PAF chief vows less combat in missions

From the Baguio Midland Courier (Oct 7): PAF chief vows less combat in missions

The new commanding officer of the Tactical Operations Group 1 of the Philippine Air Force vowed Monday that aside from combat and security assistance, his unit will be at the forefront of search and rescue operations.

Lt/Col. Onorlie Brillantes, newly installed PAF-TOG1 chief, said his experiences in his previous assignments will help in sustaining the gains of the unit under his predecessor Col. Dennis Estrella.

Estrella, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1991, led TOG1 as the best unit of the PAF 1st Air Division, which covers the entire Luzon.

He will assume as the new operations chief of PAF 1st Air Division.

Brillantes said his unit will sustain the search and rescue assistance extended by PAF TOG 1 during disasters, aside from relief operations and security assistance during internal security operations.

Before his assignment to TOG1, Brillantes, a member of PMA Class 1993, was the head of the Air Warfare Division of the PMA for three years. He was also the deputy commander of TOG3.

He is the husband of Dr. Celia Brillantes, an outstanding citizen of Baguio and senior health official at the City Health Services Office.

M/Gen. Raul V. del Rosario, 1st Air Division commander, who presided the turnover rites at the Baguio Airport, acknowledged Brillantes’ leadership and managerial skills, which were reasons he was chosen for the position.

Del Rosario urged Brillantes to lead his unit in establishing partnership with communities, local government units, and private partners under his area of jurisdiction.

He said PAF TOG1 serves as a model among units under the 1st Air Division for its active involvement in non-combat missions ranging from medical and dental outreach programs and disaster risk reduction and management training, among things.

The PAF 1st Air Division exercised command and control over five Tactical Operations Groups.

http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/region.asp?mode=%20archives/2015/october/10-4-2015/reg2-PAF-chief-vows-less-combat-in-missions.txt

PMA honors Kapangan’s most bemedalled military general

From the Baguio Midland Courier (Oct 7): PMA honors Kapangan’s most bemedalled military general

A highly decorated military officer from Kapangan, Benguet was honored with a testimonial parade by the Philippine Military Academy more than a month before his retirement on Nov. 1.

M/Gen. Yerson E. Depayso, current commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in Bicol Region, has been honored by his alma mater for the services he rendered to the country in the past three decades.

Depayso, a recipient of various military awards and commendations for combat and command administration, is a member of PMA Class 1981.

The Igorot military officer is a recipient of two “Distinguished Service Star” awards for command administration and a “Gold Cross” medal for command performance in combat operations.

Two years ago, Depayso, who was then a colonel, led a pool of awardees earning the Distinguished Service Star for his effective leadership in the implementation of programs and services in his area of responsibility, as commanding officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade.

The Gold Cross is a decoration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which recognizes gallantry in action. It is the fourth highest military award of the country.
 
Depayso is also a respected military officer in every community he serves, receiving two “Gawad sa Kaunlaran” awards for participating in various civic projects, six bronze cross medals for heroism in non-combat situations, and16 military merit medals.

A holder of Masters in Business Administration from the Ateneo de Manila University and Masters in National Security Administration, which he finished at the National Defense College of the Philippines, he also took  up the Logistics Development Management and Army Maintenance Management Courses at the Army Logistics Management Center in Fort Lee, Virginia, USA.

He likewise finished an Executive Course on Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies at APCSS, Hawaii, USA.

http://baguiomidlandcourier.com.ph/region.asp?mode=%20archives/2015/october/10-4-2015/reg1.txt

Duterte to NPA: Let’s talk peace

From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 6): Duterte to NPA: Let’s talk peace

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte urged members of the New People's Army (NPA) to come down the mountains and talk peace with government, if he becomes president.

Attending the founding anniversary of Sta. Cruz town in Davao del Sur Monday afternoon, Duterte said that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison, under which the NPA and the National Democratic Front operate, promised to return to the Philippines if ever he wins in the 2016 presidential election.

He said he wants all rebels to come down and talk peace.

Duterte's statement was welcomed by the more than 3,000 people of Sta. Cruz who listened to him Monday.

Sta. Cruz, one of the oldest towns in the Davao Region where only a few families own vast coconut plantations, is known as a hotbed of the NPA.

