MILF: BTC members engage experts on Shariah, Taxation

From the MILF Website (Dec 19): BTC members engage experts on Shariah, Taxation

Two committees of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) held separate sessions with knowledgeable persons in the fields of Shariah and taxation inorder to solicit policy recommendations that may be of value in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
  

On December 5, the Committee on Justice and Security spent the whole day with Philippine Shariah Court judges and ulama who finished courses in Shariah in the Middle East.

Held at the Alnor convention hall, the morning session was graced by Shariah District Judges Montano Kalimpo, Zailon Wahab and Datukaka Kamsa. In the afternoon, the resource persons included Asatidz Abdulmauti Esmael, Abusama Alabat, Muhammad Dama, Abdulwahab Pairat, Muhiddin Abdulrahman Muhammad and Guinaid Paduman.

Topics which dominated the discussions included compatibility, sources and conflict of laws; organization and jurisdiction of courts; intergroup litigation; penal system and PD 1083 or the Code on Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.

 The Committee on Justice and Security is chaired by Commissioner Hussein Munoz. The session was conducted with the assistance of JICA which was represented in the opening program by its Chief Advisor Shinichi Masuda.

On December 6, the Committee on Fiscal Autonomy had its session with experts on taxes, fees and charges. ARMM Regional Board of Investments Executive Director Moner Dumama and Mr. Gani Petron of the ARMM Office of the Regional Treasurer served as resource persons.  Unfortunately due to prior commitments, Manila-based tax experts and local government tax officials did not make it to the session.

 Nonetheless, the session proved very informational as the experts clearly explained the structural flaws in the financial operations of the present ARMM especially in the collection and remittance of taxes, fees and charges in the region, and the receipt of its share from the national government. The two ARMM officials promised to submit written recommendations to the committee which is chaired by Commissioner Raissa Jajurie.
 FASTRAC, or the Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities, a joint facility of the United Nations and World Bank, assisted in the holding of the said session.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/725-btc-members-engage-experts-on-shariah-taxation

Government troops scores vs NPA in Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 18): Government troops scores vs NPA in Samar

Despite of these trying and challenging times and people of the Eastern Visayas are reeling from the devastating effects of Super Typhoon Yolanda, it is unfortunate and sad to note that New People’s Army (NPA) have not stop intimidating and extorting money and food from the people.

Lt. Col. Antonio B. Dulnuan Jr,  Commanding Officer of 87IB made the statement as he reported on the recent encounter that happened in his area.

“We have been receiving complaints from folks living in Barangay Bay-ang and the adjacent barangays  in San Jorge town that the NPAs were extorting money and foods intended for their families’ expenses and consumption,” said Dulnuan.

Troops under 87th Infantry Battalion (IB) encountered ten New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in Samar on December 13, 2013 at Brgy. Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar.

In this connection, 87IB was tasked to conduct pursuit operations and encountered another band of NPA rebels at Barangay Sto Niño, Motiong Samar on December 14, 2013 and recovered one Armalite rifle.

8 Infantry Division Public Affairs Official Chief Amado Gutierrez said that government troops scored against NPA during the two encounters that left and killed one rebel and recovered two firearms.

Based on the report of 87IB, the troops were tracking the NPAs at Barangay Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar on December 13 when they received a report from a concerned civilian that the NPAs were hiding at Barangay Sto. Niño, six kilometers away.

The troops immediately proceeded to Brgy. Sto Niño and were engaged by the insurgents when they got near the location. A five minute firefight ensued until the NPAs withdrew, leaving behind one Armalite rifle and traces of blood indicating casualties on their side. There was no casualty on the part of the government soldiers.

On the same day, two NPAs surrendered with firearms on two separate occasions. At around 2:00 AM, Roberto F. Abunaler aka “Edgar”, NPA member operating in Eastern Samar surrendered to 14th Infantry Battalion bringing along with him one Garand Rifle.

Likewise, at around 9:00 PM, Jeffrey Pajarito Delfin, aka “Jason/Hapon”, NPA member operating in Samar voluntarily surrendered to 20th Infantry Battalion bringing along his caliber 357.

 The NPAs that 87IB troops encountered at Brgy. Sto Niño, Motiong, Samar on December 14, 2013 were the same group of NPA that they encountered at Brgy. Bay-ang, San Jorge, Samar last December 13, 2013 where one NPA was killed (body count) and troops recovered one caliber 45 pistol. Pursuit operation is still ongoing.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1141387348650

Rebel factions clash over territory

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 18): Rebel factions clash over territory

LOCAL Army brigade commanders and leaders of some 200 fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front have agreed to disengage after negotiations in Midsayap, North Cotabato amid reports that Moro rebel factions clashed over land ownership in the same town.

Reports said that the firefight erupted after Moro Islamic Liberation Front elements tried to occupy an MNLF territory in Midsayap.

There were no immediate reports of casualties between the two factions following a brief skirmish in Brangay Balabag, in Midsayap at 9 a.m.

The military said, however, that they have not monitored the supposed clashes, except for the incident on the alleged killing of a village official in the same town.

But MNLF Commander Samsudin said the fighting started after MILF forces invaded a 200-hectare land in a hilly portion of a mountain barangay in Midsayap, which he said is owned by the MNLF.

“They (MILF) intruded into the 200 hectare land territory of the MNLF without any coordination with us,” Samsudin.

Samsudin said the MILF group led by a certain Commander Morsid, alias Naga, occupied the property for a supposed ‘project’.

After a brief encounter, Samsudin said he asked Commander Morsid to vacate the property since it is not their property. He added that he even wrote a letter to the MILF side in an effort to resolve the issue and prevent further bloodshed.

“There will be a meeting among leaders of both parties to include representatives from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to discuss what is right and proper,” Samsudin said.

As to whether politics could be behind the MILF attempt to invade the 200 hectare land, Samsudin simply said that “we would like just to preserve peace and tranquility in our areas of concern.”

Recently, the MILF also intruded in MNLF communities in Marbel, North Cotabato, which triggered a skirmish that left at least three persons dead.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, spokesman of the army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade in an interview said that although they have not monitored the alleged clashes, they still set up checkpoints along the highway boundaries in the towns of Midsayap, Pikit, and Aleosan to deter possible conflict.

“What we know is that armed men supposedly belonging to the MNLF are tracking down the killer of Kasanudin Guialal, a village official in Datu Piang believed to have been killed by the group of Brgy. Captain Peng Kulilong of Tugal village, who were with some Civilian Volunteer Organization members,” Bulao said.

Army spokesman Capt. Anthony Bacus, meanwhile, allayed the fears of the residents following reports that at least 200 MILF fighters had massed up in Midsayap.

