From GMA News (Jun 17): Civilian killed in crossfire as NPA guerrillas harass govt outpost in Camarines Norte
A civilian was killed after being caught in a crossfire between government troops and communist New People's Army rebels in Camarines Norte last Tuesday.
The rebels attacked the military detachment of the Army's 22nd Infantry Battalion's Delta Company, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.
Killed in the crossfire was one Mandy Lauce, 60, an employee at Capalonga College
.
Lauce was rushed to Capalonga Medicare Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Citing initial police reports, Bacuño said the rebels attacked at about 9:25 a.m. in Sitio Calimuog in Capalonga town.
The rebels eventually withdrew after the exchange of fire.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/505290/news/regions/civilian-killed-in-crossfire-as-npa-guerrillas-harass-govt-outpost-in-camarines-norte
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
CPP/NDF/NPA: Statement on the Recent NPA Tactical Offensive in San Fernando, Bukidnon
NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 15): Statement on the Recent NPA Tactical Offensive in San Fernando, Bukidnon
8ID troops encounters NPA in Northern Samar, recovers high powered fire arm
From Samar News (Jun 8): 8ID troops encounters NPA in Northern Samar, recovers high powered fire arm
By DPAO, 8ID PA
http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/jun/d345.htm
By DPAO, 8ID PA
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan
City – Army troops operating in Northern Samar
Province encountered NPA members in a
remote area of Sitio Cabangahan Barangay Mckinley, Catarman, Northern
Samar at around 2:25 in the afternoon of June 8, 2015.
In a report from Lt. Col. Carmelito T. Pangatungan,
Commanding Officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, troops of 81st
Division Reconnaissance Company under his unit’s operational control while
conducting Focus Military Operations in the outskirts of said barangay when
they chanced upon a team of NPA rebels passing also in the area. A brief exchange
of firefight followed forcing the enemy to withdraw from their position leaving
behind several war materiels at the encounter site. Among the items recovered
were one AK47 and ammunitions.
The rebels were unable to inflict casualties against
government forces while one casualty on the rebel side whose cadaver will be
turned over to the Barangay Council of Mckinley for identification.
Major General Jet B. Velarmino, 8ID Commander, expressed his
appreciation to the operating troops of the 81st Division Reconnaissance
Company for their dedication and commitment in safeguarding the communities
against the rebels. Further, he reiterated the government’s call for
non-violence, for the rebels to return to the mainstream society, and for them
to take advantage of the government’s reconciliation programs.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/jun/d345.htm
8ID conducts media fellowship in Eastern Visayas
From Samar News (Jun 8): 8ID conducts media fellowship in Eastern Visayas
8ID Staff Officers together with the members of the 8ID Press Corps during the media fellowship at 8ID multi-purpose hall on June 8, 2015.
By DPAO, 8ID PA
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army along with media practitioners in Region 8 conducted the 8ID Press Corps Media Fellowship at the 8ID Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City on early morning of June 8, 2015.
Team building activity was also conducted thru an Amazing Race event in order to promote interaction between the Command and the media practitioners in the region.
8ID Staff Officers together with the members of the 8ID Press Corps during the media fellowship at 8ID multi-purpose hall on June 8, 2015.
By DPAO, 8ID PA
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army along with media practitioners in Region 8 conducted the 8ID Press Corps Media Fellowship at the 8ID Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City on early morning of June 8, 2015.
The said event was highlighted with an election of the new
set of officers followed by an induction of 8ID defense press corps presided by
Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8ID. The media fellowship was
anchored on the theme, “Forging Strong Partnership thru Public Information”
which gives emphasis on the role of media in our society today.
Team building activity was also conducted thru an Amazing Race event in order to promote interaction between the Command and the media practitioners in the region.
Major General Velarmino for his part said, “Media plays a
vital role in our modern society today, making us aware of everything that has
been taking place, and information dissemination. We are all aware of the
hardships and challenges that you have to go through in the performance of your
duties, and 8ID appreciates your effort”.
“Let us continue to strengthen our partnership and let us
pursue the genuine peace and development in our region.”
2 hurt as rebels attack police outpost
From the Philippine Star (Jun 15): 2 hurt as rebels attack police outpost
ILOILO CITY, Philippines – A police officer and a civilian were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas opened fire at a police detachment in Dumarao, Capiz over the weekend.
Police Officer 3 Jomer Ombega of the public safety company was hit in the thigh and was taken to a hospital for treatment along with the civilian, whose name was not immediately available.
Reports said that at least 30 rebels positioned themselves on a hill and fired at the police detachment in Barangay Bungsoan.
The police officers were able to return fire, forcing the rebels to flee.
Police recovered bullet shells for different rifles at the scene.
Capiz police director Senior Superintendent Robert Rodriguez believes that the attack was meant to harass the officers and not to seize the outpost.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/15/1465842/2-hurt-rebels-attack-police-outpost
ILOILO CITY, Philippines – A police officer and a civilian were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas opened fire at a police detachment in Dumarao, Capiz over the weekend.
Police Officer 3 Jomer Ombega of the public safety company was hit in the thigh and was taken to a hospital for treatment along with the civilian, whose name was not immediately available.
Reports said that at least 30 rebels positioned themselves on a hill and fired at the police detachment in Barangay Bungsoan.
The police officers were able to return fire, forcing the rebels to flee.
Police recovered bullet shells for different rifles at the scene.
Capiz police director Senior Superintendent Robert Rodriguez believes that the attack was meant to harass the officers and not to seize the outpost.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/15/1465842/2-hurt-rebels-attack-police-outpost
Soldiers attend seminar
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 16): Soldiers attend seminar
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/June/16/negor2.htm
Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines attended a seminar on “Contemporary
Legal Issues”, held by the Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development at the Silliman
University Aldecoa Moot Court, Villareal Hall, in Dumaguete City
There were 45 participants from the three battalions of the
AFP assigned in Negros Oriental.
The seminar, conducted with the City Legal Assistance
Service, aimed to raise the participants' understanding and appreciation of
legal issues and procedures relevant to their line of work.
The topics were “Law of Armed Conflict” by Elizabeth
Aguilan, JSCLD deputy director; “Arrest, Search and Seizure” by OCLAS director
KarissaTolentino; and “Procedure for Filing Criminal Cases” discussed by Eugene
Salon.
The seminar was part of a series that both JSCLD and OCLAS
have lined up for this school year. On July 3, they will make their expertise
available to the Philippine National Police.
NIR good for peace – Delfin
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 16): NIR good for peace – Delfin
Col. Francisco Delfin, the newly-installed 303rd Infantry
Brigade commander, said yesterday that the creation of a Negros Island Command
will ensure a better coordinated peace and order campaign in the Negros Island
Region.
Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., chief of staff of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines
Delfin said he will wait for instructions from the chief of
staff as to their set up.
The 303 rd IB is now under the Army in Jamindan, Capiz, said
Delfin, who paid a courtesy call on Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr.
at the Capitol in Bacolod
City
Marañon said the creation of the Negros Island Command is
being planned by the Army's chief of staff and a site is still being chosen for
it.
The governor has offered the Army a site in the fifth
district of Negros Occidental.
