Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Eastern Samar rebel surrenders

From the Visayas Newsbits section of the Manila Bulletin (Sep 24): Eastern Samar rebel surrenders

Catbalogan City, Samar – A New People’s Army (NPA) member voluntarily surrendered Tuesday to joint elements of the Philippine Army (PA)’s 14th Infantry Battalion and Intelligence Unit at Vigan village, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar.
 
The PA’s 801st Brigade Commander, Col. Perfect M. Rimando identified the NPA surrenderee as Romeo Belarmente alias Ogaya. Belarmente is identified as a member of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).
 
He yielded an Ingram (Shooter brand) and one magazine loaded with 16 ammunitions.
 
After undergoing custodial debriefing, Belarmente stands to avail of the Comprehensive Local Social Integration Program (CLIP) which will give him an initial R15,000 immediate cash assistance.

Fire hits AFP Medical Center in Quezon City

From ABS-CBN (Sep 23): Fire hits AFP Medical Center in Quezon City

A fire razed the nurses' quarters at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center in V. Luna, Quezon City.

The fire, which started around 7 p.m., quickly reached third alarm. According to a witness, a power outage was experienced in the nurses' quarters before the fire.

Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Chief Supt. Jesus Fernandez said the fire was caused by a short circuit in the second level of the building, particularly in the room of a certain Captain Balogal.

An estimated P100,000 worth of property was damaged in the fire.

The fire was put out 7:55 p.m. No one was injured in the incident, except for one who sustained slight injuries after jumping from the building's second floor.

According to Col. Resty Padilla, public information officer of AFP, 81 officers were affected by the fire.

They have been provided temporary shelter.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/09/23/15/fire-hits-afp-medical-center-quezon-city

MILF provides backchannel security support to gov’t infra projects in ARMM

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 23): MILF provides backchannel security support to gov’t infra projects in ARMM

(In photo) Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (right) huddles with Imam Wahid Tundok of the MILF at the foreground of a newly built ARMM-funded school building in  Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao while Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan (center) looks on. (Philstar John Unson’s photo)

(In photo) Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (right) huddles with Imam Wahid Tundok of the MILF at the foreground of a newly built ARMM-funded school building in Datu Saudi town in Maguindanao while Mamasapano Mayor Benzar Ampatuan (center) looks on. (Philstar John Unson’s photo)

The successful implementation of government infrastructure projects in Maguindanao’s  former bandit strongholds is attributed to the backchannel security support of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) according to Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)..

The Office of the Regional Governor  and the ARMM’s public works department have more than P100 million worth of on-going projects in several areas in Maguindanao that were previously occupied by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

On Monday, Hataman said that some projects in the “SPMS box,” a swath of contiguous lands surrounded by the Shariff Aguak, Pagatin, Mamasapano and Salbu areas in Maguindanao, are now more than 90 percent done as a result of the security support from the MILF.

The so-called SPMS box is a military devised geographical locator for BIFF bastions in the towns of Shariff Aguak, in Mamasapano, and in Barangays Pagatin and Salbu in Salibo and Datu Saudi municipalities, respectively.

Without heavy security escort, Hataman, his public works secretary Don Mustapha Loong and Engineer James Mlok of the 2nd District Engineering Office of Maguindanao, on Saturday inspected ARMM’s multi-million projects in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan, in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano and in Pendililang District in Datu Saudi.

Among the “peace projects” under the Hataman administration in Tukanalipao is the now 98 percent complete 900-meter concrete farm-to-market road connected to a durable footbridge over a wide river, linking the barangay center to vast tracts of corn farms where MILF and BIFF rebels and PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) commandos figured in a deadly 11-hour combat on January 25. At least 44 members of the SAF, 17 MILF members and five civilians were killed.

Loong and Mlok have been monitoring together the projects of the ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways in Tukanalipao using drone technology and satellite-based geo-tagging system.

Loong, who is also an engineer, and Mlok also showed to Hataman and reporters the newly-constructed public school building in the center of Barangay Tukanalipao, also implemented after the Mamasapano incident.

The DPWH-ARMM is also still constructing, under the supervision of Mlok, several more school buildings and water system facilities in Tukanalipao and in nearby areas in Mamasapano.

Mlok said all of their public works thrusts inside the SPMS box are being closely coordinated with local commanders of the MILF, via the municipal peace and order councils chaired by incumbent mayors.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/584-milf-provides-backchannel-security-support-to-gov-t-infra-projects-in-armm

Army thwarts NPA’s plot to kill Bukidnon village chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 21): Army thwarts NPA’s plot to kill Bukidnon village chief

KITAOTAO, Bukidnon, September 21— The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion (8thIB) on Saturday thwarted the New Peoples Army’s murder attempt of White Kulaman Barangay Captain in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

In a spot report, the government troops encountered 15 heavily armed NPA rebels while Barangay Captain Felipe S. Cabugnason and his Council members were on a community dialogue in the outskirts of Barangay White Kulaman at around 10:00 a.m, September 19.

The fire fight lasted for 15 minutes until the communist rebels fled towards different directions.

Army reports said there were casualties in NPA's group during the gun battle as globs of blood splotched along their escape routes.

No casualty reported on the government's side.

Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, 8thIB Commanding Officer, said the government troops were on security patrol when some residents reported that a group of NPA is lurking in the outskirts where their village chief and the council members are having their community dialogue.

Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Felipe Cabugnason said they are very thankful of the soldiers’ presence in Barangay White Kulaman. “Kung wala nagbantay kanamo ang kasundaluhan. gipangpatay na unta kami sa mga NPA karon. Sa pagkakaron wala na kami laing masaligan gawas sa atong kasundaluhan, kapulisan ug sa atong gobyerno ilabi na ang lokal nga kagamhanan sa Kitaotao. (We would have been killed by NPA’s now without our soldiers. We could not trust anybody except our soldiers, policemen, and our government especially the local government of Kitaotao),” he said.

It can be recalled that on 26 August 2015, PNP Bukidnon’s Public Safety Company and the Army’s 8thIB conducted law enforcement operation, which led to the arrest of some personalities due to violation of Republic Act 10591 or Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, where, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), blasting caps, IED paraphernalia and subversive documents were recovered from these individuals during operations.

Restless local residents filed complaints against the offenders, blaming them responsible in establishing a “shadow government” in their barangay. Barangay folks also claimed that the rebels are out to kill their community leaders due to their defiance in the rebels’ mission.

