DND chooses vests over missile system

From The Standard (Aug 4): DND chooses vests over missile system

THE Department of National Defense has dumped the Army’s P6.5-billion Shore-Based Missile System, a government-to-government negotiated deal with Israel, to buy ballistic vests, helmets and rifles, among other things.

“The SBMS Acquisition Project will be replaced by higher priority projects that aim to provide support and protection to soldiers in the field due to the rising security situation in the WPS [WEst Philippine Sea] and the continuing terrorist acts by the enemies of the Government of the Philippines,” a two-page letter dated July 22, 2015, signed by Patrick Velez, Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, Installation and Logistics, told Avi Felder, president of Israel Military Industries or IMI.

          Gazmin

Velez, however, said that the implementation of the SBMS project had not been shelved but only deferred).

There has been no confirmation from Malacañang if President Benigno Aquino IIIU has approved the the project’s postponement.

Velez said the decision to use the P6.5-billion budget for missiles to buy materials for the  protection of soldiers was a result of the 69th Senior Leaders Round-Table Discussion on the Defense Acquisition System on June 10, 2015.

IMI was shocked at the Defense Department’s decision.

Aquino and his defense alter-ego, Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, had promised that the Armed Forces would achieve minimum credible external defense capability before their term ends in 2016.

On Dec. 18, 2014, the department’s Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 declared IMI as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder for the project.

The IMI had just been waiting for the issuance of the Notice of Award when, sometime in May, then Army chief and now Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Hernando Irriberi sought the realignment of the project. This was after the local representative of IMI filed criminal and administrative charges against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged undue delay in the implementation of at least three ammunition projects worth P97.8 million.

Sources from the Ombudsman said the cases were due for resolution in connection with the supplier’s prayer for a 6-month preventive suspension against Irriberi.

According to former National Security Adviser and now Parañaque City Rep. Roilo Golez, the SBMS project could have been a good move to jump-start Aquino’s promise of minimum credible external defense capability against the aggression of China in the West Philippine Sea, where it is making artificial islands.

He slammed Irriberi for recommending in haste the realignment of the SBMS and urged the Commission on Appointments not to confirm him.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/08/04/dnd-chooses-vests-over-missile-system/

Search for next Navy, Nolcom chiefs starts

From Malaya (Aug 4): Search for next Navy, Nolcom chiefs starts

THE military has started the selection process for the successors of Navy chief Vice Adm. Jesus Millan and Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) chief Lt. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad who are due for retirement on August 10 and 14, respectively.

The AFP’s Board of Generals convened last week to discuss the retirement of Millan and Trinidad, said Col. Noel Detoyato, chief of the AFP public affairs office.

The Board is chaired by AFP chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri. Its members are the AFP vice chief of staff (Lt. Gen. John Bonafos), the AFP deputy staff (Maj. Gen. Edgard Fallorina), and the chiefs of the Navy (Millan), Air Force (Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado), and the Army (Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año).

AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said the board usually submits two or three names for a soon-to-be vacated position, to President Aquino through Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

He did not name the officers who are being considered for the posts.

Sources among those being considered to succeed Millan are AFP Western Command chief Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, Navy vice commander Rear Adm. Caesar Taccad, and Chief Naval Staff Rear Adm. Ronaldo Joseph Mercado.

Lopez and Taccad belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class 1982 like Millan. Mercado   belongs to Class 1983.

Lopez was among several three-star officers who were considered for the post of AFP chief that was vacated last month by Gregorio Pio Catapang who retired.

Among those reportedly being considered as next Nolcom chief are Maj. Generals Glorioso Miranda, chief of the 7th Infantry Division; Lysander Suerte, 5th ID chief; and Mayoralgo dela Cruz, chief of the Light Armor Division.

Miranda and Dela Cruz belong to PMA Class 1983. Suerte and Trinidad are from Class 1982.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/search-next-navy-nolcom-chiefs-starts

Not only China, even allies are grabbing Philippine-claimed islands in Spratlys

From the Business Mirror (Aug 2): Not only China, even allies are grabbing Philippine-claimed islands in Spratlys



THE Philippines lost four of the 11 islands it is claiming in the Spratlys to its allies Vietnam and Taiwan, in addition to the four reefs that China is now converting into military facilities.

During the forum on the West Philippine Sea held late last week, Defense Undersecretary for Strategic Assessment Raymund Quilop said that out of the 11 islands claimed or owned by the Philippines, three have been occupied and claimed by Vietnam, while the biggest island, Itu Aba or Taiping Island has been occupied by Taiwan.

Unlike China, Vietnam and Taiwan have not militarily fortified the islands that they have occupied during the past years, but instead developed them for commercial purposes or even resorts, escaping the attention of the Philippines and the international community.

One of the islands occupied by Vietnam, the Southwest Cay, is just more than a kilometer away from the Northeast Cay, which is occupied by Philippine troops. When Vice Adm. Alexander Pama was still the Navy flag officer in command, the Philippines and Vietnam agreed to jointly patrol the two islands and their surroundings against China.

Quilop said that the Philippine-claimed Kalayaan Islands Group (KIG) is composed of 11 islands and 86 features, that are also being claimed by China and Brunei Darussalam, in addition to Vietnam and Taiwan.

Of KIG’s reefs, two are occupied by the Philippines, 17 by Vietnam, three by Malaysia and seven by China.

China’s ongoing reclamation or development of the seven reefs that it occupies by turning them into military bases with ports that can accommodate its largest vessels and runways for its aircraft is making the international community and the country nervous because the activity was being undertaken to support its plan of dominating the South China Sea.

These reefs that are being made into artificial islands are Kagitingan Reef (Fiery Cross Reef), Calderon Reef (Cuarteron Reef), Burgos Reef (Gaven Reef), Mabini Reef (Johnson South Reef), McKeenan Reef (Hughes Reef), Panganiban Reef (Mischief Reef) and Zamora Reef (Subi Reef).

The Navy spokesman, Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, said Subi Reef, where a runway is also being built by China, was the source of at least six challenges or harassments of Philippine patrols over the past weeks.In those instances, China told the Filipino pilots to turn away because they are in Chinese territory.

