2 soldiers killed in ambush by suspected NPA rebels

From GMA News (Nov 3): 2 soldiers killed in ambush by suspected NPA rebels



An armored personnel carrier secures the roadside area where two off-duty soldiers were ambushed by suspected New People's Army rebels in Purok 5 Anislag, Daraga, Albay on Monday, November 3. At least 20 spent M16 shells were recovered by PNP investigators at the crime scene. The victims were riding a motorcycle when they were killed. Allan Gatus 

Two soldiers were gunned down in an ambush by suspected communist New People's Army rebels in Daraga town in Albay province early Monday.

 

Initial police findings showed the insurgents fired at the soldiers at a wooded area in Purok 5 in Barangay Anislag about 7 a.m., radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported.

 

Killed were Philippine Army Private First Class soldiers Dario Mahawis and Jerome Sambrona, according to Sr. Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, public information officer of the Bicol regional office of the Philippine National Police.

 

Citing initial reports reaching Albay police chief Senior Superintendent Marlo Meneses, the report said the two victims were in civilian clothes and were returning to their unit after buying items from the market.

 

They were aboard a red HRV-type motorcycle when they were ambushed.

 

Maj. Angelo Guzman, public affairs officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), however said the two soldiers were on their way to an evacuation center at Bgy. Anislag at the time to check the security situation there, based on information from Lt. Col. Perfecto Peñaredondo, commanding officer of the 2nd Infantry Battalion in Albay.

Guzman said a squad was sent to the area after the ambush and the soldiers encountered at least five NPAs at around 7:45 a.m.

 

A firefight occurred, lasting for five minutes, before the rebels dispersed in different directions, Guzman said.

Col. Raul Farnacio, commander of the 901st Brigade in Albay, directed the deployment of other units to track down the rebels, Guzman said. 

 

The SOLCOM condoled with the family of the two soldiers killed.

 

"It is so unfortunate to note that soldiers rendering support to humanitarian assistance are being targeted by the NPA. Despite the attack, SOLCOM will not abandon our humanitarian assistance in Albay. SOLCOM will continue our focused military operations for a more peaceful region," Guzman said.

 

Photos tweeted by dzBB's Gatus showed the area where the incident occurred is now being cleared by grovernment troops.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/386328/news/regions/2-soldiers-killed-in-ambush-by-suspected-npa-rebels

Army intensifies war vs NPA in Mindoro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): Army intensifies war vs NPA in Mindoro

LUCENA CITY, Philippines—The top commander of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) has ordered Army soldiers to intensify anti-insurgency operations on Mindoro Island.

“We are intensifying our campaign against the NPA (New People’s Army) because they are more into lawlessness already,” Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Solcom chief, said in a statement on Sunday.

On Saturday, the body of a suspected NPA victim was found on a vegetated area in Sitio (settlement) Cabasingan, Barangay (village) Udalo, in Abra de Ilog town, Occidental Mindoro province.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, Solcom public information officer, identified the fatality as a certain Hardives Fuentes, 43, a resident of Abra de Ilog.

The victim had two bullet wounds in his chest and another in his head, and his hands were handcuffed.

Guzman said they were still waiting for a full report from the Occidental Mindoro police to determine the motive for the killing. The initial investigation by the police revealed that the killers were suspected communist guerrillas.

According to a military report, only 66 NPA rebels remain on the island.

Last week, Visaya and key Solcom officials visited Mindoro and Marinduque islands and discussed with local officials the peace and order situation in these areas.

Visaya said members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit would be deputized in the campaign against small-scale illegal miners in Marinduque.

Meanwhile, the Solcom claimed that the NPA rebels in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions continued to lose strength and influence since the implementation of Oplan Bayanihan, the military counterinsurgency blueprint that aims to make insurgency insignificant before the end of President Aquino’s term in 2016.

It involves the participation of all stakeholders with greater emphasis on noncombat dimension to end communist rebellion.

Guzman noted that in 2011, Solcom data estimated the number of NPA combatants to be 773 with 771 firearms and had influence over at least 368 barangays in southern Luzon.

In the third quarter of 2014, the figures are down to 526 rebels with 607 firearms and have influence over 270 villages.

Guzman said the present number of rebels in Bicol region, 292, was bigger compared to the number of their armed comrades in Southern Tagalog, which is now down to 234.

However, Karapatan, a militant group of human rights advocates, said Oplan Bayanihan had resulted in massive human rights violations among civilians.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648435/army-intensifies-war-vs-npa-in-mindoro

Military disowns anticommunist tribal warriors

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): Military disowns anticommunist tribal warriors

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur—The military has disowned a group of anticommunist tribal warriors who have been blamed for the massive displacement of Manobo communities here.

In a peace dialogue called by Gov. Johnny Pimentel on Thursday, military officials said the Bagani forces, headed by Datu Calpet Egua, had no authority to conduct operations against New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and had not been given orders to recruit from among the villagers.

Egua’s armed group “was not part of paramilitary groups allowed to fight the rebels,” said Col. Gregory Cayetano, head of the Army’s 401st Brigade.

2,000 displaced

At least 2,000 Manobo people from the hinterland village of Diatagon here have fled their homes for fear of their lives after the Oct. 24 killing of Henry Alameda, an official of the militant Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (Sustained Campaign for the Next Generation or Mapasu), allegedly by soldiers and Bagani forces.

Bertoldo Garay, Mapasu council member, said the killers could have targeted Alameda because he had opposed Egua’s attempts to enlist villagers to the Bagani.

Mass evacuation

The mass evacuation also came after the beating up of a farmer, Ariel Pagalan, allegedly by another group of soldiers and Bagani forces, the burning of farm equipment owned by a cooperative and a death threat to Mapasu leaders sent through a text message said to have been sent by Egua’s aide, Mario Vocales.