Meanwhile, Delfin said he will continue to implement the
successful programs of his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, in Negros
Occidental.
The Army will also continue to help the provincial
government in its campaign to protect the environment, Delfin said.
1 killed, 8 injured in Basilan explosion; Malaysian bomber’s involvement eyed
From GMA News (Jun 16): 1 killed, 8 injured in Basilan explosion; Malaysian bomber’s involvement eyed
A soldier was killed while eight others were wounded when an improvised roadside bomb exploded in Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan early Tuesday.
GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño cited information from Basilan provincial police showing the explosion occurred at about 7:50 a.m. at Sitio Bohepeyat (Limbungasani).
A soldier was killed while eight others were wounded when an improvised roadside bomb exploded in Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan early Tuesday.
In posts on Twitter, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs head Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the incident occurred at 8:05 a.m.
"The bandits used pipe bombs that are similar to the ones recovered by the Scout Rangers in Mohammad Ajul town about two months ago," Cabunoc said.
He also quoted 18th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Cristobal Perez as saying a Malaysian bomber, Mohammad Hussein a.k.a. Abu Anas, is believed responsible for the attack.
Two of the wounded soldiers were in serious condition, Perez said. No civilians were hurt in the attack.
GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño cited information from Basilan provincial police showing the explosion occurred at about 7:50 a.m. at Sitio Bohepeyat (Limbungasani).
Bacuño reported one member of the Charlie Company of the Philippine Army's 18th Infantry Battalion was killed while four members of the same unit were wounded.
An initial investigation by the town police showed the soldiers were conducting security patrol and were heading to Valentin Detachment when the explosion occurred.
The suspected improvised explosive device exploded about one meter away from the soldiers' position.
Police are verifying information the Abu Sayyaf may be behind the explosion, as they were supposedly agitated by patrols conducted by security forces in the area.
Murad: Decommissioning marks MILF transformation not surrender
From GMA News (Jun 16): Murad: Decommissioning marks MILF transformation not surrender
President Benigno Aquino III chats with MILF Central Committee Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high-powered firearms at the decommissioning of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) combatants in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday, June 16. The GPH and the MILF agreed to undertake the turnover of 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. Ryan Lim
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s move to decommission its former fighters is not a form of surrender, the group's chief maintained Tuesday.
In a speech during decommissioning ceremonies here, MILF central committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the turnover of weapons to an independent body is the first step towards his group's transformation into a political group.
"Today, we begin the long walk towards transformation, not surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.
The MILF chief also admitted that he was initially "bothered" that the decommissioning process had to start while the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law is still experiencing delays in Congress.
"However, as Muslims, we have to trust Allah…and affirm our duty and obligation in the peace agreement," he said.
Murad also told ex-MILF fighters not to view decommissioning as a sign of weakness.
"It is a sign of strength, for our strength lies not in our hearts, but in the love and affection of the Bangsamoro people," he said.
'Prepare for peace'
On Tuesday, the MILF turned over 75 weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Board. A total of 145 former MILF fighters also registered for decommissioning to start their transition to civil life.
Philippine peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, for her part, also said that decommissioning should not be considered a form of surrender to preserve the former MILf fighters' dignity.
"Ang sinasabi natin, decommissioning is to put beyond use, na wala nang silbi ang baril, wala nang saysay makidigma," she said in a separate speech.
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal meanwhile said that his group will always choose the path to peace.
"The MILF will comply with its obligation. If we want peace, we must prepare for peace," Iqbal said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504826/news/nation/murad-decommissioning-marks-milf-transformation-not-surrender
President Benigno Aquino III chats with MILF Central Committee Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high-powered firearms at the decommissioning of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) combatants in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday, June 16. The GPH and the MILF agreed to undertake the turnover of 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. Ryan Lim
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s move to decommission its former fighters is not a form of surrender, the group's chief maintained Tuesday.
In a speech during decommissioning ceremonies here, MILF central committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the turnover of weapons to an independent body is the first step towards his group's transformation into a political group.
"Today, we begin the long walk towards transformation, not surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.
The MILF chief also admitted that he was initially "bothered" that the decommissioning process had to start while the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law is still experiencing delays in Congress.
"However, as Muslims, we have to trust Allah…and affirm our duty and obligation in the peace agreement," he said.
Murad also told ex-MILF fighters not to view decommissioning as a sign of weakness.
"It is a sign of strength, for our strength lies not in our hearts, but in the love and affection of the Bangsamoro people," he said.
'Prepare for peace'
On Tuesday, the MILF turned over 75 weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Board. A total of 145 former MILF fighters also registered for decommissioning to start their transition to civil life.
Philippine peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, for her part, also said that decommissioning should not be considered a form of surrender to preserve the former MILf fighters' dignity.
"Ang sinasabi natin, decommissioning is to put beyond use, na wala nang silbi ang baril, wala nang saysay makidigma," she said in a separate speech.
MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal meanwhile said that his group will always choose the path to peace.
"The MILF will comply with its obligation. If we want peace, we must prepare for peace," Iqbal said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504826/news/nation/murad-decommissioning-marks-milf-transformation-not-surrender
China says it is about to finish some land reclamation in the Spratlys
From GMA News (Jun 16): China says it is about to finish some land reclamation in the Spratlys
China will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.
China will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.
The Foreign Ministry did not identify which of the seven reefs undergoing reclamation would be finished soon. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said their statement was already "quite detailed."
China stepped up its creation of artificial islands last year, a move that has alarmed several countries in Asia and drawn growing criticism from Washington. There have been recent tensions between the Chinese navy and the US military around the Spratlys.
"Based on our understanding from the relevant authorities, in accordance with the set work plan, the land reclamation project for China's construction on some islands and reefs on the Nansha islands will be completed soon," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, using the Chinese name for the Spratlys.
It gave no timeframe.
China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims.
US officials have said the pace and scale of China's reclamation work far outstripped that of other claimants. One official has said that before January 2014, China had only reclaimed about five hectares, but this had soared to 2,000 acres (800 hectares), expanding the acreage on outposts it occupies by over four hundred times.
Recent satellite images show a hive of building and other work on the new islands.
Military facilities for example are under construction on Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan Reef), including a 3,000-meter (10,000-foot) runway and airborne early warning radars, which could be operational by the year-end, according to one US commander.
The Foreign Ministry reiterated China's stance that the islands would help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and offer navigational assistance as well as have undefined military purposes.
After reclamation was complete, China would build facilities to "fulfil the relevant functions," it said.
The construction was within the scope of China's sovereignty, the Foreign Ministry said, adding it would not affect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.
US officials are concerned that China may declare an exclusion zone in the area that could limit the movement of ships and aircraft.
Govt to spend P2.4B this year to support ex-MILF fighters
From GMA News (Jun 16): Govt to spend P2.4B this year to support ex-MILF fighters
Soldiers inspect 75 pieces of assorted high-powered firearms that will be turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the Independent Decommissioning Body on Tuesday, June 16, as part of its peace agreement with the Philippine government. President Benigno Aquino III is expected to witness the event in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Andreo Calonzo
The government will spend P2.4 billion this year to support former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who decided to return to full civilian lives.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles made this announcement in a speech during decommissioning rites of MILF fighters and weapons here.
