Mayor warns of NPA recruitment of Lumads

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 15): Mayor warns of NPA recruitment of Lumads

Malungon, Sarangani – Local officials here have warned against the reported recruitment by New People’s Army (NPA) in remote villages inhabited by indigenous people.

Citing reports, Malungon Mayor Reynaldo Constantino said the NPA, the armed-wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has been conducting recruitment in remote villages which are predominantly inhabited by B’laan and Tagakaulo tribesmen.

Constantino, together with Sangguniang Bayan members, conducted a dialogue recently with village officials and residents of Barangay Ampon to reiterate the commitment of the local government to provide basic services in depressed communities.

He said the local government was undertaking development programs in education, infrastructure, social and health services  aimed at uplifting the lives of the marginalized sector.

“I think there is no reason why we should support an ideology which is Godless and undemocratic,” Constantino said.

He urged the local officials and residents to support the programs being undertaken by the local government.

“There is no other government in the locality that should be supported by the people except the local government of Malungon,” the mayor said.

Vice Mayor Erwin Asgapo cited the importance of education for indigenous peoples as a means to alleviate from poverty.

“If the youth are properly educated, they could not easily be swayed to join lawless groups like the NPA,” Asgapo said.

Military authorities have expressed concern on the massive recruitment by NPA among the local indigenous peoples group in the remote villages.
 

http://www.mb.com.ph/mayor-warns-of-npa-recruitment-of-lumads/

Palace defends MILF leaders on citizenship issue

From GMA News (Mar 16): Palace defends MILF leaders on citizenship issue

Malacañang on Monday defended leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) from allegations that they are not Filipino citizens.

In a note sent to reporters, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. echoed MILF chief peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal’s statement that these accusations were “baseless.”

Coloma pointed out that Iqbal and MILF chairman Al Haj Ebrahim Murad’s citizenships have remained unquestioned for almost two decades.

“For the past 17 years, or dating back to the Ramos administration, Messrs. Murad and Iqbal have engaged the Philippine government in peace negotiations,” he said. “Throughout this period, their citizenship has never been questioned.”

“In fact, both houses of Congress have recognized their legitimate roles in the peace process by inviting them to appear in congressional hearings,” he added.

Last week, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan claimed that Murad and Iqbal own Malaysian passports, based on information he received through a Facebook private message.

Alunan also accused Malaysian government, which facilitated peace talks between the MILF and the Philippine government, of orchestrating everything that is happening with the peace process.

On Sunday, Iqbal disputed Alunan’s claims, categorically saying that he owns a Philippine passport.

Alunan’s accusations have nevertheless prompted Davao City Rep. Karlo Alexei Nograles to call on the House of Representatives to probe the citizenship of the two MILF leaders.

Last year, the Philippine government and the MILF entered into a comprehensive peace deal seeking to create the Bangsamoro political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Congressional deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will embody the peace deal, have however been halted following a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, last January 25 that killed 44 police commandos, 18 MILF fighters and at least five civilians.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/453149/news/nation/palace-defends-milf-leaders-on-citizenship-issue

Catapang denies SAF guns in AFP custody found their way to MILF

From GMA News (Mar 16): Catapang denies SAF guns in AFP custody found their way to MILF

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday denied speculations that the military has turned over to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) the firearms of some of the injured and slain Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) troopers.

 

In a press conference at the Villamor Airbase, Catapang vehemently denied a portion of the PNP Board of Inquiry (BOI) report released last Thursday that said some of the firearms that the surviving members of the PNP SAF gave to the military's Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) shortly after the police commandos were rescued on Jan. 25 ended up in the hands of the MILF.

 

“First of all we are denying it. We do not take properties. That’s a violation, and knowing that this is a very sensitive issue we will not do that. Sino naman ang gagawa nun na, baril yan. Just like a wife, the rifle is our wife, so we do not desecrate our rifles,” Catapang said.