“The Philippine Army would like to allay the fears of the residents following reports that 200 Moro National Liberation Front fighters are massing up in the area. Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, has already talked with the identified leaders of the MNLF. Together with other stakeholders, they had reached an agreement for the group to disengage and leave the area,” Army spokesman Capt. Anthony Bacus said.

Citing a report from Capt. Bulao, Bacus said the MNLF fighters did not plan to engage government forces.

“The MNLF fighters led by three commanders were looking for relatives of a village chief who were purportedly involved in the killing of a village elder in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The situation was resolved peacefully, with the members of the MNLF agreeing to leave,” Bacus said.

He added, however, that the military will remain vigilant and closely monitor the situation.

The military said the MNLF fighters were not members of the faction of Nurjulani “Nur” Misuari who was served a warrant of arrest for rebellion and crimes against humanity in relation with the International Humanitarian Law ((IHL) over the September Zamboanga City siege.

The siege had displaced more than 100,000 residents from several barangays. At least 10,000 houses were also razed to the ground. As this developed, MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza slammed Malacanang’s attempt to persuade the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to replace its founding chairman Nur Misuari as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro people.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/18/rebel-factions-clash-over-territory-/

AFP: ‘Yolanda’ wreaked havoc on NPA ranks

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 18): AFP: ‘Yolanda’ wreaked havoc on NPA ranks

Supertyphoon “Yolanda” “disrupted the organization” of communist insurgents in Eastern Visayas and other areas hit by the powerful storm, as much as it affected the lives of some 1,200 soldiers from the Armed Forces Central Command (CentCom), the military said Tuesday.

The activities of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as well as encounters between the insurgents and the military, were down to zero after Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), said CentCom chief Maj. Gen. John Bonafos.

“Everybody was affected by the storm, and the communist insurgents now have a disorganized structure,” Bonafos told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo.

Like everyone in the storm-hit regions, the communist insurgents likely lost contact with one another, he said.

They are looking after themselves as well, finding food and water after the typhoon’s strong winds and storm surges wiped out everything in their path, the official said.

After Yolanda, Bonafos said there was a drop in reports on insurgents’ activities in the Western, Central and Eastern Visayas.

“There’s almost no violent activity that has happened,” he said.

However, the communist insurgents are now probably starting to consolidate their groups and recruiting storm survivors to join the movement, he said.

Despite the “regrouping and reorganizing” activities, however, Bonafos said the military was preventing the “exploitation of the victims” of the typhoon by monitoring the communist insurgents’ activities.

The Philippines has the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia. But the military has said that membership in the armed movement of the CPP has been decreasing. But with the movement thriving on the poverty of the people, it has been difficult to wipe it out altogether, it said.

Bonafos said the military would not prevent the NPA rebels from helping the storm survivors, for as long as they do not have their guns with them.

Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense, said the aftermath of the deadly Yolanda offered an opportunity for the communist rebels to show that they are truly for the masses.

“I am calling on the CPP-NPA to join us in the rehabilitation of the storm-hit areas. Now is the time to get together. They can prove to the people that they (NPA) are really for them (masses),” Del Rosario said.

The national government has yet to declare a suspension of offensive military operations (Somo) this Christmas.

In previous years, the month long ceasefire began on Dec. 16.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/548225/afp-yolanda-wreaked-havoc-on-npa-ranks

After sea incident, China praises ties with US

From the Philippine Star (Dec 18): After sea incident, China praises ties with US



In this Nov. 26, 2013, photo, computer screens display a map showing the outline of China's new air defense zone in the East China on the website of the Chinese Ministry of Defense, in Beijing.

Military relations with the United States face a rosy outlook, China's Defense Ministry said Wednesday, in an apparent attempt to limit damage from a recent confrontation between the countries' navies in the South China Sea.

A ministry statement said the sides discussed issues relating to the Dec. 5 incident through normal channels and "carried out effective communication."

"Relations between the Chinese and U.S. militaries enjoy excellent prospects for development and both sides are willing to boost communication, coordinate closely, and work to maintain regional peace and stability," the statement said.

In its first official comment on the incident, the ministry offered few details other than to say the Chinese amphibious ship involved had been on regular patrol and "appropriately handled the matter in strict accordance with operational procedures."

The U.S. Pacific Fleet has said the cruiser USS Cowpens maneuvered to avoid a collision while operating in international waters. It said both vessels eventually "maneuvered to ensure safe passage" after discussions between officers onboard.

However, a newspaper published by the ruling Communist Party on Monday accused the U.S. ship of crowding Chinese ships accompanying the country's first aircraft carrier on sea trials.

The Global Times said the Cowpens came within 45 kilometers (30 miles) of the Chinese squadron, inside what it called its "inner defense layer."

The incident came amid heightened tensions over China's expanding navy and growing assertiveness in the region, where it claims vast areas of heavily trafficked waters and numerous island groups.

Beijing recently declared a new air defense zone over parts of the East China Sea encompassing Japanese-controlled islands claimed by China, prompting heavy criticism and defiance from Washington, Tokyo and others.

During visits this week, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Washington would provide more than $70 million in security assistance to Vietnam and the Philippines — countries locked in competing claims with China over territory in the South China Sea.

The Dec. 5 confrontation was the most serious incident between the two navies since 2009, when Chinese ships and planes repeatedly harassed the U.S. ocean surveillance vessel USNS Impeccable in the South China Sea.

Partly to avoid such confrontations, the U.S. has been pushing for increased exchanges and limited joint exercises with the Chinese military. Next year, China's navy is set to take part for the first time in a major international maritime exercise known as Rim of the Pacific.

http://www.philstar.com/world/2013/12/18/1269571/after-sea-incident-china-praises-ties-us

Gov't peace panel sees January signing of 'normalization' annex

From the Philippine Star (Dec 18): Gov't peace panel sees January signing of 'normalization' annex

The government (GPH) peace panel on Wednesday said that it expects the normalization annex in the negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be signed by January 2014 in Malaysia.

Government peace panel member and former Agriculture Secretary Senen Bacani told newsmen in a briefing that the two peace panels have agreed to strike the fourth and last annex which is the normalization and the decommissioning of MILF forces by January next year.

“Based on the joint statement at the closing of the exploratory talks last December 8 that saw the approval of the power sharing annex the two panels will try to finish the normalization annex on January 2014. Yon ang inaasahan natin na puwede natin matapos by next month,” Bacani said.

“Nothing is sure but may commitment ang dalawang parties na sisikapin tapusin sa January 2014,” he added.

Bacani did not categorically describe how hard and contentious the normalization and decommissioning annex compared to the last three annexes forged by the two panels, but he assured that the technical working group has ironed out all the details of the fourth annex since last year.

He said the peace panels have come to a number of consensus on the fourth annex and only the small details of the agreement need ironing out.

