From the Philippine Star (Jun 30): Ramadan saves kidnap victim from Sayyaf's beheading
The Abu Sayyaf militants halted its plan to behead its captive laborer on Sunday, citing the observance of the Ramadan in Sulu.
Analiza Lingayan, wife of Remigio Lingayan, confirmed the report after the kidnappers called them up Sunday night, informing the family that they cancelled Remigio's execution.
“The kidnappers said they will not pursue the beheading because of the observance of the Ramadan,” the victim’s wife disclosed.
The Abu Sayyaf group abducted Lingayan, 50, along with his brother-in-law Joselito Gonzales on June 4 in Indanan town while the victims were working on a project of Sulu vice governor Sakur Tan.
Gonzales was reported killed during the encounter on June 19 between the Abu Sayyaf and the military forces in Patikul. Lingayan relayed this information when he was able to call his wife via phone.
The police and military, however, have yet to confirm the information.
The kidnappers initially demanded P20-million ransom, but later reduced it to P3 million and gave the victim’s family 10 days to pay the ransom. The ultimatum lapsed on Sunday.
Mrs. Lingayan said during her conversation with the kidnappers, she appealed to the group to spare her husband as they are exhausting all means to raise any possible amount to save the life of her husband.
The Lingayan family here has resorted to putting up empty plastic gallons as donation boxes to raise any amount while appealing to the provincial government of Sulu to help negotiate for the release of the victim.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/30/1340851/ramadan-saves-kidnap-victim-sayyafs-beheading
Monday, June 30, 2014
3 MNLF factions pick Nur as common representative
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): 3 MNLF factions pick Nur as common representative
The meeting was intended to unify the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It ended with three factions of the former agreeing to move as one for a common goal.
During the June 11-12 meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, three factions of the MNLF—Habib Mudjahab Hashim’s MNLF Islamic Command Council, the Executive Committee of 15 led by Muslimin Sema and Nur Misuari’s group, represented by lawyer Randolph Parcasio—signed an agreement to have “a unified, solid position toward efforts to arrive at a political, just and lasting peaceful solution” to the Bangsamoro question.
Hashim, in a phone interview with the Inquirer on June 26, said the three groups also agreed to have Misuari as their representative.
Misuari, however, has been in hiding since his men attacked Zamboanga City in September last year. He will be represented by Parcasio.
“We have discussed with MNLF senior leaders, together with OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), to intervene and seek for the lifting of Misuari’s arrest warrant,” Hashim said.
The new group, in a statement that Hashim sent to the Inquirer, said it maintained the “oneness of the MNLF under the leadership of MNLF founding leader and central committee chair Nur Misuari.”
The statement was signed by Hashim, Sema, Parcasio, Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar, Jimmy Labawan, Abdul Jabbar Narra, Yahodza Simpal, Hatimil Hassan, Shakiruddin Bajin and Mashur Jundam.
Hashim said no formal talks happened between the MNLF and the MILF.
“We just greeted each other,” he said.
In a text message, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanillas, who belongs to Misuari’s group, confirmed the unification.
“Yes, they are now united and that is expected, since he (Misuari) is the originator of the modern struggle. Eventually, all fronts will unite under him,” Fontanillas said.
Misuari was not invited to the Jeddah meeting initiated by the OIC.
But Hashim said they were in constant contact with Misuari during the two-day meeting.
The MNLF senior leaders also agreed that Parcasio would be the spokesperson of the “MNLF Jeddah Formula.”
Hashim said they hoped that the Department of Justice would review the cases filed against Misuari.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the decision to lift the warrant of arrest against Misuari was for the Regional Trial Court in Taguig to decide.
“I believe that the court will appreciate the merits of the case,” Salazar said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615322/3-mnlf-factions-pick-nur-as-common-representative
The meeting was intended to unify the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It ended with three factions of the former agreeing to move as one for a common goal.
During the June 11-12 meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, three factions of the MNLF—Habib Mudjahab Hashim’s MNLF Islamic Command Council, the Executive Committee of 15 led by Muslimin Sema and Nur Misuari’s group, represented by lawyer Randolph Parcasio—signed an agreement to have “a unified, solid position toward efforts to arrive at a political, just and lasting peaceful solution” to the Bangsamoro question.
Hashim, in a phone interview with the Inquirer on June 26, said the three groups also agreed to have Misuari as their representative.
Misuari, however, has been in hiding since his men attacked Zamboanga City in September last year. He will be represented by Parcasio.
“We have discussed with MNLF senior leaders, together with OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation), to intervene and seek for the lifting of Misuari’s arrest warrant,” Hashim said.
The new group, in a statement that Hashim sent to the Inquirer, said it maintained the “oneness of the MNLF under the leadership of MNLF founding leader and central committee chair Nur Misuari.”
The statement was signed by Hashim, Sema, Parcasio, Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar, Jimmy Labawan, Abdul Jabbar Narra, Yahodza Simpal, Hatimil Hassan, Shakiruddin Bajin and Mashur Jundam.