 

On page 40 to 41 of the PNP-BOI report, it noted that some of the 16 firearms turnover by the MILF to the government on February 17 have been tampered.

 

“Upon initial inspection, police officials observed that the bolt assemblies of eight rifles were no longer the original parts. The barrel of one of the machine guns bears no serial number. Officials noted that the weapons had been tampered with,” the report said. The report added that the accessories attached to most of the riffles were also missing.

 

The BOI report went on into saying that one police commando, PO2 Rommel Magno turnover his rifle and the riffles of his fallen comrades to a member of the military's DRC shortly after he was recued as he was severely injured.

 

“Since Magno was seriously injured, he handed his rifle, as well as the rifles of the dead Seaborne Commandos to a member of the DRC. When Magno's rifle was returned, its GL M203 grenade launcher was missing. Surprisingly, Magno's rifle was among the firearms turned over by the MILF-CCCH to the GPH-CCCH. This meant that the firearms got into the hands of the Moro rebels when it should have been under the protection of the AFP troops,” the BOI report read.

 

The BOI said a similar incident also happened to the rifle another police commando, a certain PO2 Acob, who also turnover his firearms to the DRC.

 

It was, however, not identified in the report the DRC members to whom Magno and Acob turned over the rifles.

 

Catapang said President Benigno Aquino III has already talked to him about that portion of the BOI report and the latter ordered him to investigate the matter.

 

“We will formally investigate it and then submit the report to the secretary of National Defense and hopefully it will be forwarded to the President,” Catapang said.

 

Catapang said that while the AFP finds some of the findings of the BOI report to be “good”, there are some things that the AFP “have to comment on”.

 

“There are things we will reinforce or say that these are good findings but in as much as there are allegations against the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are prepared to answer all those issues,” Catapang said.

 

Asked on whether he disagrees with some of the findings of the BOI report, Catapang candidly said “yes”.

 

“Oo, especially yung tungkol sa sinasabi ninyo na may mga parts na napunta from AFP to MILF. I think we have to look into this because this is an allegation that we do not believe has been done by us,” Catapang said.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/453289/news/nation/catapang-denies-saf-guns-in-afp-custody-found-their-way-to-milf

Philippines Peace Deal Again Under Threat

From The Diplomat (Mar 16): Philippines Peace Deal Again Under Threat
 

The long-promised peace deal struck between Manila and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the Southern Philippines is struggling to hold after fighting again erupted, this time on two fronts with more than 80,000 people forced to evacuate their homes.

The latest violence left about 80 people dead, but at the heart of the hostilities was the deaths of 44 commandos on January 25 during a botched raid on Muslim rebels. The incident angered the nation and created another un-needed crisis for President Begnino Aquino.

A police report into the incident found that Aquino had bypassed the chain of command and enlisted the help of close friend and police general Alan Purisima, who had already been suspended from the force, pending graft investigations.

The raid targeted a handful of internationally wanted terrorists in the small town of Mamasapano in southern Maguindanao province.

But fighting erupted with the MILF and the splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Free Fighters (BIFF), the armed wing of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM).

The 112-page report found that unrealistic assumptions based on poor analysis amid a lack of flexibility and coordination between the police and military had contributed to what it called a “defective” operation.

Aquino said the information he had been handed was wrong and blamed Getulio Napeñas, head of the Special Action Force for the botched, secret mission. The report found that Napeñas, Purisima and Aquino had “kept information to themselves and deliberately failed to inform” the current national police chief about the raid.

It was not a good look for Aquino, who has faced calls for his resignation, including from factions within the Catholic church and politicians who have always opposed him.

“Appropriate government agencies should pursue the investigation of the Mamasapano incident to determine the criminal and/or administrative liabilities of relevant government officials, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other individuals,” the police report said.

However, largely overlooked in the strike was the killing of the Malaysian bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir, a U.S.-trained engineer who was also known as Marwan. The United States had a $5 million reward out for information on his whereabouts.