While he did not directly answer allegations against soldiers involved in alleged abuses, Cayetano challenged Mapasu leaders to file criminal charges against the Bagani forces.

Amid the charges, however, Pimentel agreed that a fact-finding committee be formed to assess if the evacuees should be allowed to return to their homes safely. The committee shall be composed of representatives of the communities, religious leaders and the government.

“I will leave all the decision to you if you want to return home or not after we get the findings of the committee,” Pimentel told the evacuees during the peace dialogue.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648370/military-disowns-anticommunist-tribal-warriors

2 soldiers killed in Albay clash with NPA rebels

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): 2 soldiers killed in Albay clash with NPA rebels
Two soldiers were killed by suspected communist rebels in Albay on Monday morning.

The two soldiers were on their way to an evacuation center in Anislag village town in the town of Araga when they were shot by the rebels at 7:40a.m., said Southern Luzon Command spokesman Major Angelo Guzman.

A team of soldiers were deployed for reinforcements and a firefight with about five members of the New People’s Army lasted for five minutes before they dispersed.

Colonel Raul Farnacio, Commander of the 901st Bde in Albay directed the deployment of other units to track down the perpetrators,” Guzman said.

“It is so unfortunate to note that soldiers rendering support to Humanitarian Assistance are being targeted by the NPA. Despite the attack, SOLCOM will not abandon our humanitarian assistance in Albay,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648527/2-soldiers-killed-in-albay-clash-with-npa-rebels

Fallen soldiers in Basilan identified

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): Fallen soldiers in Basilan identified

Six soldiers, including an Army junior officer, were on security patrol in the town of Sumisip when they figured in a firefight with militants.

The fallen soldiers were identified as:

1. Second Lieutenant Jun  Corpuz – Bacnotan, La Union
2. Sergeant Tranquilino G. Germo – New Panay Aleosan, Cotabato
3. Private First Class (Pfc) Rolando P. Entera Jr. – Barangay Dualing, Aleosan
4. Pfc. Freddie G. Pandoy – Barangay Dualing, Aleosan
5. Pfc. Raffy E. Canuto – Barangay Pansud, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat
6. Pfc. Mark Anthony F Singson – Barangay Manuangan, Pigkawayan, North Cotabato

Corpuz is from Philippine Military Academy Class of 2014 and ranked 13th in his batch.

Identities of slain soldiers are usually not immediately released until their families are notified.

The soldiers will be given honors on Monday at the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City, Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Noel Detoyato said.

Detoyato assured that the fallen soldiers will receive burial and financial assistance.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648509/fallen-soldiers-in-basilan-identified

Gov’t takes on NPA in Sarangani skirmishes

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 2): Gov’t takes on NPA in Sarangani skirmishes

Camp Bancasi, Butuan City – A gunbattle erupted between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels during the observance of All Saints’ Day in Southern Mindanao, the Army reported Sunday.

The Army report said combat troops of the 27th Infantry Battalion (27th IB) recovered war materials, including an M16 Armalite rifle, at the scene of the first gunbattle of Lumasal area in Maasim, Sarangani province at 5:30 in the morning on Thursday.

Then there was a 15-minute encounter between patrolling troops of 27th IB and members of the CPP-NPA Southern Mindanao Party Committee that took place at nearby Sitio Kulasisi of that same barangay at 3:45 p.m. on Friday, said regional 10th Infantry (Agila) Division spokesman Capt. Ernest D. Carolina.

“An NPA rebel was killed in the series of gunbattles and  an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded and were carried away by their fleeing comrades in the northwest direction in Lumasal area of that same province,” said 10th ID spokesman in a press statement.

No one was reported killed or wounded in the government side during those gunbattles, he added.

The regional Army spokesman claimed that the dead body recovered by the operating troops of the 27th IB in Lumasal gunbattle was the ninth casualty for the NPA rebels in the month of October alone.

“There is a big chance more than just nine NPAs were killed and possibly even more were wounded,” he said.

“The NPA traditionally devote extra effort to hide the real number of their casualties. They carry many of them (from the encounter site) and later dispose of the bodies in shallow graves deep in the jungle. There are many documented instances where we were able to dig up these graves and turn the remains over to their families after a simple blessing ceremony,” claimed further Capt. Carolina.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Eduardo M. Año, commanding general of the Southern Mindanao 10th ID lauded his operating troops for their successive efforts on peace and development efforts in their area of jurisdiction.

The general described the month’s success rate as “a result of the continuing cooperation and bayanihan efforts (with the local community).”

Año also expressed his grief for the fallen NPA who may have only been deceived into taking up arms against the government.

“There is no more sense in fighting with the use of arms. We call upon the remaining NPAs to put an end to their armed struggle and instead join us in rebuilding our communities before it’s too late.”

Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), who has overall supervision over AFP units in eastern Mindanao, had earlier given out a directive to intensify the campaign against the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The EastMinCom chief particularly gave emphasis to the protection of flagship national projects and developmental projects which have recently been targeted by NPA attacks and extortion activities.

These bring us several steps closer to creating a development-conducive environment for EastMinCom and its people.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/govt-takes-on-npa-in-sarangani-skirmishes/

Military readies murder charges against Abu Sayyaf men in slay of 6 soldiers

From InterAksyon (Nov 3): Military readies murder charges against Abu Sayyaf men in slay of 6 soldiers

The military is readying murder charges against the group of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) led by Radzmil Jannatul who ambushed and killed Sunday six government troopers in Basilan.

"I will press criminal charges against these bandits who are harassing the security forces who are protecting the workers of the Saudi-assisted 64-km road project," Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, he said.

A platoon of soldiers were conducting security patrol along the Circumferential Road at around 7:30 a.m. when ambushed by more or less 20 fully armed men led by Jannatul in Sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug, Sumisip.

Jannatul and and his men were from Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.