Hashim said no formal talks happened between the MNLF and the MILF.
“We just greeted each other,” he said.
The MILF recently signed a peace agreement with the government. The MNLF, on the other hand, has been complaining that the government failed to fully implement the provisions of the peace deal that it signed in 1996.
The MILF is a breakaway group of the MNLF. In a text message, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanillas, who belongs to Misuari’s group, confirmed the unification.
“Yes, they are now united and that is expected, since he (Misuari) is the originator of the modern struggle. Eventually, all fronts will unite under him,” Fontanillas said.
Misuari was not invited to the Jeddah meeting initiated by the OIC.
But Hashim said they were in constant contact with Misuari during the two-day meeting.
The MNLF senior leaders also agreed that Parcasio would be the spokesperson of the “MNLF Jeddah Formula.”
Hashim said they hoped that the Department of Justice would review the cases filed against Misuari.
Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said the decision to lift the warrant of arrest against Misuari was for the Regional Trial Court in Taguig to decide.
“I believe that the court will appreciate the merits of the case,” Salazar said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615322/3-mnlf-factions-pick-nur-as-common-representative
Gazmin downplays resignation report
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): Gazmin downplays resignation report
With the retirement of General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, rumors of the resignation of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin started to circulate, but the man was quick to downplay the issue.
According to a report, the 55-year-old Bautista is being groomed to be the next defense chief.
“When I said that I’m tired, that’s not correct,” said the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army. “Yes I have aged but I’m even stronger than people my age.”
Gazmin added that his working tenure would depend on
the Chief Executive, President Benigno Aquino III.
“My service depends on the President, I would continue to do what he says,” Gazmin said. “If he says that I should resign, I would resign.”
“I’m thankful that I’ve had the chance to serve the country.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615551/gazmin-downplays-resignation-report
With the retirement of General Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, rumors of the resignation of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin started to circulate, but the man was quick to downplay the issue.
According to a report, the 55-year-old Bautista is being groomed to be the next defense chief.
“When I said that I’m tired, that’s not correct,” said the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army. “Yes I have aged but I’m even stronger than people my age.”
Gazmin added that his working tenure would depend on
the Chief Executive, President Benigno Aquino III. “My service depends on the President, I would continue to do what he says,” Gazmin said. “If he says that I should resign, I would resign.”
“I’m thankful that I’ve had the chance to serve the country.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615551/gazmin-downplays-resignation-report
Roxas sees ‘bomb plot’ in Southern Mindanao
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): Roxas sees ‘bomb plot’ in Southern Mindanao
The “possible terrorist threat” in Southern Mindanao has been identified by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II as a bomb plot that is likely planned by a person or two individuals.
“Bomba ito, terorismo ito. This is not a conventional threat posed by several men in uniforms, firing with their long firearms,” Roxas said in a hastily called press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.
“Ito ay isa, dalawang tao lang na masama ang binabalak at nagpaplano.”
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was bracing for a “possible terrorist threat” in Davao City, alerting all its police forces in Mindanao. But the police did not specify the nature of the threat.
After his meeting with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Roxas said the threat possibility is at level four based on the information and leads gathered.
“May the threat possibility be at level four or below, Mayor Duterte said the government response must be at level ten. We cannot just ignore this threat possibility,” he said.
Roxas on Sunday flew to Davao City to meet Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who also chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council of Davao Region, and Police Regional Director Wendy Rosario to ensure that all police units in Mindanao are on alert for any possible terrorist attack.
He also sought the cooperation of 1.7 million citizens of Davao with the authorities in preventing any terrorist threat from materializing.
He said the intelligence unit of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) have collated their reports and came up with the information that a terrorist attack might hit Davao City.
Roxas, however, declined to divulge further information so as not to compromise and jeopardize the operation of intelligence units.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615585/roxas-sees-bomb-plot-in-southern-mindanao
The “possible terrorist threat” in Southern Mindanao has been identified by Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II as a bomb plot that is likely planned by a person or two individuals.
“Bomba ito, terorismo ito. This is not a conventional threat posed by several men in uniforms, firing with their long firearms,” Roxas said in a hastily called press briefing in Camp Crame on Monday.
“Ito ay isa, dalawang tao lang na masama ang binabalak at nagpaplano.”
On Sunday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it was bracing for a “possible terrorist threat” in Davao City, alerting all its police forces in Mindanao. But the police did not specify the nature of the threat.
After his meeting with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Roxas said the threat possibility is at level four based on the information and leads gathered.
“May the threat possibility be at level four or below, Mayor Duterte said the government response must be at level ten. We cannot just ignore this threat possibility,” he said.
Roxas on Sunday flew to Davao City to meet Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who also chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council of Davao Region, and Police Regional Director Wendy Rosario to ensure that all police units in Mindanao are on alert for any possible terrorist attack.
He also sought the cooperation of 1.7 million citizens of Davao with the authorities in preventing any terrorist threat from materializing.