Three days earlier, Cabugnason said, White Kulaman villagers prevented the entry of groups who claimed to be members of Mindanao Interfaith Foundation, Inc. (MISFI), KARAPATAN, and League of Filipino Students (LFS). “We cannot let anyone fool us again. This is the reason why we prevent unknown groups’ entry to the village. We can’t be blamed on this because for such a long time, we were deceived and threatened by communists. This is our right because this is our barangay and this is our community,” he said.

Meantime, Kitaotao LGU is implementing its “Basic Services Delivery” project in Barangay White Kulaman with the government troops. So, for the first time in many years, the census of population— that was difficult before due to NPA harassments—is going on.

“Obviously, the NPA will continually hinder development in the barangays such as construction of school and health facilities, distribution of farm inputs, and other services,  because once a government project fails, they (NPAs) will use this as a local issue to blame the government and exploit the “Lumads,” Cabugnason said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501442902890/army-thwarts-npa-s-plot-to-kill-bukidnon-village-chief

Aquino: MILF will not stop arrest of Mamasapano suspects

From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): Aquino: MILF will not stop arrest of Mamasapano suspects



President Benigno Aquino III witnessed the turnover of MILF weapons on Tuesday. Malacañang Photo Bureau

President Benigno Aquino III expressed confidence that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not hinder the arrest of its members facing charges over the deadly Mamasapano encounter.

"I am very positive of this, they will as they have already demonstrated in the past that if there is a law enforcement operation they will stand aside. They will not hamper the procedure," Aquino said in an interview with ANC aired on Tuesday night.

"But I would venture the guess that perhaps they will be even more than that. Again, they will not be a hindrance to our enforcement," he added.

On Tuesday, a government fact-finding team filed before the Department of Justice criminal charges against 90 commanders and members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups over the death of 35 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos.

The 35 policemen belonged to the 55th SAF company that engaged MILF and BIFF fighters and private armed groups in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25.

In a memorandum-referral, the special investigating team of prosecutors and National Bureau of Investigation agents recommended the prosecution of the respondents that included 13 MILF commanders and six BIFF commanders for the complex crime of direct assault with murder.

"These 90 respondents acted in conspiracy with one another to attack, employ force, seriously intimidate or resist the 35 Philippine National Police SAF commandos, who were uniformed police officers and thus, persons in authority," read the formal complaint.

Aquino believes that most of the respondents will not appear for the preliminary investigation and will be issued with arrest warrants.

The president first revealed the filing of charges against MILF commanders in last week's press conference on the alternative version of the Mamasapano incident.

Aquino presented the latest findings disproving the alternative version of the incident that it was not the SAF troopers who killed Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, the target of the Mamasapano operation.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/09/23/1503076/aquino-milf-will-not-stop-arrest-mamasapano-suspects

SM Foundation turns over newly renovated PMA hospital facilities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 23): SM Foundation turns over newly renovated  PMA hospital facilities

The premiere military institution here received from a giant mall chain newly renovated hospital facilities and equipment recently.

Connie Angeles, SM Foundation Executive Director for Health and Medical Programs turned  over the  newly renovated operating and delivery rooms, and  Cadet / Officers Ward of the Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital  located inside the  camp  at Fort del Pilar here, as well as  donation of medical equipment and supplies to Philippine Military Academy(PMA)   officials led by Superintendent Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez.

According to Lopez, the Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital was accredited as Level 2 hospital by Department of Health  but downgraded to Level 1 last year due to the condition of its operating and delivery rooms complex. He  hopes that with the  renovation and refurbishment of the facilities done by SM, the hospital will  be upgraded again to Level 2.

The refurbished and reequipped ward received the following Operations and Delivery Complex Equipment: 1 unit anaesthesia Machine, 1 unit OR Light LED Ceiling mounted,1 unit OR Light LED Mobile,3 units Multi Parameters Monitor, 3 units led ECG,1 unit portable Ultrasound Machine, 3 units Infusion Pump,1 unit heavy duty  suction machine including furniture and appliances in each cubicle.

Angeles assured that the upkeep and maintenance of the hospital will also be handled by the Foundation stressing that  SM Foundation’s caring objective is to have a ‘therapeutic ambience’ among the government hospitals so they look new, presentable and a healthy atmosphere which impacts on the healing and curative effect on the patients.

The PMA hospital is the 105th Felicidad T. Sy Wellness Center to date and the 13th Armed Forces of the Philippines improved facility renovated by SM Foundation.

 Last year, SM Foundation also refurbished the Air Force General Hospital  at Villamor Airbase, Basa Air Base Station Hospital OPD, Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital, AFP Medical Center Heroes Ward, Naval Special Operations Group Clinic, Fernando Air Base Station Hospital, Air Force City Hospital and Camp Aguinaldo Station Hospital OPD.

Earlier this year, SM and Banco de Oro foundations turned over to the municipal government of La Trinidad a newly-renovated rural health facility to contribute to improving and enhancing the delivery of basic health services to local residents in the capital town of Benguet and its nearby communities.

Through SM Foundation, the SM Group of Companies has been able to help the less fortunate in the communities it serves by supporting their needs in education through college and technical-vocational scholarship programs and donation of public school buildings; health through medical missions and construction of wellness and health centers; community development through various livelihood trainings, greening projects, spiritual development and immediate disaster response/initiatives; and, care for the environment and for persons with special needs like those with disabilities, children, nursing mothers, the elderly, and the overseas Filipino workers, among others.

The Foundation was established in 1983 by its founders, Henry Sy, Sr. and Felicidad T. Sy.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/41442502839/sm-foundation-turns-over-newly-renovated-pma-hospital-facilities

China warns Australia not to take sides on sea row

From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): China warns Australia not to take sides on sea row



Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., US Navy Commander, US Pacific Command walks past a photograph showing an island that China is building on the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea, as the prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, before the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on maritime security strategy in the Asia-Pacific region. AP/Cliff Owen

China on Tuesday reminded Australia to maintain its commitment of not taking sides on issues of territorial disputes, particularly on the South China Sea.

In his regular press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said that Australia should "respect efforts by China and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries and take concrete actions to uphold regional peace and stability."

Australia's new Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull earlier called on China to stop its island-building activities in the disputed seas so as to reduce the presence of the United States in the region.

"There clearly are some tensions with the islands in the South China Sea, the reefs I should say, shoals... China would be better advised, in its own interest frankly, not to be pushing the envelope there," Turnbull said in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday.

Turnbull described China's foreign policy on the South China Sea as "counter-productive."

Meanwhile, Hong Lei clarified that the situation in the disputed sea remains "generally stable."

"China is resolving relevant disputes through bilateral negotiation with countries directly concerned and maintaining peace and stability of the South China Sea together with ASEAN countries," the Chinese official said.