Duterte said that the 46-year-old communist insurgency has to end and he hopes to achieve that soon.

He declared in the past that should he become president of the Philippines, he would bring together the different armed groups to the peace table and find a common ground to end the conflict.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/10/06/duterte-npa-lets-talk-peace-434312

MILF: ICAN sponsors “Seminar-Workshop on Conflict Resolution”

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 7): ICAN sponsors “Seminar-Workshop on Conflict Resolution”



The International Children’s Action for Network (ICAN) Foundation sponsored a three-day activity on Conflict Resolution Skills Seminar-Workshop in congruence with Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) on October 1-3, 2015 at BLMI Training Center at Crossing Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The thirty five (35) participants from different provinces in Mindanao representing their respective Non-government organizations (NGO’s) and People’s Organizations (PO’s) attended the activity.

The objective of the program is to enhance the participants’ understanding of Conflict Resolution and other related components.

Mr. Abdulla Cusain, BTC Communication Head expressed his gratitude to I CAN for sponsoring the program as well as to the participants for their active involvement in peace-building measures that contribute in the course of promoting peace in Mindanao.
He also gave a brief update on the status of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is still pending in Congress.

Introduction and program overview were presented by I CAN Team leader and Resource person Mr. Edwin Antipuesto. He emphasized the program objectives and its relevance to the current situation. “Conflict Resolution is a complex and challenging effort, it helps to stop human made catastrophe from getting any further bedlam” he said.

During the first session of the program, Antipuesto elucidated his lecture on Non- Violent Communication by emphasizing its dynamics and proactive approaches in dealing with conflict situation.

In day two sessions, Mr. Jess Torreto lectured on Mediation by underlining its important concepts and applications. Equipping oneself with appropriate knowledge and broad understanding of conflict resolution and mediation processes are the centerpiece in peace-building efforts before engaging in conflict resolution, he stressed.     

In afternoon session, the participants were also taught on the basic concepts and applications of negotiation. The resource person presented different methodologies related to negotiation. The participants also simulated the negotiation type engagement through workshop activity.

The last day session centered learning skills on how to facilitate a dialogue with the speaker cited the essential elements of productive dialogue and on how to establish line of consistent communication and intent of reaching a common goal.

“Confidence building is the first step in Conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation” Mr. Antipuseto said.  

Before the program ended, the participants engaged in re-entry planning for their next engagement related to the topics discussed.

A the end of the activity, the participants in their messages expressed their heartfelt gratitude to I CAN and J- BIRD for sponsoring series of training workshops that are very helpful to the Bangsamoro. They also thanked the resource persons for their very enlightening discussions and the knowledge imparted to them,

The message of gratitude and appreciation were also extended to the BTC and BLMI for conceptualizing and implementing the capacity and competency enhancement program.   

In closing message, Ms. Akiko Matsuur, Project Manager of ICAN Foundation expressed her appreciation to BTC, BLMI and the participants for their participation and responsiveness in pursuit for genuine peace and inclusive development in Mindanao.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/599-ican-sponsors-seminar-workshop-on-conflict-resolution

MILF: OPAPP, Sajahatra Bangsamoro, DPWH conduct ground breaking ceremony for construction of Farm-to-Market Road in Zamboanga Sibugay

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 6): OPAPP, Sajahatra Bangsamoro, DPWH conduct ground breaking ceremony for construction of Farm-to-Market Road in Zamboanga Sibugay



Officials from the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWD), Long Island Builders contractor and representative from the local government unit of Datu Tungawan conducted a ground breaking ceremony for the construction of a 2-kilometer farm-to-market road at Camp Salman, Datu Tumangung, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay on September 23.

This is the first ever project of the DPWH to be implemented in the barangay worth of ₱19.9 Million Pesos.

Dir. Hadzer Beroya of OPAPP said that the farm-to-market road project is vital for the delivery of farm products to the town area.

“Not only MILF members who will benefit from the project, but the indigenous people as well, and the rest of non-Muslims will benefit from it, said Beroya.

Engr. Manawis of DPWH committed to expedite the release of funding for the construction of the road.

Engr. Manawis hopes to complete the project before the forth coming election ban.