China also challenged on two occasions US patrols, but its warnings were laughed off by US pilots.

Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said the reclamation on Mischief Reef has reached about 500 hectares while that in Kagitingan Reef, already covers about 200 hectares.

Additional structures and fortifications are being built in the reclaimed areas.

Carpio said that at Burgos Reef, a four to five storey building has also been constructed.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/not-only-china-even-allies-are-grabbing-philippine-claimed-islands-in-spratlys/

Radio reporter survives NPA ambush in Masbate; 4 killed, 4 wounded

From Bicol Today (Aug 3): Radio reporter survives NPA ambush in Masbate; 4 killed, 4 wounded



Jet Ramos, Wow Smile Radio Reporter. BICOLTODAY.COM PHOTO

Jet Ramos, WOW Patroller #3 of WOW Smile Radio, survived an ambush in Masbate on Monday afternoon.

According to early reports, Ramos was with the joint tactical operatives of CIDG-PNP-Philippine Army team serving an arrest warrant to a wanted person in a remote area of Cawayan, Masbate.

As the team succeeded in serving the arrest warrant, they trooped back to base from the municipality of Cawayan down to Masbate City.

Upon reaching Uson, Masbate, at about 4:30PM, an unidentified number of armed men fired at them, hitting down and killing one army soldier just beside Ramos.

A gun fight broke out, when Army troops maneuvered with the CIDG-PNP team headed by PCI Pederre.

After more than 30 minutes of firefight with suspected members of New Peoples Army, four (4) casualties from the rebels side were recovered, while the government troops suffered three (3) more Wounded In Action.

The radio news reporter was hit by a bullet under his left ear, but he is safe and still managed to report to Jay Primo, though a little bit disoriented.

Names of those killed from both the PA and NPA’s will be released tomorrow.

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/03/radio-reporter-survives-npa-ambush-in-masbate-4-killed-4-wounded/

China's island-building faces scrutiny at Asia security talks

From GMA News (Aug 3): China's island-building faces scrutiny at Asia security talks

Beijing faces pressure over its island-building in the South China Sea during high-level Asian security meetings this week that will include the top US and Chinese diplomats.

 

China is expanding tiny reefs into islands and topping some with military posts to reinforce its disputed claims over the strategic sea, fanning fears of a regional arms race and possible conflict.

 

Southeast Asia's human-trafficking problem and concerns over North Korean missile launches are also expected to be among the issues discussed at the talks in Kuala Lumpur.

 

But a senior US State Department official said the sea row will be at the "center" of the three days of foreign minister meetings starting Tuesday, an annual security dialogue hosted by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

"The ASEANs, like us, are concerned about the scale, the scope, the pace, and the implications of China's reclamation work," the US official said.

 

Secretary of State John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi will attend the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), along with foreign ministers from Southeast Asia, Japan, the Koreas, and other nations.

 

ASEAN members Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have various claims to the South China Sea, as does Taiwan.

 

But Beijing claims nearly all of it, and its neighbors complain the land reclamation violates a regional pledge to avoid provocative actions.

 

The dialogue is an opportunity for ASEAN and others "to express directly to the Chinese" their concerns, the US official said.

 

ASEAN has grown increasingly impatient, but Beijing adamantly rejects criticism, claiming "indisputable" sovereignty over nearly all of the waterway, believed to hold important oil and gas reserves.

 

Washington has warned the tensions could impede freedom of navigation in what is a major route for international trade.

 

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman told reporters Friday there had recently been "important progress" in talks between ASEAN and China toward a "Code of Conduct" (COC) at sea, a set of rules meant to avoid conflict.

 

However, Aman's statement seemingly contradicts recent comments made by the Philippines secretary of foreign affairs, who told a court in the Hague last month that Beijing had spent years preventing a potential COC deal from being ironed out. 

 

"China's intransigence in the 13 years of subsequent multilateral negotiations has made that goal nearly unattainable," Albert Del Rosario told the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

 

Analysts concur, saying Beijing has long worked to frustrate progress while building up its presence.

 

"China's leaders will not sign, or if they sign they will not abide by, an enforceable COC whose implementation would seriously constrain their freedom to do as they please," Donald Emmerson, a Southeast Asia expert at Stanford University, wrote recently.

 

The "time has come to abandon ASEAN's entrenched mirage" of a meaningful COC, he said.

 

Kerry is expected to push hosts Malaysia to step up efforts to fight human-trafficking after Washington last week controversially lifted the country out of the lowest tier in its annual report card on the scourge.

 

Southeast Asia was seized earlier this year by a refugee crisis after a Thai crackdown on people-smuggling left thousands of migrants from Bangladesh and Myanmar stranded at sea. 

 

Along with Thailand, Malaysia was found to have brutal trafficking camps on its soil.

 

Southeast Asian countries blamed Myanmar over the persecution of its Rohingya minority, which drives many into trafficking rings. 

 

It was not clear whether ASEAN member Myanmar would face significant pressure over the issue in Kuala Lumpur.

 

Kerry also is due to meet with his Turkish counterpart as both sides grapple with the threat posed by the Islamic State.

 

There is also the possibility the top North and South Korean diplomats could hold a brief and rare meeting.

 

Perennial tensions between the Koreas remain high, with nuclear-capable Pyongyang believed to be preparing for a long-range rocket test.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/531369/news/world/china-s-island-building-faces-scrutiny-at-asia-security-talks

Court rejects forensic reports as evidence in Laude murder case

From GMA News (Aug 3): Court rejects forensic reports as evidence in Laude murder case

[Video report]

The regional trial court rejected on Monday some of pieces of evidence presented by the prosecution in connection with the murder case against US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton, who has been accused of murdering Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude.

 

A report on "News TV Live" on Monday said that Judge Roline Jinez Jabalde of Olangapo City RTC Branch 74 issued a resolution denying the results of the US Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Philippine National Police Crime Lab including Laude's autopsy report as evidence in court.
  

The Laude family and the state prosecutors will file a motion for reconsideration questioning the resolution. 

 

Meanwhile, the hearing only lasted for an hour since the defense failed to present a witness. Pemberton was also a no-show.  

