements, including two second-hand cutters purchased recently from the US. Last week, the Philippines opened tenders for new frigates worth 18 billion pesos. The bidding has drawn interest from 11 prospective suppliers from Italy, France, South Korea and India, among others. Armed with missiles and torpedoes, the vessels will reinforce the two cutters now patrolling the West Philippine Sea, as Manila refers to its claimed exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea.

Manila has also announced plans to purchase five patrol boats from France for approximately 90 million euros (US$116 million), as well as multi-role naval vessels from South Korea. They will support the fleet of 10 state-of-the-art patrol vessels, each weighing 1,000 tons, that Japan has committed to help bolster the Philippines' maritime capabilities.

Aquino's government is also known to be in the market for a submarine to enable its naval forces to patrol the country's claimed maritime territory undetected. "When you have a submarine, we will be able to track those violating our maritime laws without them noticing us," Philippine Navy spokesman Lt Rommel Rodriguez said in a recent statement.

Eye on China

The development of Oyster Bay could serve to agitate China, which in recent years has taken a more assertive position on territories it claims in the South China Sea. That includes the Scarborough Shoal, where Chinese and Philippine vessels engaged in a month-long stand-off in mid-2012. Around that time, US and Philippine commandos staged a mock amphibious assault near Oyster Bay as part of their annual "Shoulder-to-Shoulder" joint military exercises. While some Philippine officials have demurred on whether US vessels would have access to the new base, others have said the US is building advance command posts on Palawan to monitor the South China Sea.

Local opposition to Oyster Bay's development, however, could complicate the government's strategic designs for the area. Environmental groups have asserted strong objections to the plan, claiming heavy naval traffic would inevitably lead to pollution and destruction of the pristine area's marine sanctuaries.

Some have pointed towards the case of the US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian, which ran aground near Palawan's Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO world heritage site, and destroyed an estimated 2,300 square meters of 10-meter-high coral reefs in January this year. The US has yet to pay the 60 million peso fine imposed by the Philippine government, an amount critics claim is a pittance for the extraordinary damage wrought to the area's ecologically valuable coral reefs.

"The impending construction of a base on Oyster Bay, which is within a marine protected area, seems to be the next crime the US is intent on pushing through," Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment, a local group, said in a statement. The group also claims the US has yet to clean up the toxic waste and complete other rehabilitation of its former military bases at Subic and Clark, which were both closed in 1992.

Other local groups assert that Palawan's residents will wake up one day to find that the entire island province has been transformed into a virtual US military base, similar to the sprawling complex in Okinawa, Japan. Pamalakaya, a local leftist group, has threatened to resist Oyster Bay's development, saying in a statement: "We will contest this grand mockery of Philippine sovereignty in the parliament of the streets, in any appropriate court or forum, and in the court of public opinion."

Plans are afoot to station 50 to 60 US marines in Palawan as an advance detachment focused on the South China Sea, according to news reports. The US also reportedly wants to convert the 246-hectare Philippine Marine Corps reservation in Palawan, particularly Brooke's Point, and nearby areas into joint US-Philippines marine operational command posts. The posts would reportedly entail the installation of high-powered radar systems in strategic areas across Palawan pointed towards the South China Sea.

The radar systems, designed specifically to monitor China's naval activities, are part and parcel of the Philippines' plans to allow American forces, ships and aircraft easy access to a larger number of its military camps and facilities. Although Philippine laws prohibit the establishment of permanent foreign military bases in the country, the US has found a "places not bases" loophole in the law by piggybacking on the Philippines' own camps and facilities to skirt the ban and advance its geopolitical interests vis-a-vis China.

Al Labita is a Manila-based journalist.
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/SEA-01-071113.html

Military turnover rites postponed due to supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 7): Military turnover rites postponed due to supertyphoon ‘Yolanda’

Change of command in critical military posts will be postponed because of supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan).

The military turnovers in Central Command (Centcom) based in Cebu and Western Command based in Palawan originally scheduled for Friday would be moved to a later date, Centcom spokesman Lieutenant Jim Alagao said Thursday.

Incoming commander of Centcom is Major General John Bonafos, current chief of the Special Operations Command based in Nueva Ecija. He oversees the Army’s elite personnel – Special Forces, Scout Ranger and Light Reaction Regiments.

Air Force officer Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda, current commander of Centcom, will be moved to Wescom.

“The turnovers for Centcom and Wescom are tentatively rescheduled on Monday or Tuesday,” Alagao said.

“If it pushes through on Friday, special guests including Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Emmanuel Bautista might not be able to attend,” he said.

Meanwhile, the retirement ceremony of Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Rey Ardo scheduled on Saturday will still push through.

Wesmincom spokesman Major Franco Alano said that there were still no changes of schedule as of posting time.

 

Set to take the Wesmincom leadership based in Zamboanga City is Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, current chief of Wescom.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/522573/military-turnover-rites-postponed-due-to-supertyphoon-yolanda

MILF: Kiamba-Ayah conducts values transformation training

From the MILF Website (Nov 7): Kiamba-Ayah conducts values transformation training



The Agency for Youth Affairs (AYA) in Kiamba, Sarangani Province conducted Values Transformation Training for Bangsamoro Youth held at BDA-CLC, Brgy. Lagundi from November 01-02, 2013. The two-day activity was held with night session that involved workshops to enhance the participants’ knowledge and skills and help them become good leaders in the future.