Marwan had fought alongside dead al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, and was on the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists for his activities in Indonesia and the Philippines. He was head of Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM) as well as a member of the now defunct Jemaah Islamiyah’s (JI) central command, which carried out a series of bombings across Indonesia, which included the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings that left more than 200 people dead.

Over the last five years, Marwan was widely believed to have been training aspiring bomb makers with the Abu Sayyaf, a particularly virulent strain of thugs whose specialties include the kidnapping and ransoming of foreign hostages.

The military has said that another suspected Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman – described as a slippery bomb maker – had escaped three days before the January 25 raid with four Indonesians. He has a $1 million bounty on his head and is understood to be among highest ranking Abu Sayyaf leaders.

But the biggest issue is realizing the peace deal signed with the MILF almost a year ago. The deal was designed to end four-decades of war that claimed about 200,000 lives. The MILF has agreed to co-operate with authorities conducting investigations into the January bungle.

But the BIFM and its leader Ameril Umbra Kato appears less conciliatory. Kato led the breakaway from the MILF about three years ago amid ideological differences and their demands for an independent Islamic state in the Southern Philippines.

Aquino was not expected to resign over the issue although calls are mounting for an apology while the MILF remains accommodating.

The BIFM, however, is a not party to the peace deal and Kato is a threat that Manila needs to treat seriously if it is to avert any further potential damage in finalizing a peace deal that took years to negotiate.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/philippines-peace-deal-again-under-threat/

Kidnapped businessman rescued from Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Basilan

From the Philippine Star (Mar 16): Kidnapped businessman rescued from Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Basilan

The military on Sunday night rescued a businessman hours after he was kidnapped by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Isabela City, Basilan.

1st Lt. Archiemedez Aranas of the Philippine Army's 4th Special Forces Battalion, said businessman Ramon Sanson Jr. was taken at gunpoint by seven gunmen from his residents in BArangay Sta. Barbara at around 6:30 p.m.

Aranas said troops were immediataly dispatched after they were alerted by civilians about the incident.

He said Special Forces troopers, backed by government militias, set an interdiction along the withdrawal route and engaged the suspects in a brief firefight.

The gunmen were forced to leave behind Sanson and escaped.

Pursuit operations were ongoing against the bandits.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/03/16/1433969/kidnapped-businessman-rescued-abu-sayyaf-gunmen-basilan

Rebel killed in Agusan del Norte clash

From the Philippine Star (Mar 16): Rebel killed in Agusan del Norte clash



The military has labeled members of New People's Army as mere bandits, extorting money from villagers.
Government troops on Monday clashed with suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte,killing one of the communist rebels.

 

The military said that members of the 29th Infantry Battalion and the 13th Regional Public Safety Battalion engaged a number of NPA members at Himbangan, Kicharao Agusan Del Norte around 8:20 a.m. 

 

The troops were doing a security patrol in the area after receiving information that the rebels have been extorting money from the residents when they were fired upon, ensuing to a 30-minute skirmish.

 

After the encounter, soldiers recovered the rebel's body along with three M-16 rifles, two AK-47 rifles and a M-203 grenade launcher.
 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/03/16/1433981/rebel-killed-agusan-del-norte-clash

PNP official, 4 cops seriously wounded in Camarines Sur ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): PNP official, 4 cops seriously wounded in Camarines Sur ambush

An official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and four of his men on board a police patrol car were critically wounded when they were ambushed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels at Sitio Binubon, Barangay Malinao, Libmanan, Camarines Sur, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

A police report reaching Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Police Regional Office 5 director, identified the wounded officers who were brought to the Mother Seton Hospital as Chief Insp. Ruben Padua, Police Officer 3 (PO3) Jolan Aguinaldo, PO1 Leonil Fiesta, PO1 Sabroso and PO2 Jupiter Rubianes of the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office (CSPPO).

The report said the rebels planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in the road where the policemen were to pass but elements of the Philippine Army's 22nd Infantry Battalion discovered the planted improvised bomb, which was picked up by Aguinaldo and Rubianes.