Deles pledged full support to former MILF fighters in the form of "socio-economic packages" to help them and their communities transition from lives lived in warfare to living in peace.
"Ang pangako ng gobyerno ay programa sa normalization upang maging matagumpay at makabuluhan ang kanilang pagwaksi sa pakikidigma at pagpasok sa tahimik na buhay," Deles said.
She added that each decommissioned MILF fighter will undergo profiling to determine which form of livelihood suits him best.
Unlike with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro rebel group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996, MILF fighters will not be integrated into the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The official also committed that government agencies will ensure that support for former MILF fighters will be sufficient and continuous.
On Tuesday, 145 former members of the MILF's armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), registered here for decommissioning, which marked the first step toward their transition to civilian lives.
Deles further said that the peace panels are exploring the possibility of forming a normalization trust fund to further assist the former fighters.
The government is also engaging international groups such as the World Bank and the United Nations on how they can extend aid to the decommissioned MILF fighters.
The normalization annex of the peace deal between the government and the MILF requires both parties to undertake socio-economic programs to help those who will undertake the decommissioning process.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504758/news/nation/govt-to-spend-p2-4b-this-year-to-support-ex-milf-fighters
Soldiers inspect 75 pieces of assorted high-powered firearms that will be turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the Independent Decommissioning Body on Tuesday, June 16, as part of its peace agreement with the Philippine government. President Benigno Aquino III is expected to witness the event in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Andreo Calonzo
The government will spend P2.4 billion this year to support former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who decided to return to full civilian lives.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles made this announcement in a speech during decommissioning rites of MILF fighters and weapons here.
Deles pledged full support to former MILF fighters in the form of "socio-economic packages" to help them and their communities transition from lives lived in warfare to living in peace.
"Ang pangako ng gobyerno ay programa sa normalization upang maging matagumpay at makabuluhan ang kanilang pagwaksi sa pakikidigma at pagpasok sa tahimik na buhay," Deles said.
She added that each decommissioned MILF fighter will undergo profiling to determine which form of livelihood suits him best.
Unlike with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro rebel group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996, MILF fighters will not be integrated into the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The official also committed that government agencies will ensure that support for former MILF fighters will be sufficient and continuous.
On Tuesday, 145 former members of the MILF's armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), registered here for decommissioning, which marked the first step toward their transition to civilian lives.
Deles further said that the peace panels are exploring the possibility of forming a normalization trust fund to further assist the former fighters.
The government is also engaging international groups such as the World Bank and the United Nations on how they can extend aid to the decommissioned MILF fighters.
The normalization annex of the peace deal between the government and the MILF requires both parties to undertake socio-economic programs to help those who will undertake the decommissioning process.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504758/news/nation/govt-to-spend-p2-4b-this-year-to-support-ex-milf-fighters
Soldier killed, 8 wounded in Basilan blast as Sulu cops foil Jolo bombing
From InterAksyon (Jun 16): Soldier killed, 8 wounded in Basilan blast as Sulu cops foil Jolo bombing
A soldier was killed and eight others wounded Tuesday when the vehicle they were riding was struck by a roadside bomb in an ambush authorities said was staged by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province.
But in nearby Sulu province, another bombing was foiled when police discovered an improvised explosive device planted at a gasoline station in downtown Jolo, the provincial capital, around dawn.
Captain Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of Task Force Zambasulta commander Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, the troops of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion were being ferried by a KM450 truck when it was struck by the explosion in Barangay Limbungasani, Tipo-Tipo town around 8:15 a.m.
This was followed by a brief firefight between the troops and the gunmen who planted the explosive.
Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel John Paolo Perez, commander of the battalion said two of the wounded were in serious condition.
Perez said the lone fatality died as the casualties were being evacuated to Zamboanga City.
The officer said the uninjured troops engaged the Abu Sayyaf in a brief firefight but were unable to pursue the gunmen because they withdrew through an area controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with whom the government has signed a peace agreement.
However, he added, they were in communications with the MILF who were cooperating by providing information.
Trinidad said intelligence reports indicate the bomb was planted by followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Furuji Indama.
A report reaching Camp Crame, meanwhile, said the Jolo bomb was found inside a bag left near the Island Petroleum gas station at the corner of Muralla and Marna streets in Barangay Walled City around 12:08 a.m.
Bomb experts from the police Special Action Force disarmed the explosive.
The Jolo police is still trying to identify who planted the bomb.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112507/soldier-killed-8-wounded-in-basilan-blast-as-sulu-cops-foil-jolo-bombing
A soldier was killed and eight others wounded Tuesday when the vehicle they were riding was struck by a roadside bomb in an ambush authorities said was staged by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province.
But in nearby Sulu province, another bombing was foiled when police discovered an improvised explosive device planted at a gasoline station in downtown Jolo, the provincial capital, around dawn.
Captain Roy Trinidad, chief of staff of Task Force Zambasulta commander Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, the troops of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion were being ferried by a KM450 truck when it was struck by the explosion in Barangay Limbungasani, Tipo-Tipo town around 8:15 a.m.
This was followed by a brief firefight between the troops and the gunmen who planted the explosive.
Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel John Paolo Perez, commander of the battalion said two of the wounded were in serious condition.
Perez said the lone fatality died as the casualties were being evacuated to Zamboanga City.
The officer said the uninjured troops engaged the Abu Sayyaf in a brief firefight but were unable to pursue the gunmen because they withdrew through an area controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, with whom the government has signed a peace agreement.
However, he added, they were in communications with the MILF who were cooperating by providing information.
Trinidad said intelligence reports indicate the bomb was planted by followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Furuji Indama.
A report reaching Camp Crame, meanwhile, said the Jolo bomb was found inside a bag left near the Island Petroleum gas station at the corner of Muralla and Marna streets in Barangay Walled City around 12:08 a.m.
Bomb experts from the police Special Action Force disarmed the explosive.
The Jolo police is still trying to identify who planted the bomb.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112507/soldier-killed-8-wounded-in-basilan-blast-as-sulu-cops-foil-jolo-bombing
Chopper makes 'hard landing' after being fired at while evacuating Army wounded in Samar - Air Force
From InterAksyon (Jun 16): Chopper makes 'hard landing' after being fired at while evacuating Army wounded in Samar - Air Force
An Air Force Huey helicopter (InterAksyon.com file by Erwin Mascarinas)
A Philippine Air Force helicopter deployed to evacuate soldiers wounded in a clash with communist rebels was fired at and forced to make a “hard landing” in the hinterlands of Las Navas town in Samar on Monday.
Air Force spokesman Colonel Enrico Canaya confirmed the incident and said they were in the process of recovering the downed UH-1H Huey helicopter.
He said the chopper was one of two dispatched to airlift five soldiers wounded in the clash with New People’s Army guerrillas.
However, he said the helicopter came under fire around 5 p.m. and “made a forced landing.”
Major Glen Mark Cabalquinto, public information officer of the 2nd Air Division, said the downed chopper had been assigned to “pick up some equipment and things recovered from the encounter site” while the undamaged lead aircraft was the one that had picked up the wounded Army personnel as well as the crew of the damaged helicopter and evacuated them to Catarman.
