Gun shots ring in Nueva Ecija for Balikatan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): Gun shots ring in Nueva Ecija for Balikatan


[Video: Balikatan 2014 kicks off  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Oxjwon4uNA]

With the Balikatan exercises in full swing, the first live fire exercises of the year has begun on Luzon’s largest military camp.

Philippine Army and United States Army’s joint forces swooped down on Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija to conduct the Balikatan 2014′s platoon live fire exercise on Saturday.

Captain Mark Anthony Ruelos, Public Affairs Officer of Fort Magsaysay, said that the aim of the live fire exercise is to enhance the cooperation between the two country’s Armed Forces with the Filipinos taking the lead.

“These exercises are primarily used for jungle warfare,” Ruelos said atop the Fernandez Hill where the exercises were held. “The setting of the exercise is a direct simulation of the landscape where these operations are used.”

With four US soldiers first scouting the area, 15 Philippine troops equipped with M16 and M14 rifles zoomed in on the first target, a dilapidated house that simulates an enemy base.

After the first target has been neutralized, the other 15 troops rained fire on dummy targets simulating enemy soldiers guarding the other target.

“Upon the completion of the objective on the first target, the other half of the Philippine troops engaged the second target,” Ruelos said. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104023/gun-shots-ring-in-nueva-ecija-for-balikatan

US: PH troops ‘impressive’ in Balikatan drills

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 10): US: PH troops ‘impressive’ in Balikatan drills



US and Philippine marines storm the beach to simulate a raid during the joint U.S.-Philippines military exercise dubbed Balikatan 2014 Friday, May 9, 2014 at the Naval Training Exercise Command, a former US naval base, and facing the South China Sea at San Antonio township, Zambales province northwest of Manila, Philippines. More than 5,000 U.S. and Filipino troops have begun two weeks of military exercises to flex their muscle in jointly dealing with potential crisis in the Philippines, which is prone to natural disasters and has been locked in a dangerous standoff with China over a disputed shoal. This year’s war games focuses on maritime security. AP
With the Balikatan exercises in full-swing, US and Philippine troops held platoon live fire drills here on Saturday with the locals taking the lead in a performance that their counterparts found “impressive”.

“These exercises are primarily used for jungle warfare,” Captain Mark Anthony Ruelos, public affairs officer, said atop the Fernandez Hill where the exercises were held.

“The setting of the exercise is a direct simulation of the landscape where these operations are used,” said Ruelos.

With four US soldiers first scouting the area, 15 Philippine troops equipped with M16 and M14 rifles swooped down on their first target – a dilapidated house that simulated an enemy base.

After the first target was neutralized, the other 15 rained fire on “enemy soldiers” guarding other targets.

“Upon the completion of the objective on the first target, the other half of the Philippine troops engaged the second target,” Ruelos said.

Impressive

Major Joseph Weinburgh of the 3rd squadron 4th Cavalry regiment of the US Army, said that their Filipino counterparts have continued to impress the soldier in him.

“I am continued to be impressed by the Bravo Company,” Weinburgh said after the simulation. “We did not train them, they were just that good up to this.” “All my soldiers have been nothing but impressed.”

He reiterated that the Balikatan, which he described as “pretty successful,” was not meant to establish a partnership, but rather continue the relationship between the US and the Philippines.

Weinburgh added that the US presence in the exercises wasn’t meant to establish their leadership but support for the Filipinos who were in the leadership role in the Balikatan.

“Filipino officers lead everything, we are here just to support them,” Weinburgh said. “This is the best partnership.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/104027/us-ph-troops-impressive-in-balikatan-drills

US nuke sub arrives in Subic Bay

From the Business Mirror (May 9): US nuke sub arrives in Subic Bay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Photo: Crewmen of the nuclear submarine USS Chicago stand on deck, as the vessel is positioned by a tugboat alongside a submarine tender at the Alava Wharf in the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday. (Henry Empeño)

 

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy arrived here on Friday morning for what was described by the US Embassy in Manila as a “routine port call.”

 

The USS Chicago (SSN 721), a Los Angeles-type fast-attack submarine, docked at the Alava Wharf here, alongside the submarine tender USNS Emory Land, which came to port days earlier.

 

The US Embassy said Chicago’s visit will “allow the ship to replenish supplies, as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation.”

 

The ship is said to carry a complement of 135 officers and ratings.

 

The port call also “highlights the strong historic, community and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines,” the Embassy statement said.

 

USS Chicago is part of the US Pacific Fleet’s Submarine Squadron 15 home-ported in Guam. It belongs to the 41-strong class of fast-attack submarines that form the backbone of the US Navy’s submarine force.

 

The ship is more than 360 feet long, displaces more than 7,000 tons when submerged, and attains an underwater speed of more than 20 knots.

 

Chicago, which carries Tomahawk land-attack missiles, Harpoon anti-surface ship missiles, as well as torpedoes and mines, can support “a multitude of missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike, and intelligence surveillance, and reconnaissance,” the embassy said.

 

Chicago’s visit came amid this year’s staging of the Philippines-US exercise Balikatan and just 45 days after another American underwater craft, the nuclear-powered missile-guided submarine USS Michigan (SSGN-727), docked here also for re-supply and crew “liberty.”

 

The Michigan surfaced here on March 25 amid rising tension at the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) following the attempted blockade by Chinese coast guard ships of a Philippines resupply vessel off Ayungin Shoal, but official US statements did not correlate the two events.

 

Instead, the embassy said the ship’s crew visited a local school for persons with disabilities in Olongapo City, as well as a local museum “to learn more about Filipino culture and history.”