The program was aimed to instill in the minds of the participants the importance of application of Islamic Values on their daily lives as it paves the way for social and spiritual development of Muslims.

Values transformation is also one of the programs of the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for building good people who will build better nations.

The objective of the training was to address the increasing adherence to un- Islamic  practices, activities and system,  the decline in the practice of Islamic values, ethics and morality , and the deplorable condition of many Bangsamoro communities which are shying away from Islamic Values and practices.

The 41 participants are members of the AYA-Kiamba, representatives from different barangays of the municipality as well as some AYA members from Municipality of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat province.

The participants expressed their gratitude for the conduct of the activity as it helped them realized their role as Muslims. They were also enlightened during the sessions and workshops facilitated by the AYA-Kiamba municipal chairman and Ustadz Mohamad Taha  Gafour, a member of BDA Board of Directors.

The program was supported by the MILF Political Committee, local LGUs and the Associated Youth for Good Governance (AYGG), Inc.



http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/645-kiamba-ayah-conducts-values-transformation-training

MILF: Exchange visitors from southern Thailand visit BTC office

From the MILF Website (Nov 7): Exchange visitors from southern Thailand visit BTC office



The Bangsamoro Transition Commission received visitors from southern Thailand last November 5, 2013 at the BTC office in Cotabato City. The visitors came to learn about the GPH-MILF peace process, relevant models on how to proceed in negotiations and key lessons for governance and conflict management in the proposed Bangsamoro region in Mindanao.
  

The visitors compose local community leaders, radio announcers, volunteers from the Muslim Attorney Center, the academe and civil society organizations from the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala in the so-called Deep South of Thailand, a region that experience conflict during the past decade. The Asia Foundation coordinated the learning and sharing exposure of the group of sixteen peace advocates coming from various persuasions.

Recollecting their experience, the spokesmen of the group, Anissa Naksewee and Hadee Hamidong from The Asia Foundation-Thailand and Shintaro Hara from the Prince of Songkhla University of Pattani recalled that the indigenous ethno-nationalist conflict in Southern Thailand span more than 200 years already from the time when sultans and Muslim leaders led the Malay-Muslim minority in the then Budhist Siamese Kingdom of yesteryears. The differences and misunderstandings of old were carried on to the present day.

The grievance of the Malay-Muslim community stemmed from the perceived and real failure of the succeeding governments and national political leaders to acknowledge their unique cultural identity, the systematic discrimination in local governance and social service delivery, political marginalization and human rights violations among others.

Recently a “General Consensus on the Peace Dialogue Process” was formulated and signed between the government of Thailand and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) or the National Liberation Organization in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which the latter government facilitated. Negotiation however reached an impasse, as it failed to generate traction both from local advocates and the international community.

It can be recalled that even the BRN, the largest among groups opposing the government,  three factions exist such as  congress, the military wing and the most active among the groups that currently conitnue to conduct military operations; coordinate, the political wing involved in activities in Malayia but not active in south Thailand; and uram, the group focused on political and religious activities.

There too is the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) calling for free and independent Pattani in the international political arena and doing noticeable role in seeking funds for separatist movement back home but less active militarily compared to the BRN.

Hardliners in the Thai government and Thai army abound who would rather deal directly with the separatist leaders collectively or individually rather than any particular group or organization. They also perceived Malaysia is not an honest broker but a stakeholder in the ongoing conflict.

The visitors requested that they be acquainted with the Bangsamoro question saying their problem span more than 200 years already and they are just beginning to search for peace through negotiation.

This writer was requested to elucidate on the succession of colonial efforts to sunjugate the Moros. Spain for 337 years of colonial rule completely conquered Luzon and Visayas but not the Moros whose sultans and datus tenaciously clang to their way of life and religion of Islam, culminating in the illegal Treaty of Paris of 1898; American colonialism for 40 years saw the introduction of secular education, deviation from Islamic tenets and way of life; and the succession of administrations of Filipinos that saw the Moros political, economic and social marginalzation with emphasis on former presidents Ferdinand Marcos martial law declaration to eliminate the Bangsamoro, Joseph Estrada’s all-out-war in 2000 and Gloria Arroyo’s war in 2003. The Bangsamoro withstood all these wars and made them more resolved to pursue their right to independence and self-determination.

Responding on their query about civilian participation and consultation in MILF affairs, they were told the Central Committee had initiated general assemblies in 2001, 2005 and 2012 were millions of the masses of Moro supporters and sympathizers passed resolutions authorizing the MILF to  negotiate and enter into agreements for their welfare.

Hardliners are not directly faced and dealt with because the MILF is negotiating with the Government of the Philippines and not with individual Filipinos.

Commissioner Said Sheik of the BTC stated his hope the meeting is just the beginning of a partnership and educated  the group about the MILF experience of military confrontation, ceasefire, the on and off fighting to regain political status and right to self-determination.

 Commissioner Melanio Ulama empahsized the inclusive policy of the MILF as can be gleaned from the fact that even the indigenous peoples of which he belonged is included in the peace panel that negotiates with government.