Describing the damage to the chopper, Cabalquinto said the aircraft's skids, which support it while on the ground, had collapsed sideways during the hard landing and the helicopter's belly was resting on the ground.
He said a maintenance and investigation team were at the site and trying to see if they could safely fly the aircraft out.
However, Cabalquinto said the team had not yet reported if it had been hit by ground fire.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112512/chopper-makes-hard-landing-after-being-fired-at-while-evacuating-army-wounded-in-samar---air-force
An Air Force Huey helicopter (InterAksyon.com file by Erwin Mascarinas)
A Philippine Air Force helicopter deployed to evacuate soldiers wounded in a clash with communist rebels was fired at and forced to make a “hard landing” in the hinterlands of Las Navas town in Samar on Monday.
Air Force spokesman Colonel Enrico Canaya confirmed the incident and said they were in the process of recovering the downed UH-1H Huey helicopter.
He said the chopper was one of two dispatched to airlift five soldiers wounded in the clash with New People’s Army guerrillas.
However, he said the helicopter came under fire around 5 p.m. and “made a forced landing.”
Major Glen Mark Cabalquinto, public information officer of the 2nd Air Division, said the downed chopper had been assigned to “pick up some equipment and things recovered from the encounter site” while the undamaged lead aircraft was the one that had picked up the wounded Army personnel as well as the crew of the damaged helicopter and evacuated them to Catarman.
Describing the damage to the chopper, Cabalquinto said the aircraft's skids, which support it while on the ground, had collapsed sideways during the hard landing and the helicopter's belly was resting on the ground.
He said a maintenance and investigation team were at the site and trying to see if they could safely fly the aircraft out.
However, Cabalquinto said the team had not yet reported if it had been hit by ground fire.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112512/chopper-makes-hard-landing-after-being-fired-at-while-evacuating-army-wounded-in-samar---air-force
DND mulls termination of P1.4B ballistic vest contract
From InterAksyon (Jun 16): DND mulls termination of P1.4B ballistic vest contract
The Department of National Defense (DND) is considering a move to terminate the P1.4 billion worth of ballistic vest (Force Protection Equipment) contract that it awarded to an Israel-based supplier if it fails to deliver the first batch of 20,000 units on June 29 based on its requested extension of 120 days to comply, according to Director Arsenio Andolong, public affairs chief of the DND.
Given the time left, according to defense insiders, there is no travel order yet for members of the Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIAC) team to conduct a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of the units.
The TIAC team is tasked to conduct inspection of the ballistic vests.
The project, one of the "big-ticket items" in the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was awarded through controversial public bidding to JV Archidatex and Colorado Shipping in 2013.
It comprises 44,080 FPE vests for individual soldiers.
Apparently, the DND, especially Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who was reportedly "well aware" of this, kept mum about the developments of the project when the supplier failed to deliver the first batch on February 26 as stipulated in the contract. That is, until defense insiders leaked the matter to the media.
Except for Andolong, who, declined to share more details, as he said he is not authorized to divulge anything about the project, other DND officials, who are supposed to be on the know, declined to be interviewed.
Aside from Archidatex, those that participated in the bidding included Kolon Global Corporation of South Korea, UM Merkata of Israel, and MKU of India.
During the post-qualification process, Kolon and UM Merkata were disqualified.
Kolon protested the disqualification even though it registered the lowest bid at slightly more than P800 million.
But despite its protest, the contract was eventually awarded to the JV of Archidatex and Colorado shipping.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112517/dnd-mulls-termination-of-p1-4b-ballistic-vest-contract
The Department of National Defense (DND) is considering a move to terminate the P1.4 billion worth of ballistic vest (Force Protection Equipment) contract that it awarded to an Israel-based supplier if it fails to deliver the first batch of 20,000 units on June 29 based on its requested extension of 120 days to comply, according to Director Arsenio Andolong, public affairs chief of the DND.
Given the time left, according to defense insiders, there is no travel order yet for members of the Technical Inspection and Acceptance (TIAC) team to conduct a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of the units.
The TIAC team is tasked to conduct inspection of the ballistic vests.
The project, one of the "big-ticket items" in the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), was awarded through controversial public bidding to JV Archidatex and Colorado Shipping in 2013.
It comprises 44,080 FPE vests for individual soldiers.
Apparently, the DND, especially Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who was reportedly "well aware" of this, kept mum about the developments of the project when the supplier failed to deliver the first batch on February 26 as stipulated in the contract. That is, until defense insiders leaked the matter to the media.
Except for Andolong, who, declined to share more details, as he said he is not authorized to divulge anything about the project, other DND officials, who are supposed to be on the know, declined to be interviewed.
Aside from Archidatex, those that participated in the bidding included Kolon Global Corporation of South Korea, UM Merkata of Israel, and MKU of India.
During the post-qualification process, Kolon and UM Merkata were disqualified.
Kolon protested the disqualification even though it registered the lowest bid at slightly more than P800 million.
But despite its protest, the contract was eventually awarded to the JV of Archidatex and Colorado shipping.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/112517/dnd-mulls-termination-of-p1-4b-ballistic-vest-contract
British Embassy hails initial decommissioning of MILF weapons, fighters
From MindaNews (Jun 16): British Embassy hails initial decommissioning of MILF weapons, fighters
The British Embassy in Manila welcomed the first phase of decommissioning of weapons and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“The decommissioning of 50 high-powered and 25 crew-mounted weapons, and transition to civilian life of 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, is a significant and welcome step in the peace process,” Charge d’ Affaires Trevor Lewis said in a statement Tuesday.
The initial decommissioning took place in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Tuesday and was witnessed by President Aquino himself.
An Independent Decommissioning Body member inspects the tag of one of the firearms belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during a ceremonial turn-over on June 16, 2015 at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
The move came amid uncertainties on the fate of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress.
The BBL will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after its ratification through a plebiscite.
But some senators viewed the proposed measure as unconstitutional. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said they would file substitute bills.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adjourned their session last week without putting the BBL to a vote.
The MILF has declared it would not accept a BBL that is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“With legislation still pending in Congress, this event underlines the continued commitment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to pursue its objectives through political rather than violent means. As with any peace process, the process of normalization is linked to political milestones, the next of which will be the passage of legislation to make the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro a reality,” Lewis said.
“We commend the government of the Philippines led by President Aquino for its continued significant effort to bring peace and development to the peoples of Bangsamoro for the long term benefit of the Philippines as a whole,” he added.
Government Peace Panel chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer inspects decommissioned firearms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during a ceremony at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat town on June 16, 2015. Seventy five firearms are being turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body by the MILF. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
In a statement Tuesday, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the symbolic decommissioning showed the government’s and MILF’s “commitment establishing a lasting peace in Mindanao”.
“This is the act of peace, the show of sincerity in the peace process, that we have all been waiting for from the MILF and the government.
“Beginning today, the MILF will beat swords to ploughshares as soldiers will begin to bring life to the land instead of taking from it. Today, mothers will begin to send their children to school again without fear, and welcome them home happily. Today, children will start learning to be children, and hope never to learn about war again,” Hataman said.