Government chief negotiator Mariam Coronel-Ferrer said the benchmark is needed to have a systematic decommissioning and normalization of the MILF combatants with socio-economic components.

No surrender of firearm

The government and MILF peace panels are avoiding the use of the term "surrender" and instead uses the phrase of decommissioning to avoid touching the sensitivity of Muslim combatants culture of owning guns.

Ferrer said there will be a bigger campaign for the legalization of the weapons not just for the MILF combatants, but also for private gun owners.

Ferrer stressed that the campaign of firearms' legalization will be subjected to the general population, not just with the MILF members in the country with the passing of the new firearms control law.

She said they will be applying varied approaches in the decommissioning of firearms.

She said the so-called crew-serve weapons will be prohibited and will be collected for safe keeping until such time these will be destroyed.

Ferrer said in the case of the long and short firearms possessed by the MILF combatants, these will be registered as part of procedures and those not registered will be confiscated.

“At bilang registered firearms, dapat mag-follow ng regulation. Hindi naman puwedeng maski saan dalhin ninyo. Kung may pangangailangan sa labas ng bahay ay kailangan with permit,” She said.

She said gun amnesty will also be extended to some MILF combatants.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/18/1269567/govt-peace-panel-sees-january-signing-normalization-annex

Military counterterrorist unit gets new commander

From the Business Mirror (Dec 18): Military counterterrorist unit gets new commander

A BEMEDALLED officer has been named commander of the Army Special Operations Command, (Socom) replacing Maj. Gen. John Bonafos who was designated Armed Forces Central Command chief more than a month ago.

Brig. Gen. Donato San Juan, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, was designated commander of the Socom, which composed of the Scout Ranger Regiment, the Special Forces Regiment and the Light Reaction Battalion.

 

San Juan was replaced by Col. Ronnie Evangelista as commander of the Special Forces Regiment. Evangelista is a member of PMA Class of 1986.

 

Before he be became the Special Forces commander and eventually the Socom chief, San Juan served as the Army’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (G-1).

 

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces Public Information Office chief, said that San Juan was given the Best Battalion Commander Award in 2000 and 2004. “He was also a part of the operation that rescued American kidnap victim Gracia Burnham, and it was his group that caught the group of Abu Sayyaf Spokesman Abu Sabaya onshore,” Zagala said of San Juan.

 

“Seventeen members of the Abu Sayyaf Group died in that encounter, and this lead to the findings that Sabaya’s group was not in Basilan. That was among the accomplishments of General San Juan,” he added. Zagala said San Juan had also served as United Nations observer in northern Iraq in the 1990s.

 

On the other hand, Evangelista had served as officer in charge of the Special Force Regiment and as acting commandant of the Special Forces School and commander of the Light Reaction Battalion.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/24543-military-counterterrorist-unit-gets-new-commander

4 Cabinet members bypassed by CA; 88 AFP senior officers confirmed

From the Business Mirror (Dec 18): 4 Cabinet members bypassed by CA; 88 AFP senior officers confirmed

At least four ranking Aquino Cabinet officials long seeking congressional confirmation were bypassed anew by the Commission on Appointments (CA) even as it confirmed at least 88 senior officers of the Armed Forces before it adjourned for the traditional Christmas recess on Wednesday.

 

Under the rules, President Aquino would need to reissue ad interim appointments to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla so they could continue to perform their duties in acting capacity until they are finally confirmed when the CA reconvenes next year.

 

The bicameral commission, chaired by Senate President Frank Drilon, however, managed to confirm the promotions of 88 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including four lieutenant generals, nine major generals, 21 brigadier generals, three rear admirals, five commodores, as well as 46 Colonels in the Army, Air Force and Navy.

 

This developed as the CA adopted a resolution, sponsored by Majority Leader Rodolfo Farinas, prodding the AFP and the Philippine National Police, the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation “to determine, in the most expeditious manner, the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Jonas Burgos, son of the late journalist Jose Burgos, and exert all efforts to locate him without further delay.”    

 

Among those confirmed on recommendation of the CA’s national defense committee were Lt. Gens. Rustico O. Guerrero, Roy O. Deveraturda, Cesar Ronnie F. Ordovo and Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III; Major Generals Richard S. Siga-an, John S. Bonafos,  Crisologo M. Nayve, Romeo L. Gapuz, Edgar R. Fallorina, Romeo T. Tanalgo, Hernando DC A. Iriberri, Gamaliel S. Cruz and Rodelio V. Santos;  Brigadier Gens. Felix J. Castro Jr., John G. Estoesta, Rey Leonardo B. Guerrero, Romeo G. Gan, Wilfredo S. Bonilla, Mayoralgo M. de la Cruz, Oscar T. Lactao, Marian C. Aleido, Romeo L. Labador, Andre M. Costales, Raymundo DV Elefante, Quirino S. Calonzo, Reynaldo R. Castillo, Francisco M. Patrimonio, Victor V. Bayani, Demosthenes C. Santillan, Rolando C. Malinao, Andre P. Tanyag, Teodorico D. Raqueno, Rodrigo T. Diapana and Arnold M. Quiapo.

 

Also confirmed were Rear Adms. Jesus C. Millan, Leopoldo M. Alano and Isabelo H. Cador; and Commos. Francisco Sebastian T. Pan, Antonio A. Habulan Jr., Ronald Joseph  S. Mercado, Joel T. de la Cruz and Primitivo P. Gopo.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/24563-4-cabinet-members-bypassed-by-ca-88-afp-senior-officers-confirmed

Suspected NPA rebels torch sugarcane fields in Negros

From the ABS-CBN: Suspected NPA rebels torch sugarcane fields in Negros

Suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebels torched sugarcane fields in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, authorities said.

The armed men set fire to over 10 hectares of sugarcane farm in Sitio Pagba in Barangay Cabagnaan last Sunday evening.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), their personnel were already on their way to the area but were blocked by several armed men, preventing them to immediately respond to the blaze.

Police have yet to identify the perpetrators but the Army believes members of the NPA were responsible for the incident.

Police said Barangay Cabagnaan is considered to be one of the critical areas in central Negros because of the strong presence of the NPA in the area.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/18/13/suspected-npa-rebels-torch-sugarcane-fields-negros

Army forfeits $40m in US aid for abuses

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 19): Army forfeits $40m in US aid for abuses

THE government’s failure to curb the abuses allegedly committed by its security forces has caused the Philippine Army to forfeit the $40-million assistance promised by US Secretary of State John Kerry, according to John Sifton, Asia Advocacy director of the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

“The $40-million military aid that US Secretary of State John Kerry pledged to the Philippines is restricted to maritime security assistance and counter-terrorism training for the police in Mindanao,” Sifton told the Manila Standard.

“We note that none of it will go to the Philippine Army, a traditional recipient of US foreign military financing, and there’s a reason for that.