Commissioner Hussein Munoz confided the MILF policy of Islamization, strengthening of the organization, self-reliance and creativity, and military buld-up that makes the front tick and attained what it is today.

 Commissioner Ibrahim Ali had a short but meaningful words for the visitors as he said there is no glory without sacrifice and emphasized anyhting we aspired entails sacrifice.

Executive Director Esmael “Mike “ Pasigan told the visiting advocates that the Qur’anic injunction to be prepared is a worthy word of wisdom to guide every Muslim struggle against their enemy because when one is prepared no one will bother to offend you.

Soliciting some advice on what to do in coming negotiations, they were told not to forget to get trust and confidence of the Thai government and involve the international community during the negotiations and more importantly in the implementation of agreements.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/644-exchange-visitors-from-southern-thailand-visit-btc-office

CPP: CPP calls on forces to collectively confront incoming storm Haiyan

From the CPP Website (Nov 7): CPP calls on forces to collectively confront incoming storm Haiyan

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today called on all revolutionary forces, especially barrio revolutionary committees in areas within scope of the most likely path of the incoming super-typhoon, to immediately put into place plans to collectively confront the possibly disastrous impact of the strong winds, rains, floods, landslides and mudflows in order to minimize the loss of lives and immediately undertake rehabilitation efforts.

According to international weather monitoring agencies, tropical storm Haiyan (local name Yolanda) is set to impact any part of the Philippine archiepelago from Bicol to Northern Mindanao on Friday afternoon with winds reaching more than 215 kph.

“All revolutionary government committees down to the Barrio Revolutionary Committees, local branches of the CPP, basic units of the NPA and revolutionary mass organizations in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Island, Southern Mindanao, North Eastern Mindanao, North Central Mindanao and adjacent regions should immediately undertake efforts to prepare for the impact of typhoon Haiyan,” said the CPP.

“BRCs in populated areas in geologically hazardous areas, including those at the foot of mining areas and logged over mountains, must prepare to mobilize for organized mass evacuation, putting into place measures to collectively monitor the exact path of the typhoon in the crucial hours before impact, as well as areas of likely floods and mudflows, in order to act with dispatch in the face of any contingency.”

“Every BRC should ensure the safety and welfare of the entire population in their areas of responsibility,” said the CPP. “They must give special attention to the elderly, the sick, the children, the widows and others who may not be able to sufficiently prepare for the storm.”

“The BRCs should be able to account for the entire barrio population during and immediately after the storm and promptly carry out emergency rescue operations when the need arises,” said the CPP.

“In the past, the organized mobilization and swift action of the local Party branches and the barrio committees have been the most crucial factor in ensuring the safety of the population, minimizing the impact of storms and assisting the masses in immediately resuming their lives,” pointed out the CPP.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131107_cpp-calls-on-forces-to-collectively-confront-incoming-storm-haiyan

PAF, AgustaWestland ink P3.44-B helicopter deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): PAF, AgustaWestland ink P3.44-B helicopter deal

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) and AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has signed a P3.44-billion contract for eight AW-109 "Power" light twin helicopters last Wednesday.

The aircraft will be used to perform a range of duties including homeland security, armed reconnaissance and close support.

Deliveries will start in 2014.

The contract also includes initial logistics support and training for aircrew and maintenance personnel.

The signing of the contract further expands the presence of AgustaWestland in the Philippine helicopter market and adds one more military customer for the AW-109 "Power" model in this country, following an order for three aircraft by the Philippine Navy earlier this year to enhance the service’s maritime operational capability.

The PAF’s AW-109 "Power" configuration will feature a dedicated mission package and equipment including a combination of weapon systems.

“It gives us great pleasure to sign this contract with the Philippine Air Force, further reinforcing the already strong partnership with the Department of National Defense. This latest achievement provides clear evidence of the customer’s confidence in the product while we’ve demonstrated that we are a reliable partner, able to offer a cost-effective solution. We are committed to deliver the improved mission capabilities and high quality services the customer deserves,” AgustaWestland chief executive officer Daniele Romiti said.

The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight seat twin engine helicopter.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety and survivability features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109s' superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective helicopter in its class for a range of government tasks.

Over 580 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 LUH helicopters have been ordered for para-public, military and commercial applications by customers in around 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=584047

AW-109s more capable than MG-520s -- PAF spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): AW-109s more capable than MG-520s -- PAF spokesperson

Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol on Thursday said that the armed version of the AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, of which the PAF will be getting eight units in 2014, is a much more capable platform for its close air support missions.

The said aircraft is equipped with night vision equipment, Okol said.

He added that the AW-109s will be complementing the existing fleet of McDonnell Douglas MG-520 "Defender" attack in the PAF inventory.

The latter aircraft was acquired during the 1990s and is the PAF primary attack helicopter.

"The AW-109s will be useful in close air support roles and will complement the MG-520s. It will be deployed to support companies and battalions in the field conducting internal security operations," Okol stressed.

Aside from this, the AW-109s will also be used for limited maritime patrols thus boosting the country's territorial defense capabilities.

Okol said that the AW-109s have a better and advanced system and better instrumentation than the MG-520s.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=584120

Philippine Army sets entrance examination in Region 9

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Philippine Army sets entrance examination in Region 9

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is inviting interested and qualified individuals to join the Philippine Army (PA) as it announced the schedules for the conduct of the PA Aptitude Test Battery (PAATAB) in the region.