Some key officers of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) from Camp Salman also witnessed the ground breaking ceremony.

They were thankful to the leadership of the MILF and the government for coming up with a solution to their nagging problem on poor access to the town proper for the delivery of their farm products.

The project will help improve the socio-economic development of all residents in the area.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/598-opapp-sajahatra-bangsamoro-dpwh-conduct-ground-breaking-ceremony-for-construction-of-farm-to-market-road-in-zamboanga-sibugay

114 Armored carriers from US arriving in running, operational condition

From Ang Malaya (Oct 7): 114 Armored carriers from US arriving in running, operational condition

The 114 M-113s armored personnel carriers (APCs) coming from the United States are in running and operational condition.

 “All of 114 M-113s coming are operational and in running condition. However, we will still check it here before accepting them for service,” said Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan in a message to the PNA.

The APCs are expected to arrive in November once the contract for shipping and transportation of the vehicles have been completed. Completion of the delivery is expected by the second quarter next year.

The APCs are declared “excess defense articles” meaning the Philippines did not pay for the acquisition except for the shipping and refurbishment costs.

The MID operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs. Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair).

One hundred and fifty of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN “Simba” with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the Philippine Army its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companies for deployment with regular units.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/07/13895-114-armored-carriers-from-us-arriving-in-running-operational-condition

Mamasapano: ​​Panel to do initial probe of MILF, BIFF, other armed groups

From Rappler (Oct 7): Mamasapano: ​​Panel to do initial probe of MILF, BIFF, other armed groups

The justice department forms the panel of prosecutors that will conduct the preliminary probe into criminal complaints filed against members of the MILF, BIFF and private armed groups



FALLEN. An injured police commando (on stretcher) waits to be loaded onto a waiting US military helicopter in the town of Mamasapano, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on January 26, 2015, following clashes with Muslim rebels. Thirty police commandoes were feared dead. Photo by Mark Navales / AFP

The justice department on Tuesday, October 6, ​ formed the panel of prosecutors that will conduct the preliminary probe into criminal complaints filed against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups

In a one-page ​resolution, Prosecutor General Claro Arellano directed ​5 prosecutors to​ look into the case of 90 ​persons ​charged with theft and the “complex crimes of direct assault with murder” leading to the deaths of 35 police commandos in a firefight in Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

The National Bureau of Investigation​ has ​charged Abdul Wahab and 89 others with the murder of 35 of 36 members of the 55^th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police.

The 55^th SAC, under Operation Exodus, had been ordered to serve as the blocking force for the main force of the 84^th Seaborne. The failed plan sought to neutralize ​high-value terrorists thought to be hiding deep in Mamasapano.

One of the wanted men, bombmaker Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, was said to have been shot and killed by the main effort inside his hut in the village of Pidsandawan in Mamasapano.

Arellano also instructed the panel to “file the appropriate information with the court of competent jurisdiction” if proven necessary by the investigation.

The panel, to be led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rosanne Balauag, includes Assistant State Prosecutors Aldrin Villanueva, Benito Oliver Sales III, Rassendell Rex Gingoyon and Alexander Suarez.

Authorities earlier included theft to the charges, claiming that non-government forces stripped the commandos of equipment including firearms, communication and navigation devices, night vision goggles, as well as cellular phones and wallets.

No implications

Eyewitness testimony added to the weight of evidence against the 90 respondents. One witness, codenamed “Marathon” and now under the DOJ’s ​Witness ​Protection Program, identified a number of the accused.

Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima also attributed earlier findings to a number of online videos of the actual encounter, adding that the DOJ had already traced the sources of the amateur footage.

De Lima also brushed off the possibility the investigation would affect the already derailed peace process between the MILF and the national government. She instead emphasized her belief that the rebel group would cooperate with authorities during the legal process, adding that the accused could be summoned to proceedings in the DOJ.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/108346-mamasapano-doj-panel-initial-probe-milf-biff

China 9-dash-line claim threatens rule of law, Carpio says in US lecture

From InterAksyon (Oct 7): China 9-dash-line claim threatens rule of law, Carpio says in US lecture



Reuters file photo of Filipino protesters against China's arbitrary occupation of huge parts of the West Philippine Sea.