 

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/31835-us-nuke-sub-arrives-in-subic-bay

U.S. general's Balikatan visit boosts soldiers morale

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): U.S. general's Balikatan visit boosts soldiers morale

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija -- The unprecedented visit of a commanding general of the United States Army to the ongoing Balikatan, a joint military exercises between the American and Philippine armed forces, has served as a big push to over 700 participants here, a training officer said.

Capt. Ian Hermosura, assigned at land warfare training of the Philippine contingent, said the presence of Gen. Vincent Brooks, commanding general of the U.S. Army of the Pacific, was a boost to their morale.

"Because we saw that their commander is exerting effort. They are serious in these kinds of activities especially the bilateral exercises," Hermosura said.

Brooks, who was given military honors here, paid a visit to Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda of the Philippine Army's 7th Infantry Division and Brig. Gen. Donato San Juan of the Special Operations Command Wednesday.

Later that day, he watched the platoon live fire exercises at Fernandez Hill where joint U.S. and Philippine forces simulated a joint assault using combined direct and indirect weapons upon three enemy forces.

But instead of observing the exercises, which Hermosura and his American counterpart Major Joseph Weinburgh, operations officer of the 3-4 Cavalry of Hawaii-based 25th Infantry Division designed, Brooks went close to the assaulting teams.

An officer said Brooks may have wanted to get the full grasp of the scenario in order to see the efficiency of the interoperability training.

The general did not issue statement even as no one would speak on the issues that he and the Filipino generals may have tackled during his courtesy call.

But Hermosura found his presence enough.

"It (the visit) showed the seriousness of the U.S. not only enhancing relationship but also in helping our armed forces," he said.

By combined direct and indirect weapons, the joint forces used their traditional long firearms which were M16 for Filipinos and M4 for their American counterparts and the U.S.'s 60mm mortar.

Hermosura described the mortar as "platoon-attached" or handy that can be carried by two-persons as against the Filipinos'"company-attached."

The Filipino soldiers, on the other hand, shared to their counterparts the ability to survive on available resources.

Over 200 American and 500 Filipinos soldiers are participating in the Balikatan or Shoulder to Shoulder military exercises which started on May 6 until May 16 here.

Weinburgh said that besides the military exercises, the participants also enhance their interoperability in disaster response and humanitarian activities such as medical missions and rehabilitation of schools in nearby villages.

The U.S. troops also brought in an Opsprey Helicopter, a vertical and horizontal airlift, that was used during relief and rescue operations in areas affected by typhoon Yolanda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=642348

Security forces clash with BIFF, one brigand captured, several weapons seized

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): Security forces clash with BIFF, one brigand captured, several weapons seized

Troopers from the 45th Infantry Battalion and 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion together with members of local law enforcement agencies have captured a member of the "Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter" (BIFF) along with five M-16 automatic rifles and other materiel during security operations in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan town, Maguindanao, Friday morning.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said on Saturday that the military units along with members of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were conducting routine security operations when fired upon by BIFF members headed by one "Cmdr Marrox" before 1 a.m.

Hermoso said the encounter lasted for 30 minutes and resulted in the arrest of one Datu Ali Sailala and capture of five M-16 automatic rifles, several combat packs, one hand grenade, an ICOM antenna, BIFF insignias and rank patches and several sachets of "shabu" paraphernalias.

He said no government losses were reported.

The 6ID spokesman said pursuit operations were still ongoing against the fleeing BIFF forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642394

Chinese frigates spotted off Panatag Shoal -- U.S. 7th Fleet

From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): Chinese frigates spotted off Panatag Shoal -- U.S. 7th Fleet

The U.S. 7th Fleet, during flight operations off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, have spotted two Chinese frigates in the area.

In a statement released by its public affairs office, the Chinese ships, one bearing the bow number "572", was spotted by an MH-60 helicopter flying off the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).

The American ship was conducting routine training operations in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal when the Chinese ships were seen.

"A Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) vessel is seen from an MH-60 helicopter assigned to USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) while conducting flight operations in support of maritime security operations in the South China Sea. The aircraft is part of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron(HSC) 12, underway with the embarked U.S. 7th Fleet staff aboard Blue Ridge, building relationships and furthering interoperability with allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific," its statement stressed.

The US 7th Fleet said that it has around 70-80 ships and submarines at its disposal along with 150 aircraft, and stated that it operates 365 days throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.

"It's not uncommon for Seventh Fleet to have ships and aircraft operating simultaneously in the Yellow Sea, East Sea and South China Sea. The Blue Ridge flight operations in the photos are part of our routine presence in international waters, with the goal of providing security and stability for all maritime nations," it concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=642397

BIFF member arrested in Maguindanao

From the Manila Times (May 9): BIFF member arrested in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO: Government troops nabbed a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during an early morning clash on Friday in Rajah Buayan town here.

Chief Supt. Noel Delos Reyes, police chief of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said Datu Naut Ali Sailali was in possesion of an M-16 rifle and a grenade when he was arrested.

Also recovered during the 6 a.m. operation were five M-16 rifles, a grenade and 6.3-kilo of methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu.

Col. Gener del Rosario, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, said a team of soldiers were patrolling Barangay Sapakan when they encountered about two dozen BIFF rebels.

“It was fierce, the fighting in the village and we are sure that the enemies had suffered some casualties because there were bloodstains all over the areas where they withdrawn. We also recovered five M16 automatic rifles along the way and many BIFF uniforms and radio sets and backpacks,” said Del Rosario in a phone interview with The Manila Times.