He said the intelligence unit of the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) have collated their reports and came up with the information that a terrorist attack might hit Davao City.
Roxas, however, declined to divulge further information so as not to compromise and jeopardize the operation of intelligence units.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615585/roxas-sees-bomb-plot-in-southern-mindanao
Farmers mark end of Carper with protests
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): Farmers mark end of Carper with protests
Different militant organizations and farmers march towards Mendiola near Malacanang palace in Manila from Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City, Monday, on the last day of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) law. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER
About a thousand farmers marched to Mendiola in Manila on Monday to mark the expiration of what they called “bogus” Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and then called for free distribution of lands to farmers.
Dubbed as the “Lakbayan ng mga Biktima ng CARP para sa Tunay na Reporma sa Lupa (Journey of CARP Victims for True Land Reform),” the march from the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City to Mendiola was participated in by farmers from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region.
Led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasants Movement of the Philippines), the “lakbayan” also protested how government has handled agrarian disputes like the 6,000-hectare Hacienda Luisita, the 8,650-ha Hacienda Looc in Nasgbu, Batangas, and the 3,500 ha Araneta Estate in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
The marchers, upon arrival at Mendiola, burned a 10-foot effigy of President Aquino who was sporting a US flag as an undershirt.
“We want to send a strong message to the President and the proponents of the CARP extension bill that we have enough lies, deception and violence inflicted by the sham CARP to the peasantry,” said KMP chairman Rafael Mariano.
Mariano slammed House Bill 4296, which would grant a two-year extension to the 26-year-old CARP saying that this action would be “nothing but an exercise in futility.”
Independent labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (May 1 Movement) noted that the CARP has been the “longest-running” and “most expensive” land reform program in the world. “It has not resulted in the distribution of lands to farmers but has only legalized the concentration of lands in the hands of a few landowning families,” said KMU chairman Elmer Labog.
Mariano added that this march aimed to show all Filipinos that “the peasantry’s collective strength is far more superior
than the big landlord-dominated and controlled legislative mill.”
The current conditions in the country, according to Labog, “cry out” for genuine land reform and national industrialization especially now that unemployment continues to increase.
“As workers, we want to give out our all-out support to farmers who are calling for a genuine land reform,” Labog noted.
The KMU chair said the condition of the farmers have been worsened by the surge in price hikes of basic commodities, which have also pushed Filipinos to migrate to other countries to look for better-paying jobs.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615626/farmers-mark-end-of-carper-with-protests
Different militant organizations and farmers march towards Mendiola near Malacanang palace in Manila from Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City, Monday, on the last day of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER) law. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER
About a thousand farmers marched to Mendiola in Manila on Monday to mark the expiration of what they called “bogus” Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and then called for free distribution of lands to farmers.
Dubbed as the “Lakbayan ng mga Biktima ng CARP para sa Tunay na Reporma sa Lupa (Journey of CARP Victims for True Land Reform),” the march from the Department of Agrarian Reform office in Quezon City to Mendiola was participated in by farmers from Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region.
Led by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP, Peasants Movement of the Philippines), the “lakbayan” also protested how government has handled agrarian disputes like the 6,000-hectare Hacienda Luisita, the 8,650-ha Hacienda Looc in Nasgbu, Batangas, and the 3,500 ha Araneta Estate in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.
The marchers, upon arrival at Mendiola, burned a 10-foot effigy of President Aquino who was sporting a US flag as an undershirt.
“We want to send a strong message to the President and the proponents of the CARP extension bill that we have enough lies, deception and violence inflicted by the sham CARP to the peasantry,” said KMP chairman Rafael Mariano.
Mariano slammed House Bill 4296, which would grant a two-year extension to the 26-year-old CARP saying that this action would be “nothing but an exercise in futility.”
Independent labor center Kilusang Mayo Uno (May 1 Movement) noted that the CARP has been the “longest-running” and “most expensive” land reform program in the world. “It has not resulted in the distribution of lands to farmers but has only legalized the concentration of lands in the hands of a few landowning families,” said KMU chairman Elmer Labog.
Mariano added that this march aimed to show all Filipinos that “the peasantry’s collective strength is far more superior
than the big landlord-dominated and controlled legislative mill.” The current conditions in the country, according to Labog, “cry out” for genuine land reform and national industrialization especially now that unemployment continues to increase.
“As workers, we want to give out our all-out support to farmers who are calling for a genuine land reform,” Labog noted.
The KMU chair said the condition of the farmers have been worsened by the surge in price hikes of basic commodities, which have also pushed Filipinos to migrate to other countries to look for better-paying jobs
. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615626/farmers-mark-end-of-carper-with-protests
Air Force to display assets at anniversary rites
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30): Air Force to display assets at anniversary rites
To display strength, the Philippine Air Force would showcase 50 of its air assets during its 67th anniversary to be held in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Tuesday morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesman, said the fly-by display of their assets would highlight the day’s program, and to show the public that they have the wings to perform their mission.