The two police officers were about to bring this bomb to their station, however, they did not sense that the rebels were already in an ambush position and fired at them, wounding them.

The PA soldiers immediately responded as the ambush area was just near their camp, saving the two police officers.

In response, members of the CSSPO led by Padua went to the area but their vehicle hit another IED planted by the rebels.

Even already wounded, the police officers fired back at the rebels, who immediately withdrew upon learning that the reinforcing Army soldiers were already approaching.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=744686

Army hoping entire WV dev’t ready soon

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 16): Army hoping entire WV dev’t ready soon

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division hopes to declare all provinces in Western Visayas as peaceful and ready for further development before the year ends, its commander, Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, said yesterday.

 

On March 13, the 3ID, Police Regional Office 6 and the provincial government jointly declared Iloilo as “peaceful and ready for further development”, and the signing of the declaration was witnessed by Armed Forces deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. John Bonafos and Lt. Gen. Nicanor Vivar, commander of the AFP Central Command.

The provinces of Guimaras, Aklan, Antique and Capiz had been declared as such earlier by their respective provincial governments, concurred in by the 3ID and PNP.

With the declaration, Negros Occidental is now the last province in Western Visayas to be declared as such, Guerrero said.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade is targeting to declare the whole province of Negros Occidental as “peaceful and ready for further development” by June, with the four districts of Negros Occidental, composed of two cities and four municipalities, Cadiz City, Isabela, Calatrava and Hinigaran, already declared as such.

The 3rd district is also slated to be declared within this month.

Guerrero said the joint declaration is a manifestation that the collaborative efforts of the AFP, PNP and Iloilo provincial government have successfully prevented and denied the insurgents of their expansion and immensely contributed to keeping the peace and order in the province.

In a statement issued by 3ID Public Affairs Office, Bonafos, said he recognized the unity and the spirit of “Bayanihan” showed by the AFP, PNP, local government units, various government agencies, the civil society and other stakeholders in order to jointly address the desire for a just and lasting peace in the province.

“Our gains in peace and security efforts must be sustained. We will work even harder together with all stakeholders for the sake of peace and progress”, Guerrero said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/March/16/topstory4.htm

NPA rebels burn cement mixer in Camarines Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): NPA rebels burn cement mixer in Camarines Norte

New People's Army (NPA) members burned the cement mixer and scattered all over the place the bags of cement being used in the PAMANA project of the provincial government Purok 3, Barangay Tamisan, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.

A report reaching Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Police Regional Office 5 director, said the rebels suddenly arrived, poured gasoline into the mixer stationed at the road side and scattered the bags of cement all over the road.

The report said the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte is undertaking the project for the residents of the village.

The rebels even took the key of a truck parked in the area from its guard but did not harm the provincial workers manning the project, it added.

After their mission, the communist dissidents fled towards the direction of Sitio Pinagkaisahan, Barangay Sta Cruz of the same town.

Philippine Army troopers immediately responded but failed to catch up with the fleeing rebels.

Residents said the NPA had long been asking for revolutionary tax payment from the provincial government even before the project started.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=744682

Mga dating rebeldeng NPA pagkakalooban ng CLIP assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 16): Mga dating rebeldeng NPA pagkakalooban ng CLIP assistance

Nakatakdang tumaggap ng tulong ang mga “rebel returnees” na sumuko kamakailan lamang sa pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

Kamakailan, 11 na mga rebeldebf New People’s Army (NPA) ang sumuko na matapos ang isang bakbakan sa pagitan ng 73rd Infantry Battalion ng Army at Guerilla Front 71 noong ika-16 ng Pebrero sa So Tugal, Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani.

 “Simula noong engkwentro ay 11 na silang lahat ang sumuko at inaasahan naming na marami pang sumunod upang makapag-avail ng Comprehensive Local Integration Program,” ayon kay Capt. Rey Balibagoso, civil military officer ng 1002nd Brigade.