 

However, the defense is set to present Pemberton himself or his mother next week.

Laude was found dead inside the bathroom of a motel in Olongapo City in October 2014. Pemberton was the last person seen with Laude the night that she was killed.

Witnesses also said Pemberton had scratches and lacerations in different parts of his body when examined days after Laude was found dead.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/531401/news/regions/court-rejects-forensic-reports-as-evidence-in-laude-murder-case

4 rebels surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 3): 4 rebels surrender

FOUR MEMBERS of the New People’s Army, including a minor, surrendered to soldiers in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong in Davao del Norte on Friday afternoon.

 

Lt. Alaxandre F. Cabales, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the four rebels—whose name were not revealed for security reasons—also brought along their firearms along with other war materiel.

 

They endorsed an M-16 rifle, two AK-47s, one improvised explosive device and medical paraphernalia to members of 60th Infantry Battalion presently deployed in the area.

 

Cabales said they were members of NPAs operating in Talaingod and Kapalong , Davao del norte.

 

Their surrender was made possible through the initiative of tribal leaders of langila-manobo tribe in Barangay Gupitan of Kapalong.

 

They will be enrolled in the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP)where they will each receive a cash grant for them to start anew with their families.

 

“Our gains are only made possible by the support and participation of the local community,” said Brig. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., acting division commander of 10th Infantry Division.

 

“We thank the local community for the trust and confidence in the Peace and Development efforts of your soldiers,” he added.

 

The four were presented to the media during the change of command ceremony of 1003rd Brigade in Barangay New Visayas, Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte on Saturday afternoon.

 

Col. Ricardo A. Nepomuceno assumed the command as Col. Harold N. Cabreros was reassigned as deputy commander for Eastern Mindanao Command. Nepomuceno has been the deputy brigade commander during the tenure of Cabreros.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/4-rebels-surrender/

Two army ‘informants’ allegedly killed by NPA

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 3): Two army ‘informants’ allegedly killed by NPA

TWO ALLEGED military informants were shot to death by alleged members of of the New People’s Army in Purok Narra and Purok 9 in Paquibato District on Saturday afternoon.

 

Sr. Insp. Jessie Castaneda, commander of Paquibato Police Precinct, identified one of the victims as Nelson R. Anggoy ,48, farmer, and resident of Sitio Libertad, who was shot to death by three armed men.

 

Around 5:30 p.m.,the suspects, who were covering their face with shawl, came over to Anggoy’s house saying “Let’s go Nel.”

 

At 7:15 p.m. his body was found on the road in Purok Narra with multiple gunshot wounds.

 

Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered four live ammunitions and 13 empty shells of 5.56mm; four empty shells and one slug from a .45 caliber pistol from the crime scene.

 

Minutes after the incident, truck driver Joel D. Caran, 44, was also shot dead by armed men outside his house in Purok 9, Barangay Panalum at 7:45 p.m.

 

According to the report, Caran was sitting outside his house along with a friend, Fernando Pojas, when three armed men covering their face with shawl came over and asked the victim, “Are you Toto?”

 

They shot him upon confirming his identity.

 

In a phone interview yesterday, Castaneda said they suspected the perpetrators as separate teams of the NPAs since the time between the two incidents was very close. Castaneda said both were alleged military informant.

 

“They suspected them (victims) as supporters who passed information to the army,”he said.

 

He also said that Anggoy was one of the subjects of the warrant of arrest enforced by the 69^th Infantry Battalion.

 

”Maybe they (suspects) are cleansing their ranks.”

 

The cadaver of the victims now lie in Rivera Funeral Parlor in Panabo City.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/two-army-informants-allegedly-killed-by-npa/

Photo: Weapons/equipment/documents captured from Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, the Secretary of the CPP's Panay Regional Party Committee

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 3): Photo: Weapons/equipment/documents captured from the Secretary of the CPP's Panay Regional Party Committee, Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala



POLICE confiscated two handguns and various paraphernalia from Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, who was arrested on Saturday. NESTOR P. BURGOS JR./INQUIRER VISAYAS

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/709882/ndf-arrest-of-top-cpp-leader-illegal

MILF: BDA SouthMin, CBCS to facilitate Moro CSO leaders peace summit in support to BBL passage

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 3): BDA SouthMin, CBCS to facilitate Moro CSO leaders peace summit in support to BBL passage



The Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Southern Mindanao (SouthMin) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) will gather the Moro Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders from Southern Mindanao in a peace summit to help push for the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The organizers expect around two hundred participants from Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, South Cotabato Provinces and city of General Santos who have “compassionate concern to the future of Bangsamoro people.”

Renato Mocsin, CBCS Rajah Buayan Regional Management Committee Chairperson said the passage of the proposed measure is long overdue.

He said, “The peace summit aims to solicit the position of Moro CSO leaders and other stakeholders regarding the present status of the BBL and be able to make action to prod the lawmakers for the passage of the proposed measure.”

Mocsin added that the voice of the CSO leaders, as representatives of the grassroots Bangsamoro communities are important and that“during the summit they can air their positions particularly on encouraging the lawmakers to pass the BBL in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).”

BDA SouthMin Regional Manager Mohalikin D. Piang said the Moro CSO Leaders and peace advocates need to partake to help BBL succeed “for the bright future of Bangsamoroyouth.”
Once enacted by Congress, the proposed legislation shall pave way for the creation of the new Bangsamoro autonomous political entity. It is hoped to bring into reality the aspiration of the Muslims in Southern Philippines for self-governance.

Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Panel Chair, said the very objective of the Bangsamoro peace process is to institutionalize genuine self-governance of the Bangsamoro people.

The peace summit is to be held at the Audio Visual Room of the Mindanao State University Graduate School on August 9, 2015 in General Santos City.

A representative of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, the agency created by the Aquino administration that drafted the BBL, will be invited as a resource person.