“We silence the guns today and our voices will drown the songs of war; our voice will echo the calls for peace. We have been doing so for the past 17 years, culminating in a document we now know as the Bangsamoro Basic Law. This Law, the fruit of many legal minds, both Moro and non-Moro, will be the rock on which lasting peace and eventual economic progress in Mindanao can be built,” he added.
Hataman noted the BBL was facing an “obstacle race” in the Senate. “We pray that this race will soon end and the BBL be hailed as victorious.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/06/16/british-embassy-hails-initial-decommissioning-of-milf-weapons-fighters/
The British Embassy in Manila welcomed the first phase of decommissioning of weapons and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
“The decommissioning of 50 high-powered and 25 crew-mounted weapons, and transition to civilian life of 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, is a significant and welcome step in the peace process,” Charge d’ Affaires Trevor Lewis said in a statement Tuesday.
The initial decommissioning took place in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao Tuesday and was witnessed by President Aquino himself.
An Independent Decommissioning Body member inspects the tag of one of the firearms belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during a ceremonial turn-over on June 16, 2015 at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
The move came amid uncertainties on the fate of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress.
The BBL will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after its ratification through a plebiscite.
But some senators viewed the proposed measure as unconstitutional. Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said they would file substitute bills.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives adjourned their session last week without putting the BBL to a vote.
The MILF has declared it would not accept a BBL that is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
“With legislation still pending in Congress, this event underlines the continued commitment of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to pursue its objectives through political rather than violent means. As with any peace process, the process of normalization is linked to political milestones, the next of which will be the passage of legislation to make the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro a reality,” Lewis said.
“We commend the government of the Philippines led by President Aquino for its continued significant effort to bring peace and development to the peoples of Bangsamoro for the long term benefit of the Philippines as a whole,” he added.
Government Peace Panel chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer inspects decommissioned firearms of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front during a ceremony at the old Maguindanao provincial capitol in Sultan Kudarat town on June 16, 2015. Seventy five firearms are being turned over to the Independent Decommissioning Body by the MILF. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
In a statement Tuesday, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the symbolic decommissioning showed the government’s and MILF’s “commitment establishing a lasting peace in Mindanao”.
“This is the act of peace, the show of sincerity in the peace process, that we have all been waiting for from the MILF and the government.
“Beginning today, the MILF will beat swords to ploughshares as soldiers will begin to bring life to the land instead of taking from it. Today, mothers will begin to send their children to school again without fear, and welcome them home happily. Today, children will start learning to be children, and hope never to learn about war again,” Hataman said.
“We silence the guns today and our voices will drown the songs of war; our voice will echo the calls for peace. We have been doing so for the past 17 years, culminating in a document we now know as the Bangsamoro Basic Law. This Law, the fruit of many legal minds, both Moro and non-Moro, will be the rock on which lasting peace and eventual economic progress in Mindanao can be built,” he added.
Hataman noted the BBL was facing an “obstacle race” in the Senate. “We pray that this race will soon end and the BBL be hailed as victorious.”
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/06/16/british-embassy-hails-initial-decommissioning-of-milf-weapons-fighters/
Samar towns’ rebel-free status to draw investments - Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Samar towns’ rebel-free status to draw investments - Army
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772942
The insurgency-free declaration for the three island towns
of Samar province will draw investments to
cash-strapped areas, the Philippine Army said.
On June 12, the army and local government units formally
declared the towns of Almagro, Sto Nino and Tagapul-an as free from threats of
New People’s Army.
The three areas were declared rebel-free during the
commemoration of 117th Philippine Independence Day at a covered court in
Tagapul-an town.
“The joint declaration of the three island towns may attract
investors especially that these areas are tourist destinations and that many
investors will establish their businesses in a secured area which will greatly
improve the town’s economic and financial status,” said Col. Leoncio A.
Cirunay, the army’s 801st brigade commander.
The signing of declaration was based on the Armed Forces of
the Philippines-Philippine National Police joint letter directive which categorized
the three island towns as “cleared” area.
“It will increase the influx of tourism in their locality.
The populace of the said municipalities are enjoying peaceful environment away
from extortion activities of the NPA,” the army official said in a statement.
Witnessing the declaration are top army and local government
officials in Samar province.
All the three areas are categorized as fifth class towns,
which means that their annual income from internal revenue share and local
taxes is between PHP15 million to PHP25 million.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772942
Decommissioning is MILF firm commitment for peace in the Bangsamoro -- Murad
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Decommissioning is MILF firm commitment for peace in the Bangsamoro -- Murad
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772915
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad
today said the decommissioning of 75 firearms and 145 combatants is a firm
manifestation of the MILF's commitment to peace and signals the transformation
of their group into a political organization.
“Today we begin the long walk to transformation, not
surrender. (This is) the start of transformation of MILF from armed
organization to political organization ready to serve the Bangsamoro people,”
Murad said during the decommissioning process held at the gymnasium of the old
provincial capitol here Tuesday morning.
President Benigno S. Aquino III witnessed the turn over as
the guest of honor and speaker.
“Decommissioning has not been an easy one. This is expected
because the struggle is an integral part of our Moro identity,” he said of the
decommissioning, adding that “We cannot thank President Aquino enough for his
unwavering commitment in our partnership.”
Murad said the the decommissioning also signals that start
for the MILF to shift into self-governance.
“This symbolic decommissioning signals the start of an old
arrangement and control toward partnership of autonomy,” he said.
“We proclaim our commitment to peace not by words but by
action,” Murad stressed.
Murad said it was not a sign of weakness on the part of the
MILF, as propagated by anti-peace groups, to decommission its firearms even as
the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law is yet to be approved by Congress.
“It is not surrender,” he said in his message to his people.
“This is to show the MILF is sincere in attaining peace for the Bangsamoro
people.”
He also said the MILF position on the BBL is clear.
“We will accept the BBL which is in compliance with the FAB
(Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro) and CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro), this is the official position of the MILF central committee,” he
said.
He then thanked President Aquino and all those who
contributed in the success of the Mindanao
peace process.
“We thank the President for his continued support to the Mindanao peace process, third party facilitator,
international communities and all who contributed to the success of the peace
process,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772915
‘Strategic area’ for NIR Command eyed in Negros Occidental’s 5th district
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): ‘Strategic area’ for NIR Command eyed in Negros Occidental’s 5th district
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772991
A strategic area in the fifth district of Negros Occidental
is being eyed as the regional command center of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the
location is not necessarily in the border of the two Negros
provinces, but on any strategic area in the province.
There is a number of strategic areas in the fifth district,
and the choice would depend on Gen. Gregorio Catapang Jr., AFP chief of staff,
he said.
“It’s their choice and decision. What’s more important is
that it’s accessible and there should be facilities like water, electricity and
roads,” the governor said.
Marañon said it is good that the AFP will set up a regional
island command in Negros so there will be one
commander for the island.
Catapang had earlier said they will reconstitute their
forces – the Army, the Air Force and the Navy – in the newly-formed Negros
Island Region.
He added that the NIR command will be an inter-agency peace
and order committee or organization to include all armed services, which will
harness all resources of the government to address and maintain peace and
security in the area.