First Infantry Division commander, Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, said the hiring of new personnel, either as enlisted personnel and officers, is in line with the PA Recruitment Plan 2013.

Trinidad said the PAATAB is for Candidate Soldier, PA Officer, and PA Officer Preparatory Course.

Trinidad said the PAATAB will be conducted at the headquarters of the 1st Infantry Division in Pulacan, Labangan town in this province and in other areas that fall part of the division’s area of responsibility.

The schedules and venues of the PAATAB are as follows: Nov. 7, Iligan City; Nov. 9 and 10, Pulacan, Labangan; Nov. 12 and 13, Zamboanga City; Nov. 14, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay; Nov. 16 and 17, Dipolog City; and Nov. 8 in Ozamis City.

Trinidad said the applicants must be unmarried Filipino citizen; physically and mentally fit; has no pending case in any court; and has a minimum height of five feet.

Specifically, Trinidad said the applicants for the Candidate Soldier must be 18 to 26 years old and at least a high school graduate with skills; while applicants for PA Officers must be 21 to 24 years old and a graduate of any four-year college course.

On the other hand, applicants for the PA Preparatory Course must be between 21 to 31 years old, graduate of Military Science-43 (MS-43) or advance Reserve Officers Training Course (ROTC) and a graduate of any four-year college course.

Trinidad advised the applicants to bring their National Statistics Office (NSO)-certified birth certificates, Form 137 or report card for high school graduates; transcript of records in the case of college graduates; and a valid identification card on the day of the exam.

The PAATAB will be administered by the Army Personnel Management Center.

Interested applicants may contact Corporal Major Taqueban at +63926-370-52-03 +63926-370-52-03 FREE and Technical Sergeant Cinches at +63926-467-46-44 +63926-467-46-44 FREE for more information and details.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=584014

GPH peace panel consults Zambo City execs on MILF peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): GPH peace panel consults Zambo City execs on MILF peace talks

Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, panel member Secretary Mehol Sadain, chair of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, head of the panel’s legal team, met with top government officials of this city on Tuesday to consult them on the ongoing talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In opening the meeting, Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has assured the government peace panel of the city officials' support to the peace process.

She also urged the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to continue the peace dialogue in Mindanao.

The government’s negotiating team arrived in this city on Monday, November 4, to jump start a two-day consultation process with stakeholders.

The peace panel likewise held separate consultations with representatives from the Silsillah Dialogue Movement's Inter Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL), Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development, Inc. (ZABIDA) and the Muslim migrant communities of this city.

During the dialogue with key local government officials here, Coronel-Ferrer pointed out the importance of the local government units (LGUs) in the peace process since they are in the front line of communicating with and ensuring the peace and security of the people in the communities.

Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the government wants to make sure that the local governments are properly consulted. One reason the talks collapsed and the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was voided by the Supreme Court was the lack of transparency and consultations.

This was also re-echoed by District 2 Councilor Juan Climaco "Kim" Elago, saying that the LGUs should be on board in the entire peace process.

Elago said there is a need to cascade accurate information on the ground to prevent confusion among stakeholders about the southern peace process.

The entire city council coming from the two districts and Vice Mayor Cesar Itturalde participated in the consultation forum.

The city officials said they see the need for the local government and OPAPP to deepen its engagement to effectively bring accurate information on the ground to avoid misconceptions and address disinformation meant to derail the peace process.

Coronel-Ferrer also disclosed during the meeting that on September 9, the day Zamboanga City was attacked by forces associated with the Moro National Liberation Front Nur Misuari group, the GPH peace panel was meeting with the President and members of the Cabinet to get their guidance on the negotiation issues before the panel flew to Kuala Lumpur on the same night.

She recalled that throughout the meeting, the President and the Cabinet received reports on the situation in Zamboanga City.

Several Cabinet secretaries were dispatched to the city and the President himself followed several days later.

In the course of the siege, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, with the assistance of Secretary Edwin Lacierda engaged the media and the general public in explaining the processes that the Aquino administration undertook with regard to the GPH-Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) peace process since the beginning of the President's term in July, 2010.

At the same time, Sec. Deles, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, was coordinating with the Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), the secretariat of the GPH-OIC-MNLF Tripartite Implementation Review Process, in finding ways that could help resolve the situation in Zamboanga City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=584032

Police tag BIFF cell in foiled bombing attempt on GenSan gasoline station

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Police tag BIFF cell in foiled bombing attempt on GenSan gasoline station

Police authorities have tagged an alleged terrorist cell operating in various parts of Mindanao as behind the foiled bombing attempt on a gasoline station here last Sunday night.

Chief Supt. Charles Calima Jr., Region 12 police director, said Thursday their initial investigation showed that four alleged operatives of a special operations group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were behind the planting of a powerful explosive at a Petron service station along the P. Acharon Boulevard here at around 7:50 p.m. on Sunday.

The improvised bomb, which was fashioned from two 60mm mortar shells, was found by the gas station’s workers and later defused by personnel from the city police’s explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) unit.

Calima said they have closely monitoring the movements of the alleged BIFF unit that reportedly appears to have been involved in previous attacks in other areas here in Mindanao.