Ang bakbakan ay nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng pitong rebelde at pagrekober ng mga mapanirang dokumento laban sa pamahalaan.

Isa si NPA leader Tolentino Bariquit alias Kumander Brigol sa mga namatay sa nasabing engkwentro. Wala naman aniyang namatay sa panig ng gobyerno.
Sa ngayon pansamantalang pinagkalooban ang mga returnees ng short-term “food assistance.

Sa ilalim ng CLIP, ang mga returnees ay makakakuha ng socio-economic assistance gaya ng proyektong pangkabuhayan upang matulungan silang makapagsimula ng bagong buhay kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Ang CLIP ay isinakatuparan sa pamamagitan ng Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2014-01 na inilabas ng Department of Interior and Local Government at ng Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (DILG-OPAPP).

Nilalayon nitong hikayatin ang mga kasapi ng Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA, at National Democratic Front na isuko ang kanilang mga armas at sumali sa lipunan.

Ang mga returnees ay pawang mula sa tribong Tagakaulo, isang indigenous people (IP) na kadalasang natatagpuan sa Malungon, Sarangani.

Sila ay iprenisenta rin kay Gov. Steve Chiongbian Solon, committee chair ng CLIP sa probinsya.

Gagantimpalaan ang mga nasabing returnees ng CLIP assistance ngayong ika-19 ng Marso.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1671426490351/tagalog-news-mga-dating-rebeldeng-npa-pagkakalooban-ng-clip-assistance

Victorias City offers 2 alternative resettlement sites for former RPA-ABB rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Victorias City offers 2 alternative resettlement sites for former RPA-ABB rebels
 

Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca of Victorias City, Negros Occidental has offered two sites as options for resettlement areas for the members of the Kapatiran Para sa Progresibong Panlipunan, which is set to sign a closure peace agreement with the government.

Kapatiran is formerly the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group.

Palanca said the two sites, which he considers ideal as resettlement areas, are located in Barangay 10 and Barangay 14.

However, the areas are smaller, or less than 96 hectares compared to the area identified in Barangay Gawahon.

Palanca had earlier expressed concerns over the possible implications of the establishment of a resettlement area in Barangay Gawahon to the city’s eco-tourism program.

The city’s eco-tourism park is located in Gawahon where the proposed resettlement area is also situated.

Palanca called for the conduct of consultations with local residents considering that the Kapatiran members are former RPA-ABB rebels, and they may attract the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels which could result to confrontations.

The RPM-P/RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the NPA.

Palanca said a dialog is set this week.

Following the concerns raised by Palanca, Col. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, said the establishment of the resettlement area will actually further strengthen the security of the place.

He said they have contingencies on how to protect the area that can also benefit the eco-park, including the integration of the forces from three Army detachments.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=744844

1CAV spearheads free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 16): 1CAV spearheads free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – In line with the government’s goal of a rabies-free Philippines, the 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion (1CAV), Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army in partnership with the Office of Provincial Veterinarian conducted on Friday a free anti-rabies vaccination for dogs at its headquarters in Camp Col. Jacobe Zobel, Pulacan in this town.

Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., 1CAV commanding officer said pet owners composed of military personnel, dependents and civilians brought their respective dogs inside the headquarters for vaccination.

Batayola said at least 50 dogs were given vaccination against rabies during the said activity.

Rabies awareness is celebrated annually every 3rd month of the year pursuant to Anti-Rabies Law of 2007 otherwise known as Republic Act 9482.

Batayola said the activity is a manifestation of the 1CAV’s support to the anti-rabies campaign of Department of Health (DOH) conducted every month of March, which seeks to make the Philippines a rabies-free by 2020.

Rabies is a fatal and viral disease that can be transmitted to humans through bites of infected animals, usually dogs.

Batayola believes that dog vaccination is the key strategy to control and eliminate rabies.