The firefight lasted for 45 minutes before the bandits withdrew.

Killed in action were 2Lt. Jun G. Corpuz, Sergeant Tranquilino G. Germo Jr., Private Forst Class Raffy E. Canuto, Pfc Rolando P. Entera Jr., Pfc Freddie G. Pandoy, and Pfc Mark Anthony F. Singson.

Pfc Marvin T. Paragoso was wounded and is now under medical treatment in the hospital.

The military said the bandits also escaped with a Korean-made K3 SAW (squad automatic weapon), 3 M16A1 rifles, and 4 bandoleers with magazines and ammunitions.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98424/military-readies-murder-charges-against-abu-sayyaf-men-in-slay-of-6-soldiers

Photo: Fresh PMA grad killed by Abu bandits in Basilan

From InterAksyon (Nov 3): PHOTO | Fresh PMA grad killed by Abu bandits in Basilan



COTABATO CITY - This is the photograph of the young military officer who was killed in a firefight with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan. He is 2nd Lt. Jun Calima Corpuz, from Bacnotan, La Union, He was Top 13 of the Siklab Diwa Philippine Military Academy Class 2014. (Photograph by Josephine Codilla)

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/98423/photo--fresh-pma-grad-killed-by-abu-bandits-in-basilan

Rebel’s body recovered after Maasim gunfight

From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 2): Rebel’s body recovered after Maasim gunfight

ARMY soldiers recovered on Saturday the body of a suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) killed in the October 31 clash of the communist rebels and government troops at Sitio Kulasisi in Barangay Maasim in Sarangani Province.

Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division spokesperson Captain Ernest Carolina said the troops of the 27th Infantry Battalion have yet to identify the body.

Carolina said the body was found in Barangay Lumasal in Maasim around 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

He added that the troops also recovered an M16 rifle from the rebel’s possession. The government soldiers believed that the lifeless rebel was left by his comrades.

“According to the 27th Infantry Battalion operations center, the October 31 firefight lasted for about 15 minutes before the rebels withdrew towards northwesterly direction. There were no casualties reported on the government side,” Carolina said.

Carolina said the dead rebel found in Lumasal was the ninth NPA rebel killed in a clash following the operation of the government troops, which was driven by the information from the community. He would also like to believe that there are more wounded rebels after the encounter last Friday.

“The NPA traditionally devote extra effort to hide the real number of their casualties. They drag as many as they can, and later dispose them in a shallow grave deep in the jungle. There were many documented instances where we had dig up these graves and turned over it to their families after a blessing,” he said.

Carolina said the troops of the 27th Infantry Battalion are already on a pursuit operation against the NPA rebels whom they have encountered.

He added that the Eastern Mindanao Command has directed all its units to intensify its campaign against the communist group.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/11/02/rebel-s-body-recovered-after-maasim-gunfight-374363

48,702 heroes buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 2): 48,702 heroes buried at Libingan ng mga Bayani

“I DO not know the dignity of his birth but I know the glory of his death.”

These immortal words, emblazoned at the entrance of the “Libingan ng mga Bayani,” or Cemetery of Heroism, were uttered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur when he made a sentimental journey to the Philippines in 1961 or 16 years after World War II ended.

Thanks for the Sacrifice. A student from Fort Bonifacio
Elementary school in Taguig City offers candles at a tomb
of one of the soldiers who died during the Death March
in 1942 at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Makati City
on Saturday. DANNY PATA

Libingan ng mga Bayani, located at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, is the burial place of gallant Filipinos mostly soldiers who died as heroes fighting in defense of freedom and democracy.

It is also the burial site of awardees of the Medal of Valor, the highest award given by the Armed Forces of the Philippines for bravery in combat.

There are 48,702 people, including women, who served the country with honor and beyond the call of duty who are buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani as of Oct. 29, 2014, according to Col. Noel Detoyato, spokesman of the Philippine Army.

Over the past three years, 1,474 more people have been in the cemetery over the past three years, compared to 47,228 in October 2011.

Bereaved families of soldiers and former World War II guerrillas have started visiting the graves of their loved ones at the LNMB since Friday.

The 142-hectare Libingan ng mga Bayani is under the supervision of the Military Shrines Services of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office of the Department of National Defense, currently headed by retired Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina.

Those buried at LNMB are military personnel who died in line of duty or were honorably discharged, Filipino veterans, former presidents, government dignitaries, statesmen and national artists.

Of the 47,228 remains interred at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani, 32,268 were military personnel who died in the infamous “Death March” from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac during World War II.

So far only two former Philippine presidents are buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. They are former Presidents Carlos P. Garcia and Diosdado Macapagal.

The third president slated to be buried was the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos which did not push through due to strong opposition by various sectors.

The main features and structures found at the Libingan ng mga Bayani are:
Tomb of The Unknown Soldier—the main structure constructed at the center of the cemetery. This is the site where wreath laying ceremonies are held when Philippine government officials and foreign dignitaries visit the LNMB. The following inscription is found on the tomb: “Here lies a Filipino soldier whose name is known only to God.” Behind the tomb are three marble pillars representing the three main island groups in the Philippines—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Heroes Memorial Gate—a structure shaped in the form of a large concrete tripod with a stairway leading to an upper view deck and a metal sculpture at the center. This is the first imposing structure one sees upon entering the grounds of the cemetery complex.

Black Stone Walls—erected on opposite sides of the main entrance road leading to the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and just near the Heroes Memorial Gate are two 12-foot high black stone walls which bear the words: “I do not know the dignity of his birth, but I do know the glory of his death.”