“This (BIFF) is the group that we suspect was possibly behind the incident and we have been getting good information about them and their activities,” the police official said in an interview with a local television station.

Citing a recorded footage from a closed-circuit television or security camera installed at the Petron gasoline station, Calima said the person who placed the white plastic bag that contained the explosive was initially identified as a certain Usop Umal alias Abu Samaya.

His other companion, who was seen approaching the gasoline station’s cashier booth, was identified as a certain alias Mocca Mohammad.

The suspects two other alleged companions, who were not seen in the footage, were only named as certain Hamdani and Salic.

In a security briefing with members of the city’s business chamber, Calima said the movements of the group were initially tracked down last Sept. 28 when they joined a training along with eight other BIFF recruits to a training on bombing operations.

The training, which was supposedly facilitated by the Mindanao Khilafa Islamiyah group, was held somewhere in Datu Piang town in Maguindanao, he said.

But he said the training was disrupted and abruptly ended due a military operation against the BIFF in the area.

On Oct. 5, Hamdani, Mocca Mohammad, Arsad Salic Jihad and three other BIFF members reportedly moved from Marawi City to this city for a bombing mission on a local hotel.

The group reportedly failed to accomplish their mission due to the tight security in the area and was forced to return to Maguindanao for a week-long re-training on Oct. 21.

On Oct. 31, the group completed their training and left Barangay Ganta in Datu Piang for this city to resume their mission.

After allegedly failing anew to penetrate their target, the group was forced to just leave their explosive at the Petron gasoline station last Sunday night.

Calima said that based on intelligence information that they gathered, the group has targeted to launch attacks on 12 local establishments, which includes malls, churches, hotels, government buildings and other vital installations.

The official said they will continue with their target-hardening measures to preempt the planned attacks by the suspects.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and always cooperate with local police units on matters concerning the area’s security.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=584089

AFP enforces massive evacuation in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): AFP enforces massive evacuation in Bicol

The Armed Forces of the Philippines in Bicol is racing against time as the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council has enforced massive evacuation in an effort to attain the zero-casualty goal of the government in the region.

Bernardo Rafaelito “Raffy” Alejandro, Office of Civil Defense Bicol director and concurrently RDRRMC chairman, said about 1.7 million Bicolanos are living in landslide- and flood-prone areas and will have to be evacuated Thursday before powerful typhoon “Yolanda” makes a landfall Friday.

In Albay, Army Col. Raul Farnacio, commanding officer of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade, told Governor Joey Salceda, Albay PDRRMC chairman, during the disaster conference Thursday that 12 military trucks will be deployed for evacuation of the affected individuals.

Air Force Col. Joannis Dimaano, Tactical Operations Group 5-PAF Bicol commander, said their truck will also be deployed for evacuation as well as relief distribution here.

Similar measures are being done by the Naval Forces for Southern Luzon here.

“We will utilize all government assets except helicopters to evacuate hundreds of thousands of families living in landslide-prone, flood-prone and coastal communities to save them from imminent danger,” Alejandro said.

In Albay province, Salceda directed the evacuation of 665,433 people living in coastal areas covering 14 towns and three cities here.

First to be evacuated were 320,701 people living in coastal communities, according to the governor.

Salceda also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels and work in all government offices to allow the employees to safeguard their families from the powerful typhoon.

“This is in view of the expected interaction of climate and geologic risks due to the impending threat posed by typhoon Yolanda to the province of Albay and in order to ensure disaster avoidance and to achieve zero casualty,” he said.

The provincial government of Albay provided five kilos of rice to each evacuated family to compel the people to stay in safer grounds until Yolanda’s threat is over.

The regional command of the Philippine Army in Bicol also activated its Task Group “Sagip” in preparation for Yolanda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=584262

Acquiring AW-109s for PAF, PN a very cost-effective move, says PAF chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Acquiring AW-109s for PAF, PN a very cost-effective move, says PAF chief

Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson, said on Thursday that having both the Navy and the Air Force acquire and operate Agusta Westland's AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a wise and very cost-effective move by the government.

"It eases integration and (both services) can share in logistic (support) and best practices. That is a very cost- effective move," he stressed.

The PAF will soon operate eight armed versions of the AW-109 while the Navy will get five units of these helicopters, three to be delivered this coming December.

PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic shared Okol's opinion and stressed that having both services operate the same type of helicopter will greatly boost their interoperability or capability to conduct joint operations using the same air platform.

"Having the same platform, interoperability in terms of exchange of pilot and crew, training and logistical requirement will surely be enhanced," he said.

Fabic stated that as part of their interoperability training with the PAF, both services will also conduct deck landing qualifications on PN frigates and logistic vessels.

The AW-109 "Power" is a three-ton class eight-seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

Its superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost-effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations, the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many other helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=583981

Naval Forces Southern Luzon prepositions relief goods for possible victims of typhoon 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Naval Forces Southern Luzon prepositions relief goods for possible victims of typhoon 'Yolanda'

Naval Forces Southern Luzon, the Philippine Navy unit tasked to secure the waters of Southern Tagalog region, has pre-positioned 10,000 sacks of rice and 35,000 packs of relief goods in various municipalities of Albay in preparation for the possible adverse effects of super typhoon "Yolanda."