He said troops were sent to track down the rebels, blamed for the series of attacks on military forces in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the similarly troubled Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Del Rosario said no soldiers were killed or wounded in the gunbattle.

The military also blamed past bombings in Maguindanao to the BIFF – under former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leader Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato – which has been fighting security forces since January 27, a day after peace negotiators signed an accord with the MILF on how the country’s largest Muslim rebel group would lay down their weapons.

Kato broke away with the MILF in 2011 after accusing its chieftain Murad Ebrahim for abandoning their struggle for independence and betraying the MILF when he agreed to a secret meeting called by President Benigno Aquino 3rd in Japan in August 2011.

Kato claimed Ebrahim corrupted the rights of the Bangsamoro people, adding the MILF chieftain should have consulted his leaders before meeting with Aquino.

Kato and senior rebel leader Abdulla Macapaar were both accused by authorities as behind the series of deadly attacks in Mindanao in 2008 after peace negotiators failed to sign a Muslim homeland deal because the Supreme Court declared the accord unconstitutional.

Kato suffered a stroke in 2011 but his condition remains unknown, although there were reports that a new commander – Sheik Mohidin Animbang – has taken over the command of the BIFF, whose members were mostly former fighters of the MILF and rival group Moro National Liberation Front.

http://www.manilatimes.net/biff-member-arrested-in-maguindanao/95245/

Army seeks applicants for officers' course

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 9): Army seeks applicants for officers' course

The Army Recruitment Center for Mindanao will conduct a pre-written examination for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) and Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) both for male and female on June 14 – 26, 2014.

The scheduled examination will be on June 14 2014 at Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), Buenavista, Agusan del Norte; June 15 at Caraga State University Gymnasium, Cabadbaran City; June 17 at Headquarters 30TH Infantry (Python) Battalion, Bad-as, Placer, Surigao del Norte; June 19 at Philippine Normal University, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur; June 20 at Bayugan Gymnasium, Bayugan City; June 22 at Brgy 7 Gymnasium, Malaybalay City; June 24 at Headquarters 52ND Engineer Brigade, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon and June 26 at Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC), Mambajao, Camiguin.

Applicants for Officer Candidate Course must be natural born Filipino citizen, unmarried and without child and at least 5 feet in height with ages from 21 to 24 years old on the start of training. For the active enlisted military personnel at least one term in the military service but not more than 29 years old of ages. They must be a graduate of four year baccalaureate degree with good moral character, physically and mentally fit.

Applicants for Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) must be a graduate of Probationary Officer Training Corps (POTC) with a reserve rank of 2ND Lieutenant and must be a graduate of four year baccalaureate degree and a natural born Filipino citizen , single, physically and mentally fit and at least 5 feet in height. For active enlisted military personnel they must also have completed at least one term in the military service with ages from 21 to 31 years old on the start of training. For Candidate Soldier Course applicants they must also have at least two years course or 72 units in college (if High School Graduate he or she must possess a special skill needed in the military service and certified by TESDA) with good moral character, physically and mentally fit and at least 5 feet in height and must be a natural born Filipino citizen single with ages from 18 to 26 years old on the start of training.

Interested applicants are advised to bring along with them the original copy of their NSO Birth Certificate, original copy of Transcript of Records, Diploma (for college graduate), form 137 (for High School Graduate), original copy of their TESDA certificate, valid identification card and one piece of 2X2 picture.

Lieutenant Colonel Jose Leonard B Gille, Commanding Officer of the Army’s 4th Civil-Military Operation “Kasaligan” Battalion and concurrently the Acting 4ID Spokesperson is calling all qualified and interested Filipinos, "to take advantage of this opportunity to have stable job by rendering service to our country and become a regular member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1701399612167

Philippine Navy set to hold 3-day exams in CDO on May 9-11

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 8): Philippine Navy set to hold 3-day exams in CDO on May 9-11

The Philippine Navy is inviting male and female applicants in Cagayan de Oro City and nearby areas who want to take up Naval Officer Candidate Course (NOCC), Basic Seaman Course (BSC) and Marine Basic Course (BSC).

This as the Philippine Navy is scheduled to conduct a three-day examination on May 9-11, 2014, from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Southern Philippines College, this city.

Qualified to take up the NOCC are natural born Filipino citizen, 21 to 28 years old, unmarried, graduate of a 4-year degree course, at least 5 feet in height, no pending civil/criminal case, physically and mentally fit.

While qualification requirements for BSC and MBC must be a natural born Filipino citizen, 18 to 23 years old, unmarried, holder of at least 72 units in college, at least 5 feet in height, no pending civil/criminal case, physically and mentally fit.

Interested applicants of NOCC should bring the following requirements: diploma, transcript of record, NSO-issued birth certificate, NBI clearance and two pieces 2x2 picture.

While BSC and MBC applicants should bring certificate of any vocational course or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) NCll, NSO-issued birth certificate, NBI clearance and two pieces 2x2 pictures.

All applicants are advised to wear white t-shirts and jeans on examination dates, and may contact the Philippine Navy hotline number 09351885907 for further inquiries.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1461399517105

EDCA requires PH consent prior to prepositioning of U.S. troops, says DND official

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 9): EDCA requires PH consent prior to prepositioning of U.S. troops, says DND official

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) recently signed by the Philippines and the United States stipulates that the consent of the Philippines must be given first before US troops are prepositioned for military activities, an official said on Thursday.

The EDCA “institutionalizes two joint activities, namely the prepositioning of US equipment within AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) locations, and the construction of related facilities to accommodate such prepositioning and other enhanced defense cooperation activities,” National Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said in a press conference in Malacanang.