Korean Memorial Pylon—is a towering monument honoring the 112 Filipino officers and men who were members of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) who perished during the Korean War.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Pylon—this memorial pylon is proudly dedicated to the members of the Philippine contingents and Philippine civic action groups to Vietnam (PHILCON-V and PHILCAG-V). These dedicated men and women served as medical, dental, engineering construction, community and psychological workers, and security complement who offered tremendous sacrifices as they alleviated human suffering in war-ravaged Vietnam from 1964 to 1971. Inscribed on the memorial pylon are the words: “To build and not to destroy, to bring the Vietnamese people happiness and not sorrow, to develop goodwill and not hatred.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/02/48-702-heroes-buried-at-libingan-ng-mga-bayani/

Army denies killing IP leader

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Nov 2): Army denies killing IP leader

THE Philippine Army in Caraga Region has denied accusations of various human rights violations and destruction of properties in lumad communities in Surigao del Sur.

In an e-mailed statement on November 2, 2014, Captain Jasper Gacayan of the 401IB, said the military is not responsible for the killing of a lumad leader, ransacking of a community store, and the burning of a public school more than two weeks ago.

Military blamed

Sr. Emma Copin of the human rights group Karapatan in the Caraga region, who earlier e-mailed a separate statement , blamed the military on the killing of Henry Alameda, a council member of the indigenous people’s organization Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu), last October 24.

Copin said Alameda was gunned down outside his home in Cabalawan, San Isidro, Lianga, Surigao del Sur allegedly by members of the Calpti Egua paramilitary group.

She said just minutes before the killing, residents saw more or less 30 military men belonging to the 2nd Scout Rangers Battalion in the neighboring community of Upper Oregon, Logdeck.

She added about 17 of the Scout Rangers were seen going toward Cabalawan along with indentified members of Calpit Egua.

“Despite the presence of the 2nd Scout Rangers the gunmen were not apprehended,” Copin added.

The next day, October 25, at around 8 p.m., the community cooperative store was ransacked and a school nearby was set on fire, along with the corn sheller donated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), by unidentified men, she said.

“When residents tried to put out the fire, the armed men indiscriminately fired their guns prompting the people to scramble to safety including the eight-month pregnant teacher living near the school. Again the armed men were not apprehended by operating troops of the 3rd Special Forces and 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion,” she added.

“This recent spate of military operations are but another attempt of the US-Aquino government to force the entry of large scale mining within the ancestral lands of the lumad people in the Andap Valley Complex. They are using the paramilitary group of Calpit Egua and targeting the leaders of the Mapasu who have been consistent and firm in their refusal to allow coal mining within the [area],” Copin said.

The Andap Valley Complex covers the mountain areas of San Miguel, San Agustin, Marihatag, Cagwait, Tago and Lianga in Surigao del Sur.

Military gains nothing on HR violations

In response to the allegations, Gacayan said: “The AFP does not gain anything from committing HR (human rights) violations as these defeats its intention of gaining popular support to win the peace.”

He added the military would not condone any of its own to commit such violation. “We have no ‘bagani’ paramilitary elements under our command.”

He said the best course of action that the aggrieved individuals should take is to file appropriate charges against the perpetrators in the court of law.

“We encourage the affected parties to avail [of] legal remedies to resolve the issues,” Gacayan said.

On the accusation that the soldiers on combat operations in the IP communities created fear and panic to the lumad people forcing them to evacuate, he said “soldiers are for peace and development” and burning of school house and ransacking cooperative store “runs counter-productive to the community efforts being pursued by the soldiers.”

Gacayan said the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion denies such allegations of HR violations committed in Andap Valley during their recent operations.

“They (Scout Rangers) strictly adhered the policy prohibiting troops from encamping inside communities, barangay halls, health and day care centers without explicit local officials’ acceptance or clearance. Rangers avoid getting compromised and converse or meet with IPs for OPSEC [operational security] and also to protect the IPs from getting the ire of the NPA as military informers,” he added.

“We, the AFP, is open for investigation on those alleged human right abuses, we will help the PNP initiate investigation. It is our mandate to work on peace. Let us give peace a chance,” said Col. Gregory Cayetano, the 401IB commander.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2014/11/02/army-denies-killing-ip-leader-374412

'Stop spreading unverified messages'

From the Daily Express (Nov 3): 'Stop spreading unverified messages'

KOTA KINABALU: The people should cooperate with the security forces in looking after security and not aggravate the situation by spreading unverified messages in the social media, said Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Kawang Vice Chief II Goon Thien Sang.
  
He said that by spreading the messages of security threats from unverified sources would only create fear among the people.    "Businesses will be affected which in turn will weaken the economy of the State," he said commenting on rumours that went viral cautioning people not to go to the Sunday Gaya Fair for fear of retaliation from the Sulu people for the incident in New Penampang Township.    Goon said the people should have more confidence in the country's security forces.    "We are sure that the police, in particular, are aware if there is likely to be a threat to our security," he said, adding that the people on their part could assist by stopping to pass on this kind of messages to their friends and families.    A random survey in Gaya Street on Sunday showed the place being swarmed by police without any untoward incident happening.    "We should also be wary that there is a possibility such rumours could have been spread by bad hats as a decoy so that they can create problems in other areas.    "So the people must be responsible and stop spreading messages from unverified sources," said Goon.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=92902

Sulu fears resurface as police probe shootout

From the Straits Times posted to Asia One Malaysia (Nov 1): Sulu fears resurface as police probe shootout

KOTA KINABALU - Malaysian police are investigating if two men they gunned downed are Sulu militants, after a dramatic shootout in a Sabah town reignited fears of a Sulu rebel resurgence.

Addressing the media yesterday, Sabah Police Commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the two men, aged 50 and 42, were about to commit an armed robbery on Thursday and were part of a group that committed at least three other robberies involving more than RM1 million (S$390,000), The Star reported.

But rumours were spreading on social media that the incident signalled a resurgence of Sulu militants, who stunned the country last year when they "invaded" a remote beach in eastern Sabah to claim ancestral ownership over parts of the state.