“Will the world community allow a single state to rewrite the Law of the Sea, so this single state can exercise indisputable sovereignty to almost an entire sea, subject the high seas to its sovereign jurisdiction, and seize large areas of other coastal states’ EEZs (exclusive economic zone), which are their legal maritime entitlements under both customary international law and UNCLOS?”

This was the question posed by Justice Antonio T. Carpio, Senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, in a lecture on China’s nine-dash line claim and the South China Sea dispute at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on October 5.

“Maritime security and the South China Sea will continue to impact US-China relations and China’s relations with its neighbors. We are pleased Justice Carpio’s speaking tour in the US kicks off today at CSIS. His thoughts will certainly enrich the discourse on what has been characterized by Professor Michael Tkacik of Stephen Austin State University as possibly the single most important dispute in the world today,” Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. said in his remarks.

Justice Carpio in his talk tagged China’s nine-dash line claim as the root cause of the South China Sea disputes and as having no historical basis.

According to him, China’s national boundaries under the nine-dash line have effects not only on the Philippines but also on other countries in the region and the world.

Entire world affected by claim

“The Philippines loses about 80 percent of its EEZs facing the West Philippine Sea, including the entire Reed Bank and part of the Malampaya gas field. Malaysia loses about 80 percent of its EEZ in Sabah and Sarawak facing the South China Sea, as well as most of its active oil fields in the same area. Vietnam loses about 50 percent of its total EEZ. Brunei loses about 90 percent of its total EEZ. Indonesia loses about 30 percent of its EEZ facing the South China Sea in Natuna Islands, whose surrounding waters comprise the largest gas field in Southeast Asia,” said Justice Carpio.

Through the nine-dash line, China claims the high seas which, under international law, are considered global commons. According to Justice Carpio, because any country in the world, including those that are landlocked, can exploit national resources in high seas, the entire world is affected by China’s expansive claim.

The Justice reiterated that activities by China to enforce the nine-dash claim violate the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2002 ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Such activities threaten peace, security, and stability in the region.

In 2002, China, along with member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agreed that the South China Sea dispute shall be resolved “in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

Eleven years later, China has begun insisting that historical facts be accepted as additional basis of its claim.

“After the Philippines filed in January 2013 its arbitration case against China under UNCLOS, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared that the South China Sea dispute should be resolved in accordance with historical facts and international law,” said Justice Carpio.

No historical basis

However, according to Justice Carpio, the nine-dash line has no historical basis.
Official and unofficial maps of China from 1136 during the Song Dynasty until the end of the Qing Dynasty in 1912 show that the southernmost territory of China has always been Hainan Island.

Hua Yi Tu, a Chinese stone map from the 12th century, excludes disputed islands in the South China Sea from China’s territory. The 1986 Huang Chan Zhi Sheng Yu Di Quan Tu or The Qing Empire’s Complete Map of All Provinces shows that Hainan Island was a part of Guangdong Province and became a separate province only in 1988.

Official and unofficial maps of the Philippines from 1636 until 1933 show that Scarborough Shoal has always been part of the Philippines.

The 1734 Murillo Velarde Map shows Scarborough Shoal and some features in the Spratly Group of Islands as part of the Philippines. The Islas Filipinas, Mapa General Observatorio de Manila published in Washington, DC in 1899 by the US Coast and Geodetic Survey shows Bajo Masinloc, which also refers to Scarborough Shoal, as Philippine territory.

According to Justice Carpio, the Philippines has not only historical basis for its claim to Scarborough Shoal, but also legal basis.

“The 1898 Treaty of Paris between Spain and the United States drew a rectangular line wherein Spain ceded to the United States all of Spain’s territories found within treaty lines. Scarborough Shoal lies outside of the treaty lines. However, two years later, in the 1900 Treaty of Washington, Spain clarified that it had also relinquished to the United States all title and claim which Spain may have had at the time of the conclusion of the Treaty of Paris, to any and all islands belonging to the Philippine Archipelago, lying outside the lines of the Treaty of Paris. Thus, Spain ceded Scarborough Shoal to the United States under the 1900 Treaty of Washington,” said Justice Carpio.