“We would want to emphasize though that under EDCA, it is very clear that, for any prepositioning and construction activity to happen, the consent of the Philippine government is necessary,” Batino said.

“In fact, the EDCA specifically makes reference to the Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board, which is the existing bilateral security mechanism between the AFP and the US Pacific Command,” he added.

He pointed out that the EDCA “expressly provides that the agreed locations within which these construction and prepositioning activities would take place, would be determined and provided through the AFP.”

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, who is a member of the Philippine negotiating panel for the EDCA, joined Batino at the press conference said the agreement “is mutually beneficial and that there’s ample legal and constitutional support for the provisions that are now reflected in this defense cooperation agreement which we have with the United States.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1751399550613

Palace: Arrest of Chinese poachers is PHL’s exercise of sovereignty over its EEZ in the WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Palace: Arrest of Chinese poachers is PHL’s exercise of sovereignty over its EEZ in the WPS

The arrest of Chinese poachers in the Half Moon Shoal was not undertaken to aggravate the sea dispute between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), Malacanang assured on Friday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a Palace media briefing, reiterated the statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) explaining the reason for the arrest.

“We reiterate that the apprehension made by the PNP (Philippine National Police) Maritime Group at Hasa-Hasa or Half Moon Shoal was undertaken to enforce Philippine maritime laws and to uphold the country’s sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone (EEZ),” Coloma said.

The PCOO chief further said that the government continues to stand by its commitment to a peaceful and rules-based approach to the resolution of disputes in the WPS.

It can be recalled that earlier this week, the PNP Maritime Group seized a Chinese fishing boat carrying large numbers of endangered species, particularly 500 turtles.

The maritime police, aside from capturing the boat, also arrested about 10 personnel and its captain, Chen Hi Quan.

While the Philippines has always stood by approaching the sea dispute through peaceful and rules-based means, China on the other hand, is firm on its nine-dash line.

The nine-dash line is a U-shaped chain of a dotted line that outlines China’s territorial claims in the WPS which has become a regular attachment to the Chinese map.

China has also resorted to aggressive actions, previously expelling Filipino fishermen from the Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=642132

Solons affirm constitutionality of CAB; assure swift passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Solons affirm constitutionality of CAB; assure swift passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law

Lawmakers have affirmed the constitutionality of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) -- the historic peace deal signed last March 27 by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) -- which is the basis for the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

"I have read the FAB (Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro), the four annexes, Addendum on the Bangsamoro Waters, and the CAB. I have not seen any provision that will violate any constitutional provision," said Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

Rodriguez also reiterated that the CAB only provides for enhanced autonomy, negating claims that it creates a sub-state.

"We are not creating a sub-state or a state here; this is enhanced autonomy. It’s just improving what was provided before and what is provided by the Constitution," he noted.

"The Constitution says 'autonomy.' How can you create a state when it is 'autonomy' that's stated under Section 15 to Section 21 of Article 11 (of the Constitution)," he added.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Francisco Ashley "Ace" Acedillo shared the same view on the term "Bangsamoro" which, according to him, signifies respect for the Moro heritage.

"I believe that the accession of the government in terms of wording is to honor the heritage of this component of our society, which is our Muslim brothers and sisters. Iyan ay pagbibigay-pugay po sa kanilang heritage. (It is to give tribute to their heritage)," he said.

"They (Muslims) are merely given an autonomous government. Klaro naman po na may exclusive powers on the part of the central government at meron naman pong powers na ibinibigay sa Bangsamoro. Pero at no point in time will they be given an outright state (It is clear [in the agreement] that exclusive powers will be retained by the central government and there will be powers granted the Bangsamoro. But at no point in time will they be given an outright state)," he stressed.

Rodriguez supported the Magdalo Party-list solon's position, underscoring that choosing a name is part of their right and that it is a non-issue in as far as the definition of autonomy is concerned.

"They call themselves Bangsamoro, who are we to decide what their name should be? What is important is not the name but what the (Bangsamoro) Basic Law will provide. We (Congress) will make sure that the (Bangsamoro) Basic Law will provide for an enhanced autonomy as provided for in Article 11 on Local Autonomy," he said.

Rodriguez also gave assurance on the timely passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law given many other important bills that need to be deliberated at the Lower Chamber.

"We are definitely sure that this will be finished and the Bangsamoro government will be installed in 2016. We hope that the (Bangsamoro) Basic Law will be approved by both Houses (of Congress) and that there will be a referendum by this year," he said.

"We are very confident about that because the people in Mindanao cannot wait. They want to have peace in Mindanao for sustainable development. That will be done," he added.

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, once finalized, will be certified as urgent by President Benigno S. Aquino III, submitted to Congress for passage, and subjected to a plebiscite in the envisioned core territory.

Once ratified, the law will create the Bangsamoro political entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=642152

Army officer warns CAFGU vs involvement in illegal drugs

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Army officer warns CAFGU vs involvement in illegal drugs

A military battalion commander has warned members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) that if they would be proven to be involved in illegal drugs, the full force of the law is applied to them, with dismissal from service as penalty.

Colonel Roy Galido, commander of the 38th Infantry Battalion whose unit supervises militiamen in Maguinanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, issued the warning after a militiaman was caught peddling methamphetamine hydrochloride or "shabu" Monday near a roadside detachment in Maguindanao.

Militiaman Datu Ali Salik Nor is now in the custody of the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in Cotabato City.

Galido said the 38th IB is now processing the delisting of Nor from the roster of bona fide CAFGU members in Central Mindanao.