This was announced by PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic who said that they were aided in this endeavor by civilian volunteers and other members of the uniformed services.

Transfer of these emergency supplies took place Wednesday night, Fabic said, adding that the Naval Forces Southern Luzon has now made the necessary coordination with various local government units for disaster mitigation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=584071

PA alerts all units for 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): PA alerts all units for 'Yolanda'
 
With several regions under threat from super typhoon "Yolanda", the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that it is ready to respond to any crisis that may be brought about by the weather disturbance as it is expected to make landfall by Friday.

"Disaster response units of the different Army Divisions nationwide, particularly in the provinces expected to be hit by the super typhoon, will be put on red alert status so that they could immediately respond to any exigencies," Army deputy public affairs office chief Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

He added that the PA's Civil Military Operations Group, upon the request of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (NDRRMC), has dispatched the MLX4, the man-pack loudspeaker, along with a seven-man team who will operate the equipment, in regions that will be affected by "Yolanda".

The MLX4, which operates using a 12-volt dry cell battery that could last for 12 hours and covers more or less 500 meters in built up areas or a range of one kilometer in an open terrain, will be utilized for the issuance of warning orders to residents living near coastal areas for preemptive evacuation, and in crowd control at designated evacuation centers.

The PA is going to mobilize all its available resources in order to help avoid casualties and minimize damages that may be caused by this super typhoon.

Bacus said resources like trucks and other rescue equipment will be of great help for the efficient implementation of disaster response operations.

The training of Army soldiers can also be instrumental to support the needs of local government units.

"As in the past years when Typhoons "Ondoy", "Sendong", and "Pablo" devastated the country, the PA remains to be in the forefront of disaster response operations. From rescue operations, relief goods distribution, to rehabilitation of communities badly-hit by disaster, the Army has provided equipment and manpower," Bacus concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=584097

8th Infantry Division places all units in 'red alert' for 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): 8th Infantry Division places all units in 'red alert' for 'Yolanda'
 
With Samar and other parts of Eastern Visayas being threatened by super typhoon "Yolanda", the 8th Infantry Division on Thursday announced that it has placed all its units on "red alert" for possible rescue and relief missions.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, said that these formations are prepared to assist local disaster units should "Yolanda" triggered flash floods and landslides in their areas of operation.

Aside from this, all available mobility assets, packaging and storage areas of the 8th Infantry Division are placed before the disposal of disaster relief units.

As this developed, local government officials in parts of Bicol and Visayas on Thursday suspended classes and declared half-day work in anticipation of bad weather conditions due to super typhoon "Yolanda."

Residents in Cebu were also advised to tie down their houses and roofs and trim trees, as the super typhoon is packed with strong winds of 185 kph.

"Yolanda", now in the Philippine area of responsibility, is expected to make landfall on Eastern Visayas Friday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=583964

Army in Bicol activates task group 'Sagip'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): Army in Bicol activates task group 'Sagip'

The 9th Infantry (Spear) Division of the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday morning activated its Task Group "Sagip" as typhoon "Yolanda" threatens the Bicol Region.

Brig. Gen. Felix J. Castro, Jr., Task Group "Sagip" commander, said they have already completed the deployment plan of all disaster response units of the PA since the first meeting with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday.

Castro said he has also ordered all brigade and battalion commanders to activate their Disaster Response Task Units as they also attended meetings with their respective PDRRMCs.

He added that a Disaster Response Operations (DRO) Platoon from the division headquarters has been augmented with the other alerted uniformed agencies as Quick Reaction Forces for RDRRMC at Camp Gen. Simeon A. Ola in Legazpi City.

The three infantry brigades have alerted their respective DRO platoons with five standby military vehicles each, while the battalions have also reactivated their company-size response teams composed of more or less 120 personnel, with eight military vehicles ready to be dispatched for preemptive evacuation at flood-prone, landslide-prone, and lahar/mudflow areas.

Army reservists of the 5th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command, have also been alerted for possible deployment.

If there are any concerns, Castro said, he advised the public to contact cellphone number 09175781704, the hotline number of TG Sagip.

Brig. Gen. Yerson E Depayso, 9th ID commander, assured that the Philippine Army in Bicol will commit all its capabilities and assets for "Yolanda" to ensure the safety of the Bicolanos with a target of "zero casualty."

Depayso added the military is continuing to train its personnel on disaster preparedness, rescue operations, and water and search specialized trainings to immediately respond during times of disaster.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=584213

PNP arrests Mindanao bomber

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7): PNP arrests Mindanao bomber
 
Police Senior Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP-Public Information Office chief, said on Thursday that a leader of a notorious terrorist group believed to be responsible in several bomb attacks in Central Mindanao since 2006 that killed 31 persons and wounded over a hundred others, has been arrested by police authorities in Sultan Kudarat.

In a statement, Sindac identified the suspect as Jabide Abdul alias Zabide/Beds, who was arrested in Barangay (village) Titulok, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat around 2 p.m. last Tuesday.

Abdul, the supposed senior leader of the Al-Khobar Group, was subject of several warrants of arrest for crimes of Multiple Murder, Multiple Frustrated Murder, Multiple Attempted Murder and Destruction of Property.

A P3.3 million reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.