Batayola said a study reveals that Philippines is one of the top ten countries with rabies problem.

“The DOH has reported that rabies causes 200-300 deaths among Filipinos every year thus the government is relentlessly pursuing its campaign to completely eradicate rabies in the country in the next coming five years,” Batayola said.

 “Kahit maliit lamang na bagay na aming gingawa pero naniniwala ako na ito ay sapat na makatulong sa rabies problem ng ating bansa. Ang mahalaga’y makapagbigay kami ng kontribusyon para gawin namin ang aming area na isang ligtas na lugar,” Batayola explained.

 (Even though what we are doing is just a little thing but I believe that this can help solve rabies problem in our country. What is important is that we can give our contribution for us to make our area a safer place to live).

Batayola also underscored the importance of continuously educating the public to further increase their awareness not only on the nature, symptoms, prevention and control of rabies but also on the provisions of the anti-rabies law as well as the guidelines for responsible pet ownership.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371426484875/1cav-spearheads-free-anti-rabies-vaccination-for-dogs

9th Infantry Division joins bike run for mangroves

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): 9th Infantry Division joins bike run for mangroves

In line with its environmental protection mission, the Camarines Sur-based 9th Infantry Division participated on the "Bike for the Mangroves, Season 2" which was spearheaded by the Ateneo De Naga High School School Batch 1990.

This took place last Saturday, statements forwarded Monday by 9th Infantry Division spokesperson Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa said.

This bike run has a distance of 25 kilometers, she added.

Dozens of 9th Infantry Division bike enthusiasts participated in the activity.

The event aims to gather additional funds for Ateneo De Naga High School Batch 1990's March 18 mangrove planting activity at Barangay San Miguel Bay, Calabanga town, Camarines Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744659

Tambako has extensive contacts with Islamic extremists worldwide - AFP

From InterAksyon (Mar 16): Tambako has extensive contacts with Islamic extremists worldwide - AFP



Suspected terror leader Mohammad Ali Tambako is escorted by CIDG agents at Villamor Air Base after being flown in from General Santos City on Monday. PHOTO BY KRISKEN JONES, Interaksyon.com

The arrested Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) leader Mohammad Ali Tambako, tagged among the coddlers of bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman, has extensive contacts with foreign terrorists, the Armed Forces chief of staff said Monday.

"He (Tambako) has contacts with fundamentalist Islamic jihadist around the world," Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said at a news conference announcing the arrest of Tambako at the Villamor Air Base (VAB) in Pasay City.

With  the arrest of Tambako and five aides in General Santos City Sunday night, the group he heads - the Justice for Islamic Movement (JIM), a supposed BIFF breakaway - is "history," said Catapang.

The decision to bring Tambako to Manila was based on the fact that he is a high-value target terrorist, explained Superintendent Jose Erwin Villacorte, deputy of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

"We will do the inquest here and let the court decide where he will be detained. He is a high-value target terrorist," said Villacorte, adding, however, that he does not know if the government has a bounty for the capture of Tamabako.

The six suspected terrorists were brought to the CIDG at Camp Crame from Villamor Airbase.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/107029/tambako-has-extensive-contacts-with-islamic-extremists-worldwide---afp

3,000 ROTC cadets undergo annual inspection

From the Philippine News Agency (mar 16): 3,000 ROTC cadets undergo annual inspection

Around 3,000 cadets from the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) units of different schools, colleges and universities in Metro Manila underwent the Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI) on Sunday.

It was conducted by the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) at the ROTC Hunters Guerilla Field, Headquarters Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The one-day activity was graced by ARESCOM head Brig. Gen. Paolo Leo Ma G. Miciano who served as guest-of-honor and speaker.

RAATI is designed to evaluate the ROTC units in the implementation of the whole ROTC program.

The RAATI is a yearly activity of the ARESCOM which entails actual inspection of all activated Army ROTC units in the area operation.

Miciano said the inspection aims to test the units’ degree of administrative efficiency, training management, proficiency, and quality of training attained by the Corps of Cadets.