New military camps will be put up in the middle of the two
provinces to secure both sides, either in Kabankalan City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=772991
Hopes high as MILF turns over weapons of war, combatants
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Hopes high as MILF turns over weapons of war, combatants
Camp Iranun , now home of the 603rd Infantry Brigade of the
Philippine military, used to be the biggest MILF homebase—Camp Abubakar
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773211
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) turned over
Tuesday, June 16, 75 weapons of war and 145 combatants, most of them having
fought wars since the 1970s.
Other combatants are in their mid-20’s. They are only the
first batch that will leave behind years of struggle to start a new life
without waging wars.
Among them was 66-year-old deputy commander of the MILF’s
Lawin unit, Jacob Palao, who enlisted with MILF a year after Martial Law was
declared. He fought wars since 1974.
Palao was the highest ranked of the 145 MILF combatants who
will be turning civilians for the decommissioning process.
Palao was happy that both MILF and the Philippine government
are starting the normalization process. Palao was hopeful that the government
will carry out the promise of socio-economic development in the Bangsamoro.
In his speech before the delegates led by President Benigno
Aquino III, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim said, “This occasion is not a
story about statistics. This is something personal to us. They are the stories
of struggle, of pain, of hopelessness, even death”.
During the ceremonial decommissioning of the combatants held
at old capitol of in Maguindanao Province in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Murad said
he also saw stories of hope and faith that indeed peace was near and that all
sacrifices have been worth it.
He said it is his story as well and the majuhedeen who have
given their life, intelligence to protect the Bangsamoro people.
“What we have today then are not only the stories of the 145
fighters…what we have are the stories of the whole.
Bangsamoro …oppression, tyranny, and yes liberation,” he
added.
Admitting that the road to decommissioning was not easy even
within the MILF, Murad however said it is expected because struggle is an
integral part of their identity.
He emphasized that their decision is deeply rooted in their
firm commitment to comply with the principled signed agreements with
government.
Decommissioning of weapons and the MILF combatants is part
of the normalization process to bring conflict-affected areas into a state of
normalcy in terms of human security and economic stability while legislative
mill for the approval of the Bangsamoro Basic Law continues.
The decommissioning program aims to put the arms and forces
of the rebel group beyond use. The 75 weapons were turned over to the
Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) headed by Turkey
The IDB is composed of members Jan Erik Wilhemsen from Norway , Maj. Muhammad Aiman Syazwi Bin Haji
Abdul Rahim from Brunei
The 145 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces
(BIAF) were registered and given help to formally return to civilian lives.
Berk said the weapons were checked and verified.
The decommissioned guns will be kept will be brought to an
agreed area, the Weapons Storage facility located inside Camp Iranun (Abubakar)
in Sitio Bombaran, Barangay Tugaig in Barira, Maguindanao.
About 30 members of the Joint Peace and Security Teams
(JPST) who will be supervised by the Joint Verification and Monitoring Team
(JVMT) of the IDB will be backed by close circuit TV cameras.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773211
Rebel killed, 5 troopers hurt in Northern Samar clash, 'Huey' helicopter also damaged
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Rebel killed, 5 troopers hurt in Northern Samar clash, 'Huey' helicopter also damaged
A New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed while five soldiers assigned to the 8th Infantry Division were wounded during an encounter in Barangay L. Empon, Las Navas town,Northern Samar
Monday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773035
A New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed while five soldiers assigned to the 8th Infantry Division were wounded during an encounter in Barangay L. Empon, Las Navas town,
And later in the day, a UH-IH "Huey" helicopter
with tail number 494, attempting to evacuate the wounded troopers, was forced
to land, damaging its skids in the process, after suffering a still unknown
"discrepancy" at 5 p.m.
Capt. Andrew Linao, 8th Infantry Division deputy public
affairs office chief, said the encounter between their 20th Infantry Battalion
and the rebel band took place at 6 a.m.
He added that the troopers were conducting
"Bayanihan" activities in Barangay L. Empon in an attempt to bridge
the development gap when concerned residents reported the presence of
heavily-armed NPA rebels nearby.
At this point, government soldiers went to engage the
rebels, killing one.
In the same encounter that lasted for 25 minutes, five
troopers were wounded by NPA fire.
Linao said that the rebels then retreated while 20th
Infantry Battalion troopers recovered the body of the slain NPA and turned it
over to barangay officials for identification and proper disposition.
Meanwhile, the escorting UH-IH, immediately landed and
rescued the crew members of the stricken "Huey".
It also conducted the evacuation for the troopers wounded in
the earlier firefight with the rebels.
Major Glen Mark Cabalquinto, 2nd Air Division public affairs
office chief, said that an investigation team is now checking the down UH-IH
helicopter to determine the exact cause of the mishap.
Army troops are providing security to the crashed helicopter
while the investigation is ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773035
Army troops pursue NPA rebels after clashes in south Negros Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Army troops pursue NPA rebels after clashes in south Negros Oriental
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773177
Philippine Army troops continue to pursue suspected members
of the rebel New People’s Army (NPA) following two sporadic clashes early this
week at Barangay Talalak in Sta. Catalina town, Negros Oriental.
Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, commander of the 79th
Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Siaton, Negros Oriental,
disclosed that the brief encounters with at least seven suspected NPA rebels on
Saturday and Sunday were an offshoot of a report from civilians in the area.
The tip received by the Army said there were armed men
allegedly harassing local residents and who appeared to be trying to retrieve
some rice and food stuff in a nearby sub-village, said Lt. Col. Pascua over the
phone Tuesday afternoon.
Pascua said he deployed his men from the Kakha detachment
immediately and at around 8:40 a.m. Saturday, while on patrol to verify the
civilians’ report, they were fired upon by the small band of suspected rebels
which resulted in an exchange of gunfire that lasted for about two minutes.
The following day, around noontime and during pursuit
operations, the government troops once more engaged the alleged rebels in
another firefight for about 10 minutes before the latter fled, said Pascua.
The armed men, led by a certain “Jimlan” are “remnants” of the
NPA’s South East Front who are always on the run, according to Pascua.
There were no casualties on the government side while Pascua
said they are still verifying reports of wounded or killed men on the side of
the armed group.
The 79th IB commander has highlighted the fact that the
populace now has have the confidence of “our local defense system”,
particularly the detachments and in turn, “these detachments have now the
capability and responsiveness to act on security concerns of the communities”.
The province
of Negros Oriental
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773177
Western Mindanao Command turns over educational, toiletries items to local day center
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Western Mindanao Command turns over educational, toiletries items to local day center
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772846
In line with its community development and educational
efforts, the Zamboanga City-based Western Mindanao
Command handed over educational and toiletries items to a local day center Monday.
Donated were a mobile television set, educational tapes,
books, toilet adjusters and rubber mats.
The items were handed to Amparo Toribio, Western Mindanao
Command Day
Center
The facility is located at the Western Mindanao Command in Camp Navarro ,
Upper Calarian, Zamboanga
City
Incidentally, the Western
Mindanao Command
Day Center
The items will benefit military and civilians dependents
enrolled in the educational facility.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772846
Deles sees start of decommissioning process to have positive effect on BBL timeline
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Deles sees start of decommissioning process to have positive effect on BBL timeline
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772860
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita
Quintos Deles is confident that the start of the decommissioning of Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and weapons would have a positive
effect on the legislative process surrounding the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL).