“This will convey the state of readiness of the Air Force and that includes the state of readiness of our pilots,” Canaya said Monday. “These air assets can perform various functions. (The fly-by) will show that we can perform the mission and conduct air operations.”
An aerobatic team from the PAF Flying School, the Ravens, would use SF-260FH/M planes to perform an aerial capability demonstration.
Other wings that would join the fly-by showcase are three S-211 jets, three C-130 Hercules cargo planes, one F-28, 2 F-27 Fokker, three N-22 Nomad planes, two OV-10 Bronco bombers, two SF-260TP warrior, 16 SF-260FH/M trainers, nine T-41D trainers, an LC-210 weather aircraft, four MG-520 gunship helicopters, four UH-1H Huey helicopters, one Bell 205, Huey II, six Sokol rescue helicopters, and three S-76A air ambulances.
A joke no more
Always the butt of jokes, the PAF is set to display their brawn and shatter the jest that hovered over them for years.
Canaya said that the joke “all air, no force” is no longer true.
He added the Air Force is continually improving their assets through the modernization program.
On June 26, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that four new Huey helicopters were being assembled in Clark and that 17 are still set to arrive.
Expected to lead the ceremonies is President Benigno Aquino III with Gazmin and General Emmanuel Bautista, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, flanking him.
PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado would lead the awarding of the outstanding air men and civilian employees.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615686/air-force-to-display-assets-at-anniversary-rites
To display strength, the Philippine Air Force would showcase 50 of its air assets during its 67th anniversary to be held in Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Tuesday morning.
Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesman, said the fly-by display of their assets would highlight the day’s program, and to show the public that they have the wings to perform their mission.
“This will convey the state of readiness of the Air Force and that includes the state of readiness of our pilots,” Canaya said Monday. “These air assets can perform various functions. (The fly-by) will show that we can perform the mission and conduct air operations.”
An aerobatic team from the PAF Flying School, the Ravens, would use SF-260FH/M planes to perform an aerial capability demonstration.
Other wings that would join the fly-by showcase are three S-211 jets, three C-130 Hercules cargo planes, one F-28, 2 F-27 Fokker, three N-22 Nomad planes, two OV-10 Bronco bombers, two SF-260TP warrior, 16 SF-260FH/M trainers, nine T-41D trainers, an LC-210 weather aircraft, four MG-520 gunship helicopters, four UH-1H Huey helicopters, one Bell 205, Huey II, six Sokol rescue helicopters, and three S-76A air ambulances.
A joke no more
Always the butt of jokes, the PAF is set to display their brawn and shatter the jest that hovered over them for years.
Canaya said that the joke “all air, no force” is no longer true.
He added the Air Force is continually improving their assets through the modernization program.
On June 26, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said that four new Huey helicopters were being assembled in Clark and that 17 are still set to arrive.
Expected to lead the ceremonies is President Benigno Aquino III with Gazmin and General Emmanuel Bautista, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, flanking him.
PAF Commanding General Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado would lead the awarding of the outstanding air men and civilian employees.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/615686/air-force-to-display-assets-at-anniversary-rites
Manila court to hear Pestaño case
From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 30): Manila court to hear Pestaño case
The Court of Appeals has paved the way for the Manila Regional Trial Court to hear the murder case filed against 10 Navy officers and enlisted personnel over the death of Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño.
The appellate court through Associate Justice Ramon Bato Jr. also sustained the Feb. 26, 2014 order issued by Presiding Judge Josefina Siscar of RTC Branch 55 ordering the transfer of the accused from military custody to the Manila City Jail.
The CA junked the petition to overturn the RTC’s order and issuance of a temporary restraining order.
According to the ruling, the charge of bias and prejudice is moot and academic since the judge has inhibited herself from handling the case.
The CA noted that the case was already raffled to Banch 6 presided by Judge Jansen Rodriguez.
It also cited Republic Act 7055, a law that strengthens civilian supremacy over the military by transferring to the civil courts the jurisdiction over certain offenses committed by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda and Maria Elisa Sempio Diy concurred with the ruling.
Earlier, the CA has also affirmed with finality its decision which upheld the order of the Ombudsman dismissing from the service the accused.
Among those charged by the Ombudsman for Pestaño’s death were Navy Capt. Ricardo Ordoñez, Commander Reynaldo Lopez, Commander Alfrederick Alba, Lt. Commander Luidegar Casis, Lt. Commander Joselito Colico, Lt. Commander Ruben Roque, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Sandy Miranda, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Welmenio Aquino, Petty Officer 1st Class Carlito Amoroso and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor Y. Igacasan.
Court records of the case showed that BRP Bacolod City, a Navy cargo ship, left Tawi-Tawi on Sept. 20, 1995.
After seven days, the ship made a last-stop over in Sangley Point and departed the same day for its final destination, the Navy headquarters in Manila.
Before the ship reached Manila, Pestaño was found dead inside his cabin lying on the bed with a single gunshot to his right temple and a purported suicide note to his family.