The crisis ended after three weeks when Malaysian military stormed the beach. More than 60 militants were killed, as well as eight policemen.

A Bernama report on Thursday said the duo were robbers but also suspected to be Sulu rebel leaders and the "driving force" behind the recruitment of new members.

Quoting a police source, the report said the two men had tried to spread the Sulu Sultanate ideology, while preaching violence.

It added that the police were tracking down the rest of the group, who are believed to be "getting active off the east coast of Sabah".

Yesterday, Datuk Jalaluddin said the two men were Filipinos, although one of them had a Malaysian identity card, which the police are authenticating.

"We are not denying that they may be Sulu militants, but let us run full investigations into their identities," Mr Jalaluddin was quoted as saying by Malay Mail Online. He did not name the duo.

The Star, however, reported that one message purportedly from the police identified them as Malaysian Ismail Muksin, 45, also known as Panglima Alex; and Filipino refugee Husin Esmail, 50, who goes by the name Panglima Husin.

The shooting incident in the town of Penampang near Kota Kinabalu on Thursday had gripped public attention as videos and pictures were posted on social media.

Mr Jalaluddin said the police - who had been monitoring the suspects for weeks - received a tip-off that the men were planning to strike a bank or a goldsmith shop, and were trailing their Isuzu four-wheel drive on Thursday.

When they reached Penampang, police intercepted the vehicle and confronted them.

"One of the policemen from the trailing vehicles went up to the suspects and introduced himself as a police officer, and a waiting policeman shouted 'pistol' when the latter saw the suspect's accomplice taking out a pistol," he said.

"A shootout occurred after that and the two suspects were killed. None of our men were injured in the incident."

Police recovered a Browning pistol with an empty casing inside the chamber and two empty shells inside the vehicle.

http://news.asiaone.com/news/malaysia/sulu-fears-resurface-police-probe-shootout

Troops clash with NPAs in Masbate

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 3): Troops clash with NPAs in Masbate

Military and police troops yesterday clashed with communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Masbate, resulting in one policeman wounded.

Maj. Angelo Guzman, public information officer of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said that joint military and police elements encountered undetermined number of NPA rebels while on combat patrol in Burias Island, Claveria town.

The troops, led by Senior Insp. Bon Billy David Timuat, were patrolling along the boundary of Barangay Poblacion District 1 and Barangay Canomay at around 6:30 a.m. when they clashed with the NPAs.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes, resulting in one policeman wounded, identified as PO3 Johnson Ozaeta, of the police’s 5th Regional Public Safety Battalion. He is now at the Aquinas University Hospital in Legazpi City for treatment.

There was no reported casualty on the communist side.

 Col. Cesar Idio, commander of the Army’s 903rd Brigade, directed the engaged troops to conduct pursuit operation to possible enemy route of withdrawal.

Idio, at the same time, vowed relentless operation against the communist in Sorsogon and Masbate areas.

“The 903rd Brigade will continue its aggressive conduct of focused military operations and intensify our joint operations with the local PNP and stakeholder engagement to facilitate the clearing of Sorsogon and Masbate to ensure that the AOR will be transformed into manageable conflict areas,” Idio said.

He added that Solcom commander Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya also wants intensified campaign for a more developed Southern Tagalog Region.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/troops-clash-with-npas-in-masbate

6 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 3): 6 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

Six government troops, including a junior officer, were killed after they were ambushed by Abu Sayyaf terrorists while securing a government project in Sumisip, Basilan province, yesterday.

Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the Army’s 104th Brigade, said elements of the 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) were sent to secure a development project in Sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug, when they were waylaid around 7:30 a.m.

The identities of the slain soldiers were temporarily withheld pending notification of their families.

There was no reported casualty on the side of the Abu Sayyaf.

Bautista said the soldiers managed to engage the attackers, numbering about 20 heavily armed fighters, into a 45-minute heavy exchange of fires.

“My soldiers are securing the Basilan Circumferential Road project to ensure its timely completion before the end of this year. I am saddened by this senseless violence against our soldiers who are helping deliver public services for the people,” he lamented.

Bautista has sent reinforcements to pursue the attackers who are led by Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Radzmi Jannatul.

“I will press criminal charges against these bandits who are harassing the security forces that are deployed to protect the workers of the Saudi-assisted 64-kilometer road project,” he stressed.

Ensign Chester Ramos, public affairs officer of the military’s Joint Task Force Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi), said the troops were on foot patrol when they were fired upon by the heavily armed terrorists.

Ramos said the troops were providing security to the civilian workers of the government project.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Public Affairs Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), could not say whether the Basilan ambushed staged by the Abu Sayyaf group was a diversionary tactic to aid terrorists in Sulu where an all-out military offensive is ongoing.

“I don’t want to speculate but we know that some of them are interrelated,” he stressed.

Relatedly,  two Abu Sayyaf encampments were seized yesterday by government security forces following Saturday’s air strike in Sulu.

Col. Allan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the Abu Sayyaf terrorists are now on the run after the air assault.

“At least now, they are on the run because we have leads,” he added.

“The enemies are now much afraid because they can be seen (from air assault),” the military official stressed.

Arrojado dispatched MG520 attack helicopters last Saturday to provide close air support to the ground troops.

He said pursuing government troops yesterday morning seized two encampments in Patikul town used by the Abu Sayyaf while evading the all-out law enforcement operations.

Arrojado added the government forces are now focused on the vicinity of Mt. Sinumaan in tracking down the Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

“So, right now we are running after them…along the mountain ranges of Mt Sinumaan…that is where our concentration is,” he said.

Aside from the air strike, two separate clashes were reported on Saturday – the first contact with the Abu Sayyaf terrorists since the military and police launched all-out law enforcement operations in Sulu to free two German hostages –Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Herike Diesen, 55.