“The US Congress, the Pentagon, and the State Department each agree that the Philippines Army is implicated in abuses, past and even present, and continues to enjoy impunity since the government has not established any significant record of prosecuting human rights violations. This new military aid package reflects that consensus.”

Sifton said the Obama administration agreed that the Philippine Army should not get any major assistance.

“There’s a pending draft legislation in the US Congress that would restrict all major assistance to the army,” Sifton said.

“Aside from that, there’s an existing hold on $3 million of annual financial military assistance to the Philippines as a result of the government’s failure to address these abuses.”

Sifton’s group wants the Aquino administration to stop the summary killings and enforced disappearances by prosecuting state security forces implicated in human rights violations. It also wants the prosecution of officials implicated in the “death squad” killings in Davao City and other cities, a stop to the abuses in the mining areas, the disbanding of local militias and paramilitary forces, and a recall of Executive Order 546 that allows politicians to arm private armies.

The other alleged incidents of military abuses that the group wants investigated is the alleged mistreatment of suspected Muslim rebels, including the children detained by security forces in Zamboanga following the MNLF’s siege in the city on Sept. 9, 2013.

In an earlier report, Human Rights Watch claimed that “rebel suspects have reported being beaten and otherwise mistreated by military and police personnel before being turned over to the San Ramon Prison and Penal Farm, a government prison facility on the outskirts of Zamboanga City where most suspected rebels are being held.

“Torture of alleged MNLF suspects is reported to have occurred at the Southern City Colleges, a school in downtown Zamboanga where much of the September fighting occurred.”

The group also claimed that the detainees were restricted access to lawyers, relatives and rights monitors. It highlighted the case of the enforced disappearance of farmers’ rights activist Jonas Burgos, who was allegedly abducted by “people affiliated with the Philippine armed forces.”

Abducted from a Manila shopping mall in April 2007, activist Burgos was never seen again and the military had repeatedly denied any role in his disappearance, HRW said in a separate report.

Another celebrated case is that of fugitive retired Gen. Jovito Palparan, who is accused of being involved in the alleged disappearance of student activists Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in 2006.

Meanwhile, the group Karapatan claims President Benigno Aquino III is “accountable for the 152 summary killings and 168 frustrated killings, 18 enforced disappearances, 358 illegal arrests and detentions on trumped up charges, tortures and other gross human rights violations in his term, affecting a great number of the peasantry, indigenous people and urban poor dwellers.

“His counterinsurgency policy, Oplan Bayanihan, and his promotion of the pervading culture of impunity sanctions all these,” said Cristina Palabay, the group’s secretary general in an earlier statement.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/19/army-forfeits-40m-in-us-aid-for-abuses/

Navy Air Group gets much-needed boost with the arrival of 3 AW-109s

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): Navy Air Group gets much-needed boost with the arrival of 3 AW-109s

The Philippine Navy said the number of flyable assets of its Naval Air Group (NAG) is getting a much-needed boost with the commissioning of the three AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters on Thursday.

The Navy's AW-109s arrived at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City at around 1:25 p.m. Wednesday after a short flight from Sangley Point Naval Base in Cavite.

The newly-acquired air assets were flown to Camp Aguinaldo in preparation for their commissioning ceremonies Thursday morning.

Prior to this, the NAG only operates one Robinson R-22 helicopter, Blohm B0-150 helicopter, two Islander aircraft and four Cessna light utility planes.

With the arrival of the three AW-109s, the number of flyable assets of the NAG has increased to 11.

NAG pilots, who were trained to fly the AW-109s in Cesto Calende, Italy, said the AgustaWestland aircraft is very much suited for a rotary wing machine.

They added that the AW-109s is very maneuverable and very ideal for shipboard deployment.

The AW-109s will be deployed to increase the range, surveillance and detection capability of the two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates in Philippine service.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, earlier said that another two AW-109s are expected to join the NAG by the third quarter of 2014.

This version will be the armed version of the AgustaWestland aircraft and will also be used for shipboard operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597934

Army condemns NPAs for blaming military of rights violation the rebels committed

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): Army condemns NPAs for blaming military of rights violation the rebels committed

The Army here has condemned the New People's Army and its sympathizers for "always" blaming the military with concocted stories of human rights violations.

Lt. Colonel Nilo Vinluan, commander of the 57th Infantry Battalion, also criticized the communist guerrillas for using weapons of mass destruction which had been banned in the Philippines under the Geneva Convention.

"They (NPAs) still regularly use landmines or improvised bombs planted along road sides which are very dangerous and fatal for civilians in remote communities in North Cotabato," Vinluan over DXND Radyo Bida interview.

"That is a very clear violation of human rights of civilians who would accidentally step on the landmines," he added.

Vinluan said that Wednesday morning, the NPAs planted two land mines in Barangay Datu Magtangkil, Arakan, North Cotabato with the belief that the military will pass through the dirt road network.

Nobody was hurt in the 5:20 a.m. blast which came three days after the NPAs set off two improvised roadside bombs in the same village following an encounter between 57th IB and communist rebels.

Vinluan said his battalion headquarters situated in Makilala, North Cotabato is open to any group who have complaints against military abuses.

"I will not allow my men to violate human rights of the very same people we were committed to protect," he said, inviting human rights group to come and see him.

"We are all Filipinos, we have the same faith and culture, we may differ in ideas but we should not resort to violence for it will not solve misunderstanding," Vinluan added.

Vinluan also urged "some barangay officials" to be truly public servants and serve the majority of their constituents and not a few people.

"To some local leaders in our area of jurisdiction, we all work in government and our loyalty should be with the people and not those who are anti-people, like the NPAs," he said.

Vinluan said some barangay officials would not report to the police or the military about the presence of the rebels in their communities.

"When we ask them about armed men in their areas, they would say none but when the Army came over they were ambushed," Vinluan said.

Vinluan who assumed office as new unit chief this month said the 57th IB has been transformed as "people's battalion" where ordinary folks can come and join us in the universal campaign for peace.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=597942

Army, local officials prevent clan wars in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): Army, local officials prevent clan wars in North Cotabato

Local military officials on Tuesday prevented what could have been a bloody encounter involving Moro clans in the borders of Midsayap, North Cotabato and Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Army Captain Anthony Bulao, speaking for the 602nd Infantry Brigade based in Carmen, North Cotabato, said Colonel Allan Arojado, 602nd brigade chief, and local officials mediated between warring clans and convinced them to settle their dispute legally and not through the barrel of guns.

Involved in the long standing family feud were Commanders Noran, Hassan, Dumo and Kamama, all of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Peng Kolilong family who was also armed and affiliated with other Moro front.