Investigation by the Senate and the military ruled out suicide.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/30/manila-court-to-hear-pesta-o-case/
The Court of Appeals has paved the way for the Manila Regional Trial Court to hear the murder case filed against 10 Navy officers and enlisted personnel over the death of Ensign Philip Andrew Pestaño.
The appellate court through Associate Justice Ramon Bato Jr. also sustained the Feb. 26, 2014 order issued by Presiding Judge Josefina Siscar of RTC Branch 55 ordering the transfer of the accused from military custody to the Manila City Jail.
The CA junked the petition to overturn the RTC’s order and issuance of a temporary restraining order.
According to the ruling, the charge of bias and prejudice is moot and academic since the judge has inhibited herself from handling the case.
The CA noted that the case was already raffled to Banch 6 presided by Judge Jansen Rodriguez.
It also cited Republic Act 7055, a law that strengthens civilian supremacy over the military by transferring to the civil courts the jurisdiction over certain offenses committed by members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Associate Justices Rodil Zalameda and Maria Elisa Sempio Diy concurred with the ruling.
Earlier, the CA has also affirmed with finality its decision which upheld the order of the Ombudsman dismissing from the service the accused.
Among those charged by the Ombudsman for Pestaño’s death were Navy Capt. Ricardo Ordoñez, Commander Reynaldo Lopez, Commander Alfrederick Alba, Lt. Commander Luidegar Casis, Lt. Commander Joselito Colico, Lt. Commander Ruben Roque, Machinery Repairman 2nd Class Sandy Miranda, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Welmenio Aquino, Petty Officer 1st Class Carlito Amoroso and Petty Officer 2nd Class Mil Leonor Y. Igacasan.
Court records of the case showed that BRP Bacolod City, a Navy cargo ship, left Tawi-Tawi on Sept. 20, 1995.
After seven days, the ship made a last-stop over in Sangley Point and departed the same day for its final destination, the Navy headquarters in Manila.
Before the ship reached Manila, Pestaño was found dead inside his cabin lying on the bed with a single gunshot to his right temple and a purported suicide note to his family.
Investigation by the Senate and the military ruled out suicide.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/30/manila-court-to-hear-pesta-o-case/
No threat to Metro Manila, says Malacañang
From GMA News (Jun 30): No threat to Metro Manila, says Malacañang
The possible security threat in Davao City will not spill over to Metro Manila, Malacañang assured Monday.
The possible security threat in Davao City will not spill over to Metro Manila, Malacañang assured Monday.
At a press briefing, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said military intelligence reports indicated that the alleged threat was "specifically directed" at Davao City.
"The information we have is that it [the alleged threat] is limited to Davao City," Lacierda said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is "validating the threat" and is taking a "proactive stance" on the matter, he added.
Lacierda said that AFP Eastern Mindanao Command had been on alert even before President Benigno Aquino III called up Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte about the threat.
The President's spokesman also ruled out any possibility that the threat in Davao City was connected with a destabilization plot against the administration.
On Friday, Davao City security officials were placed on heightened alert after Duterte said he received a warning from Aquino of a supposed threat in the area.
The threat alert in Davao City came days after the reported escape of alleged bomb-making terrorist Abdel Basit Usman from authorities during a raid on a guerrilla camp.
Interior Secretary Mar Roxas meanwhile said that Davao City's preparations after the terror alert are sufficient, but still asked the public to take the threat seriously.
5th Infantry Division offers medical, dental services to all sectors
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 29): 5th Infantry Division offers medical, dental services to all sectors
CAMP MECLHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela – The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army’s medical and dental services unit is offering its services to all sectors in its area of operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Aniceto Operana of 5ID, PA medical and dental unit, said his team is prepared to join the private sector, civil society organizations and other government agencies in conducting medical and dental missions in its area of operations.
Operana said sectoral organizations who intend to conduct medical and dental missions can request and coordinate with the army division leaders inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz and his team will surely be joining their scheduled missions for the good of the public.
He added that his unit has been joining many medical and dental missions of different sectors in its area of operations and continue on with their endeavor to help the public on their health and dental problems.
"We are very much willing to extend our dental and medical services to the needy and underprivileged individuals or groups," Operana said.
He said their team will again join another medical and dental mission set by Bombp Radyo – Cauayan on July 13, 2014.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=481403835009
CAMP MECLHOR DELA CRUZ, GAMU, Isabela – The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army’s medical and dental services unit is offering its services to all sectors in its area of operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Aniceto Operana of 5ID, PA medical and dental unit, said his team is prepared to join the private sector, civil society organizations and other government agencies in conducting medical and dental missions in its area of operations.
Operana said sectoral organizations who intend to conduct medical and dental missions can request and coordinate with the army division leaders inside Camp Melchor dela Cruz and his team will surely be joining their scheduled missions for the good of the public.
He added that his unit has been joining many medical and dental missions of different sectors in its area of operations and continue on with their endeavor to help the public on their health and dental problems.