For his part, Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta, Director of the PNP Intelligence Group, said Al Khobar is a group of extortionists believed to be based in the marshlands of Maguindanao and is responsible for the spate of bombings in the central Mindanao region since 2006.

“The group was allegedly created in support of Jemaah Islamiya (JI) and Foreign Militant Jihadists (FMJ) groups. It was intended to serve as a special unit concentrating on explosive component use and extortion schemes across Cotabato areas,” Villacorta said, adding that the group first turned into a kidnap-for-ransom group before it became an extortion group.

Al Khobar is known to target businesses and even local governments in the central Mindanao region, Villacorta said, noting that it has been blamed for the series of bomb attacks on bus companies and commercial establishments in the region from 2007 to 2009.

“A member of the group usually calls the target before the attack and demands "protection money" to prevent such planned attack on their business. If the money is not paid, an attack is carried out,” the police official said.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima commended the PNP-IG for the arrest of Abdul, describing the arrest as a significant development in the continuing campaign against organized crime and terrorism.

The Al-Khobar Group is allegedly responsible for the following attacks:

-- October 10, 2006 bombing of a crowded in Makilala, North Cotabato during the town’s founding anniversary, 6 killed, 40 wounded;

-- May 10, 2007 bombing of a Weena Bus at the Cotabato Terminal, 3 killed, 15 wounded;

-- July-August 2007, three separate bombing of Yellow Bus Line units in Sultan Kudarat, 1 killed, 4 wounded;

-- August 5, 2007 bombing in Kidapawan City, 1 killed;

-- 2007 Bombing of Sugni Superstore in Kabacan, North Cotabato;

-- January 30, 2008 bombing at Philbest Canning Corporation in Tambler, General Santos City, 4 killed, 28 wounded;

-- April 2, 2008 bombing of a Metro Shuttle Bus in Digos City, 6 killed, 30 wounded;

-- May 8, 2008 bombing of a passenger van in Midsayap, North Cotabato, 4 wounded;

-- June 2008 bombing of a Weena Bus at Bansalan Terminal in Davao del Sur, 10 killed, 14 wounded; and

-- May 22, 2009 bombing in Kidapawan City, 9 wounded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=584259

Air Force to buy eight Anglo-Italian attack helicopters

From InterAksyon (Nov 7): Air Force to buy eight Anglo-Italian attack helicopters



The poorly equipped military said Thursday it is buying eight helicopters from Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland for P3.4 billion ($78.7 million) to help in the fight against guerrillas.

The eight AW 109 Power helicopters will be used mainly to support troops in battling insurgents but can also be used for maritime patrols and "territorial defense," said Air Force spokesman Colonel Miguel Okol.

"These will be armed helicopters for close air support ... in general, it is for internal security operations," he said.

The twin-engine helicopters will be an improvement over the military's ageing fleet of US-made MG-520 attack helicopters since they will be able to carry more men and weapons and will be night-vision capable, he added.

The Department of National Defense said the contract was for P3.4 billion but gave no further details.

Air Force vice commander Major General Raul Dimatatac said the new helicopters were urgently needed as the Philippines only had about seven MG-520 attack helicopters still flying.

AgustaWestland said on its website that deliveries of the helicopters would begin next year.

The Philippine military is battling both a 4,000-strong communist insurgency in the hinterland as well as various Muslim guerrilla groups in the southern island of Mindanao.

It also faces external challenges such as a territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea.

Earlier this year, the navy announced it was acquiring three naval versions of the AW 109 Power helicopter.

The cash-strapped Philippines has one of the weakest militaries in Southeast Asia but has been seeking in recent months to obtain new equipment.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74351/air-force-to-buy-eight-anglo-italian-attack-helicopters

Reds ordered to aid folk in path of 'Yolanda'

From InterAksyon (Nov 7): Reds ordered to aid folk in path of 'Yolanda'

The Communist Party of the Philippines on Thursday ordered its forces in areas along the path of typhoon “Yolanda” to prepare for the storm’s impact and “ensure the safety and welfare of the entire population in their areas of responsibility.”

The order, posted on the CPP website, said “all revolutionary government committees down to the Barrio Revolutionary Committees, local branches of the CPP, basic units of the NPA and revolutionary mass organizations in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Negros Island, Southern Mindanao, North Eastern Mindanao, North Central Mindanao and adjacent regions should immediately undertake efforts to prepare for the impact of typhoon Haiyan,” Yolanda’s international codename.

The storm, the strongest in the world this year, is expected to make landfall in Eastern Visayas early Friday and cut through the country’s central regions but is projected to affect areas from Luzon to Mindanao. It is also projected to dump torrential rains on several areas within its 600-kilometer diameter.

“BRCs in populated areas in geologically hazardous areas, including those at the foot of mining areas and logged over mountains, must prepare to mobilize for organized mass evacuation, putting into place measures to collectively monitor the exact path of the typhoon in the crucial hours before impact, as well as areas of likely floods and mudflows, in order to act with dispatch in the face of any contingency,” the CPP said.

It ordered the village committees to “give special attention to the elderly, the sick, the children, the widows and others who may not be able to sufficiently prepare for the storm” and to “account for the entire barrio population during and immediately after the storm and promptly carry out emergency rescue operations when the need arises.”