The position statements of the delegates will be consolidated and submitted to the MILF Central Committee, Senate, and House of Representatives.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/511-bda-southmin-cbcs-to-facilitate-moro-cso-leaders-peace-summit-in-support-to-bbl-passage

MILF: Palace rejects Senator Marcos’ proposal for next administration enact Bangsamoro Law

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 3): Palace rejects Senator Marcos’ proposal for next administration enact Bangsamoro Law



Malacañang rejected yesterday, August 2 the proposal of Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to let the next administration enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and insisted that it should be passed within President Aquino’s term. President Aquino’s term will end by June 30, 2016.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said people from Mindanao have long waited for a solution to the problems caused by conflict.

“The passage of the BBL should not be disrupted anymore,” Coloma said in an interview.

“The President is one with the leadership of Congress in giving priority to the measure,” he added.
Sen. Marcos said earlier that the Aquino administration should just let his successor push for the passage of BBL, believing there is no longer enough time to pass the measure.

Sen. Marcos, Chairman of the Senate Local Government Committee, also said he cannot rush the drafting of his substitute bill.

Coloma said those who are opposed to the measure should come up with a better alternative.

“If critics of the measure disagree on some provisions, they can discuss them in the plenary of the House and the Senate. They can discuss ways to improve the draft law and achieve the aims of the peace process,” Coloma said.

“What is important is we push for its passage because our countrymen have been waiting for concrete response to the decades-old problems of poverty caused by violence in Mindanao.”

Once passed by congress, the BBL will entrench the proposed Bangsamoro new political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Some lawmakers who are critical of the proposed bill say that it could undermine the government’s authority over the Bangsamoro Region.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/510-palace-rejects-senator-marcos-proposal-for-next-administration-enact-bangsamoro-law

CPP/NDF-Jalandoni: Response of the NDFP to the UN Secretary General’s Report (June 2015) on Children Rights Violations in the Philippines

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 26): Response of the NDFP to the UN Secretary General’s Report (June 2015) on Children Rights Violations in the Philippines

Luis Jalandoni
Chief International Representative
NDFP National Executive Committee

 

Response of the NDFP to the UN Secretary General’s Report (June 2015)
on Children Rights Violations in the Philippines
26 July 2015

The United Nations Secretary General commits a grievous act against Filipino children in his latest report on Children Rights’ Violators. He covers up the numerous grave violations of the regime and its armed forces against the basic rights of children.

He has ignored the regular reports of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) through its Special Office for the Protection of Children, to the UNICEF. The reports provide detailed documentation of violations of children’s rights by the regime and its armed forces.
The latest report was presented this July 2015.

Some examples are herein stated; documentation is available at the Joint Monitoring Committee’s Joint Secretariat in Quezon City, Philippines.



In addition, KARAPATAN (Alliance for the Advancement of Human Rights) documented, from July 2010 until December 2013, 132,633 victims of children rights’ violations with the use of schools, medical, religious and other public places for military purposes by the regime’s armed forces. In addition, KARAPATAN also documented 18 cases of extrajudicial killings victimizing minors during the same period.

The UN Secretary General’s Report perfunctorily mentions that “the United Nations verified the military use of six schools and one hospital by the armed forces, mainly during operations against the BIFF.” It makes no mention of the regime’s Department of Education Memorandum No. 21 of December 13, 2013 which adopts in toto the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Letter Directive No. 25 of July 15, 2013. This AFP directive allows the military to conduct civil-military operations inside schools. This violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the regime’s own Republic Act 7610. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon himself declared, “The use of schools for military purposes puts children at risk of attack and hampers children’s right to education.”

Using this Department of Education (DepEd) Memorandum and AFP Letter Directive, the military has been able to attack or misuse 20 DepEd Lumad (Indigenous Peoples) schools in Mindanao alone in 2013 and 2014. Up to now, there is the continuous attack and closing down of Lumad schools by the military. The cases of such attacks are cited in House Resolution No. 2138 filed by Representative Terry L. Ridon, Kabataan Party List, on 1 June 2015.

UN Secretary General’s Report is unfair and unjust in its references to the New People’s Army (NPA). The reference to an alleged NPA recruiter of two minors involves mere unproven allegation and is speculative. It jumps to a judgment even as the reported case is supposedly under investigation.
The reference to parents in rural areas sending their children to urban areas is purely malicious speculation and innuendo. It covers up the fact that extreme and widespread poverty drives children in both rural and urban areas to become street children in urban areas. It also covers up the fact that the Aquino regime’s Conditional Cash Transfer program, supposedly intended to help the poor and keep the children in school, is a milking cow for corrupt bureaucrats and military officers.

The UN Secretary General does not take into account the NDFP’s Declaration and Program of Action for the Rights, Protection and Welfare of Children, issued by the NDFP National Council on 24 April 2012. This NDFP policy document declares the NDFP’s willingness to cooperate with such international organs as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UNICEF, UNESCO, ILO World Health Organization, World Food Program and other UN agencies for the purpose of upholding the rights of children, protecting them and ensuring their welfare in an all-round way.

The UN Secretary General should also consider the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law of 1998 and the NDFP Declaration of Adherence to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and Protocol I of 5 July 1996 and the earlier NDFP Declaration on 15 August 1991 adhering to Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions, Protocol II and International Humanitarian Law.

In view of the above-stated adherence to the Geneva Conventions and Protocols and the principles and consistent practice of the NDFP in adhering to IHL, we strongly object to the UN Secretary General’s listing the NPA in its Annex II List of Parties that recruit or use children … and as “persistent perpetrator”. We likewise object to being classified and lumped together with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

LUIS G. JALANDONI
MEMBER, NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES (NDFP)

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150726_response-of-the-ndfp-to-the-un-secretary-general-s-report-june-2015-on-children-rights-violations-in-the-philippines

CPP/NDF-Jalandoni: NDFP Condemns Illegal Arrest of JASIG Holder Ernesto Lorenzo and His Wife Joyce Latayan

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 31): NDFP Condemns Illegal Arrest of JASIG Holder Ernesto Lorenzo and His Wife Joyce Latayan

Luis Jalandoni
Chairperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

 

NDFP CONDEMNS ILLEGAL ARREST OF JASIG HOLDER ERNESTO LORENZO
AND HIS WIFE JOYCE LATAYAN

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vigorously condemns the illegal arrest of JASIG holder, Ernesto Lorenzo last 20 July 2015 at the IT Center in Gilmore, Quezon City. He was arrested by combined elements of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Gourp (CIDG), the Philippine National Police and the Anti-Transnational Crime Unit (ATCU).