The Philippines earlier filed an arbitration case against China before the United Nations tribunal, being the first country to challenge the latter's nine-dash line claim over the West Philippine Sea.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/09/23/1503108/china-warns-australia-not-take-sides-sea-row

Maguindanao inaugurates new campus built by Army

From the Philippine Star (Sep 23): Maguindanao inaugurates new campus built by Army



Officials inaugurate the new building in the campus of the Datu Unsay Central Elementary School in Datu Unsay town in Maguindanao. Philstar.com/John Unson

School children on Wednesday started holding classes in a building constructed by Army carpenters inside a campus the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked more than a dozen times in the past three years.

The new building at the Datu Unsay Central Elementary School was jointly built by the 6th Civil Military Operations Battalion of the 6th Infantry Division and the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Response Team (HEART) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The school is located in Barangay Meta in Datu Unsay, where the BIFF had operated with impunity for years, until units of the 6th ID drove them away in a series of offensives that lasted from March 28 to May 3.

Marauding BIFF bandits had repeatedly pounded the school with B40 anti-tank rockets and even set one of the buildings there on fire in attacks that prompted different units of the 6th ID to force them out.

Major Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, commander of 6th ID, said he is thankful to the HEART for providing funds and materials for the construction of the two-classroom building.

ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, Datu Unsay Mayor Reshal Ampatuan and Pangilinan led Wednesday’s symbolic inauguration of the new school building.

Hataman said his administration is keen on expanding its education thrusts to far-flung areas, convinced that it is one of the “surefire solutions” to the nagging security and poverty issues besetting ARMM.

He said credit for the school building project would have to go to the 6th ID, to President Benigno Aquino III, to the House of Representatives and the Senate for entrusting to ARMM huge infrastructure grants in the past three years to hasten the region’s socio-economic growth.

The HEART, comprised of volunteers and trained rescue and emergency responders from different ARMM line agencies and support offices, operates under the ministerial control of Hataman.

Hataman also lauded the Army carpenters who built the school.

Two Army privates, from among the group that constructed the school, were killed in an ambush by BIFF gunmen last June while out to procure construction materials they were to use for the project.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/09/23/1503126/maguindanao-inaugurates-new-campus-built-army

Two US security officials in RP

From the Daily Tribune (Sep 23): Two US security officials in RP

Two senior United States security officials are in the country to meet with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Office of the Ombudsman to discuss maritime law enforcement efforts.

In a statement, the US Embassy in Manila said that State Assistant Secretary William Brownfield, head of the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), and US Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft are now in Manila for the two-meet with Philippine officials.

The US Embassy said that Brownfield will meet PNP Director General Ricardo Marquez and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.

The US officials are expected to discuss maritime law enforcement during the meeting.

As head of the INL, Brownfield is tasked with combating international crime and illegal drugs, and their impact on the United States, by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation to counter these threats.

The US Embassy said that INL programs cover the full spectrum of law enforcement and the rule of law, including: police professionalization; justice sector development; correctional institution reform; and citizen security strengthening.

The INL currently manages $20 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines with plans to continue providing more than $8 million dollars in assistance annually. Such assistance has had a significant impact already on expanding the capabilities of Philippine partner agencies across the criminal justice spectrum.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/two-us-security-officials-in-rp

‘IT COULD’VE BEEN PREVENTED’: Authorities received intel on ASG kidnap plan before Samal Island abductions

From GMA News (Sep 23): ‘IT COULD’VE BEEN PREVENTED’: Authorities received intel on ASG kidnap plan before Samal Island abductions

[Video report: 24Oras: Intel ng planong pagdukot sa resort, noong Hunyo pa raw natanggap
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBvyJ4D6tkQ]

Information that the Abu Sayyaf Group had been planning to kidnap foreigners and tourists in some of the resorts in Samal Island had circulated within the intelligence community as early as June, a security expert told GMA News on Wednesday.

Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said the abduction of three foreigners and their Filipino woman companion could have been prevented with the information.

"Kung nakarating sa akin, makakarating 'yan sa intelligence units natin kaya pwede siyang ma-prevent dahil umiikot na sa mga piling tao yung information," Banlaoi told GMA News.

Anong nangyari sa pagma-manage natin ng intelligence information? Kung yung intelligence information ay nakarating sa akin, ina-anticipate ko na nakarating 'yun dapat sa otoridad at nagkaroon na ng tamang measures para ma-prevent yung mga plano nila," he added.

Senior Superintendent Robert Fajardo of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group told GMA News that the unit  received information on the ASG's plan to kidnap individuals in Samal Island and intensified security in the area.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed receiving the same information.

"We have that information but hangga't hindi natin nako-confirm, it just only raw information," said Col. Noel Detoyato, the chief of the AFP Public Information Office.

'Civilian group working with Abu Sayyaf'

Banlaoi said a civilian group known for kidnapping for ransom was behind the abduction and passed the hostages to the ASG.

According to Banlaoi, the group is led by an ASG sub-commander known as Sawadjaan.

"Pag nakuha na niya ang target, tina-transfer niya para sa Abu Sayyaf Group para ang ASG na ang makipag negotiate for a higher ransom payment," Banlaoi said. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/538072/news/nation/authorities-received-intel-on-asg-kidnap-plan-before-samal-island-abductions

Philippine gunmen haul hostages into remote mountain region

From Rappler (Sep 23): Philippine gunmen haul hostages into remote mountain region

The gunmen seize two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian employee, and a Filipina from a luxury island resort

ABDUCTED. (Left to right) Robert Hall, Kjartan Sekkingstad, and John Ridsdel are among the 4 people abducted from a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, on September 21, 2015. Photos from the PNP

ABDUCTED. (Left to right) Robert Hall, Kjartan Sekkingstad, and John Ridsdel are among the 4 people abducted from a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte, on September 21, 2015. Photos from the PNP

Gunmen holding three foreigners and one Filipina hostage have slipped past a naval cordon and escaped to remote mountains in the southern Philippines without making ransom demands, police said Wednesday, September 23.

Elite army troops were trying to track the bandits while air force helicopters were readied for a possible rescue as the abductors trekked into Davao Oriental province, a hotbed of Maoist and Islamic rebels, said Senior Superintendent Aaron Aquino, the region's deputy police commander.

The gunmen seized two Canadian tourists, a Norwegian employee and a Filipina from a luxury island resort on Monday night, adding to a string of kidnappings of foreigners in the conflict-wracked south since the 1990s.

"Last night, we received information that the kidnappers and their victims have been sighted... they are in the Davao Oriental area," Aquino told DZBB radio.