Arrojado said that there were intelligence reports about casualties sustained by the Abu Sayyaf group but were not yet validated.

The targeted ASG band was that of Hatib Sawadjaan, who was tagged in the six-month captivity of the two Germans, who were released last Oct. 17 after reportedly paying P250 million ransom.

The government launched the all-out offensives hours before the actual release of Okonek and Diesen.

Currently, the ASG still holds 10 hostages, including the two European birdwatchers snatched in February 2012 in Tawi-Tawi and a Japanese.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/6-soldiers-killed-in-basilan-clash

Abu Sayyaf given P1 M for girl’s release, says ARMM police chief

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 1): Abu Sayyaf given P1 M for girl’s release, says ARMM police chief

Abu Sayyaf bandits received P1 million for Wednesday’s release of an eight-year-old girl they kidnapped in July, the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said Saturday.

Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes, ARMM police chief, said the ransom money was handed to a woman who served as collector for the kidnappers.

“[The girl was] freed by her captors at Jolo wharf after her father handed over P1 million in ransom money to the designated ransom taker, an unidentified woman,” Delos Reyes said.

He said the ransom was paid an hour before the release.

This was the reason that the girl’s freedom was described in the police report as “pay-off/recovery of kidnap victim,” according to Delos Reyes.

After the money was delivered, Delos Reyes said, the kidnappers instructed the father to get the girl from a nearby mosque but “the parent disagreed with the scheme so the girl was made to walk by her captors to the premises of the Jolo wharf.”

She was finally recovered at the gates of the docking area for a shipping company around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The girl was abducted by four armed men from a store in her hometown in Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay on July 25, 2014.

She was eventually transferred to Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf, a ragtag band of self-styled Islamists, said recently it was paid P250 million for the release of German hostages Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen. The government, however, maintained the alleged ransom payment never took place.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648198/abu-sayyaf-given-p1-m-for-girls-release-says-armm-police-chief

Cop hurt in clash with suspected NPAs in Masbate

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 2): Cop hurt in clash with suspected NPAs in Masbate

NAGA CITY, Philippines — A policeman was wounded in a firefight with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) early on Sunday in a town on Burias Island in Masbate, authorities said.

Elements from the town’s police force and the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) combat unit encountered an undetermined number of suspected rebels while the troops were patroling at the boundary of the villages of Poblacion District 1 and Canomay in Claveria town on Burias Island around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, said Major Angelo Guzman, spokesman of Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), in a statement.

Police Officer 3 Zandro Cabintoy, spokesman of Masbate Provincial Police Office, identified the wounded as PO3 Johnson Osayta, a member of PNP’s 5th Regional Public Safety Battalion.

Cabintoy, reached by phone, said Osayta’s unit was conducting combat operations in the area with elements from the Claveria Municipal Police Station led by Police Senior Inspector Bon Billy Timuat when they clashed with a group of armed men who were also in the area.

Osayta was wounded in the buttocks during the 10-minute firefight, he said.

Osayta underwent emergency treatment at Claveria District Hospital before he was evacuated to the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH) in Daraga, Albay, he said.

Guzman said Colonel Cesar Idio, commander of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade operating in Masbate, immediately ordered the soldiers to conduct pursuit operation against the escaping rebels.

“The 903rd IB will continue its aggressive conduct of focused military operations and intensify our joint operations with the local PNP and stakeholder” to clear Sorsogon and Masbate of communist rebels, said Guzman.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648327/cop-hurt-in-clash-with-suspected-npas-in-masbate

Army troops seize 2 Abu Sayyaf camps in Sulu

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 2): Army troops seize 2 Abu Sayyaf camps in Sulu
The military on Sunday seized two Abu Sayyaf camps as it continued its pursuit of the bandit group in Patikul, Sulu.

Col. Allan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, said the 32nd Infantry Battalion cleared two temporary encampments of the bandits in Patikul.

He described the facilities as temporary encampments where the Abu Sayyaf might have slept during breaks from their getaway from the law.

“They can sleep there, it’s not really a permanent camp with fences, but temporary ones,” the official said on Sunday.

A day before, the military engaged the Abu Sayyaf twice as it launched air strikes and ground attacks in Patikul where the bandits were believed to have holed up.

The military is still verifying intelligence reports of reported enemy casualties during Saturday’s attack.

Arrojado vowed no let up in their pursuit of the Abu Sayyaf and that they would hunt them down non-stop.

“We are cautiously entering their lairs. They are now on the run,” he said, noting that they have not received reports of sightings of the 10 remaining hostages with the Abu Sayyaf.

On Saturday, the military’s attack helicopters fired rocket rounds at an encampment in Barangay (village) Bungkaong, Patikul in Sulu where Abu Sayyaf leader Hatib Adjan Sawadjaan and his men were reportedly holed up.

The bandits retreated into the mountains of Mt. Sinumaan to escape the attack. Arrojado said the military has been concentrating on the area to pursue the bandits.

Saturday’s offensive was the first clash between the military and the Abu Sayyaf group since the release of two German nationals held hostage by the bandits.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/648345/army-troops-seize-2-abu-sayyaf-camps-in-sulu

9 US ships cancel port calls to Subic

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 3): 9 US ships cancel port calls to Subic

Traders cite anti-American sentiments over Laude slay



In this Oct. 17, 2014, photo, a US marine walks inside the USS Peleliu, where US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton was said to be detained after allegedly killing Filipino transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude at the Subic Bay free port, Zambales province. Nine US Navy ships scheduled to arrive in Subic in November until December have decided to cancel their port calls due to “anti-American sentiments” in the country after Pemberton was implicated in the slaying of Laude, a group of business owners said. AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA

Nine US Navy ships scheduled to arrive here this month until December have decided to cancel their port calls due to “anti-American sentiments” in the country after a US Marine was implicated in the slaying of a Filipino transgender in Olongapo City last month, a group of business owners said.

The Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC) said the cancellation disappointed local businessmen, who had been preparing for the “liberty” (rest and recreation) of American troops.

“This anticipated visit could have meant a better Christmas for the business owners and their employees…. But after the cancellation, one can only imagine the disappointed faces,” the SBFCC said in a statement sent to the Inquirer on Sunday.

The US Embassy and the Department of Foreign Affairs on Sunday night couldn’t immediately confirm the cancellation of the port calls by the nine US Navy ships in Subic.

Kurt Hoyer, US Embassy first secretary and press attaché, told the Inquirer that he still had to check the information.

In a separate phone interview, DFA spokesman and Assistant Secretary Charles Jose also said he had to verify whether the department had information about the cancellation of the port calls.

However, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair Roberto Garcia confirmed the cancellation of the port calls.

Citing a report from Global Terminals and Development Inc., which operates ports here and provides service to US Navy ships, Garcia on Sunday said four ships were supposed to visit this free port this month while five were expected in December.

Garcia said the port visits were “put on hold until further notice.”

But he said two US Navy ships—USS Pecos and USNS Mary Sears—were scheduled to arrive here next week for emergency repairs.

The SBFCC said the death of transgender Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude not only caused a social and political impact, “but an economic chain reaction as well.”

Laude was found dead in a motel in Olongapo City on the night of Oct. 11, a few minutes after her American companion left.

Her companion, who was later identified by witnesses as US Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, is facing a murder complaint filed by Laude’s family in the Olongapo Prosecutor’s Office.

Pemberton is held in a detention facility jointly managed by the American and Philippine governments at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The SBFCC said it sympathized with the Laude family and had joined calls that justice be served.

But Laude’s death, it said, brought about losses and unrealized income for many establishments in the Subic Bay area.

“On the other side of things, businesses in the city and in the bay [area] are also restless. But more than being twitchy, these businesses are suffering,” the statement said.

It said businessmen here found it unfair that there was an impression that people in this free port and nearby Olongapo City were not receptive to visits by US troops.

“We also want the US Navy to know that they are still welcome to visit Subic Bay and enjoy the culture and beauty of our natural flora and fauna, and the festivities that we offer,” the SBFCC said. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/113820/9-us-ships-cancel-port-calls-to-subic/

AFP using MG520 light attack helicopters to counter Abu Sayyaf

From Ang Malaya (Nov 2): AFP using MG520 light attack helicopters to counter Abu Sayyaf

“We will continue law enforcement operations. There is pressure to produce results,” Armed Force of the Philippines spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said. “One of the focus of the chief of staff right now is to turn around the image of Sulu from being the ‘Kidnap Capital in the Philippines’ into one of the most developed provinces.”

President Benigno Aquino III previously told reporters that the Filipino people can expect significant accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf.

Yesterday, Saturday, firefight between military and the terror group started. According to AFP, at least 60 Abu Sayyaf members were involved in the ground clash. The military also launched airstrikes using MG520 light attack helicopters.

“As soon as we confirmed their presence in the area and got all the details needed, an air strike was launched early yesterday with our MG520 attack helicopters dropping high explosive ordnance munitions on the bandits’ locations at about 7 a.m.” commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu Col. Allan Arrojado said.

Last week, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said while in Sulu, “I am here because the President wants to know the status of operations here in Sulu. We have new troops all the way from Luzon and others from Lanao province. They are still in the period of adjustment. We’re checking how we can better support the operations.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/11/02/5380-afp-using-mg520-light-attack-helicopters-to-counter-abu-sayyaf

One 82-meter offshore patrol vessel from France arriving on 2016

From Ang Malaya (Nov 2): One 82-meter offshore patrol vessel from France arriving on 2016

French shipbuilder OCEA will be producing a brand-new 82-meter offshore patrol vessel for the Philippine Coast Guard. According to IHS Jane’s, the French shipbuilder confirmed to them that the 82-meter OPV will be based on OCEA’s new OPV270.

The PhP4.8 billion contract with the French shipbuilder includes four 24-meter FPB72 patrol boats. The bigger vessel is expected to be delivered in 2016.

“The President has ordered the procurement of additional ships for the Coast Guard,” Vice Commandant for Operation Rear Admiral Luis Tuason said in 2012. “We have a forthcoming one unit 82-meter and four 24-meter long brand new patrol vessels from France.”

The acquisition of 82-meter and four 24-meter patrol vessels is part of Philippine Ports and Coast Guard Capability Development Project.

Meanwhile, during the 113th anniversary celebration of PCG, President Benigno S. Aquino III said that delivery of ten bran-new 40-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels from Japan will start next year. One unit will arrive October of next year, two more on March 2016, other two on September 2016, three more on April 2017 and the final two on September 2017.

Acquisition of ten MRRVs is part of government’s Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/11/02/5383-one-82-meter-offshore-patrol-vessel-from-france-arriving-on-2016

Junior officer, 5 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

From Rappler (Nov 2): Junior officer, 5 soldiers killed in Basilan clash

(UPDATED) Soldiers conducting a security patrol in Sumisip, Basilan, were fired upon by at least 20 heavily armed rebels, a military spokesperson says



Six soldiers, including a junior officer, were killed in an encounter with Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sumisip, Basilan on Sunday morning, November 2, a day after the military launched air strikes against members of the local bandit group in adjacent island Sulu.

Capt. Rowena Muyuela of the military's Western Mindanao Command said a unit of soldiers who were were conducting a security patrol in Sitio Mompol in Barangay Libug were fired upon by at least 20 heavily armed rebels reportedly led by Radzmi Jannatul.

A fierce firefight ensued and lasted for about 45 minutes, leaving 6 soldiers dead.

The military has not yet released the names of the casualties but Muyuela said a 2nd Lieutenant has died in the encounter.