"We are very much willing to extend our dental and medical services to the needy and underprivileged individuals or groups," Operana said.
He said their team will again join another medical and dental mission set by Bombp Radyo – Cauayan on July 13, 2014.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=481403835009
Army trains new CAFGUs in Kalinga
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 30): Army trains new CAFGUs in Kalinga
The Philippine Army stationed in the province is set to train this week about 120 applicants to the Civilian Auxiliary Force Ground Unit (CAFGU) to beef-up its counter-insurgency force.
77th Infantry Battalion (IB) Commander Col. Francisco Milliari reported the training will take place at their camp in Barangay Bantay, here.
As part of the screening, the Army took the background investigation of each of the applicants to assure their loyalty to the constitution as Army auxiliary force. Their integration to the AFP must not be due to some adventure other than to serve the country and the Filipinos with utmost sincerity and commitment to duty, Milliari stressed.
The 120 applicants will undergo training on basic military combat and will be inculcated strict military discipline. After qualifying with all the requirements, the new CAFGUs will be deployed in the Army’s area of operation in the province.
As incentive, CAFGUs who earned good record and performance in their duty are given recruitment priority in the Army.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=181404095948
The Philippine Army stationed in the province is set to train this week about 120 applicants to the Civilian Auxiliary Force Ground Unit (CAFGU) to beef-up its counter-insurgency force.
77th Infantry Battalion (IB) Commander Col. Francisco Milliari reported the training will take place at their camp in Barangay Bantay, here.
As part of the screening, the Army took the background investigation of each of the applicants to assure their loyalty to the constitution as Army auxiliary force. Their integration to the AFP must not be due to some adventure other than to serve the country and the Filipinos with utmost sincerity and commitment to duty, Milliari stressed.
The 120 applicants will undergo training on basic military combat and will be inculcated strict military discipline. After qualifying with all the requirements, the new CAFGUs will be deployed in the Army’s area of operation in the province.
As incentive, CAFGUs who earned good record and performance in their duty are given recruitment priority in the Army.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=181404095948
Frigate specifications out by July
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): Frigate specifications out by July
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658140
Specifications
of the two frigates worth P18 billion, which will be armed with a variety of
weapons capable of dealing with surface, sub-surface and air threats, will be
released by July.
This
was confirmed by Philippine Navy technical working group head Commodore Roland
Mercado in a text message to the Philippines News Agency on Monday.
"It
(specifications) will be released this July. I'll just have to present it to
the PN leadership to get their comments and approval," he added.
Mercado
declined to give the frigates' specifications pending his presentation to Navy
flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.
Earlier,
two more foreign shipbuilders have joined the Navy's P18-billion frigate
program. These are Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd. of India
They
were allowed to join in the bidding after their motions for reconsideration
were considered by the Department of National Defense's Special Bidding Awards
Committee.
They
were earlier excluded from the project due to deficiencies in documentary
requirements.
These
companies now join Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain
Design
assessments of the frigate proponents started last February.
Each
bidder was given five working days to present its concept.
During
this period, hull, power plant, communications, and weapon systems designs were
scrutinized closely by the technical working group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658140
PN's Del Pilar-class frigates capable of operating with modern US warships in CARAT 2014
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): PN's Del Pilar-class frigates capable of operating with modern US warships in CARAT 2014
The two Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigates now serving the Philippine Navy (PN) are very much capable of operating along with the ultra-modern United States Navy warships participating in the five-day CARAT 2014 naval exercises off Zambales coast.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658143
The two Gregorio Del Pilar-class frigates now serving the Philippine Navy (PN) are very much capable of operating along with the ultra-modern United States Navy warships participating in the five-day CARAT 2014 naval exercises off Zambales coast.
This
was revealed by Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, PN public affairs office chief, in a text
message to the Philippines News Agency on Monday.
Fabic
said that despite their relative age, pegged at 40 years old, the BRP Gregorio
Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) are still fast, maneuverable
and well-armed.
"Del
Pilar-class frigates are CODOG (combined diesel or gas propulsion system) and
have the necessary speed and maneuverability to keep up with any modern ships.
While we are still on the process of upgrading its weapons system, Del
Pilar-class frigates have the 76mm Oto Melara (automatic cannon) main armament
which is potent enough to deter any threats and inflict damage," Fabic
stressed.
He
added that this capability is demonstrated in the ongoing CARAT 2014 where the
two Filipino warships are able to operate efficiently with the Arleigh
Burke-class destroyer, the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56).
CARAT,
which refers to "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training," aims to
improve interoperability of the American and Filipino navies. It formally began
on June 26 and will end on July 1.
Lt.
(JG) Rommel Rodriquez, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said BRP Gregorio Del
Pilar was acquired and commissioned in 2011 while BRP Ramon Alcaraz was
obtained in 2012 and commissioned in 2013.
Both
ships are former Hamilton-class cutters serving the US Coast Guard.