"Our scout rangers are following their tracks. They are on their trail. The air force is also helping, ready for insertion."

Police and the navy had tried to set up a boat blockade on Tuesday around Samal island, where the four were abducted, to stop the gunmen escaping on their outriggers.

But Aquino's comments confirmed the abductors had slipped past and sailed about 50 kilometres (30 miles) east to Davao Oriental, a poor farming and fishing region on the far southeastern edge of Mindanao island.

Canadian tourists John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, 50, were among those abducted, police said.

The other foreigner was Norwegian resort employee Kjartan Sekkinstad, 56, and the local woman was Hall's 40-year-old Filipina girlfriend, identified only as Tess.

It was not clear which group was behind the abductions.

"We are waiting for contact from the kidnappers so we will know their demands," Aquino said.

Investigators were looking at the possible involvement of communist guerillas or Islamic rebels excluded from a peace treaty signed in 2014 with the government, according to Aquino.

Communist and Islamic rebels have been waging decades-long struggles that have claimed tens of thousands of lives.

The impoverished regions of Mindanao have proved fertile recruiting grounds and sanctuary for both groups.

However Aquino said he doubted the involvement of the Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic militant group infamous for carrying out dozens of kidnappings-for-ransom of foreigners as well as locals since the early 1990s.

The outriggers used to storm the marina on Samal island at midnight on Monday were not a "signature" of the Al-Qaeda-linked group, because they typically have high-speed boats, he said.

Nevertheless, armed bandits have in the past kidnapped foreigners in Mindanao and sold them to the Abu Sayyaf.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/106841-philippine-gunmen-hostages-remote-mountains

CHR starts probe of lumad killings as solon bares NICA hand in bid to close tribal schools

From InterAksyon (Sep 23): CHR starts probe of lumad killings as solon bares NICA hand in bid to close tribal schools




The chairman and two other officials of the Commission on Human Rights are in Davao City to open an inquiry into the continuing lumad crisis in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, an activist lawmaker bared what he said was the hand of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and, by extension, Malacanang in recent attempts to shut down tribal schools openly accused by the military of advocating support for communist rebels.  

Human rights commissioner Karen Gomez-Dumpit told a media forum in Quezon City Wednesday that CHR chairman Jose Luis Gascon flew to Davao Wednesday morning, joining two other commissioners who left the day before.

They will be meeting with various “stakeholders” as they look into the September 1 murders of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) executive director Emerito Samarca, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang Sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) chairman Dionel Campos, and his cousin Datu Bello Sinzo, who were murdered in Han-ayan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur, by the Magahat tribal militia, although other reports state said troops from units of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division may have also been involved or, at the very least did nothing about the killings happening within their view.

They will also inquire into the August 18 massacre in Pangantucan, Bukidnon of Manobo clansmen Datu Herminio Samia, a blind 71-year old, his son Jobert and grandson Norman, and brothers Ramil and Emer, the latter two minors, who the Army initially claimed were New People’s Army guerrillas slain in a “legitimate encounter.”

In Davao City, some 700 Manobo from Talaingod, Davao del Norte have also sought refuge at the Haran Mission House of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines after the military and militias occupied their villages and tribal schools.

NICA and the tribal schools

In the House of Representatives, ACT Teachers party-list Representative Antonio Tinio said it was the Regional Intelligence Committee in the Davao region, which he said was organized by NICA, which recommended the closure of community learning centers of the Salugpungan Ta Tanu Igkanugon.

During deliberations on the 2016 budget of the Department of Education Monday, education officials in Region 11 admitted the plan to close down the Salugpungan schools and replace these with schools run by soldiers deployed as “para-teachers” was hatched during a meeting called by the RIC on April 23.

Soon after the Lianga murders, which triggered the mass evacuation of up to 3,000 Manobo in Surigao del Sur, the 4th ID also announced that several troops had been trained to be “alternative learning system” instructors by the DepEd in Region 10.

Tinio said the NICA’s hand in the attempt to close the tribal schools indicated that President Benigno Aquio III “must have a direct hand in the continuing campaign of violence and harassment against schools and communities of indigenous people” since the agency provides daily intelligence briefings for the chief executive

NICA is the government’s lead intelligence collection agency and is directly under the Office of the President. Its director general is the president’s principal adviser on intelligence.

At the Quezon City forum, Dumpit noted that regional offices of the CHR have dealt with atrocities against the lumad in the past but acknowledged that recently, “a series of unfortunate events … all came almost at the same time.”

“Given the fact that we are not excusing ourselves, we really lack personnel in the regions. And as you know, we do not have enough budget to be able to get up and go and send people to the many areas that require our attention,” she added.

Quoting Gascon, Dumpit said that after a series of inquiries, the CHR would “give the best and the brightest in a task force that will take a look at the lumad situation,” adding that he had promised to address the issues “to the best of our abilities and resources.”

‘The killings are nothing new’ 

Lilak Purple Action for Indigenous Women’s Rights national coordinator Judy Pasimio stressed that the killings of lumad did not begin this year and that one of the “busiest” periods in the murders of indigenous people under Aquino was in the latter half of 2012.

In September 2012, Subanen timuay (chieftain) Lucenio Manda and his 11-year old son Jordan were shot on their way to school in Zamboanga del Sur. Jordan died.

The following month, Juvy Capion and her children Jordan, 13 and John, 8 were massacred by troops of the 27th Infantry Battalion. Another child, Vicky, 4, was wounded but survived when the soldiers heard B’laan women hurrying to the Capion residence on hearing the shots.

The military reportedly claimed the incident was a mistake since they were after Juvy’s husband, Daguil, a B’laan leader who had declared a pangayaw or tribal war against the intrusion of Sagitarrius Mining’s Tampakan gold and copper mines into the tribe’s ancestral domain.

In December, Sheryll Ananayo-Pugon was shot in a vehicle in Nueva Vizcaya. She had been holding her three-month-old John Ezekiel, and the incident was witnessed by her four-year-old daughter, Samantha.

In January the following year, Kitari Capion, Daguil’s brother, was killed. Dexter Conde, an Ati of Boracay, was shot dead in March.

In September 2014, Datu Sandigan, a Higaonon of Cagayan De Oro, was shot dead. The following month, Timuay Arig was also killed while going home from a fiesta with his wife and two sons in Maguindanao.

Pasimio cited KAMP (National Federation of Indigenous Peoples) data that showed over 68 indigenous people had been killed since 2010, with all the murders having some things in common: The victim and their families were actively involved in the defense of their ancestral domain, many of them against large-scale mining. All were tagged rebels or sympathizers of the New People’s Army.