The 22-year-old Nor was arrested by PDEA agents, disguised as drug buyer, on May 6 while in the act of selling shabu to a poseur buyer.

“The Philippine Army does not tolerate such illegal act. He will be discharged from the service,” Galido told reporters.

Before Nor, Galido said three enlisted members of the 38th IB were discharged due to their illegal drug involvement.

"Soldiers and militiamen must be upright, free from illegal activities and must uphold the Constitution. How can a drug dependent perform his sworn duty if he is into illegal drugs," Galido said, adding that it is very dangerous for a law enforcer to be carrying firearms while engaged in illegal drugs.

PDEA agents seized an unlicensed cal. 38 from Nor, undetermined amount of prohibited substance and other shabu paraphernalia.

PDEA agents were running after a certain Tuli Alfonso, during the drug buy bust operations when they cornered Nor.

Alfonso managed to elude arresting officers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=641994

(Update) Fort Bonifacio fire, explosion records first fatality

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): (Update) Fort Bonifacio fire, explosion records first fatality

The Philippine Army (PA) on Friday announced the first fatality in the fire and explosion that gutted the Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) building at the Army Support Command in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Wednesday morning.

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, identified the fatality as Cpl. Bernabe Mota, 30, and a member of the EOD Battalion.

Mota sustained massive burns from the fire and died around 10:01 a.m. Friday at the AFP Medical Center.

"He was supposed to be transferred to East Avenue Medical Center burn unit this (Friday) morning," Detoyato said.

Mota leaves behind a daughter.

PA commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri on Friday vowed to extend all possible assistance to the victims of the incident.

He made the pledged during his visit to the victims confined at the AFP Medical Center and Army General Hospital.

"Their welfare and immediate recovery is the primary concern of the PA at this point," Iriberri stated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642046

No taxes, landing fees for U.S. military under EDCA, says defense official

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): No taxes, landing fees for U.S. military under EDCA, says defense official
 
Under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the US military will not pay the Philippine government any tax since it is a government-to-government agreement and not a contract for commercial purposes, a defense official noted on Thursday.

“This is a defense cooperation agreement,” Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

“This is not a transaction that would generate income. That was not the purpose of the EDCA. We think that through the defense cooperation that will be implemented here, the benefits that will be enjoyed by both the AFP and the US military would be mutual,” he said.

Tax issues are also consistent with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US, said Batino, who chaired the Philippine panel in the EDCA negotiation.

The VFA provision states that the US military will be exempted from paying landing charges or port charges.

It is in recognition of the rule that a sovereign power does not have jurisdiction over another sovereign, he explained.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, member of the Philippine panel representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the reason why there is no provision on compensation in the EDCA is that it was envisioned to be a mutually beneficial agreement.

Malaya said there is a distinction between a defense agreement, which by nature is a government-to-government agreement, and a contract of lease.

This is not a contract of lease where rent is required, he said, noting that in fact, Japan and South Korea, which host large US military bases in their respective territories, provide subsidies for the maintenance and operation of the US bases.

He cited that in 2011, Japan provided US$ 3.7 billion in subsidy to the US military for the maintenance and operation of US forces there.

South Korea this year allotted US$ 749.6 million for the maintenance of the US bases in its territory, the ambassador said, adding that it is the same with Germany and other places where there are US facilities.

On the issue of taxes on utilities, Malaya said these are counterpart funds on the part of the Philippines, and this is an accepted practice in the country, particularly with respect to the receipt of foreign donations and foreign assistance.

“This is what you call as a matter of assumption of the taxes that are supposed to be collected from a foreign government entity,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642057

Use of radio frequency by U.S. military under EDCA does not need Congressional approval: Official

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Use of radio frequency by U.S. military under EDCA does not need Congressional approval: Official

Under the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), American forces using the country’s airwaves do not need a franchise from the Philippine Congress, a foreign affairs official said Thursday.

Some quarters have asserted that a franchise from Congress is necessary for the US military to be allowed to use frequencies or spectrum in the Philippines.

Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya however said that based on the country’s laws, franchise from Congress would be required if the operation of a radio frequency is intended for commercial purposes.

Malaya is a member of the Philippine panel for the negotiation of the EDCA, which was signed by the Philippines and the US late last month.

The presence of US forces in the Philippines under the EDCA is not for commercial purposes, he told reporters during a media briefing in Malacanang.

“We did a lot of consultations during the course of the negotiations with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and they told us that they allot a bundle of frequencies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is envisioned that under this agreement, the NTC will not grant a new bundle of frequencies to the US military,” Malaya said.

The AFP will just allow the US military to use existing frequencies or spectrum for the latter’s temporary use, he explained.

US troops coming to the Philippines will be bringing telecommunications equipment only for internal use and not for commercial purposes, according to Malaya.

“That is the same arrangement that we give, for instance, to other visiting military personnel who come to us, including those who have assisted us during Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642061

Gatchalian denounces China’s use of jammers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Gatchalian denounces China’s use of jammers

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday condemned China’s reported usage of jamming equipment in the Ayungin Shoal, saying such move threatens the lives of civilians and their right to freedom of movement.

The economic giant was found to have deployed high-tech communications and jamming equipment in the shoal to curb activities of Philippine forces, as two military planes were forced to navigate on their own after communication channels went dead while hovering over the area last Saturday, according to news reports.

Such tactic puts the safety of civilian aircraft crossing the area at risk, a major broadsheet cited one military official as saying.