The
two frigates are the largest combatants of the Philippine Navy and are the
mother ships of the AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters
commissioned last December 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658143
President Aquino to grace 67th anniversary of Philippine Air Force
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): President Aquino to grace 67th anniversary of Philippine Air Force
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658262
President
Benigno S. Aquino III will grace the celebration of the 67th anniversary of the
Philippine Air Force (PAF) in Clark Field, Pampanga on Tuesday.
“The
Commander-in-Chief will give thanks to the men and women of the Philippine Air
Force, and will speak about additional capability enhancements that the
administration is undertaking to enable our uniformed services to effectively
meet the challenges of their responsibilities,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin
Lacierda said during Monday’s press briefing in Malacanang.
Part
of the PAF modernization is the acquisition of 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer
jets from South Korea
“With
this, we can only expect the PAF to further improve its capacity to carry out
its mandate as the ‘First Force,’ not only in times of calamity but also in
times of stability,” he said.
Lacierda,
meanwhile, noted that Monday marked President Aquino’s fourth year in office.
“Throughout
these past years, we have remained focused on the commitments we outlined in
our social contract with Filipinos,” he said.
“In
the remaining two years of the administration, the President and his team will
continue the active pursuit of a Philippines
The
Presidential Spokesperson said that inclusive growth for all means sharing the
responsibility of nation building.
“We
are all reminded that the task of nation building is not left to government
alone, and that each of us must put our country above ourselves as we work
toward realizing our shared aspiration: a truly just and equitable society,” he
added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=658262
Ongoing security efforts in Davao City just 'precautionary measures'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30): Ongoing security efforts in Davao City just 'precautionary measures'
With the military and police placing Davao City
"Davao City Zamboanga City
Gazmin said security measures need to be tightened in these
areas as government security forces have scored heavily against the Abu Sayyaf
Group which might be planning to retaliate.
The Eastern Mindanao Command earlier announced that it has
beefed its checkpoints and patrols in cooperation with the Philippine National
Police (PNP) in wake of the terror threat against Davao City
Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson,
said that they are still clarifying reports that Basit Usman, an Abu Sayyaf
Group operative with ties with the Jemaah Islamiyah and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters, is the brains behind the threat.
"Our intelligence units are still validating this
reports. They are still determining possible plans, motives, and locations for
this purported attack," Caber said in Filipino.
The Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson stressed that
terrorist threat can materialize in a form of a simple bomb attack or a car
bomb albeit no confirmation can be made yet.
Car bombs are the trademark of Basit who is known to
perpetuate a series of car bombing attacks in 2002 in Kidapawan, North Cotabato
He added that they are being aided in this endeavor by the
Philippine National Police (PNP).
Aside from the police checkpoints, Caber said that travelers
heading for Davao City
The Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson said that passing
through these security cordons will take at least an hour.
Aside from manned checkpoints, plainclothes operatives are
constantly monitoring Davao City
Caber stated that checkpoints are also deployed in the
boundaries of Cagayan De Oro and Bukidnon near Davao City
Signs with the hotlines of the local police are scattered
all over Davao City
CARAT 2014 | US, Philippine troops 'assault' beach
From InterAksyon (Jun 30): CARAT 2014 | US, Philippine troops 'assault' beach
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES - More than 200 US and Filipino Marines launched a mock amphibious assault Monday on an enemy beachfront close to a disputed South China Sea outcrop.
Amid driving rain and rough waves, five amphibious assault tanks roared off from a US destroyer anchored off Zambales province, about two hours drive northwest of Manila, and landed on the soggy beach peppered with imaginary foes.
US Marines scanned the horizon on scopes mounted on assault rifles as they dramatically emerged from the hatch, while their Filipino counterparts took firing positions on the ground.
Shots later rang out towards enemy positions in an assault that lasted about an hour.
The drill was part of week-long, annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) that the United States bilaterally holds with Asian allies, including the Philippines, to boost maritime security.
About 1,000 US and Filipino troops and five warships, including an American missile destroyer, took part in the training, which began last week.
Philippine fleet commander Jaime Bernardino told reporters at the start of the war games last week that they were designed to upgrade the Filipino navy's capability in guarding the country's long coastline.
"These are the gaps that we would like to address (to) make sure we detect (foreign vessels) properly, we intercept them and we neutralize them if necessary," he said.
Monday's exercise took place on an uninhabited beach near a Zambales naval outpost 220 kilometers (137 miles) east of Scarborough Shoal on the South China Sea.
The shoal, a traditionally-rich fishing ground, has been effectively taken over by China following a tense year-long standoff with the Philippines in 2012.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters near its smaller neighbours' shores.
It has been accused of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claims to the sea, a vital shipping lane also believed to contain vast oil and mineral deposits.
Parts of the sea are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Filipino military officials had said the manoeuvres were designed to plug "capability gaps" within the Philippine military, considered one of the weakest in the region.
The Philippines has increasingly looked at the United States to boost its military capabilities amid the Chinese threat.