And the violence is not confined to the physical.

The militiamen who carried out the Lianga murders warned the residents of Han-ayan to leave within two days or face the same fate. This triggered the mass evacuation of Manobo communities in five towns of Surigao del Sur that saw 3,000 lumad taking refuge at the sports center in the provincial capital Tandag City, where they are exposed to the fickle weather and where many sleep on cement floors.

At least one child, Reynabel Enriquez, a four-year-old Manobo girl, died of asthma. She was buried the same day Campos and Sinzo were. Many of the Tandag evacuees have also taken ill.

Another Manobo girl, 14, was allegedly raped by three soldiers. She was among the 700 Manobos who fled Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

‘Investment defense forces’

Aside from the military and the militias they create, private firms, especially those from extractive industries, whose operations often target the resource-rich ancestral lands of indigenous people, are allowed by law to fund their own “investment defense force,” essentially private security forces deputized as militias.

This is the case in Oriental Mindoro where the Alangan Mangyan oppose the Sta. Clara mini-hydro plant as well as the Norwegian large-scale mining operation of Intex Resources, called the Mindoro Nickel Project, within their tribal land, and in Tampakan, where the Capion family was massacred.

The result, said Pasimio, is the growing phenomenon of “investment refugees,” who flee their homes because of militarization instigated by the intrusion of mining and logging interests in their communities.

She said that such investments, instead of developing and providing economic growth for communities, were in truth pushing people out of their homes and noted that many more violations of indigenous peoples’ rights are happening, but because of their isolation, they are not always able to report these.

Pasimio called for the disbanding and disarming of paramilitary groups and blasted the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, which she said is pushing itself into “irrelevance.”

DepEd’s admission

Under questioning by Tinio, Josephin Fadul, superintendent of the Davao del Norte schools division, confirmed that intelligence officers of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command attended the April 23 meeting convened by the RIC.

It was Fadul who, on May 12, wrote Region 11 Director Alberto Escobarte urging the closure of the Salugpungan schools.

In her letter, she said: “Should this request for the closure of said schools be granted, in its stead, this Division requests permission to implement the creation of a public high school in Butay, Talaingod utilizing military personnel as para-teachers as has been previously discussed and agreed upon during our meeting with the Regional Intelligence Committee at NEAP last 23 April 2015.”

"This is a significant disclosure by Superintendent Fadul," Tinio noted. "It belies the statements made by top officials of the AFP, led by chief of staff General Hernando Iriberri during their own budget hearing that the military played no role in calling for the closure of the lumad schools.”

“Clearly, they were present and actively involved in planning the school closures and in suggesting that their soldiers be assigned as para-teachers,” he added. “In short, AFP officials lied to Congress. Their game plan is obviously to deny everything and claim that the violence against lumad schools is part of an alleged tribal war."

“The key role played by the NICA, an agency directly under the Office of the President, in summoning DepEd Region 11 officials and hatching the plan to close down the Salugpungan schools in Davao del Norte establishes the direct hand of the President in orchestrating and coordinating the ongoing campaign of vilification, harassment, and violence targeting the lumad schools in Mindanao," Tinio said.

"This explains why Malacañang paid mere lip-service and (has) taken no effective action to put an end to the extrajudicial killing spree against lumad leaders and the occupation of schools by the military. Malacañang can no longer feign ignorance, wash its hands, nor pretend to conduct an investigation. The campaign against lumads apparently has the sanction of the President," he added.

Tinio vowed to question NICA regarding its role in the campaign against lumad schools when ghe agency’s budget is deliberated by Congress.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117923/chr-starts-probe-of-lumad-killings-as-solon-bares-nica-hand-in-bid-to-close-tribal-schools

VIDEO | Abu Sayyaf, not NPA, behind Samal kidnapping - Eastmincom chief

From InterAksyon (Sep 23): VIDEO | Abu Sayyaf, not NPA, behind Samal kidnapping - Eastmincom chief



Yachts moored at Oceanview Resort on Samal Island, from where three foreigners and a Filipina were kidnapped. (image from News5 video)

 (UPDATED WITH VIDEO) The Abu Sayyaf Group, not communist rebels, are responsible for kidnapping three foreigners and a Filipina from a resort in Samal Island, Davao del Norte on Monday, the head of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command said Wednesday.

“We have suspects but we have not identified them yet. And we are extending all our assistance -- air, ground and naval assets for the immediate capture of the terrorists, the ASG,” Lieutenant General Aurelio Baladad told InterAksyon.com after attending a briefing at the Senate on the continuing lumad crisis in Mindanao.

He said 11 Abu Sayyaf gunmen were involved in the kidnapping, striking at the “least expected time,” 11 p.m., when most of the guests at the Oceanview Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak were already asleep on their yachts.

The gunmen seized Kjartan Sekkinstad, the Norwegian operations manager of the resort, Canadians John Ridsdell and Robert Hall, and Hall’s partner, identified only as Tess.

Speculation that communist rebels were responsible for the abductions was triggered by a note found investigators early Tuesday that said: "Katarungan ng aming (Justice by our) commander: by NPA."

But police and military officials doubted the involvement of the New People's Army, saying that it was not the style of the communist guerrillas to leave a note such as what the kidnappers had done.

Hot pursuit operations

Baladad said all military naval and air assets are scouring all areas in Mindanao “where we have reports on the presence of these terrorist groups. Our intelligence assets also have been mobilized to determine the probable area of the suspects.”

Although he said authorities have come upon “leads,” he declined to disclose operational details of the pursuit.

He also acknowledged that they have yet to identify who exactly the suspects are.
The Abu Sayyaf is known to have a loose structure of different bands led by sub-commanders who appear to act autonomously.

The PNP Task Group Oceanview is looking at all angles to determine the group behind the abduction, including the Abu Sayyaf and even amateur kidnappers.

Composite sketch

On Wednesday, police released a composite sketch of one of the suspects in the kidnapping. Though not distinct, he was described as a male, between 20 and 25 years old, 5 foot 3 inches in height and dark complexioned.

The task group expects to enhance the CCTV footage of the abduction to determine the identities of other suspects.

The PNP task group belied reports that a boat found at Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental belonged to the kidnappers.

Though the hunt for the kidnappers was extensive, authorities admiited that their hands were tied because the Davao Gulf encompasses a large area.

Authorities defended the lack of security in the region since it was not the first kidnapping incident. In 2001, the Abu Sayyaf attacked the Pearl Farm but retreated when they were repulsed by the resort’s private guards.