“Inaantay na lang po natin ang tuluyang pagpapasa ng BBL,
ang pagtatayo ng Bangsamoro at ang pagkakaroon nito ng mga sariling halal na
lider upang makita natin ang tuluyang pagbababa ng armas ng MILF. Ito ang
umpisa ng kapayapaan sa Bangsamoro at sa buong Mindanao (We are just awaiting
the eventual passage of the BBL, the establishment of the Bangsamoro
government, and the election of its leaders in order for the full
decommissioning of the MILF to push through),” explained Deles.
Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)
signed between the government and the MILF, the decommissioning process will
follow legislative milestones of the proposed basic law that will entrench a
replacement to the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The CAB stipulates that 30% of MILF combatants and weapons
will be decommissioned upon the passage of the BBL, to be followed by another
35% after the plebiscite and the appointment of members of the Bangsamoro Transition
Authority (BTA). The remaining 35% will be decommissioned once the Bangsamoro
government is established and its leaders are duly elected.
The June 16 ceremonial decommissioning of 145 MILF
combatants and 75 crew-serve weapons and high-powered weapons is to signal the
start of the process, also stipulated in the CAB.
“Masaya tayo na patuloy ipinapakita ng MILF na katuwang sila
ng pamahalaan sa layunin na itigil ang pag-aarmas sa Mindanao sa kabila ng
pagka-antala sa pagsasabatas ng BBL (We are happy the MILF continues to be a
partner of the government in its objective to bring peace in Mindanao through
the reduction of firearms in the area despite the delays in the BBL passage),”
Deles added.
The MILF is expected to turn in their weapons to the
Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), which in turn will place the said
weapons in a secured area. The combatants, on the other hand, will receive
socio-economic packages to help them jumpstart their return to normal, civilian
lives.
Both Houses of Congress adjourned sine die last week, with
both vowing to continue working on the BBL once session resumes in late July.
The House of Representatives is in the middle of plenary interpellation while
Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., chair of the Senate Committee on Local
Government, has committed to presenting a substitute bill.
The leadership of both Houses is looking at September or
October as the new deadline for the BBL passage, in time for the filing of candidacies
for the 2016 elections.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772860
PAF conducts first ever 'PAF SAR Challenge 2015'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): PAF conducts first ever 'PAF SAR Challenge 2015'
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772970
In line with its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
missions, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Tuesday announced that it will be
conducting its first ever "PAF SAR Challenge 2015" from June 17 to
18.
The activity will be held at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City
PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said eight Air Force
search-and-rescue units will be participating in this two-day activity.
These units will be coming from different PAF units in Pampanga,
Cavite , Cebu, Palawan, Zamboanga and Manila
Canaya said a total of 160 PAF personnel will compete with
one another during the exercise.
The 505th Search and Rescue Group Rescue, who were the
mentors of the trained personnel, will provide rescue helicopters, equipment
and support personnel for the contest.
Canaya said this undertaking is different from the usual
military field training exercises done to prepare soldiers for combat
operations.
This time, the objective is to save lives in the water and
land environment in the event of a tsunami and earthquake scenario.
He added that the event, which was spearheaded by Assistant
Chief of Air Staff for Education and Training, Col. Augustine Malinit, which
also served as a pre-anniversary activity as the PAF celebrates its 68th
founding anniversary this coming July 1.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772970
1 killed, 8 wounded in ASG landmine attack in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): 1 killed, 8 wounded in ASG landmine attack in Basilan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772994
A trooper from the 18th Infantry Battalion was killed while
eight of his companions were wounded in a landmine attack perpetrated by Abu
Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in the borders of Tipo-Tipo and Al-Barka towns,
Basilan Tuesday morning.
All of the government casualties were aboard a KM-450
military truck, on their way to market, when the blast took place at 8:05 a.m.
Lt. Col. John Paolo Perez, 18th Infantry Battalion
commander, said the incident took place at the vicinity of Barangays Magkawa,
Albarka and Tipo-Tipo Proper, Tipo-Tipo.
Initially, nine troopers were reported wounded, three of
them seriously.
He added that the landmine seems to command detonated as it
exploded while the KM-450 was passing by, showering its occupants with shrapnel.
However, one of the seriously hurt trooper expired before
reaching the nearest medical facility, Perez said.
Pursuit operations are now ongoing as of this posting.
Around seven to 10 ASG bandits were believed to have laid
the explosive.
Responding government troopers engaged the brigands in a
brief firefight, scattering the ASGs and leading to the recovery of some of the
group's equipment.
Perez did not specify the exact equipment recovered but said
that some of the shrapnel they have recovered seems similar to the ones they
recovered in Barangay Tuburan, Mohammad Ajul town, Basilan last May 17.
"The IEDs (improvised explosive devices) we recovered
there appears to be made by a Malaysian member of the Jemaah Islamiyah,"
he said.
Around 76 IEDs were recovered in that operation.
The 18th Infantry Battalion commander also said that the
bandits passed some two kilometers from a Moro Islamic Liberation Front area
but stressed that the ASGs did not enter the place.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=772994
60-year-old man killed in rebel attack in Camarines Norte
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): 60-year-old man killed in rebel attack in Camarines Norte
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773170
A 60-year-old man was killed when three unidentified New
People's Army (NPA) rebels fired at a temporary patrol base at Barangay Alayao,
Capalonga, Camarines Norte Tuesday morning.
Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa, 9th Infantry Division
spokesperson, said the incident, which took place at 9 a.m., lasted for five
minutes.
No one among the troops manning the base was hurt, but a
civilian identified as Mandy Retiro was hit by an apparent stray bullet and
died while undergoing treatment at the Capalonga Medicare
Hospital
The victim was a utility worker at the nearby Capalonga College
"The 9th ID condemns such acts by the New People’s Army
which just denote that the rebels do not care of the innocent civilians that
may be hit. They merely resort to criminal acts just to sow fear and
terror," Panesa said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773170
Bandits recruiting ‘child warriors’ in ARMM region
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Bandits recruiting ‘child warriors’ in ARMM region
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773131
A commissioner of the National Youth Commission (NYC) on
Tuesday disclosed that bandits in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
(ARMM) are recruiting so-called child warriors by convincing their parents.
Commissioner Earl Saavedra, of the NYC for Mindanao ,
said that not even the ballooning scholarships offered by the Commission on
Higher Education (Ched) could counter the offers made by the bandits.
Saavedra, who have an interaction with the youths here, did
not name any specific armed group in his remarks.In 2013 when the Priority
Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of the Senators and Congressmen were
scrapped in favor of the various Cabinet departments, Ched scholarships
nationwide increased to Php 1.05 billion.
Each private college student-scholar would receive Php
15,000 per semester while students from state colleges and universities would
get Php 7,000 each in book allowance.
The Ched scholarship pales in comparison to the offers made
by bandits to the youths in the ARMM region, Saavedra claimed.
He said that bandits would convince parents to send in their
kids as child warriors. In return, the family would receive an on the spot Php
100,000 in cash, two firearms and an offer to pay the dowry if the child
warrior decides to take a bride of his choice and marry.