PHL to stand by UNCLOS, ruling

The Justice ended his lecture by reiterating that the Philippines will stand by UNCLOS and the ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal with regard to the maritime dispute.

“If UNCLOS does not apply to the South China Sea dispute, as when China’s nine-dashed lines are allowed to gobble up the EEZs of coastal states as well as the high seas, then UNCLOS, the constitution for the oceans and seas, cannot also apply to any maritime dispute in the rest of the oceans and seas of our planet. It will be the beginning of the end for UNCLOS. The rule of the naval cannon will prevail in the oceans and seas of our planet, no longer the rule of law. There will be a naval arms race among coastal countries,” said Justice Carpio.

Washington, D.C. is the first stop of Justice Carpio’s US tour to conduct lectures on the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea dispute. He will bring the lecture to New York City and San Francisco in the next few days.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118568/china-9-dash-line-claim-threatens-rule-of-law-carpio-says-in-us-lecture

Lumad evacuees kept from returning home

From The Standard (Oct 7): Lumad evacuees kept from returning home

THE government has no plan to allow thousands of lumad evacuees displaced by conflict to return to their homes as the Department of Social Welfare and Development is proposing to build core shelters for them.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said  Tuesday  she classified the displaced indigenous people in Surigao del Sur as victims of civil unrest and would work with the provincial government to house the displaced families elsewhere.

No direction home. A lumad child stands beside photographs of slain and missing tribespeople outside an evacuation center in Tandag City. John Paolo Bencito

“We will coordinate with Gov. Johnny Pimentel for a location where we can build core shelters,” Soliman said.

Pimentel had been vocal about the military disrupting the peaceful lives of the lumad in their war on the communist New People’s Army.

He also slammed the military for creating a monster by supporting groups such as the  Magahat, Bagani, Alamara, and

Bolo Battalion, made of lumad tribesmen, to kill their own on suspicion that they are NPA sympathizers.

The military has denied the allegation amid continuing reports that some local military units have been coddling the suspects in the killing of three lumad leaders.

A total of 822 families or 4,191 persons, have been displaced from their homes as of Oct. 5.

Of the number, the DSWD said 814 families or 3,822 persons are staying at the three evacuation centers opened and managed by local government unit. The evacuees come from the towns of San Miguel, Tago, Marihatag, San Agustin, and Lianga.

“You will be provided with your own houses worth P30,000 to P50,000, wherein you will have your own CR with water lines, more comfortable than your conditions here,” Soliman promised the evacuees during a dialogue with them.

“With the proposal, the provincial LGU shall find a resettlement site while DSWD shall forge a partnership with the International Organization for Migration for the construction of the shelter units. DSWD shall also hire the IDPs, through cash for work, in the construction of their respective core houses,” she added.

Soliman said a total of P7,174,893.88 worth of relief assistance have been provided to the affected families from the combined resources of the DSWD, LGUs and non-government organizations.

The assistance from DSWD comprised of 2,824 family food packs, non-food items, nutri-cereals, and medical and burial assistance. Psycho-social processing activities were also held for the evacuees.

On Tuesday, a group of bishops lambasted President Beningo Aquino III for tolerating military operations that displaced the indigenous people.

“The country is, indeed, being destroyed. Our lumad who belong to the indigenous peoples are getting harassed, intimidated, threatened and killed. Their leaders are being extra-judicially exterminated because they defend their ancestral land and protect their people. The perpetrators, the military and their paramilitary forces, use as an excuse the pretext that these leaders are New People’s Army combatants or supporters,” said Bishop Elmer M. Bolocon of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, the executive secretary of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum.

“The Aquino government cannot legitimize the killing of Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development, and of Manobo leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo on  Sept. 1  in Lianga, Surigao del Sur by saying they supported the NPA,” the EBF statement said.

EBF also thrashed economist Solita Monsod who wrote in a column that only rebels and their supporters run the risk of being killed.

“Why are they being driven out of their ancestral lands? The reason is money,” the bishops said. “Big foreign mining corporations want to exploit the resources of the lands known for their richness in gold, nickel and copper. The military wants to make sure that that happens. However, they could not freely enter due to people’s resistance. Hence, the militarization of the area had to commence.”