About 40 heavily armed MNLF tried to enter Midsayap town, particularly Barangay Tugal where Kolilong reside, but Army and local officials immediately interceded and prevented what could have been a bloody Tuesday morning.

About 50 families who noticed armed men in their village decided to flee to nearby communities but immediately returned home when the soldiers interceded.

Bulao said Arojado deployed a team of soldiers to serve as peacekeepers and prevent unnecessary hostilities involving warring clans.

The conflict, locally known as "rido," stemmed from land dispute.

Bulao said the MNLF members agreed to return to Datu Piang after talking with Col. Arojado.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=597980

AFP declares Bulacan "cleared of communist affectation and influence"

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18): AFP declares Bulacan "cleared of communist affectation and influence"

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan -–Long known as among the hotbed of communist insurgency in the country, the province of Bulacan on Wednesday was finally declared “cleared of communist terrorists affectation and influence” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Francisco Balagtas Hall of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention Center here.

Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy- Alvarado, in his capacity as chairman of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and representative of the provincial government of Bulacan, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Col. Henry G. Sabarre, commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade of 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army and Bulacan police director Supt. Joel S. Orduna, declaring Bulacan as “peaceful and ready for further development.”

The MOA signing was witnessed by Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Col. Librado Moog, Imelda Magat of the provincial office of the Department of Interior and Local Government and provincial board member Ramon Posadas, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order of the Sanguniang Panglalawigan.

Catapang said that the 703rd Brigade, which has operational jurisdiction in Bulacan, has earlier recommended to the higher headquarters of the AFP for the declaration of Bulacan as “cleared” from “communist terrorists” (CTs) affectation and influence as evidence by the decrease in the activities of the insurgents and the improved peace and order situation in the province as attested by local chief executives of formerly affected areas.

“ All the ingredients for progress is now here in Bulacan. We have been fighting insurgency for a long time but finally we have cleared Bulacan and growth and development is now fast accelerating here especially in the mountains of Eastern Bulacan which is rich in mineral resources,” Catapang said.

He also stressed that to achieve long lasting peace, the groundwork for progress must be laid properly and spread prosperity to all the people.

He assured Governor Alvarado and the people of Bulacan that the AFP will continue to protect the province from all types of security threats.

Alvarado said that the MOA is” a manifestation of our long quest for peace”.

He said that the key to progress and peace is unity and this will radiate to the entire country, ensuring national growth and stability.

“This is a challenge to anybody, whatever their creed or ideology, the purpose here, is alleviate the lives of our people and with order there will be peace and when there is peace, progress and development will bloom.

“We could now focus on more pressing problems like addressing the effects of global warming and climate change. Through the unified move and stable relationship, we can the attain peaceful development of our province," the governor said.

The MOA will also further strengthen the internal security operations that will pre-empt the resurgence of communist terrorists and other threat groups in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=598002

CPP/NPA: CPP laughs off AFP claim Yolanda disorganized NPA in Visayas

From the CPP Website (Dec 18): CPP laughs off AFP claim Yolanda disorganized NPA in Visayas

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today laughed off claims by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command that supertyphoon Yolanda has “disrupted the organization” of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Eastern Visayas and other devastated areas. The AFP made this claim yesterday upon the observation that the NPA has not launched offensive operations since November 8.

“According to reports immediately following the supertyphoon, all units of the NPA in the Eastern Visayas, Panay Island, Central Visayas and Negros Island remain intact,” said the CPP. “In fact, communications between the CPP central leadership and all regional commands in the devastated areas were re-established immediately and instructions and commands flowed smoothly down to the basic units of the NPA and branches of the CPP.”

“Immediately after typhoon Yolanda, NPA units, people’s militias, local Party branches, revolutionary mass organizations and barrio revolutionary committees were mobilized to organize relief efforts and set up production teams to help the people collectively rise up from the grave socio-economic disaster,” said the CPP. “The revolutionary forces in the localities also coordinated with aid agencies and media organizations to facilitate the entry and distribution of relief goods to certain areas.”

The activities of the NPA in Samar province were covered in an article published in the December 7 issue of Ang Bayan.

Addressing typhoon Yolanda’s devastation in Samar

Unite with the people in facing the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, carry out the temporary and unilateral ceasefire for two months

Tumulong sa pagbigay ayuda at sa muling pagtayo ng mga sinalanta ng Yolanda, isuspendi ang mga taktikal na opensiba ng BHB habang iginigiit sa rehimeng Aquino ang tungkulin nitong tulungan ang mga nasalanta

“The observation by the AFP official that there have been no offensive NPA operations since November 8 just goes to show that the respective commands of the NPA in the areas have complied with and continue to observe strictly the ceasefire declaration issued by the CPP Central Committee which remains effective until December 24,” pointed out the CPP.

“The NPA commands in the Visayas are also covered by the national ceasefire declaration issued today by the CPP Central Committee to mark the 45th anniversary of the CPP and in observance of holiday traditions,” said the CPP. The CPP pointed out that by the end of the effectivity of the ceasefire on 2359 hours of December 26, the NPA in the Visayas would have observed a 49-day ceasefire. NPA forces in Samar and Leyte, furthermore, are covered by an order issued by the Eastern Visayas Regional Committee of the CPP that extends the ceasefire to mid-January in view of the extent of the devastation and the scale of effort that must be exerted by the masses and their army to rise up from the ravages of the storm.

“In contrast, the Aquino regime and the AFP has refused to issue a ceasefire declaration in the devastated areas and have instead ordered the 8th and 3rd ID to continue their relentless offensive military operations.”

The CPP rejected the calls to “join the AFP in the rehabilitation of the storm areas,” saying that the AFP’s relentless operations clearly aim to prevent the NPA and the revolutionary forces in the area from engaging in rehabilitation efforts.

“If the AFP were at all serious in its calls, it would have ordered its forces to stand down and cease its offensives against the NPA and the revolutionary areas,” said the CPP. “Instead, the AFP has intensified its offensives and issued such bellicose statements right after the devastation declaring that the AFP will not cease to pursue the ‘enemies of the state’.”

“The Aquino regime and the AFP leadership are clearly afraid that the successful relief and rehabilitation efforts being carried out by the revolutionary forces will put to shame the ruling reactionary Aquino regime which has largely failed in addressing the urgent and long-term needs of the disaster victims,” said the CPP.

“Since the devastation by Yolanda, the Aquino regime has been engaged in endless PR gimmicks to cover up its criminal negligence, failure to prepare for the storm, corruption in the collection and distribution of international aid, and overall failure to make substantial progress on the ground and significant positive impact on the lives of the disaster victims.”

“More than anything else, the Aquino regime’s so-called rehabilitation efforts are aimed primarily to benefit the big capitalist compradors, particularly the gigantic business empire of Lucio Tan, one of the biggest benefactors of the Aquino regime.”