Ernesto Lorenzo has been issued NDFP Document of Identification No. ND 978229 under the assumed name Lean Martinez. He has likewise been issued a Letter of Acknowledgment signed by then GRP Panel Chairperson Silvestre H. Bello III.

Despite his request, he was not shown any warrant of arrest. His request to call a lawyer was also denied. After interrogation at Camp Crame, he was turned over to the Anti-Organized Crime Unit – CIDG.

Seized from Ernesto Lorenzo were the following: his backpack, 2 cellphones, 1 android phone, 3 USB, 1 hard drive, a brand new Neo computer, P 35,000 in cash and an ATM card.

About the same time Ernesto Lorenzo was arrested (2 p.m.), his wife Joyce Latayan was arrested at their home at Pecson Ville, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. About 50 military men in civilian clothes raided the house, causing shock to the Lorenzos’ one year old daughter Julie Alicia.

The raiding team made a search on the second floor of the house, without the presence of Joyce Latayan. As is the standard operating procedure of the state security forces, they planted a handgun and a rifle grenade. This became their so-called evidence for filing trumped up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against Ernesto Lorenzo and Joyce Latayan. Joyce Latayan was also brought to Camp Crame and detained at the Major Crimes Investigation Unit (MCIU) – CIDG.

Ernesto Lorenzo suffers from asthma, hepatitis B, gallstones and a slip disc. One week after their arrest, Ernesto Lorenzo and Joyce Latayan have not been seen by a doctor of choice.

The NDFP demands the immediate release of JASIG holder Ernesto Lorenzo and his wife Joyce Latayan. The trumped-up criminal charges against them must be dropped. All materials illegally confiscated from them must be returned to them. The government of Aquino must show respect for and comply with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) and all other binding peace agreements solemnly contracted with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150731_ndfp-condemns-illegal-arrest-of-jasig-holder-ernesto-lorenzo-and-his-wife-joyce-latayan

CPP/NDF-Jalandoni: NDFP Condemns Illegal Arrest of NDFP Consultant Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Aug 2): NDFP Condemns Illegal Arrest of NDFP Consultant Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala

Luis Jalandoni
Chief International Representative
NDFP National Executive Committee

 

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) condemns in the strongest terms the illegal arrest of NDFP Consultant Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala.

She is a peace consultant of the NDFP for the Visayas. She has been issued Document of Identification No. ND978245 under assumed name Remi Estrella. Her illegal arrest is another flagrant violation of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG). The Aquino regime is answerable for this shameful disrespect for its solemn obligation to abide by a binding peace agreement. Therefore, the NDFP demands the immediate release of NDFP Consultant Concha Araneta Bocala.

We likewise vigorously condemn the awarding of a bounty of P 7.8 Million based on the DND/DILG Joint Order No. 14-2012 of November 12, 2012 listing alleged “235 wanted communists” with an updated bounty on their heads of P 466.88 Million. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin must be held accountable for this, together with President Aquino. This Joint Order is a veritable Order of Battle, a gross violation of the JASIG, the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and International Law.

As past experience has shown, the revolutionary movement is able to replace arrested leaders and comrades, and continue the revolutionary struggle. Those arrested have trained many others to take up the responsibilities of carrying forward the struggle for national and social revolution.

Qualified lawyers and others (doctors, etc.) will surely offer their assistance to NDFP Consultant Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala and whoever may have been arrested with her.

She had been already involved in peace talks way back in 1986/87 during the Corazon Aquino regime. She is truly a highly valued peace consultant of the NDFP.

LUIS G. JALANDONI
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150802_ndfp-condemns-illegal-arrest-of-ndfp-consultant-maria-concepcion-concha-araneta-bocala

US marine's turn to present evidence in Laude murder trial

From Rappler (Aug 3): US marine's turn to present evidence in Laude murder trial

There are 17 more expected trial dates for the defense to present all counterevidence in the murder trial of transgender Filipina Jennifer Laude



MUGSHOT. A handout photo dated 19 December 2014 released on 21 December 2014 by the Olongapo City Police Public Information Office (PIO) shows US Marine Private First Class Joseph Pemberton at the Olongapo police station in Olongapo city, north of Manila, Philippines. Photo from EPA/PNP OLONGAPO-PIO

The camp of US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton is scheduled Monday, August 3, to start presenting his side to a local court trying him for the alleged murder of transgender Filipina Jennifer Laude.

Only 4 months since the start of the murder trial, which gained international attention, the defense team will now present testimonies and documents evidence to the Olongapo Regional Trial Court branch 74.

Based on a list of witnesses earlier submitted to the court, the camp of the US marine has 7 witnesses, including himself, his mother, a forensic expert, a US law expert, a military law expert, a psychiatrist, and a Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agent.

There are 17 more expected trial dates after Monday for the Massachusetts native's legal team to squeeze in the testimonies and cast doubt on his guilt.

Lawyer Virgie Suarez, legal counsel for the Laude family, said there is "overwhelming evidence of guilt" against Pemberton.

"Of course, they would try to portray him as a good man, a good person," Suarez told Rappler in a phone interview Monday morning. Aside from the 7 witnesses, Pemberton likewise listed 3 more character witnesses.

One-year prescription

The visiting American marine must be tried within a year, given a limit under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.

Suarez said she is confident the case will be resolved within the prescribed time period, as the monitoring should start from the date if filing but exclude the case's temporary suspension by the justice department.

"The 60-day period was upon the request of the defense," she said.

Laude's brutal slay last October 11, 2014 was attributed to the then 19-year-old visiting marine on shore leave, after witnesses pointed to him as the last person seen with Laude. They were together in a local bar.

Laude's lifeless body was later in the evening found slumped on the toilet of a cheap Olongapo hotel, where she and Pemberton were also seen together.

Pemberton's fingerprint was found in one of 3 condoms found in the hotel room, according to a prosecution expert witness.