Authorities said it was difficult to secure the Davao Gulf because some owners of private resorts did not cooperate with them.

The Oceanview Resort was temporarily closed on orders of its management.

Canada, UK issue travel advisories

The Canadian and the United Kingdom governments issued an advisory for their citizens against traveling to the Davao provinces and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) effective last Tuesday due to the “serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping”.

Among the areas where travel is banned are Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in ARMM; Zamboanga Peninsula and provinces of Saranggani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur (excluding urban areas of Davao City), Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Davao City was not included in the travel advisory, which also had no effect in a nationwide scale but Canadian and British citizens were told to exercise “high degree of caution”.

While the city was not included, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he could not do anything if foreign governments issued a travel ban for their citizens in the Philippines.

Wala ta’y mahimo. Talagang may nangyari dito (We cannot do anything. Something has really happened here),” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night at Grand Menseng Hotel.

The mayor said even if the Island Garden City of Samal was not part of Davao City, it is in Davao del Norte.

Drilon condemns kidnapping

Meanwhile, Senate President Franklin Drilon condemned the kidnapping and called on “the Philippine National Police to ensure the safe return of these individuals to their families and arrest the perpetrators of this crime the soonest.”

Nevertheless, he called the Samal abduction an “isolated” incident in a “generally peaceful” Mindanao.

Here's a News5 video report by Ed Lingao:

[Video report]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117913/video--abu-sayyaf-not-npa-behind-samal-kidnapping---eastmincom-chief

Troops kill commie in Davao Oriental clash

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 23): Troops kill commie in Davao Oriental clash

Government troops had killed a communist rebel in a clash in the southern Filipino province of Davao Oriental where security forces are battling members of the New People’s Army.

Captain Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said soldiers also recovered a homemade bomb and three automatic rifles left behind by rebels. He said no soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting which occurred September 22 in Calapagan village inn Lupon town.

The fighting, Caber said, lasted over 45 minutes. He said the clash erupted after rebels attacked the soldiers patrolling the village.

“The soldiers were on security patrol in the area when they were fired upon by the NPA members.  There was no casualty on the government side. Troops are still on their pursuit operations,” he said.

Caber said the military had recovered over 100 high-powered firearms in clashes with rebels since early this year in eastern Mindanao.

The NPA has been waging a war for decades now in an effort to put up a communist state in the Philippines. It is now the longest insurgency war in the world.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/troops-kill-commie-in-davao-oriental-clash/

Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Samar gov’t offers cash reward for arrest of wanted private armies

The Samar provincial government would offer Php100,000 for the immediate arrest of private armies with standing warrant of arrest to attain peace and order in the area.

“The reward is in the hope that criminality in the province will stop and that for criminals to realize that their acts are not welcome in Samar,” said Governor Sharee Ann Tan.

The official made the announcement during the recent Samar Peace and Security Dialogue at the army camp in this city. Private armies members have been tagged as suspects in the recent killings.

“The provincial government has to go to this extent of offering the monetary reward to show to the world that we do not tolerate and we condemn senseless killing in the province,” Tan added.

“I hope that at least within the month, one person with warrant of arrest will be caught by authorities.”

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Asher Dolina said they have already validated the names of wanted private armies.

“In coordination with the Philippine Army, we will run after them and impose the rule of law in the province of Samar,” Dolina said.

Dolina asked village officials to take part in the drive to hunt down criminals especially when these people are seen in their communities.

The police official, however, refused to divulge the number of wanted PAGS members in Samar as part of their operational plan.

Meawnhile, local officials in Samar from different political parties recently gathered for a peace and security dialogue initiated by the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Batallion and the Philippine National Police.

The dialogue prompted political opponents Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and Calbayog City Mayor Ronald Aquino to both agree to work for peace.

Town mayors of Sta. Margarita, Matuguinao, Almagro, and San Jorge were also present along with their village officials.

Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino said the conduct of the dialogue is in response to the series of killings in Samar. From January to mid-September, there are already 34 shooting incidents, resulting to 22 deaths. Most of these were recorded in Calbayog City, the hometown of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Last week, a family of five, including two children, were brutally killed in Victory village in Calbayog by alleged private armies.

Both Tan and Aquino agreed to stop and resolve the killings that are perceived to be politically motivated and perpetrated by private armies.

Tan said the provincial government of Samar will not tolerate any killings, especially when innocent people are the victims.

Aquino, for his part, appreciated the police and army in pursuing the dialogue.

Dolina said the dialogue is the beginning in their pursuit to impose rule of law in the province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807246

Foreign govts issue travel advisories for Davao provinces, ARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Foreign govts issue travel advisories for Davao provinces, ARMM

The Canadian and the United Kingdom governments issued an advisory for their citizens against traveling to Davao provinces and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) effective last Tuesday due to the “serious threat of terrorist attacks and kidnapping”.

However, Davao City is not included in the travel advisory ,which also had no effect in a nationwide scale but Canadian and British citizens were told to exercise “high degree of caution”.

While the city is not included, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said he could not do anything if foreign governments issue a travel ban for their citizens in the Philippines.

“Wala ta’y mahimo. Talagang may nangyari dito (We cannot do anything. Something has really happened here),” Duterte said in an interview on Tuesday night at Grand Menseng Hotel.

The mayor said even if the Island Garden City of Samal was not part of Davao City, but it is in Davao del Norte, he cannot do anything with travel advisories.

“We cannot control other governments,” Duterte said, admitting that the kidnapping incident would have a negative impact on Davao City because the Davao International Airport is the first point of entry of tourists traveling to other provinces and cities in Southern Philippines.

Among the areas where travel is banned are Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi, Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao in ARMM; Zamboanga Peninsula and provinces of Saranggani, Lanao del Norte, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, Cotabato, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

The advisory cited the kidnapping incident in Island Garden City of Samal on Sept. 21, 2015 wherein two Canadian nationals, a Norwegian, and a Filipina, were the victims.

“Several foreigners have been kidnapped in this region. Threats of abduction of, or violence toward, foreigners continue to occur,” the advisory reads.

“There is a serious risk of terrorist attacks and kidnappings in this region,” the advisory added.

The Canadian government also considered the threat of kidnapping in ARMM and surrounding areas as “high”.

Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has condemned the kidnapping incident, adding that it was very unfortunate but considered it as an isolated case.

“I am appealing to the perpetrators the immediate and unequivocal release of the hostages. I am asking them to be fair and to sympathize with their victims, as they are only here to enjoy what we have to offer in the province,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario assured the public that the government is doing everything that it can ensure the early resolution of the crisis. A special task force was already organized to conduct a thorough investigation and the necessary operation to recover the victims.