“The Aquino regime is further condemnable for ordering yesterday the suspension of the wage order increase in the Western Visayas, which would effectively pull back the workers’ daily minimum wages by P10 and worsen their already dismal socio-economic condition,” said the CPP. “This goes to show what class the Aquino regime is really serving.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131218_cpp-laughs-off-afp-claim-yolanda-disorganized-npa-in-visayas

CPP/NPA: Declaration of ceasefire to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the CPP and observe holiday traditions

From the CPP Website (Dec 18): Declaration of ceasefire to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the CPP and observe holiday traditions

CPP Central Committee

 

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) hereby issues this ceasefire declaration to all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia to take effect on

0000 Hours of 24 December 2013 to 2359 Hours of 26 December 2013

and on

0000 Hours of 31 December 2013 to 2359 Hours of 2 January 2014

 

During the aforementioned periods, all commands of the NPA and the people’s militia shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against the armed units and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and all other paramilitary forces attached to the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.

The CPP-CC strongly reminds commands and units of the NPA and the people’s militia, that while in active defense mode, they should remain ever vigilant against any encroachments by the reactionary armed forces and its attached armed groups into the territory of the people’s democratic government. In the face of clear and imminent danger, NPA and people’s militia units retain the option to engage in armed hostilities as an act of self-defense and in order to prevent the enemy from unleashing its brutalities against the people.

This ceasefire declaration is being issued in solidarity with the Filipino people’s traditional observance of Christmas and New Year holidays.

Furthermore, the ceasefire declaration is being issued in order to allow the Filipino people and their revolutionary forces to join mass celebrations to mark the 45th anniversary of the CPP’s re-establishment on December 26. NPA Red fighters will be ensuring the security of large numbers of people anticipated to flock to the various assembly points in the guerrilla zones to join the celebrations.

This declaration effectively extends by another two days the ceasefire covering the regional commands of the NPA in the Eastern Visayas, Panay Island, Central Visayas and Negros Island, whose forces were mobilized to assist the people in the areas devastated by the recent supertyphoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan).

The CPP-CC takes notice of the earlier ceasefire declaration issued by the Regional Committee of the CPP in Eastern Visayas which suspends all offensive operations of the NPA forces in Samar and Leyte islands up to the middle of January in view of the extent of the devastation and the scale of effort that must be exerted by the masses and their army to rise up from the ravages of the storm.

Relentless suppression operations of the AFP in the devastated areas hinder the people from launching mass struggles and engaging in campaigns for rehabilitation. The CPP-CC is, thus, prevented from issuing a further extension of the ceasefire declaration in the Visayas. It furthermore affirms the right of the NPA forces in the Eastern Visayas to retain the option of cutting short the ceasefire declaration if AFP offensive operations continue to prevent the revolutionary masses from engaging in rehabilitation efforts.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131218_declaration-of-ceasefire-to-celebrate-the-45th-anniversary-of-the-cpp-and-observe-holiday-traditions

Kerry: Cemeteries showcase close Philippine-US ties

From Rappler (Dec 18): Kerry: Cemeteries showcase close Philippine-US ties

US Secretary of State John Kerry laid a wreath Tuesday, December 17 at a cemetery for US and Filipino war dead, and said it symbolized the countries' close ties.

Kerry, a Vietnam war veteran, said he was "honored" to lay the wreath at the American Cemetery in a Manila suburb, which contains the remains of over 16,600 Americans and 570 Filipinos who died fighting the Japanese during World War II.

"That is the largest cemetery in which Americans are buried from World War II. It is a remarkable place and it is a humbling tribute to the links between us in our struggle for freedom," he said during a two-day visit to the Philippines.

Kerry also cited a newly signed agreement under which the two countries will cooperate to upgrade and maintain a run-down veterans' cemetery at the former US Clark airbase north of the capital.

Under the agreement, the United States will provide five million dollars to rehabilitate the Clark Veterans' Cemetery, which holds the remains of about 8,600 Filipinos and Americans who died fighting under the US flag from the turn of the century to the 1990s.

The 7-hectare (17-acre) cemetery had largely remained untended after US military bases in the Philippines were closed in 1992. US veterans' groups in the Philippines had decried its abandonment and were raising funds for its rehabilitation.

Kerry said the new agreement upholds "the sacred promise to honor those who served and sacrificed on our behalf".

The United States won the Philippines as a colony in the Spanish-American war in 1898. Although Filipino nationalists resisted the US control, many Filipinos served in the US military. Fighters from both sides battled Japanese forces who invaded the country during World War II.

The Philippines was granted independence in 1946 but the United States remains its closest ally and main trading partner. Kerry said more than 300,000 Americans now live in the Philippines while more than 4 million Americans have Filipino origins.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46118-kerry-cemeteries-showcase-close-philippine-us-ties

Kerry: $24.6M more for Yolanda rehab

From Rappler (Dec 18): Kerry: $24.6M more for Yolanda rehab

IN TACLOBAN. US Secretary of State John Kerry (in white shirt, 2nd from right) arrives at a evacuation camp in Tacloban City, 18 December 2013. Photo by Patricia Evangelista/Rappler

US Secretary of State John Kerry announced an additional pledge of $24.6 million (approximately Php 1.1 billion) for recovery and rehabilitation efforts in areas hardest hit by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), during a visit to storm-ravaged Tacloban City on Wednesday, December 18.

The pledge announced by the United States' top diplomat is on top of aid already provided by the US government and aid agencies.

"I'm proud to announce here in Tacloban today that the United States through the USAid is providing an additional $26.4M in humanitarian aid now," he said.

"This is on top of the $62M that we have already provided and we are mindful that there is a donor conference taking place even as we are here today, and we will watch and work closely with the government to make further determinations as plans are laid out and as the future is defined by the government of the Philippines."

The new pledge will be used primarily to ensure residents and relief workers have immediate access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene services as well as food and temporary shelter.

'Like a warzone'

In a speech shortly after he landed in Tacloban, Kerry spoke of how the typhoon's devastation was "stunning," "staggering," unlike anything he'd seen on its scale.

There were really no words, he said, to describe the magnitude of Haiyan's impact.
"It looks like a war zone in every respect," he said, "and in many ways for a lot of people it is. You have to see this to really believe it and to feel it and understand it."

Kerry offered condolonces to the casualties of the storm in behalf of President Barack Obama and the American people and wished for a speedy recovery for the more than 27,000 people woulded. Their thoughts and prayers. he said, are also with the 1,800 still missing more than a month after the typhoon.

Committed

Kerry praised the resilience and strength of the typhoon survivors. "Last month’s typhoon broke the world’s heart, but what is certain is that it didn’t break the spirit of the people here." He called it the "best demonstration of humanity and of common love and sense of responsibility that people see for each other."