ACCUSED. US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton (2-R), accused in the murder of transgender Jennifer Laude, is escorted from a courtroom in Olongapo city, Philippines on 24 March 2015. Photo by Jun Dumaguing / EPA

 

Found to be caused by aspyhxiation due to drowning and strangulation, Laude's death reignited calls to revisit VFA.

The agreement allows the conduct of US military drills on Philippine soil, which brought Pemberton and other US soldiers to the country.

Some sectors regarded the transgender Visayan native's murder as a hate crime, driving media frenzy and cracking open deep-seated prejudices against the LGBTQ community in the country. (READ: Remarks vs Laude reflect deep-seated prejudice – CHR)

Admission

In a pre-trial conference last February 27, at least 936 documents were marked as documentary evidence and exhibits by the prosecution.

Suarez said some 28 witnesses were presented by the prosecution.

This includes a testimony of one of Pemberton's friends at the US Marines to whom he allegedly confessed of killing a "he-she."

Suarez confirmed that defense lawyers are trying to invoke their interpretation of the VFA that the prosecution cannot use NCIS agents as its witness.

Despite this technicality, Suarez expressed confidence in the murder case against Pemberton. The US marine had reportedly petitioned the appellate court to downgrade his case to homicide.

"Because at the end of the day, it's all about the evidence," she said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/101338-pemberton-defense-laude-murder-trial

Photo: 65-yr-old female rebel leader held in Iloilo

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 2): 65-yr-old female rebel leader held in Iloilo

BOCALA

 

A 65-year-old woman, tagged by the government as a top communist rebel leader, was captured in a raid here early yesterday.

Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, who carried a P7.8 million prize on her head, was detained at Camp Martin Delgado, the headquarters of the Western Visayas regional police force.

Bocala, popularly known as Concha Araneta, is allegedly the secretary of the Panay Regional Commitee of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said Senior Supt. Peter Naboye, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) which conducted the raid with military intelligence operatives.

Bocala is also the spokesperson on Panay Island of the underground umbrella organization National Democratic Front (NDF).

 

Maj. Ray Tiongson, spokesperson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, said Bocala’s arrest could result in a leadership vacuum in the CPP in Panay.

She had been charged with murder and rebellion in courts in Antique and Aklan, which issued warrants for her arrest.

But Bocala’s lawyer, Janne Baterna, said Araneta’s arrest was illegal because she was supposed to be covered by immunity for being a consultant of the NDF in peace talks with the government.

Baterna showed the Inquirer a copy of an ID card and safe conduct pass issued to Bocala under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (Jasig).

The pass, with serial No. ND978245, was issued to Remi Estrella, a nom de guerre of Bocala, by Luis Jalandoni, NDF chief international representative and head of the negotiating panel of the rebel group. An old photograph of Bocala is on the pass.

“Her arrest is illegal because it violates the Jasig,” he said.

The Jasig is a key agreement signed in 1995 by the Philippine government and NDF to ensure the safety of both government officials and rebel leaders involved in peace talks.

NDF has repeatedly accused the government of violating the terms of the agreement by arresting consultants of the rebel group. But the military has accused the rebel group of using the Jasig to shield rebel leaders from arrest.

Baterna said he will also request for medical tests for Araneta, who is suffering from pneumonia and diabetes.

The arresting team raided a house in Barangay Calumpang in Molo District at 6:15 a.m. where Bocala and two other companions were staying for a week.

A CIDG officer, who had knew details of the operation, said Bocala was staying in a room at the back of a bungalow-type house that was surrounded by a concrete fence with iron grills.

When operatives barged into her room, Bocala tried to block the door as she shouted: “What is this? Who are you?”

She calmed down and was composed when operatives told her they had a warrant for her arrest. They said she suffered bruises.

Her companions—Joseph Cariaga, believed to be her nephew, and Annielyn Soldevilla, allegedly her aide or helper—were also arrested.

Police recovered at least P200,000 in cash.

Police also claimed to have found in Bocala’s house a grenade, two handguns, bullets, a laptop, mobile phones, hard drives, compact discs and a floppy disc.

Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz, said charges of illegal possession of explosives and firearms would also be filed against Araneta and her companions.

Araneta is among student activists from the University of the Philippines who went underground after the First Quarter Storm, which refers to the wave of massive protest rallies against the Marcos Dictatorship in the early 1970s.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/709757/65-yr-old-female-rebel-leader-held-in-iloilo

NDF claims, but OPAPP denies Panay's Concha Araneta a peace consultant

From InterAksyon (Aug 3): NDF claims, but OPAPP denies Panay's Concha Araneta a peace consultant



Person claimed by NDFP to be Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, from Philippinerevolution.Net

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines is demanding the immediate release of captured Panay rebel leader Maria Concepcion "Concha" Araneta-Bocala, who it claims is a consultant of its peace negotiating panel.

Araneta-Bocala was arrested by military and police agents in Molo, Iloilo City Saturday last week.

NDFP peace panel chairman Luis Jalandoni described Araneta-Bocala as the NDFP's consultant for the Visayas with Document of Identification No. ND978245 under the assumed name Remi Estrella.

He also provided InterAksyon.com a copy of the letter of acknowledgment for "Estrella" signed by then government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III, who is now a party-list representative.

The letter confirmed that "Estrella" is "entitled to the safety and immunity guarantees as provided under the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees for the duration of the peace negotiations."

The agreement protects negotiators and their staff immunity from arrest and prosecution.

Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) announced in a statement issued Monday that Araneta-Bocala, "the alleged secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP's) Panay Regional Committee, recently captured in Iloilo City who supposedly carries the assumed name of Remi Estrella, is not covered by JASIG as claimed by the CPP/NPA/NDF (C/N/N) and human rights organizations."

As OPAPP has consistently held, "JASIG is operative only for those C/N/N personalities who are using their real names and those who are recognized by the GPH as participants in the talks.

"Due to the failed JASIG verification process in 2011, JASIG is no longer operative for those using aliases or pseudonyms. With the failure of the validation mechanism, there is no basis to verify if Maria Concepcion Araneta- Bocala and the alias "Remi Estrella" are one and the same person. She is therefore not covered by JASIG."