On Monday, police, military and the local government authorities in Samal were caught by surprise when the information reached them that armed men abducted Canadian nationals John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56 and Filipina identified as Marites Flor, who is the live-in partner of Hall.

Ridsdel was former senior vice president for Canadian mining firm Toronto Ventures Inc. (TVI) Resource Development Philippines, Inc. while Hall was said to be also working with the mining firm.

Sekkingstad is the manager of Holiday Ocean View Samal Resort Yacht Club where the kidnapping incident happened.

It was learned that Ridsdel has a special retirees resident visa while the immigration status of Hall is tourist that is expiring tomorrow (Sept. 25) and Sekkingstad a 9G commercial, which is a Philippine pre-arranged employment visa.

In 2001, posh Pearl Farm Resort, owned by prominent Floirendo family, was also attacked by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who also staged a kidnapping-try that resulted in the killing of two resort employees.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807451

Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Moro rebels help ARMM monitor, secure infra projects in Maguindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Wednesday assured leaders of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) it will help secure and monitor infrastructure projects in former Maguindanao's battle fields.

The assurance was issued by Ustadz Wahid Tundok, head of the MILF's 118th base command in the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (now Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo (SPMS), all in Maguindanao.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said the infrastructure projects are in support of the national government's peace process with the MILF.

He said the security offered by the Moro rebel group is one of the dividends of the government peace process.

The ARMM, through the Department of Public Work and Highways, is implementing more than Php100 million worth of road, bridge and school building projects in the five adjoining towns where MILF and government forces clashed in previous years.

It was known in the military as "SPMS box" and area of operation of the MILF and lately of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Following the month-long Army surgical operations aimed at neutralizing the BIFF early this year, the former rebel stronghold is now quiet and people are living normal lives.

Hataman acknowledged the security support provided by the MILF under Ustadz Tundok.

"The projects are about 90 percent complete," he told reporters.

Hataman and ARMM Public Works Secretary Engr. Don Mustapha Loong and other public works officials visited the projects Wednesday without much security escorts.

The ARMM’s multi-million projects are in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan, Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano and in Barangay Pendililang in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

The concrete farm-to-market road in Barangay Tukanalipao is nearing completion. It will connect communities of Moro farmer into the town center.

Before the actual visit, Loong said the project was being monitored by his office using drone technology and satellite based geo-tagging system.

The concrete bridge across the Tukanalipao river in Mamasapano town where a police operation to put down Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir was made, is also almost complete.

A Mosque nearby was constructed by the Army's 6th Infantry Division through the funding from the ARMM.

Hataman said a new school building in Barangay Baital in Rajah Buayan town was already completed under the Education, Livelihood and Peace Synergy (HELPS) program of the ARMM government.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamsamin Ampatuan lauded the efforts of Gov. Hataman in bringing infrastructure projects in the poor communities.

Beside the school was a solar drier where farmers in the village can dry agricultural products and use the drier for other purposes like basketball court and assembly area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=807445

Navy transport ship up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Navy transport ship up for repairs

In line with efforts to ensure that all of its available ships are mission worthy at all times, the Philippine Navy (PN) has allocated the sum of Php20,801,701.33 for the repairs of the BRP Benguet (LT-7) , one of its transport vessels.

Winning bidders are expected to complete the repairs within 30 calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for Sept. 24, 1 p.m. at the PN Bids and Awards Committee Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The BRP Benguet is a LST-542-class tank landing ship presently serving the PN. She is formerly known as the USS Daviess County (LST-692). It was an LST-542-class tank landing ship built for the United States Navy during World War II.

Named after counties in Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri, she was the only US naval vessel to bear the name. She served in World War II and during the Korean War. The US Government transferred Daviess County to the PN in 1976.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807124

Boats in Samal Island raid recovered in Davao Oriental - AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Boats in Samal Island raid recovered in Davao Oriental - AFP

Government security forces have recovered the two motorized bancas used by the suspects in the Samal Island raid which resulted in the abduction of three foreigners and one Filipina Monday night.

The boats were recovered at the shoreline of Tibanban, Gov. Generoso town, Davao Oriental, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said in a press brief Wednesday.

The motorized bancas were spotted early Tuesday morning and there are no evidence to suggest they are from the area, he added.

"There is no definite group yet (behind the abduction) as there is still an ongoing law enforcement operation," Detoyato stated.

He refused to comment on whether the boats were recovered near a Moro Islamic Liberation Front camp as earlier claimed.

"We cannot assume that, (all we know for now) is that the boats were recovered from the Tibanban shoreline which is part of the Eastern Seaboard going towards Sarangani and Davao Oriental. The area is where our naval, air assets and ground forces are concentrated," Detoyato said.

He also said that Davao Oriental seems the general location where the suspects are heading as based on the recovery of the two motorized boats.

Around 11 suspects, armed with long and short firearms, abducted three foreigners and a Filipina during a raid at Oceanview Resort, Barangay Camudmud, Babak District, Island Garden City of Samal Monday night.

Pursuit operations are still being conducted by naval and group units of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

The incident took place at 11: 30 p.m., Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said.

He identified the victims as Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the resort manager, and a still unidentified Filipina.

Reports said the suspects were speaking in English and Filipino when they snatched the victims.

Two Japanese tourists tried to stop the bandits but failed.

At the time of the raid, 30 or more foreigners were at the resort.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807336

AFP: NPAs unlikely behind Samal Island raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): AFP: NPAs unlikely behind Samal Island raid

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday announced that it unlikely that the New People's Army (NPA) is behind the raid which resulted in the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina in Samal Island, Davao Oriental last Monday.

This was revealed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato as NPA bands in the area have been decimated through surrenders and focused military operations.

"For the past few months, NPAs on the shorelines of Davao Oriental has grown weak through surrenders and focused military operations which killed many of their numbers," he added.

And surviving rebel bands are forced to hide in rural villages.

With this development, it is impossible for the NPAs to mount this type of operation, he said.

Earlier reports claimed that the NPA is behind the abduction as a rebel pamphlet was found near the crime scene.

The leaflet claimed that the Samal Island abduction was done to seek justice for their unnamed NPA commander.

As this develops, Detoyato refused to comment on how long it will take the suspects to reach Zamboanga or Basilan with their captives.

"We cannot have a timeline, or speculate on that, we (will) just continue with our naval and air assets search in the area," the AFP public affairs office chief said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807366

Rebel killed, 3 high-powered firearms, IED seized in Davao Oriental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Rebel killed, 3 high-powered firearms, IED seized in Davao Oriental clash

Eastern Mindanao Command troops killed a New People's Army (NPA) rebel and captured three high-powered firearms and an improvised explosive device (IED) during operations in Lupon, Davao Oriental on Tuesday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said the incident took place at 4 p.m. at Sitio Yauri, Barangay Calapagan, of the above-mentioned town.