He also praised the coordinated efforts of the United States and the Philippine government, and called it "the enduring partnership of two allies, not only in good times, but in trying times as well."

The United States, he said, will continue to help in the recovery efforts for "as long as it takes."

His visit to the devastated Eastern Visayas city highlights the massive US humanitarian response to the disaster, in contrast to the response by regional superpower China.

The United States, the former colonial power in the Philippines, has been the greatest contributor of aid following the typhoon which left nearly 8,000 dead or missing, and four million people homeless.

Washington deployed an aircraft carrier group and committed 1,000 Marines and $20 million in a mobilization that served as a preview of an intensified defense engagement deal being hammered out by the US and the Philippines.

The city is his latest stop in a trip that has brought him from Israel to Vietnam, then to the Philippines.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46147-kerry-visits-typhoon-ravaged-tacloban

How Pinoy soldiers befriended their Syrian captors

From Rappler (Dec 18): How Pinoy soldiers befriended their Syrian captors



HOME: After over a year in Golan Heights, hundreds of Filipino peacekeepers are home. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

 It was a back-to-back kidnapping early this year that worried the entire country. Syrian rebels abducted 21 Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights in March and another 4 from the same team in May. They were released after several days.

Because they are members of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), their abduction prompted international concern. But while their families were crying here, the Filipino soldiers were making friends with the rebels. They were showing each other family's photos. They were served fried chicken upon request because they didn't quite like the taste of Syrian bread.

 

It's an extraordinary tale of abduction. When they were released, the rebels told them they would be missed.

 

Against the backdrop of the worsening violence in Syria, contingent commander Lieutenant Colonel Nolie Anquillano feared then that he'd lose his men. "I was worried that we might go home incomplete. Something might happen to them. But then we were very lucky that we all came home," Anquillano said.

 

After 13 months, all 332 of them are home. Aquillano and his men on Wednesday, December 18, received their United Nations Service medals. They arrived in the Philipppines in two batches early December.

 

The Philippines earlier threatened to stop sending troops to Golan Heights but later reconsidered after the UN met demands to secure the troops. The new batch of 336 Filipino peacekeepers left for Golan Heights in November.

 

Anquillano is confident the abductions will not happen again. They controlled and monitored troop movements and strengthened the camps. "Our mitigating measures are very much effective," he said.

 

First batch

 

On March 3, Major Dominador Valerio and his men were deployed to the village of Al Jamla to rescue 2 members of the Observation Group Golan, a group that monitors the agreement between Syria and Israel.

 

Little did they know that 3 days later, they would meet the same fate when they were in the same area to get their food supply. They were held for 3 days, from March 6 to March 9.

 

The Syrian rebels stopped them when they were about to enter the village, but they were eventually allowed inside. Valerio said they were given an hour to get their supply. It was when they were leaving the village that the Syrian rebels took them, supposedly for "safekeeping." Firefight between the Syrian forces and the rebels was ongoing at the time.

 

The peacekeepers were not carrying firearms because they know that it is what attracts the rebels.

 

Did the Filipinos believe they were kept for safekeeping? Valerio said they had mixed feelings at first. The rebels obviously had an agenda. Valerio said they wanted the Filipino soldiers to tell the United Nations to stop government forces from bombing the rebels.

 

Valerio, as company commander, feared that one of his men would try to steal a firearm and fight the rebels. He said he got even more scared him when they started taking videos of them. They know of many kidnap victims who just disappeared.

 

But Valerio reminded his men that they were not in the Philippines and that their role abroad was to keep the peace, not fight wars. "Sabi ko, bahala na. Ipagkatiwala na rin natin 'yung sarili natin sa Poong Maykapal kasi ito yung best way para matanggap natin kung ano ang mangyayari sa atin," Valerio said.

 

The Filipino soldiers eventually charmed their captors. "I was able to prove that Filipinos easily make friends and charm other people. We got their sympathy. When we left, they were sad," he said. "They did not hurt us. They were feeding us," he added.

 

Second batch

 

Captain Arlis Jardin escaped the first abduction because his team was separated from Valerio's. But a few weeks later in May, the Syrian rebels got him and 3 of his men. They were held for 5 days.

 

Jardin said they were out assessing the damage of the latest artillery attack coming from the Syrian forces when the rebels took them, also for supposed safekeeping. They attempted to resist but they were outnumbered. Unlike Valerio's team, one of them was carrying a firearm. They would later try to get the firearm back but it was not returned to them.

 

By the time they were abducted, Jardin and his men had heard the stories of the first batch of 21 soldiers that the rebels abducted. Jardin said they were more relaxed because they knew that they will not be harmed.

 

The rebels were asking them why the UN was not giving aid. Jardin said they had to explain that they were there as peacekeepers. A different UN group takes care of providing aid. Jardin said the rebels eventually understood.

 

Jardin remembers how they were properly fed by the rebels. They were first offered Syrian bread, olives, and other native food. "They treated us well. We were able to request food from them," he said.

 

They asked for every Filipino's favorite combo – fried chicken and rice.

 

Like the first batch, they shared stories about their families. "We showed them pictures of our families, which we always carried. I think our dedication to our families touched them. Among the reasons they became rebels, in the first place, was the death of their loved ones," he said.

 

It's an experience they will never forget. Violence in Syria continues but Anquillano, Valerio, and Jardin said they speak for the rest of the abducted soldiers: they're all willing to go back.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46173-filipino-soldiers-syrian-captors

Filipino peacekeepers at Golan Heights, seized twice by Syrian rebels, get UN Service Medals

From InterAksyon (Dec 18): Filipino peacekeepers at Golan Heights, seized twice by Syrian rebels, get UN Service Medals



Lieutenant Colonel Nolie L Anquillano receives his UN Service Medal from AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T Bautista in an awarding ceremony for the 6th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights and Liberia, at the GHQ Grandstand. AFP PHOTO

It was an eventful stint marred by two celebrated abductions that mercifully ended well, and Filipino peacekeepers faced the end of that mission with a sigh of relief and a sense of fulfillment.

They have formally reunited with their families and received Wednesday, December 18, their United Nations Service Medal after more than a year of deployment to Golan Heights and Liberia.

AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista welcomed home the peacekeepers and congratulated them for accomplishing their mission despite constant threats to their safety.

The 332-strong 6th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights, led by Lt. Col. Nolie L. Anquillano, had received worldwide attention after twice being seized  by Syrian rebels in March and in May this year 2013.

Despite being released safely on both occasions, questions were raised about the option to pull them out of the zone. In the end, the  Philippine government continued the all-Philippine Army contingent’s deployment after the UN agreed to bolster the safety of the UN peacekeeping force.