Gatchalian argued that China’s move to use the said equipment can likely violate civilians’ right to life, liberty and security as well as the right to freedom of movement as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“China’s resort to use jamming devices imperils the lives of civilians aboard private and commercial planes because it affects the transmission of information crucial for navigation. It also breaches the right of people to travel. China, as a member of the United Nations and more so as a member of the UN Security Council, should learn to respect the rights of people to life, liberty, security, and movement as guaranteed by the Declaration,” said Gatchalian, who is also a senior vice chair for the House committee on Tourism.

The lawmaker stressed that the freedom to collect and pass on information is assured in Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states: “Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.”

Gatchalian noted that China should stick to the diplomatic route on its territorial row with the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea, saying such dispute can be settled without brute force following the recently concluded meeting between the Philippines and Indonesia on overlapping exclusive economic zones (EEZs).

“The Philippines and Indonesia’s resolve to work on territorial issues through peaceful means clearly illustrates that the diplomatic route is more effective in determining solutions in such conflicts. By using that route, economic, political, and social ties are kept intact,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642142

PNP welcomes newly promoted star-rank officials

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): PNP welcomes newly promoted star-rank officials

President Benigno S Aquino III has approved the promotion of seven more police generals assigned to key positions in the PNP Directorial Staff and National Support Units.

PNP Chief, Director General Alan L Purisima, formalized the promotion of seven star-rank police officials during simple ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame.

The promotions were approved upon the recommendation of DILG Secretary and National Police Commission Chairman Mar Roxas and PNP Chief, Director General Alan L Purisima.

Promoted to the rank of Police Director (Major General) were Police Director Rodrigo P. De Gracia (The Director for Information and Communications Technology Management), Police Director Getulio P. Napeñas (Director, Special Action Force) and Police Director Melito M. Mabilin (Director, Civil Security Group).

Four of them were promoted to the rank of Police Chief Superintendent (Brigadier General), they are:

PCSupt Ulysses J. Abellera (Secretary to the Directorial -Staff)PCSupt Theresa Ann B. Cid (Director, Crime Laboratory Group)PCSupt Neri A. Ilagan (The Director for Integrated Police Operations – North Luzon) PCSupt Nestor F. Quinsay Jr. (Director, Police Community Relations Group).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642216

SC orders PMA to comment on Cudia petition

From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): SC orders PMA to comment on Cudia petition

The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to comment on the petition filed by Cadet Aldrin Cudia who failed to graduate from the academy last March for alleged violation of the Honor Code.

In a two-page notice of resolution issued on Friday, the SC gave the respondents in the case filed by Cudia a period of 10 days from receipt within which to submit their respective comments.

The respondents are the Superintendent of the PMA, the PMA Honor Committee and the Cadet Review and Appeals Board (CRAB).

Meanwhile, the SC granted the motion for leave to intervene filed by Filipina Cudia, the mother of Aldrin Cudia.

In the petition for certiorari, prohibition and mandamus filed by Cudia, he asked the SC to issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) or a status quo ante order (SQAO) against the dismissal order imposed against him by the PMA Honor Committee for alleged violation of the Honor Code.

Cudia also urged the SC to order the grant of appropriate recognition and include him in the list of the graduating class of Siklab Diwa PMA Class of 2014 when all the material requirements for his graduation shall have been completed.

He further asked the SC to order his commission as a new ensign of the Philippine Navy as well as the stoppage of ostracizing him by the cadets of the PMA and the submission by the PMA Cadet Review and Appeals Board of all the records of the proceedings undertaken in his case.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=642209

US, Philippine marines launch South China Sea drills

From InterAksyon (May 9): US, Philippine marines launch South China Sea drills

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales - Scores of United States and Filipino marines launched mock assaults on a South China Sea beach in the Philippines on Friday in war games aimed at honing the allies' combat skills.

The exercise came as tensions simmer between the Philippines and China over rival claims to the strategic waters.

Three US rubber raiding craft and two small-unit Filipino riverine boats made repeated sallies at a desolate beach at a northern Philippines navy base in a practice stealth landing of squads of armed marines.

Shouting "Volume Fire!" and "Bounce Up," the teams scrambled up the sloping shore with assault rifles to surround a mocked-up enemy tent before running back to their boats in rapid manoeuvres.

"We're here for the sake of training, to build up and develop our capabilities," US Marines spokesman Captain Jeremy Scheier told AFP when asked if they had a specific enemy target in mind.

"There was no specific scenario," he said, adding that Friday's exercises began well before dawn and involved about 40 US and 80 Filipino marines.
About 5,500 US and Filipino forces are taking part in the annual war games over a two-week period.

At the opening ceremony in Manila last week, Filipino Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said this year's joint maneuvers were designed to help the hosts boost their "maritime capability" to address "challenges" in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, which signed a mutual defense treaty with the United States in 1951, has been involved in increasingly tense maritime confrontations with regional power China, which claims most of the sea including waters close to its neighbors.

The United States has said it takes no position in the territorial dispute.
However US President Barack Obama, on a state visit to Manila last week, warned China against using force in territorial disputes and said Washington would support Manila in the event of an attack.

In the latest incident on Tuesday, Filipino police detained a Chinese-flagged fishing vessel and detained its 11 crew members.

It has ignored a Chinese demand to free the vessel and crew.

Philippine military spokeswoman Navy Lieutenant Annaleah Cazcarro said the amphibious landing exercises also involved two Filipino navy ships serving as launch pads about 3.7 kilometers (two nautical miles) offshore.

"This was planned years before," she told AFP when asked if the exercises had any bearing on the latest maritime incident involving China, which the Philippines said occurred near Half Moon Shoal, 106 kilometers west of the large western Philippine island of Palawan.