Col Rolando Bautista, commander of the 104th Brigade, shared that the soldiers were deployed in the area to secure peace and development projects for the communities.

"My soldiers are securing the Basilan Circumferential Road project to ensure its timely completion before the end of this year. I am saddened this senseless violence against our soldiers who are helping deliver public services for the people," said Bautista.

Reinforcements were immediately dispatched to help pursue the fleeing rebels, Bautista said.

The military has launched massive combat operations against the militants after 2 German nationals were released in Sulu last month .

On Saturday, November 1, the military has engaged the ASG bandits in two separate incidents in Sulu. (READ: Pressure on military to show results in hunt vs Abu Sayyaf)

At around 7:30 in the morning, soldiers from the 35th Infantry Battalion clashed with at least 15 ASG members in a forested area in Bungkaong, Patikul.

And at around 4:30 in the afternoon, government troops encountered at least 60 rebels in Bud Langgal, Patikul which was followed by aerial strikes by two MG 520 helicopters.

No casualties were reported in both incidents Saturday.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/73800-soldiers-killed-basilan-clash

ARMM’s Hataman to military: go after Abu

From MindaNews (Nov 3): ARMM’s Hataman to military: go after Abu

Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has recommended an all-out military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group that ambushed and killed six government soldiers, including a young lieutenant, in a remote village in Sumisip, Basilan which the governor was visiting Sunday.

Hataman, who hails from Basilan, condemned “this cowardly act of the Abu Sayyaf.”

“I am recommending an all-out offensive against these terrorist groups,” he said.

He said he might have been caught in the ambush if he had gone to Sumisip. “I’m here in Basilan today for a project visit, we were about to go next to Sumisip town to check on the completion of the circumferential road when we were informed while travelling from Isabela town that an ambush took place,” he said.

It takes about two hours to reach Sumisip from Isabela. Hataman and the Army’s 104^th Brigade commander Col. Rolando Bautista, proceeded to the ambush site.

“It was devastating. The soldiers had almost nowhere to run. The assailants blocked every escape route, the Governor said.

Troops from the Army’s 64^th Infantry Battalion were deployed to secure a Saudi-funded project in Barangay Libug, Sumisip. They were conducting security patrol in Sitio Mompol, in the same barangay at around 7:30 am when ambushed by around 20 armed men led by a certain Radzmi Jannatul and certain Katatung, Bautista said.

He said the firefight lasted for about 45 minutes resulting in the death of six soldiers.

The Basilan Circumferential Road is a multi-million project targeted for completion soon. Only 2.5 kilometers are left to complete the project that started in 2011, Hataman said.

“My soldiers were securing the Basilan Circumferential Road project to ensure its timely completion before the end of this year. I am saddened by this senseless violence against our soldiers who are helping in the delivery of public service,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/03/armms-hataman-to-military-go-after-abu/

Abu Sayyaf kills 6 Filipino soldiers in Basilan clash

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 2): Abu Sayyaf kills 6 Filipino soldiers in Basilan clash





Muslim students in Basilan province hold placards thanking the Philippine military for the rehabilitation of a 29-kilometer road project which links the towns of Tipo-Tipo and Maluso to the circumferential road in this library photos. (Mindanao Examiner)

Abu Sayyaf militants have killed six infantry soldiers, including an officer, in fierce clashes Sunday in the restive province of Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in the village of Libug in Sumisip town, a known Abu Sayyaf stronghold in the province. The soldiers were patrolling the village when they engaged about 20 militants sparking a running gunbattle that killed the soldiers belong to the 64th Infantry Battalion.

Marine Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said the slain soldiers were part of a team guarding a road project in the town. “They were part of team securing a development project there,” she said.

She said the fighting lasted some 45 minutes and described the battle as fierce. “Six soldiers, including a young 2nd lieutenant, were proclaimed dead after 45 minutes of heavy exchange of fires,” Muyuela said.

But television reports quoted Philippine military spokesman Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said two officers were killed in the fighting, although their names were not made public until their families have been informed about the deaths.

Col. Rolando Bautista, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, has sent reinforcement to pursue the militants headed by Radzmi Jannatul. “I will press criminal charges against these bandits who are harassing security forces protecting the workers of the 64-kilometer, Saudi (Fund for Development)-assisted road project,” he said.

Bautista was referring to the 135-kilometer Basilan Circumferential Road project launched by the Department of Public Works and Highways during the time of President Fidel Ramos in the 1990s, but works continue up to now. The military also helped construct the road project which was financed through a concessional facility extended by Saudi Arabia.

The loan of 75 million Saudi riyals was extended on October 2005 - to revive the project after being stalled for many years - while the Filipino government provided a counterpart fund of 1.118 billion pesos.

The circumferential road project is seen as a major infrastructure initiative to lift Basilan from poverty and bring prosperity in the province as part of the government’s campaign against local terrorism and lawlessness in the area, state media said.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/abu-sayyaf-kills-6-filipino-soldiers-in.html

US military man figures in road accident in Zamboanga City

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Nov 2): US military man figures in road accident in Zamboanga City





A US and a Filipino soldier jointly patrol Jolo town in southern Philippines. (Library File - Mindanao Examiner Photo)

A US military official deployed in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines figured in a road accident after his vehicle hit a private van driven by a Filipino man, police said Sunday.

Police said Lt. Col. Abraham Friedman hit the van when he tried to overtake the vehicle outside the Western Mindanao Command headquarters on October 31.

The van’s driver Arnel Cañete, 48, was not hurt in the accident and police said Friedman agreed to pay all damages on the Filipino vehicle.

Police did not say what unit Friedman belongs, but US troops deployed in Zamboanga City are under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines which is helping local military fight the Abu Sayyaf since 2001.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/11/us-military-man-figures-in-road.html