In past disasters, communist rebels and military units have often declared local ceasefires to allow each other’s forces to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts within affected populations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74352/reds-ordered-to-aid-folk-in-path-of-yolanda

LISTEN OR DIE | Army deploys loudspeaker to help with preemptive evacuation in Samar

From InterAksyon (Nov 7): LISTEN OR DIE | Army deploys loudspeaker to help with preemptive evacuation in Samar



Authorities on Thursday have deployed a special loudspeaker that could be heard within one kilometer to help evacuate residents, especially in risky areas in Samar province.

The Philippine Army has dispatched the MLX4, its special loudspeaker, along with a seven-man team who will operate the equipment, in regions that will be affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

The MLX4 loudspeaker, which runs on a 12-volt battery can, last for 12 hours, authorities said. It can be used for announcing warning orders to residents living near coastal areas for preemptive evacuation and in crowd control at designated evacuation centers.

The Army, through its Civil Military Operations Group (CMOG), deployed the equipment upon the request of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (NDRRMC).

Preemptive evacuations in Samar began on Thursday afternoon as Typhoon “Yolanda” approached for a landfall, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Eduardo del Rosario said.

Del Rosario said families living in flood-prone, landslide-prone and coastal areas were taken batch by batch by military and police trucks to evacuation centers where structures can withstand strong winds.

However, he has yet to announce how many families have been moved to safer areas.
Del Rosario also declined to give any forecast about possible destruction Yolanda that may incur in the country.

He emphasized though that all local government units have been told earlier to make necessary preparations such as preemptively evacuating residents to safer grounds.

For his part, Capt. Anthony Bacus, officer in charge of the Army’s Public Affairs Office (PAO), said enough number of soldiers have deployed along the path of Yolanda for any eventuality with disaster response and rescue teams in place.

“Disaster response units of the different Army Divisions nationwide, particularly in the provinces expected to be hit by the super typhoon, will be put on red alert status so that they could immediately respond to any exigencies,” Bacus said.

“The Philippine Army is going to mobilize all its available resources in order to help avoid casualties and minimize damages that may be caused by this super typhoon.

Resources like trucks and other rescue equipment will be of great help for the efficient implementation of disaster response operations. Training of Army soldiers can also be instrumental to support the needs of local government units,” Bacus added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74348/listen-or-die--army-deploys-loudspeaker-to-help-with-preemptive-evacuation-in-samar

GPH peace panel consults Zambo execs on MILF peace talks

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 7): GPH peace panel consults Zambo execs on MILF peace talks



GPH peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and peace panel member  Secretary Mehol Sadain, chair of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, met with Zamboanga City officials headed by Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar (seated far left) on Tuesday, November 5.  Climaco-Salazar expressed her support in the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, panel member Secretary Mehol Sadain, chair of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, and Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, head of the panel’s legal team, met with top government officials of this city on Tuesday to consult them on the ongoing talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

In opening the meeting, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco assured the government peace panel of the city officials' support to the peace process. "We are one with this," she said.

She also urged the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) to continue the peace dialogue in Mindanao.

The government’s negotiating team arrived in this city on Monday, November 4, to jumpstart a two-day consultation process with stakeholders. The peace panel likewise held separate consultations with representatives from the Silsillah Dialogue Movement's Inter Faith Council of Leaders (IFCL), Peace Advocates of Zamboanga (PAZ), Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development, Inc. (ZABIDA) and the Muslim migrant communities of Zamboanga City.  

During the dialogue with key local government officials here, Coronel-Ferrer pointed out the importance of the local government units (LGUs) in the peace process since they are in the frontline of communicating with and ensuring the peace and security of the people in the communities.

Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the government wants to make sure that the local governments are properly consulted. One reason the talks collapsed and the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was voided by the Supreme Court was the lack of transparency and consultations.

This was also re-echoed by District 2 Councilor Juan "Kim" Elago, saying that the LGUs should be on board in the entire peace process. He said there is a need to cascade accurate information on the ground to prevent confusion among stakeholders about the southern peace process.

The entire city council coming from the two districts and Vice-Mayor Cesar Itturalde participated in the consultation forum.

The city officials said they see the need for the local government and OPAPP to deepen its engagement to effectively bring accurate information on the ground to avoid misconceptions and address disinformation meant to derail the peace process.

Coronel-Ferrer also disclosed during the meeting that on Sept. 9, the day Zamboanga City was attacked by forces associated with the Moro National Liberation Front Nur Misuari group, the GPH peace panel was meeting with the President and members of the Cabinet to get their guidance on the negotiation issues before the panel flew to Kuala Lumpur on the same night.

She recalled that throughout the meeting, the President and the Cabinet received reports on the situation in Zamboanga. Several cabinet secretaries were dispatched to the city and the President himself followed several days later.

In the course of the siege, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, with the assistance of Secretary Edwin Lacierda engaged the media and the general public in explaining the processes that the Aquino administration undertook with regard to the GPH-Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) peace process since the beginning of the President's term in July, 2010.

At the same time, Sec. Deles, with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario was coordinating with the Organization of Islamic Conference-Peace Committee for Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP), the secretariat of the GPH-OIC-MNLF Tripartite Implementation Review Process, in finding ways that could help resolve the situation in Zamboanga City.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/gph-peace-panel-consults-zambo-execs-on.html