In recent years, the Philippine acquired two US ships to patrol its coasts.
In April, the allies signed a defence pact that would see thousands of US troops stationed in the country in the next decade, including in Subic, once the country's largest naval shipyard outside US soil until 1992 when it was shut.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90194/carat-2014--us-philippine-troops-assault-beach
SAN ANTONIO, ZAMBALES - More than 200 US and Filipino Marines launched a mock amphibious assault Monday on an enemy beachfront close to a disputed South China Sea outcrop.
Amid driving rain and rough waves, five amphibious assault tanks roared off from a US destroyer anchored off Zambales province, about two hours drive northwest of Manila, and landed on the soggy beach peppered with imaginary foes.
US Marines scanned the horizon on scopes mounted on assault rifles as they dramatically emerged from the hatch, while their Filipino counterparts took firing positions on the ground.
Shots later rang out towards enemy positions in an assault that lasted about an hour.
The drill was part of week-long, annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) that the United States bilaterally holds with Asian allies, including the Philippines, to boost maritime security.
About 1,000 US and Filipino troops and five warships, including an American missile destroyer, took part in the training, which began last week.
Philippine fleet commander Jaime Bernardino told reporters at the start of the war games last week that they were designed to upgrade the Filipino navy's capability in guarding the country's long coastline.
"These are the gaps that we would like to address (to) make sure we detect (foreign vessels) properly, we intercept them and we neutralize them if necessary," he said.
Monday's exercise took place on an uninhabited beach near a Zambales naval outpost 220 kilometers (137 miles) east of Scarborough Shoal on the South China Sea.
The shoal, a traditionally-rich fishing ground, has been effectively taken over by China following a tense year-long standoff with the Philippines in 2012.
China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters near its smaller neighbours' shores.
It has been accused of becoming increasingly aggressive in staking its claims to the sea, a vital shipping lane also believed to contain vast oil and mineral deposits.
Parts of the sea are also claimed by Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.
Filipino military officials had said the manoeuvres were designed to plug "capability gaps" within the Philippine military, considered one of the weakest in the region.
The Philippines has increasingly looked at the United States to boost its military capabilities amid the Chinese threat.
In recent years, the Philippine acquired two US ships to patrol its coasts.
In April, the allies signed a defence pact that would see thousands of US troops stationed in the country in the next decade, including in Subic, once the country's largest naval shipyard outside US soil until 1992 when it was shut.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90194/carat-2014--us-philippine-troops-assault-beach
Domestic terror group behind threats
From MindaNews (Jun 30): Domestic terror group behind threats
DAVAO CITY – A “domestic terror group,” not an international terror group is behind the recent threats of terrorist acts here and other key cities in Mindanao, the Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson said.
Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief of the PNP’s Public Information Office told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) Monday morning that the group behind the recent threats is a “domestic terror group.”
Sindac did not name the group but said “we can resolve this issue within our level.”
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Public Affairs Office, said security measures are being put in place to make people aware of such a threat but Zagala added, “we do not want to cause undue panic.”
President Aquino on Thursday informed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the alleged terror threat, prompting the latter to place the city under heightened alert.
Zagala said reports about the involvement of Abdulbasit Usman are still being validated. Usman is reportedly a bomb-making expert with links to the Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah.
The military is currently pursuing Usman, who is believed to training members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and who allegedly evaded capture during military operation on his hideout in Maguindanao on June 10.
The US State Department has offered a $1-million bounty for his killing or capture for his alleged involvement in a spate of bombings in the country. In January 2010, he was reported killed by an American drone aircraft near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.
But the Philippine military later said Usman who was with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but was expelled from the group for carrying out unauthorized bomb attacks, was alive and hiding in Mindanao.
There has been no conclusive proof on what really happened to Usman after reports came out that he had joined the BIFF.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/30/domestic-terror-group-behind-threats/
DAVAO CITY – A “domestic terror group,” not an international terror group is behind the recent threats of terrorist acts here and other key cities in Mindanao, the Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson said.
Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, chief of the PNP’s Public Information Office told ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) Monday morning that the group behind the recent threats is a “domestic terror group.”
Sindac did not name the group but said “we can resolve this issue within our level.”
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Public Affairs Office, said security measures are being put in place to make people aware of such a threat but Zagala added, “we do not want to cause undue panic.”
President Aquino on Thursday informed Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the alleged terror threat, prompting the latter to place the city under heightened alert.
The military is currently pursuing Usman, who is believed to training members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and who allegedly evaded capture during military operation on his hideout in Maguindanao on June 10.
The US State Department has offered a $1-million bounty for his killing or capture for his alleged involvement in a spate of bombings in the country. In January 2010, he was reported killed by an American drone aircraft near Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.
But the Philippine military later said Usman who was with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front but was expelled from the group for carrying out unauthorized bomb attacks, was alive and hiding in Mindanao.
There has been no conclusive proof on what really happened to Usman after reports came out that he had joined the BIFF.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/30/domestic-terror-group-behind-threats/
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