Although the peace talks remains stalled, mainly over the rebels' demands for the release of several of its jailed "consultants," negotiations have never been formally declared terminated.

Thus, Jalandoni said in a statement, Araneta-Boacala's "illegal arrest is another flagrant violation" of the JASIG.

Jalandoni added that Araneta-Bocala "had already been already involved in peace talks way back in 1986/87 during the Corazon Aquino regime. She is truly a highly valued peace consultant of the NDFP."

OPAPP said it was refuting "the claim that Bocala was illegally arrested. Her arrest on August 1, 2015 in Iloilo City was a law enforcement operation based on an outstanding warrant (CC#1491) issued by the Regional Trial Court 6, Branch 2 in Kalibo, Aklan, for murder charges.

"Since Bocala is not covered by JASIG, there is no violation of the Agreement."

OPAPP noted that the C/N/N and its support groups "invariably claim JASIG coverage every time a C/N/N personality is arrested. However, JASIG does not exempt anyone from liability arising from acts in violation of penal and other existing laws."

For his part, Jalandoni condemned the P7.8-million bounty on the Panay rebel leader based on Joint Order No. 14-2012 of November 12, 2012 issued by the Departments of National Defense and of Interior and Local Government, which he called a "veritable order of battle, a gross violation of the JASIG (and) the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law."

Nevertheless, he downplayed the impact of Araneta-Bocala's capture on the rebel movement, saying "past experience has shown the revolutionary movement is able to replace arrested leaders and comrades, and continue the revolutionary struggle. Those arrested have trained many others to take up the responsibilities of carrying forward the struggle for national and social revolution."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/115355/ndf-claims-but-opapp-denies-panays-concha-araneta-a-peace-consultant

No bail for alleged top NPA leader in Panay Island captured in Iloilo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): No bail for alleged top NPA leader in Panay Island captured in Iloilo City

An alleged secretary-general of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island who was arrested over the weekend by joint teams of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is facing cases with no bail recommended.

Maria Concepcion Araneta Bocala, 64, also known as “Concha/Meryl/Etang/Martha“ was arrested at about 6:15 a.m. at her temporary residence in Juntado Subdivision, Brgy. Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City.

She was arrested based on a warrant of arrest for the crime of murder and rebellion.

Police Chief Superintendent Bernardo A. Diaz, Regional Director of PRO6, said that authorities have been looking for Bocala for almost two decades.

Bocala was allegedly the CPP-NPA-NDF secretary general of Komiteng Rehiyon Panay and listed in the joint DND/DILG Reward list #14-2012 dated November 12, 2012 with PHP7.8 million reward money.

During Bocala's arrest, authorities seized from the suspect’s premises one unit each of fragmentation grenade, caliber 45 pistol, 22 caliber pistol, binocular and laptop; assorted ammos, 13 cellphones and nine external PC hard drives with floppy disk.

The subject was in the company of her nephew Joseph Bocala Cariaga and Annielyn Soldevilla during the arrest.

The arrested top NPA leader is now under the custody of CIDG6 for proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=789026

'Basilan bomb could be for anyone, not only me,' says Hataman

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): 'Basilan bomb could be for anyone, not only me,' says Hataman

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Monday said he believed the roadside bomb that went off in Basilan and killed a soldier was meant for regional and local officials trying to reconcile Yakan warring families.

"I believed anyone could be a victim," Hataman said of the blast in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan Sunday. "That could be for anybody, not only me."

The blast occurred hours before a convoy of vehicles carrying public officials was to pass heading toward Sumisip town.

"Whoever was the target, the perpetrator should be stopped in this senseless activities," Hataman said of the bombing which the military and police authorities blamed on the extremist Abu Sayaff Group.

Gov. Hataman was with his older brother, Basilan Rep. Jim Hataman, Army brigade commander Colonel Rolando Bautista and other local and military officials.

A soldier was checking on an improvised bomb fashioned from 81 mm mortar planted under a tree in portions of the Lagayas-Cabangalan section of the Basilan circumferential road in Tipo-Tipo town.

Bautista identified the slain soldier as Army Corporal Hadjulla Manda who was part of the road security deployed by the military along Basilan's circumferential road.

Last month, a similar IED also went off along the stretch of the island's circumferential road as Hataman's convoy passed by minutes earlier. Hataman and ARMM officials were to inspect government projects in the area.

Despite the incident, Hataman insisted on proceeding to Sumisip where a peace agreement signing involving Yakan warring families was held.

Hataman and military officials witnessed the peace covenant signing of families locked in armed conflict for decades.

He identified the Yakan families who agreed to a peaceful settlement as Palinta and Tukul families, the Abdulmuin and Aspali families, and the Sapaat and Aliman families in Barangays Guiong, Manaul and Kabengbeng in Sumisip town.

Hataman personally knew the warring families and he was glad he and his brother, along with the military, succeeded in bring the warring families to the negotiating table.

Hataman also lauded the role of ARMM’s Regional Reconciliation and Unification Commission and the Muslim Religious Leaders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=789035

W. Visayas PNP on heightened alert following arrest of CPP/NPA lady official

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): W. Visayas PNP on heightened alert following arrest of CPP/NPA lady official

Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) Director Chief Supt. Bernardo Diaz has directed all police stations in Western Visayas to be vigilant and to stay alert in the wake of the capture on Saturday of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Panay Regional Party Committee Secretary General Ma. Concepcion "Concha" Araneta Bocala.

Diaz’s order came after receiving reports from the field that rebels loyal to Bocala were hatching plans to stage major attacks on police outposts in Panay to retaliate for her arrest by the combined force of the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Army Intelligence group.

According to police and military records, Bocala holds the distinction of being the highest-ranked CPP official in Panay Island. An area of concern of the directive is the province of Capiz , which is believed to be a sanctuary of New People’s Army units (NPA) albeit their ranks have been depleted to a considerable degree owing to desertions by members taking advantage of the government’s aggressive livelihood programs, the PRO-6 said.