These includes Administrative Inspection, Ceremonial Parade, Rank Inspection, Operation Order writing, Map Reading, Assembly and Disassembly of M-16 Rifle and Cal. 45 pistol, Company Drill, Method of Instructions, Small Unit Tactics and Disaster Response and Rescue Operations.

It also intends to test the operational readiness of the ROTC units and allow the students to experience the real meaning of basic soldiery.

Cadets were also given an educational tour at the Army facilities including the Museum, and the Philippine Army Murals around the Grandstand.

The Philippine Army Museum Open House is part of the 118th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Philippine Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744678

Tambako will temporarily be detained at CIDG

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Tambako will temporarily be detained at CIDG

Justice for Islam Movement (JIM) leader Mohammad Ali Tambako will be temporarily detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) -National Capital Region (NCR) at PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame Quezon City, Police Chief Insp. Elizabeth Degocena Jasmin, CIDG public information office chief, said on Monday.

Jasmin said Tambako, together with five of his cohorts, was taken to CIDG on Monday afternoon for booking proceedings.

Wearing orange jumpsuits, the JIM founder and his companions were quickly whisked from Villamor Air Base aboard a police vehicle toward the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

Tambako and five of his cohorts were flown to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 2:29 p.m. Monday aboard a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport plane.

They were arrested by joint military and police operatives while on board a tricycle on their way to the General Santos City seaport in Barangay Calumpang at around 9 p.m. Sunday.

Seized from them were three grenades and two short firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744873

NPA war materiel seized in Samar encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): NPA war materiel seized in Samar encounter

Troopers from the 87th Infantry Battalion have successfully recovered rebel weaponry and materiels during an encounter in Barangay Bay-ang, San Jorge town, Samar on March 13.

Captured was an M-16AI automatic rifle, a magazine, 20 5.56mm rounds, one hammock, one poncho tent, assorted medicines and belongings.

In a report forwarded Monday by 87th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Antonio B. Dulnuan said his troops were conducting peace and security operations in the area when they saw the NPA rebels passing by.

A brief exchange of firefight followed forcing the enemy to withdraw from their position leaving behind several war materiel at the encounter site.

The rebels were unable to inflict casualties against government forces while casualties on the rebel side remain undetermined.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744756

Tambako arrest a major blow to JIM --AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Tambako arrest a major blow to JIM --AFP chief

A major blow has been dealt to the Justice for Islam Movement (JIM) with the arrest of its founder Mohammad Ali Tambako in General Santos City Sunday night.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang on Monday as he said that the arrest of Tambako also means the fledgling JIM "is now history as it is impossible to recover from such a loss."

The JIM is known to consist of Tambako and 30 plus fighters.

Tambako and five of his cohorts were flown to the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 2:29 p.m. Monday aboard a Philippine Air Force (PAF) Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport plane.

They were arrested by joint military and police operatives while on board a tricycle on their way to the General Santos City seaport in Barangay Calumpang at around 9 p.m. Sunday.

Seized from them were three grenades and two short firearms.

Wearing orange jumpsuits, the JIM founder and his companions were quickly whisked from Villamor Air Base aboard a police vehicle toward the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He and his companions will be detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) building.

The JIM is a splinter group of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a rebel group which has been on the receiving end of the three-week-old military offensive in Maguindanao.

At least 125 BIFF men have been reported killed and 63 others wounded in the continuing law enforcement operations against the terror group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=744800

Rebel killed, 7 high-powered NPA weapons recovered in Agusan Del Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Rebel killed, 7 high-powered NPA weapons recovered in Agusan Del Norte clash

Troopers from the 29th Infantry Battalion and 13th Regional Police Service Battalion have killed a New People's Army (NPA) fighter and recoverted seven high-powered firearms during an encounter in the heavily-forested areas of Barangay Hinimbigan, Kitcharao town, Agusan Del Norte Monday morning.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division deputy public affairs office chief, said the clash took place at about 8:20 a.m.