“Money has become more important than people!” they added.

The bishops noted that lumad communities have been neglected for decades yet, after churches and non-governmental organizations took it on themselves to build schools, these have come under attack from the military and paramilitary groups.

They also slammed North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco, who chairs the committee on indigenous people at the House of Representatives, for parroting military claims that the lumad refugees in Davao City are “trafficking” victims being held against their will and orchestrating a foiled “rescue” attempt that left several persons injured.

“We support the just demand of the lumad. It is their right to go back to their own homes and be assured to live in peace. This is the least that the government can do—leave them in peace,” the bishops said.

The human rights group Karapatan said  Tuesday  that the military was behind the closure of lumad schools on the suspicion that they were being used by communist rebels to “radicalize” the lumad.

Karapatan chairwoman Marie Hilao-Enriquez cited the case of the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc., which received a memorandum from the barangay captain of White Culaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon, informing them that its schools in his bailiwick would be closed after it was proved to be an NPA tool.

“Barangay White Culaman, for almost a month now, has been virtually under Martial Law with the presence of soldiers from the 8th and 23rd Infantry Battalion-Philippine Army. Barangay captain [Felipe] Cabugnason has been mouthing the same orders coming from the military. Aside from the closure of lumad schools, residents were arrested, forcibly recruited to the Barangay Defense System, and had to report to the soldiers’ camp at the barangay hall for monitoring,” Enriquez said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/10/07/lumad-evacuees-kept-from-returning-home/

Still no proof of life of Samal Island kidnap victims —police

From GMA News (Oct 7): Still no proof of life of Samal Island kidnap victims —police

Police have not received any proof of life of the three foreigners and a Filipina taken by armed men from a resort on Samal Island last month.

 

"Iyon nga ang hinihintay din namin (proof of life). Until now, they have not [made contact] with the family," Superintendent Antonio Rivera, spokesperson of the Davao regional police office, when asked in an interview on "News To Go" if they have received any proof of life of the victims from the kidnappers.

 

Canadian tourists John Ridsdel, 68, and Robert Hall, 50, Hall's girlfriend Marites Flor and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, 56 were taken by armed men from the Oceanview Resort last September 21.

 

Rivera said they are in close contact with the family of the Filipina and the management of Oceanview Resort, where the Norwegian kidnap victim worked as a manager.

 

Meanwhile, Rivera said that only one of the two men arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation Group (CIDG) in Davao City last Sunday night was a "person of interest" in the Samal Island kidnapping.

 

Rivera said that the suspect, who he declined to identify, is facing charges of kidnapping, serious illegal detention and murder.

 

He said that two suspects were arrested as part of the operation of CIDG's Task Force Tugis, which was formed to go after wanted criminals.

 

"Mayroon dumating na information na may possibility na may involvement itong isa sa dalawa," Rivera said when asked how the police knew that one of the arrested suspects was involved in the Samal Island kidnapping.

 

He said the Special Investigation Task Group on the Samal Island kidnapping are reviewing CCTV footage from the Oceanview Resort.

 

Rivera added that they are trying to get in touch with the witnesses from the resort.

 

"We are also trying to [get] in touch with the witnesses na nandoon sa resort for the possible identification sa isang nahuli ng CIDG," he said.

 

Rivera, meanwhile, said the police were still not sure if the group involved in the Samal Island kidnapping have links with the Abu Sayyaf Group.

 

He said that based on the names of the two suspects arrested by the CIDG, they could be members of an ethnic group in Davao.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/539799/news/nation/still-no-proof-of-life-of-samal-island-kidnap-victims-police

Police capture suspected NPA in combat operation

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Police capture suspected NPA in combat operation

Operatives of the Provincial Public Safety Company (PPSC) of Surigao del Norte Police captured a wounded New People"s Army (NPA) suspect during a 5-minute firefight Tuesday morning in Alegria town, Surigao del Norte.

Reports from Surigao del Norte police reaching the regional headquarters here on Tuesday said that while the operating troops of the Public Safety Company were conducting combat operations 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, they encountered about 15 heavily-armed group believed to be NPA members belonging to Guerrilla Front Committee 16, under a certain Rolando Leyson Jr. also known as “Edroy” at Purok 5, Brgy. Ombong, Alegria town in Surigao del Norte.