In a related development, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army Spokesman Maj. Ray Tiongson hailed Bocala’s capture saying it was a major blow to the CPP hierarchy, and describing it as a turning point in the administration of justice to numerous Panay victims killed by rebels allegedly on the instructions of the lady rebel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=789215

DAR completes PHP3.6-M peace projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): DAR completes PHP3.6-M peace projects

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recently completed PHP3.6 million worth of infrastructure projects that should help develop, empower and make more productive the farming communities in Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Polomolok, was by DAR under the national government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang pamayaNAn (PAMANA) program, which covers the town’s 23 barangays, as part of the country’s sustainable rural development program.

“Our team, along with the team from the local government of Polomolok, conducted a joint inspection of these project which are now ready for turn over to the local government unit of Polomolok,” said DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Felix C. Frias.

The 12 infrastructure projects include the construction of lined canals in Barangays Magsaysay, Poblacion, Lapu, Upper Klinan, and Polo, multipurpose buildings at Glamang and Silway 8, construction of a potable water system and intake tank at Brgy. Cannery Site, construction of submersible pump and rehabilitation of a school stage at Klinan 6, road concretization at Lumakil and construction of solar dryer in Brgy. Bentung.

PAMANA is the government’s program and framework for peace and development in areas affected by conflict and communities covered by existing peace agreements.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=788981

PAF to deploy 41 helis, aircraft in case of major quake

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): PAF to deploy 41 helis, aircraft in case of major quake

In the event of massive earthquake or major disaster, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has 41 helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft on stand-by for relief and rescue operations.

This was stressed by PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya Monday.

Canaya said this includes 27 UH-IH/D helicopters and another 14 aircraft and fixed-wing aircraft from the 505th Search-and-Rescue Group composed of three Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, an Airbus Military C-295M medium lift aircraft and one Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport plane.

He said these assets will be used to airlift casualties, rescue personnel and their equipment and relief goods for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

In the July 30 Metrowide earthquake drill, the PAF deployed a total of 10 helicopters

This includes two UH-IHs from the Northern Luzon Command, another two UH-IHs from the Southern Luzon Command, two W-3A "Sokol" from Villamor Air Base which conducted "aerial rapid damage assessment and needs analysis" over different areas in Metro Manila.

Aside from this, the aircraft also helped inserted Armed Forces of the Philippines incident commanders and their staff into the four designated sectors and in the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and Incident Command Post Operation Center at the ASEANA compound.

An NVG-capable UH-IH was also flown over Pasig City for night-time earthquake drills Thursday.

A "Super Huey" also conducted helicopter rappelling and victim extrication at ASEANA compound while an S-76 air ambulance performed casualty evacuation from Villamor Golf Course (South Sector command post) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center at V. Luna Road, Quezon City.

Two UH-1H/Ds were placed on stand-by alert at Villamor Air Base for additional tasks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=788970

Army General Hospital gets ambulance from PCSO

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): Army General Hospital gets ambulance from PCSO

The Philippine Army (PA) has expressed its thanks to the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) for donating an ambulance to the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Major Enrico Gil Ileto, PA spokesperson, said on Monday the donation is part of the PCSO Ambulance Donation Program.

The ambulance was received by PA chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año from PCSO general manager Atty. Jose Ferdinand Rojas II.

Año and Rojas also signed the deed of donation and led the blessing of the new ambulance.

Over the years, the Army General Hospital has received various donations from PCSO, including medical equipment and ambulances.

The donations helped enhance the hospital's capability and boost the morale of the Army personnel who are recipients of health care services provided by the medical facility.

Rojas said they will continue to help the PA in its mission of preserving peace and order by continuously extending assistance, like donation of ambulances.

Año expressed his gratitude to the PCSO for providing the PA with a new ambulance, an added boost to the health care services of the Army General Hospital.

"This valuable transport will soon be in service to save the lives of our soldiers. I am certain that this ambulance will greatly add to the efficiency of the Army General Hospital in delivering our troops to healthcare facilities where they can be given prompt medical intervention. In the same manner, our future soldier-patients will be more confident knowing that access to emergency medical care is just a few minutes away with the availability of this field ambulance," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=789046

GPH panel Chair: "Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala is not covered by Jasig"

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): GPH panel Chair: "Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala is not covered by Jasig"

Maria Concepcion Aranerta-Bocala, the alleged secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP’s) Panay Regional Committee, recently captured in Iloilo City who supposedly carries the assumed name of “Remi Estrella”, is not covered by JASIG as claimed by the CPP/NPA/NDF (C/N/N) and human rights organizations.

As we have consistently held, JASIG is operative only for those C/N/N personalities who are using their real names and those who are recognized by the GPH as participants in the talks. Due to the failed JASIG verification process in 2011, JASIG is no longer operative for those using aliases or pseudonyms. With the failure of the validation mechanism, there is no basis to verify if Maria Concepcion Araneta- Bocala and the alias “Remi Estrella” are one and the same person. She is therefore not covered by JASIG.

We refute the claim that Bocala was illegally arrested. Her arrest on August 1, 2015 in Iloilo City was a law enforcement operation based on an outstanding warrant (CC#1491) issued by the Regional Trial Court 6, Branch 2 in Kalibo, Aklan, for murder charges. Since Bocala is not covered by JASIG, there is no violation of the Agreement.

We note that the C/N/N and its support groups invariably claim JASIG coverage every time a C/N/N personality is arrested. However, JASIG does not exempt anyone from liability arising from acts in violation of penal and other existing laws.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=789074

AFP to continue with Pagasa Island resupply missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 3): AFP to continue with Pagasa Island resupply missions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that it will continue with its efforts to resupply with basic necessities its outpost in Pagasa Island, and the civilians living there.

Pagasa Island is the largest of the 10 Filipino-owned features being claimed by the country in the West Philippine Sea.

Of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines, Pagasa is the largest measuring 37.2 hectares.

Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parola Island, 12.7 hectares, Lawak Island 7.93 hectares, Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares, Patag Island, 0.57, Panata Island, 0.44, Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri said the resupply efforts will continue as it is part of the military's mandate to protect the people and the state.

He made this statement in wake of earlier attempts by China to block or intercept Philippine supply ships carrying vital supplies to Pagasa Island.

In the same vein, Iriberri added that Philippine aerial patrols will continue in areas being claimed by the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=789101