Troopers from the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion were on security patrol when they encountered an estimated 30 rebels, triggering a 45-minute firefight which resulted in the death of one rebel and seizure of an M-16, M-4 and AK-47 automatic rifles.

Caber said another five rebels were wounded in the firefight while government forces sustained no casualties.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807380

Let the law take its due course: GPH Peace Panel Chair Ferrer on Mamasapano case

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): Let the law take its due course: GPH Peace Panel Chair Ferrer on Mamasapano case

With the murder charges filed against 90 suspects in connection with the Mamasapano incident, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said to “let the law take its due course alongside the bigger reforms.”

In a statement, Ferrer assured that any “untoward incident” that might arise from the issuance of the subpoena to identified suspects affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will be prevented through the joint cooperation of the government ceasefire mechanism and Ad Hoc Joint Action Group.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is set to conduct preliminary investigations on charges of direct assault with murder against the 90 identified respondents; however, the issuance of subpoenas will be done discreetly so that these alleged suspects will not be able to go into hiding.

To recall, the GPH-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) had assisted the DOJ team in conducting the site visit and interviews as part of its investigation on the Mamasapano incident.

Furthermore, the CCCH, with the assistance of some local government officials, responded immediately to cease the fighting and retrieve the corpses from all sides, including civilians, at the scene in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano on that eventful day of January 25.

“Let the judicial process take its due course for the benefit of all those who were aggrieved,” said Ferrer.

Aside from the promise of justice, Ferrer said that they find solace in the various forms of assistance provided and healing initiatives initiated by both government and nongovernmental groups.

She also stressed to continue pushing for the bigger reforms.

“At the same time, let not the bigger project of putting in place the reformed institutions in the Bangsamoro through the passage of a good basic law and the implementation of the different normalization programs fall on the wayside,” Ferrer said.

“More than ever, the bigger reform agenda must be realized in order to sustain the peace, prevent further bloodshed, and achieve all-around social justice without further delay in Muslim Mindanao,” she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807414

President Aquino assures gov't forces won't stop tracking down Samal Island kidnappers

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino assures gov't forces won't stop tracking down Samal Island kidnappers

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday assured that the government security forces will not stop in tracking down the group of armed men who abducted three foreigners and a Filipina in a resort in Samal Island, Daval del Norte last Monday night.

”Rest assured that our security sector will not stop in tracking down these people,” President Aquino said in a media interview during a visit in Apayao province.

The President said all the concerned government agencies will review its security protocol to prevent the kidnapping incident from happening again in the future.

”Based on our initial report, it seems this is a new group. Of course, we have to account our intelligence services. Why this group escape the intelligence radar. What is the purpose of this kidnapping,” the President said.

Last Monday night, the armed men kidnapped three foreigners identified as John Ridsel and Robert Hall of Canada and resort operations manager Kjartan Sekkingstad of Norway as well as Hall’s Filipino girlfriend identified as Tess in Samal Island.

According to the news reports, the kidnappers initially took six people but a Canadian, identified as Steven and his Japanese wife, Kazuka, were able to jump from the kidnappers’ boat. The couple is now confined in a hospital.

President Aquino said he got information that the last time there was report of kidnapping attempt in the tourist-haven Samal Island was between 2000 and 2001 perpetrated by the group of Kumander Global.

”We kept on following up specially on the previous kidnapping incidents and can I just remind everybody that we have recovered good number of kidnap victims even with the Abu Sayyaf. We have not stopped our operations against ASG that has a given a lot the opportunity for a lot for them to escape,” the President said.

The President cited the most recent escape of two kidnapped Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel operative SN2 Gringo Villaruz and SN2 Rod Pagaling who escaped from their ASG captors during the skirmishes on Aug. 20 in Sulu.

”My confidence is high that our military and police have not stopped in pursuing the lawless elements,” the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807455

President Aquino creates National Cybersecurity Committee

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino creates National Cybersecurity Committee

President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued Executive Order No. 189, creating a National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee that will assess the vulnerabilities of the country’s cybersecurity.

According to the executive order, the increasing number of cyber threats that put government and commercial information systems at great risk necessitates the creation of a body that will coordinate government agencies in preparing appropriate and effective measures to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities.

The National Cybersecurity Inter-Agency Committee will issue updated security protocols to all government employees involved in the storage, handling and distribution of all forms -- digital, electronic, snail mail, and others -- of documents and communications.

It will also enhance the public-private partnership in the field of information sharing, involving cyber attacks, threats and vulnerabilities to cyber threats; and conduct periodic strategic planning and workshop activities that will reduce the country’s vulnerabilities to cyber threats.

The committee will also serve as the country’s coordinating arm in domestic, international and transnational efforts on cybersecurity.

The committee will be under the Office of the President and will be chaired by the Executive Secretary and co-chaired by the Director General of the National Security Council and the Secretary of Department of Science and Technology.

To serve as committee members will be the respective secretaries of the Departments of Energy, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Interior and Local Government, Justice, National Defense, Transportation and Communications, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, and Presidential Communications Operations Office, as well as the commissioner of the National Telecommunications Commission, the chairman of the National Privacy Commission, and the executive director of the Anti-Terrorism Council–Program Management Center.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=807475

President Aquino says new group could be responsible for Samal Island kidnapping

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 23): President Aquino says new group could be responsible for Samal Island kidnapping

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday said that initial reports show that a new group could be responsible for the kidnapping of foreigners and a Filipino citizen from a resort in Samal Island, near Davao City.

“Mukhang sa initial na mga report sa atin, parang bagong grupo ito. Siyempre, mag-a-account ulit ang ating intelligence services. Bakit nawala sa radar ito? O baka naman talagang bagong-bagong buo itong grupong ito,” President Aquino said during a media interview in Luna, Apayao province.

The President, however, expressed confidence in the country’s military and police in tracking down the kidnappers.

“Mataas ang kumpiyansa ko na hindi tumitigil ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa pagtugis sa lahat nitong mga elementong ito,” he said.

“Asahan po ninyo na hindi tumitigil ang ating security sector sa pagtugis dito sa mga taong ito.”

According to news reports, unidentified gunmen kidnapped three foreigners and one Filipina from the Oceanview Resort in Samal Island on Monday night.

The gunmen and their captives have reportedly been sighted in Davao Oriental.

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