Military and police units were proceeding to the area after receiving reports that NPA fighters affiliated to the Guerilla Front 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee were extorting money from residents in Barangay Hinimbigan to celebrate their coming March 29 anniversary.

Upon arrival at the said area, NPAs indiscriminately opened fire against the government troops while unmindful of the presence of civilians in the community.

Security forces, however managed to return fire and manuever to a more advantageous position, killing one NPA and wounding many others.

The rebels retreated 20 minutes later.

Martinez said civilians saw these men carrying their wounded and dead comrade.

Recovered from the encounter scene were an M-203 grenade launcher, three M-16 automatic rifles, and two AK-47 rifles along with undetonated IEDs (improvised explosive devices) with complete paraphernalia, backpacks of NPA casualties and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Also retrieved was the body of the rebel killed in the firefight.

Martinez said that the 29th Infantry Battalion and Kitcharao local government unit is now trying to identify the slain NPA for proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744814

Military operations against high-value terrorists to continue

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Military operations against high-value terrorists to continue

Despite the arrest of Justice for Islam Movement founder Mohammad Ali Tambako in General Santos City Sunday night, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang said the military will continue its operations targeting high-value terrorists in Maguindanao until all of them are neutralized.

And once this is accomplished, Catapang said the government can now proceed to the next phase of the operation which is to focus on peace and development operations in the said province.

"We will bring in peace and development projects as approved by the President. He allowed us to send about Php67 million as to the initial fund and the first project that we want to do is put up a Bailey bridge (prefabricated steel bridge to replace the wooden bridge) in the encounter area," the AFP chief said.

He was referring to the wooden bridge located in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao where 44 Special Action Force members were killed during the Jan. 25 operation that neutralized Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir.

"That bridge (once completed) will be a symbolic gesture stressing that (the government and the military) wants peace in Maguindanao," Catapang stressed.

But prior to that, all evacuees of the ongoing conflict against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters must be allowed to go back home and resume their normal lives.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744831

Update: Excellent coordination between police, military units resulted in arrest of Tambako, 4 others

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 16): Update: Excellent coordination between police, military units resulted in arrest of Tambako, 4 others

Excellent coordination between elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in the arrest of Justice for Islam Movement founder Mohammad Ali Tambakol and five of his companions during operations in General Santos City, Sunday night.

This took place 9 p.m., AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Monday.

Units that took part in this successful operation include the Intelligence Service Group of the Philippine Army, Task Force Gensan (General Santos), 6th Military Intelligence Battalion, 1002nd Infantry Brigade, Military Intelligence Group 12 of Intelligence Service, AFP and the Criminal Investigation Group.

Aside from Tambako, former vice chairman for Military Affairs of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), also arrested were his five companions Datukan Sato Sabiwang, Ali Valley Ludisman, Mesharie Edio Gayak and Abusahma Badrudin Guaimil aka Hansela Omar.

They were arrested while onboard a tricycle on their way to the General Santos City seaport in Barangay Calumpang.

Seized during the arrest were three grenades and two short firearms.

The warrant of arrest for Tambako was issued by Judge George C. Jabido of Regional Trial Court Branch 15, Cotabato City for murder and double frustrated murder.

Tambako is wanted for a string of cases filed against him by a local court in General Santos City.

He was responsible for beheading farmer Ricarte Dionio in Midsayap, North Cotabato after he led a group of bandits in attacking a Christian community in 2013.

Tambako was also tagged as among those who brutally killed the members of SAF 44 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.

He is also reported to be coddling the notorious bomb-maker, Basit Usman and five other foreign terrorists.

Having been exposed to foreign terror networks in the Middle East, Tambako had established a network of contacts among the notorious Islamic Fundamentalists around the world.

He is believed to be coddling five foreign nationals who were trained in bomb-making and other terroristic activities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=744723