The Philippines on March 30 filed a formal plea asking a United Nations arbitration tribunal to declare as illegal what Manila said was Beijing's claim to 70 percent of the South China Sea.

The seabed in the area is believed to contain huge deposits of oil and gas and the waters straddle vital sea lanes.

Beijing has rejected UN arbitration and urged Manila to settle the dispute through bilateral talks instead.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86413/us-philippine-marines-launch-south-china-sea-drills

China blames US for stoking tensions in S.China Sea

From InterAksyon (May 9): China blames US for stoking tensions in S.China Sea



China's foreign ministry blamed the United States on Friday for stoking tensions in the disputed South China Sea by encouraging countries to engage in dangerous behavior, following an uptick in tensions between China and both the Philippines and Vietnam.

China this week accused Vietnam of intentionally colliding with its ships in the South China Sea after Vietnam asserted that Chinese vessels used water cannon and rammed eight of its vessels at the weekend near an oil rig.

The United States has called China's deployment of the rig "provocative and unhelpful" to security in the region, urging restraint on all sides.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying repeated that the waters the rig was operating in, around the Paracel Islands, were Chinese territory and that no other country had the right to interfere.

"It must be pointed out that the recent series of irresponsible and wrong comments from the United States that neglect the facts about the relevant waters have encouraged certain counties' dangerous and provocative behaviour," Hua told a daily news briefing.

"We urge the United States to act in accordance with maintaining the broader picture of regional peace and security, and act and speak cautiously on the relevant issue, stop making irresponsible remarks and do more to maintain regional peace and stability," she added.

Tensions are also brewing in another part of the sea, with Beijing demanding that the Philippines release a Chinese fishing boat and its crew seized on Tuesday off Half Moon Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

Philippine police said the boat and its crew were seized for hunting sea turtles, which are protected under local laws.

Hua said the Philippines' actions were illegal as they had entered Chinese waters to seize the boat and its crew.
"We once more demand the Philippines immediately release them unconditionally ... China reserves the right to take further action," she said, without elaborating.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, rejecting rival claims to parts or all of the oil and gas rich waters from Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86444/china-blames-us-for-stoking-tensions-in-s-china-sea

AFP seizes guns, ammo, drug stuff after fresh clash with BIFF

From InterAksyon (May 9): AFP seizes guns, ammo, drug stuff after fresh clash with BIFF



Some of the firearms seized by the military from suspected BIFF elements in Maguindanao are laid out on a table. PHOTO Courtesy of Wilnard Bacelonia, NDBC Cotabato

The military’s 45th Infantry Battalion seized high-powered guns from suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters after an encounter early Friday morning in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, Col. Jener Del Rosario, the 1st Mechanized Brigade commander, reported.

Besides seizing guns, ammunition and uniforms, the Army also arrested several suspected BIFF members. They also seized a bag filled with drug paraphernalia like a weighing scale and sachets of suspected shabu.

The military turned over the suspected BIFF members to the National Polilce’s Criminal Investigation Detection Group; and the drug-related materials to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency office in the ARMM.

The military is keeping the seized firearms and ammunition.

No casualties were listed on the government side in the one-hour encounter that began 4 a.m. Friday, according to del Rosario.

Earlier Thursday morning, suspected BIFF members strafed the camp of the 45th IB and the 1st Mechanized Brigade Headquarters.

The fresh hostilities were sparked by the alleged shooting by soldiers of an ustadz in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak town two days ago, claimed Abu Misrie Mama, BIFF spokesman.

The military in the entire province is now on alert as a result of the skirmishes.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86442/afp-seizes-guns-ammo-drug-stuff-after-fresh-clash-with-biff

2 PROBES ON EDCA | Miriam to do separate inquiry on PH-US defense pact's constitutionality

From InterAksyon (May 9): 2 PROBES ON EDCA | Miriam to do separate inquiry on PH-US defense pact's constitutionality

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, who chairs the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, will conduct her own inquiry into the constitutionality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), separate from a planned hearing called by the defense panel chairman, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Santiago sent Trillanes a letter Friday to announce her intent, days before Trillanes - who chairs the defense and national security panel -  was to open an inquiry into the legality of EDCA under the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

Trillanes earlier filed a separate resolution asking his panel to look into the legality of the recently signed agreement between the Philippines and the United States amid questions raised by legal luminaries, including some of the former senators who voted in 1991 to end the bases treaty.

In his Resolution No. 623, Trillanes noted that the signing of the pact was followed by a clamor from the public, including several legislators, for a clarificatory review and/or briefing on the coverage and content of the defense agreement and its operational details.

“There appears to be an imperative need to review the EDCA in order to clarify its coverage and contents as well as the extent of the strategic military relationship between the US and RP under the said agreement in order to promote transparency in this regard,” Trillanes said.

Santiago: focus on constitutional issues

However, Santiago said even without the resolution, her committee can conduct on its own an inquiry, under the Senate Rules, on the constitutional issues of the defense pact.

“As the chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, I am allowed by the Senate Rules of Procedures Concerning Inquiries in Aid of Legislation to hold a public hearing on the EDCA, without the need of a Senate resolution. I intend to do so,” Santiago said.

In order that their committee hearings on EDCA will not overlap, Santiago recommended a division of labor: the Trillanes committee will inquire into the military and political strategy involved; the foreign relations panel will inquire into the constitutional issues.