Saavedra surmised that the parents were convinced to send
their children to join banditry because of poverty in the region, which has the
lowest youth development index in the country.
The NYC designed the youth development index as among the
indicators in health, education, employment and societal participation, he
said.
Saavedra said that the proposed Bangsamoro autonomous region
would certainly provide an opportunity for the voice of the youth in contrast
to the stifled voice of the youth under the ARMM.
He said that the NYC is batting for the passage of the
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in order to include the youth in the Bangsamoro
parliament, representation of the youth in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority
and the creation of a Bangsamoro Youth Commission.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773131
President Aquino witnesses turnover of rebels’ weapons, decommissioning of combatants
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): President Aquino witnesses turnover of rebels’ weapons, decommissioning of combatants
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773149
President Benigno S. Aquino III here Tuesday witnessed the
historic turnover of 75 firearms by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to
the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) and the decommissioning of 145
members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
"Heto ang pruweba ng kanilang katapatan sa ating
harapan. Kusang-loob pong inilatag ng ating mga kapatid ang kanilang armas.
Ginagawa nga nila ito kahit nakabitin pa ang Bangsamoro Basic Law, at
mangyayari pa lang ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority," the President
said during the event held at the Old Capitol in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat,
Maguindanao province.
"Ito po ay napakatibay na patunay ng buo at busilak na
pakikiisa ng MILF sa ating usaping pangkapayapaan, at sa kanilang kahandaang
talikuran ang landas ng hidwaan. Iniaabot nila ngayon ang kanilang palad bilang
imbitasyon patungo sa higit na pagtitiwala at pagtutulungan," he said.
The 55 high-powered firearms and 20 crew-serve weapons that
were turned over, as well as the returnees, were registered by the IDB, which
was formed in 2014 and mandated to oversee the decommissioning of the MILF’s
forces and weapons.
The IDB is composed of chairman Turkish Ambassador Haydar
Berk, a former Turkish representative to the North Atlantic Council of the
North Atlantic Treaty Organization; and members Major Muhammad Aiman Syazwi Bin
Abdul Rahim of the Royal Brunei Land Force; retired Norwegian Brigadier General
Jan Erik Wilhemsen, who served in the United Nations peacekeeping forces to
Honduras, El Salvador, Central Sudan, Nigeria and Nepal; Professor Mario Aguja;
retired Lieutenant General Rey Ardo, who served as Commander of the Western
Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines; Von Al Haq,
spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces; and Isah Bato.
The decommissioning program for the MILF forces was inspired
by the different peace processes done in Nepal ,
Northern Ireland , and Aceh , Indonesia
Moro returnees can avail of any of the socio-economic
programs deemed suitable for them, such as the livelihood package, where former
combatants may undergo training through the Technical Education and Skilled
Development Authority or a literacy program through the Department of
Education; and a college study or high school grant, both of which are provided
with allowances to enable them to start schooling.
All returnees will be given immediate assistance and health
insurance as part of the socio-economic package.
For his part, MILF Central Committee Chair Al-Hajj Murad
Ebrahim thanked President Aquino for pushing peace and development in Mindanao .
"We cannot thank President Aquino enough for his
unwavering commitment in our partnership to build a truly democratic, peaceful
and safe society in the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said in his message during the
ceremony.
“Today, we begin the long walk towards transformation, not
surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF
from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern
and serve the Bangsamoro people," he added.
Present during the ceremony were Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin, Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
Governor Mujiv Hataman, Maguindanao Governor Ismael Mangudadatu, Moro Islamic
Liberation Front Central Committee Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, government peace
panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge
Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief
of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., and Archbishop Orlando Beltran
Quevedo.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773149
Iqbal: Decommissioning of MILF members, weapons an affirmation to the peace process
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): Iqbal: Decommissioning of MILF members, weapons an affirmation to the peace process
Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chief negotiator, declared Tuesday “the decommissioning of our weapons and putting them beyond use” is an affirmation of the MILF’s to the peace process.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773098
Mohagher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chief negotiator, declared Tuesday “the decommissioning of our weapons and putting them beyond use” is an affirmation of the MILF’s to the peace process.
Iqbal made this declaration Tuesday when they turned in 75
weapons during the decommissioning of 145 members of the MILF at the gymnasium
of the old provincial capitol here.
Fifty of the 75 weapons they turned in to the International
Decommissioning Body (IDB) consisted of high-powered rifles and 25 crew-served
weapons -- mortars, rocket launchers and caliber .50 machineguns.
“This is the start of our preparation for peacetime in the
Bangsamoro by taking this serious move of decommissioning. It is a first of the
many steps towards the achievement of peace,” Iqbal declared.
“People sometimes commit the mistakes that firearms are our
main strength. They are wrong. Firearms are not the source of our main
strength,” Iqbal said, citing “our main strength is the love, affection and
faith of the Bangsamoro people.”
He said that frankly speaking, the turnover of the weapons
and decommissioning of members is the most difficult decisions “we have made so
far in more than four decades of harsh struggle.”
He said they have agreed to turn in the weapons and put them
beyond use since they “want to show to the world that the MILF will and will
always comply with obligations set forth in signed agreements.”
President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, along with some of his
Cabinet members, congressmen, and local government officials witnessed the
turnover of the weapons and decommissioning of 145 MILF members.
The decommissioning is part of the Annex on Normalization of
the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) the government and the MILF
signed last year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773098
MILF's turnover of weapons an important confidence-building measure, says Palace official
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16): MILF's turnover of weapons an important confidence-building measure, says Palace official
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773172
The turnover of weapons and the decommissioning of
combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Tuesday is an
important confidence-building measure that shows that both sides are committed
to achieve enduring peace in Mindanao , a
Palace official has said.
The decommissioning is important to attain peace in Mindanao , and it is part of the normalization annex of
the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), Communication Secretary
Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday.
The CAB serves as the basis for the drafting of the
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is still in Congress.
Secretary Coloma was reacting to some lawmakers’ comments
that despite the decommissioning, the BBL will still face scrutiny in Congress.
"Mahirap namang paghiwalayin ang pagkilala na ang
decommissioning na inumpisahan na sa araw na ito ay isang mahalagang confidence
and trust building process," he said.
"Talaga namang ito ay maiuugnay doon sa pagsulong sa
prosesong pangkapayapaan na bahagi pa rin nito ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang
enabling act, ang Bangsamoro Basic Law."
Coloma also addressed public concerns on how the government
would account for the weapons turned over by the MILF, saying these firearms
will be the responsibility of an international monitoring body.
He explained that based on the normalization annex of the
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, there are concrete guidelines on the
decommissioning of the weapons of the MILF.
"Nagtatag na ng International Decommissioning Body na
ang tagapangulo o chairman ay ang ambassador ng Turkey
The decommissioning body, which has been tasked to verify
and make inventories of the weapons to be turned over by the MILF, consists of
members from Norway and Brunei Darussalam, as well as four people nominated by
the government and the MILF, Coloma said, adding that there will be a
verifiable process in the accounting of weapons to ensure that the normalization
annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is followed, with
regards to the decommissioning process.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=773172
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