At Wednesday’s rites at AFP, a posthumous award was also conferred on Sgt Benson Angot who died of malaria on October 22 while on duty in Golan Heights. His wife, Rodalyn Angot, received the award for the fallen soldier.

Meanwhile, the 115-strong 17th Philippine Contingent to Liberia (PCL), which was deployed in July last year, completed their mission of assisting in the maintenance of law and order in the country following a ceasefire that ended the Second Liberian Civil War. The all-Philippine Air Force contingent was led by Col. Fidel Igmedio T Cruz Jr.

Both contingents to Golan and Liberia performed peacekeeping duties --manning and patrolling operating foot and mobile patrols day and night, VIP protection, and other administrative roles.

Peacekeepers held hostage twice

In March and in May this year, a total of 25 peacekeepers were captured by Syrian rebels while performing their duties near high-risk conflict areas near Syria.

A group of 21 contingents led by Army Major Dominador Valerio was stopped by Syrian rebels on their way back from  a supply run in Al Jamlah village on March 6.
The peacekeepers were later released near the Jordanian border on March 11 after a series of negotiations with officials from the UN Disengagement Force.

Meanwhile on May 7, four peacekeepers led by Cpt Arlis Jardin were taken by Syrian rebels while on reconnaissance and static observation mission. They were released May 12 with the help of Col. Cirilito Sobejana, Chief of Staff of UNDOF and Commander of the Philippine Peacekeeping Force in Golan Heights; Syrian Arab Red Crescent Movement; and UNDOF negotiators.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77027/filipino-peacekeepers-at-golan-heights-seized-twice-by-syrian-rebels-get-un-service-medals

Reds declare Christmas cease-fire as AFP awaits Palace decision

From InterAksyon (Dec 18): Reds declare Christmas cease-fire as AFP awaits Palace decision

As promised, the communist revolutionary armed movement on Wednesday declared a unilateral cease-fire days before its founding anniversary. It ordered its armed wing, the New People’s Army, to suspend tactical offensives while staying vigilant against offensives that may be launched by the military and police.

“The Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) hereby issues this ceasefire declaration to all commands and units of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s militia to take effect on 0000 Hours of 24 December 2013 to 2359 Hours of 26 December 2013; and on 0000 Hours of 31 December 2013 to 2359 Hours of 2 January 2014,” it said in a statement.

Malacanang has yet to reciprocate although the military earlier said it had already recommended to President Benigno Aquino III, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), to declare a suspension of military operations (SOMO) against the NPA.

The CPP leadership said that within the cease-fire period “all commands of the NPA and the people’s militia shall cease and desist from carrying out offensive operations against the armed units and personnel” of the military and police and all other paramilitary forces attached to them.

The CPP-CC reminded commands and units of the NPA and the people’s militia, that while in active defense mode, they should remain vigilant “against any encroachments by the reactionary armed forces and its attached armed groups into the territory of the people’s democratic government.”

In case of attacks, “NPA and people’s militia units retain the option to engage in armed hostilities as an act of self-defense and in order to prevent the enemy from unleashing its brutalities against the people.”

The CPP explained the cease-fire declaration is meant to honor the Filipinos’ traditional observance of Christmas and New Year holidays.

Earlier, the CPP urged the government to suspend military offensives against the NPA on December 26 as the party celebrates its 45th founding anniversary.

 The AFP celebrates its 78th founding anniversary on December 20, but announced it will have a vastly scaled down celebration, having decided to use the budget for helping out with activities related to post-typhoon Yolanda reconstruction.

Post-Yolanda cease-fire called

When super typhoon Yolanda struck early last month, the rebels declared a lengthy ceasefire in provinces ravaged by the storm to allow their forces to engage in relief and rehabilitation efforts.

In the worst hit region of Eastern Visayas, the rebel leadership extended the truce to mid-January.

However, the military refused to reciprocate the ceasefire, even as considerable numbers of military units were deployed in the massive task of rescuing survivors, clearing debris, restoring vital infrastructure, retrieving bodies and securing temporary shelters.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista refused to call the SOMO they recommended through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process a ceasefire.

“Traditionally, we declare not a ceasefire but a suspension of military offensive during Christmas holidays and we will leave it up to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process to recommend to the President. We will support their recommendation,” Bautista said.

Last week, the New People’s Army raided two police stations in Mindanao, seizing several firearms while killing a policeman and wounding three others.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77028/reds-declare-christmas-cease-fire-as-afp-awaits-palace-decision

Gen. San Juan is new chief of Army's SOCOM

From InterAksyon (Dec 18): Gen. San Juan is new chief of Army's SOCOM

The Army’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM) has a new chief: Brigadier General Ben Donato San Juan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maharlika” Class of 1984, took the helm Wednesday of the elite command based at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.



San Juan, former commander of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) based at Camp Tecson in Bulacan, is among several officers known to be close to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

He replaced Maj. Gen. John Bonafos (PMA “Sandigan” Class 1982) who was earlier promoted chief of the Central Command (Centcom) based in Cebu City.



Replacing San Juan is Col. Ronnie Evangelista of PMA “Sinagtala” Class 1986, also known to be close to Gazmin.


http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77038/gen--san-juan-is-new-chief-of-armys-socom

Zamboanga City teacher abducted

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 18): Zamboanga City teacher abducted

Armed men raided a government school on Wednesday and abducted a teacher in the southern Filipino port city of Zamboanga, police said.

Police said at least 10 gunmen on two motorboats swooped down on Limaong Island and seized Cathy Casipog, who teaches at the Sibogtok Elementary School.

“The teacher was forcibly dragged by the armed men who fled on two motorized boats,” Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said police and military forces were immediately deployed to pursue the gunmen and their hostage. “There is an operation going on,” he said.

The motive of the abduction is still unknown, but it occurred barely a week after gunmen abducted a fish trader, Cynthia Caboverde, in Ipil town in the neighboring province of Zamboanga Sibugay, and village chieftain Cecilia Alas-as in Sibuco town in Zamboanga del Norte.

Police arrested one of Caboverde’s abductors Adznar Chiong, and filed charges against him and his cohorts, one of them Nurhassan Jamiri, a notorious Abu Sayyaf leader based in Basilan province, just several nautical miles south of Zamboanga.

The woman, a resident of Dipolog City, just came from her fishing boat with new partner Edrin Agca in Magdaup village where she distributed salaries of her fishing crew members. The gunmen also seized the woman’s bag containing P800,000 and then dragged her to a waiting motorized boat. Caboverde’s partner was left behind by the abductors for a still unknown reason.

Alas-as, village chieftain of Paniran, was seized by three masked men who barged inside her house and dragged her to the shore where a boat was waiting. Police forces tried to chase the gunmen, but failed to catch up with them. The motive of the abduction is still unknown.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/zamboanga-city-teacher-abducted.html