“I shall duly inform you of the date for the Foreign Relations hearing as soon as my Chronic Fatigue Syndrome allows me to do so,” Santiago said.
Santiago said that aside from violating 1959 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties under Article 46, she cited the three constitutional provisions that militate against the EDCA:

First, the provision that: “No treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the Members of the Senate.”  (Constitution, Art. 7, Sec. 21)

Second, the provision that: “After the expiration in 1991 of the Agreement between the Republic of the Philippines and the United States of American concerning Military Bases, foreign military bases, troops, or facilities, shall not be allowed in the Philippines except under a treaty duly concurred in by the Senate.”  (Constitution, Art. 18, Sec. 25)

Third, the provision that: “The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.” (Constitution, Art. 2, Sec. 8)

Recently, the Senate plenary session on first reading assigned the topic of the EDCA to the defense committee as the primary committee; and to the foreign relations committee, as the secondary committee.

“However, instead of attending the joint hearings of the two committees, I have decided to hold my own separate committee hearing.  Under the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, my committee is allowed to initiate an investigation by itself, as long as the subject matter – which is an international agreement – is within the committee’s competence,” Santiago said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86451/2-probes-on-edca--miriam-to-do-separate-inquiry-on-ph-us-defense-pacts-constitutionality

Returnees to receive more help, Army says

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 9): Returnees to receive more help, Army says

Thirty former members of the New People’s Army in Negros Oriental received financial assistance from the provincial government Wednesday to help them rebuild their lives after their surrender.

A rebel returnee also received a big amount from the national government under the Guns-for-Cash program, while a woman got cash assistance for her house that was damaged during a recent encounter between rebel forces and soldiers.

The awarding of the financial aid was done at the joint signing of the declaration of Negros Oriental as “conflict manageable and development-ready” province.

Gov. Roel Degamo and Vice Gov. Mark Macias led the distribution of the financial assistance, in the presence of Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the Department of National Defense, and other ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Those who received P3,000 each as emergency/immediate cash assistance were Benmar Gutib of Datagon, Pamplona; Sanny Boy Sinda and Ramil Cadelina, Apoloy, Siaton; Romnick Dacal Dacal of Nagbalaye, Jory and Maribeth Lascuna of Talalak, all of Sta. Catalina; Langie Desmoparan of Alangilan, Sta. Catalina; Romy Banawa, Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina; Bartolome Quitay, Mantiquil, Siaton; Danny Potane, Napacao, Siaton; Jorgie Quitay, Mantiquil, Siaton; Junny Dacal Dacal of Nagbalaye, Jarvie Edano - Talalak, and Marcelo Gallardo, Alfredo Recla, Marilou Angcon, Pedro Candilaza, and Rocelyn Namoco, all of Nagbinlod in Sta. Catalina;
Jessie Ragay of Sandulot, and Genie Labrador and Rosalina delos Santos, both of Tayak, all in Siaton; Joan and Joel Gajelloma of Najandig, Wyne Alegre, Arnel Aplicador, Jessie Potane, Lodie and Logie Espadilla, Federico Inoferio, all of Calango, Zamboanguita; and Rey Sayson of Balugo, Sibulan.

Winifreda Rabor, whose house was destroyed during an encounter between soldiers of the 79th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and suspected NPA rebels in Balayong, Pamplona on April 3, was given P10,000.

Former NPA member Gregorio Manlangit received a check for P83,700 in exchange for the firearm he turned over during his surrender.

Degamo has repeatedly said that members of the NPA who wish to leave the underground movement and return to mainstream society will receive assistance to help them start their lives afresh.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/May/09/negor2.htm

Troops clash with BIFF rebels in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (May 9): Troops clash with BIFF rebels in Southern Philippines

Government troops clashed with rebels on Friday in the restive southern Filipino province of Maguindanao killing a still undetermined number of gunmen, an army commander said.

Colonel Gener del Rosario, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, said a team of soldiers were patrolling a village in the town of Rajah Buayan when they encountered about two dozen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

“It was fierce, the fighting in the village and we are sure that the enemies had suffered some casualties because there were bloodstains all over the areas where they withdrawn. We also recovered five M16 automatic rifles along the way and many BIFF uniforms and radio sets and backpacks,” Del Rosario told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said troops also recovered suspected illegal drugs, believed to be shabu, from Datunaut Ali Sailila who was in the village during the fighting.

He said troops were sent to track down the rebels, blamed for the series of attacks on military forces in Maguindanao, one of five provinces under the similarly troubled Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Del Rosario said no soldiers were killed or wounded in the gunbattle.

The military also blamed past bombings in the province to the BIFF - under former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebel leader, Ustadz Ameril Umra Kato - which has been fighting security forces since January 27, a day after Filipino peace negotiators signed an accord with the MILF on how the country’s largest Muslim rebel group would lay down their weapons.

Kato broke away with the MILF in 2011 after accusing its chieftain Murad Ebrahim for abandoning their struggle for independence and betraying the MILF when he agreed to a secret meeting called by President Benigno Aquino in Japan in August 2011, saying Ebrahim corrupted the rights of the Bangsamoro people, adding the MILF chieftain should have consulted his leaders before meeting with the Filipino leader.

Kato and another senior rebel leader, Abdulla Macapaar, were both accused by Philippine authorities as behind the series of deadly attacks in Mindanao in 2008 after peace negotiators failed to sign a Muslim homeland deal because the Supreme Court declared the accord unconstitutional.

Kato suffered a stroke in 2011, but his condition remains unknown, although there were reports that a new commander – Sheik Mohidin Animbang – has taken over the command of the BIFF, whose members were mostly former fighters of the MILF and rival group Moro National Liberation Front.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20140508230100