A 5-minute firefight ensued between the said armed group and the government troopers, where the wounded rebel was captured. The captured wounded rebel was left behind by his fleeing comrades.

No casualty was reported from the side of the government. The still wounded unnamed NPA rebel was brought by the police troopers to a hospital in Butuan City, where he is presently confined.

Appropriate case will be filed against the captured NPA rebel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=812086

New members of MSGC vow to help PVAO achieved goals

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): New members of MSGC vow to help PVAO achieved goals

The newly-inducted members of the Multi-Sector Governance Council (MSGC) have vowed to support the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) in advancing its advocacy to improve the welfare of the country’s veterans, as embodied in its Kagitingan Roadmap 2022 Strategic Plan.

The MSGC members were formally inducted by Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at the EDSA People Power Lounge of the DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

They were identified as retired MGen. Jose P. Magno, chairman of the CITRA Metro Manila Railways, who was voted as chairperson; Prof. Ma. Bernadette L. Abrera, chairperson of the Department of History at University of the Philippines-Diliman; Magdalo Party- list Rep. Ashley Acedillo; retired Philippine Navy Admiral Vicente M. Agdamag, Deputy National Security Adviser of the National Security Council Secretariat; Dr. Fermin R. De Leon, president of the National Defense College of the Philippines; Gov. Albert S. Garcia of the province of Bataan; former Senator and National Defense Secretary Orlando Mercado; former Internal Revenue and Customs Commissioner Guillermo L. Parayno Jr., vice chairman of the Philippine Veterans Bank; retired Police Director Gen. Umberto A. Rodriguez, president of the Filipino War Veterans Foundation Inc. (FILVETS); and Rep. Herminia P. Roman, chairperson of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and Welfare.

The other two members who were not able to attend the event are journalist Jarius Bondoc and Dr. Francisco T. Duque III, former Secretary of the Department of Health and Chairman of the Civil Service Commission.

Undersecretary Ernesto G. Carolina, incumbent PVAO Administrator, was also included in the Council and was voted as vice chairperson. He vowed to uphold the ideals of good governance as embodied in the Performance Governance System and to share their time and expertise in helping PVAO foster a strong and unified Filipino Veterans Community serving as reliable partner in nation-building.

They also pledged to promote the value of kagitingan by championing the Kagitingan Roadmap 2022 within their respective sectors, and to involve other sectors of society by helping PVAO forge and nurture partnerships in serving the veterans, the future veterans, and the country.

“The challenge of governance, when the stakes are as high as the welfare of the veterans who had risked and sometimes lost their life and limb, and as far reaching as the preparation of our youth as this country’s future defenders, has compelled us to seek your advice and guidance in helping us pursue our vision of a strong and unified Filipino Veterans Community that is reliable in nation-building,” Carolina said.

Meanwhile, Gazmin lauded PVAO for its early gains in the implementation of reforms.

“In the preceding five years, we saw the vigorous effort of PVAO in the institution of measures to genuinely serve the interest of our veterans. Among many others, PVAO has cleansed the veterans’ list of pseudo claimants, thereby generating savings," he added.

PVAO also has engaged in an anti-fraud and in an anti-corruption campaign and instituted full proof measures to rid the agency of fixers, fraudulent claimants, and corrupt employees.

It has strengthened the Veterans Federation of the Philippines.

"It is also commendable that PVAO has been a recipient of ISO Certification 9001:2008 from third party certifying bodies for sustained reduction of adjudication time for pension claims and processing time for delivery of pensions,” Gazmin added.

After the induction ceremony, the MSGC held its first organizational meeting.

Retired Philippine Marines Col. Omar Tonsay, chief of PVAO Planning and Management Division, gave a briefing on Kagitingan Roadmap 2022 and how PVAO hopes to implement the same through the virtue of kagitingan.

The Kagitingan Roadmap reflects PVAO goals to transform the veterans from being merely dependent clients to empowered partners; to transform veterans’ organizations from being self-centered, factionalized and marginalized to being united and empowered; to transform underutilized veterans assets and properties to being optimized and the benefits derived from them equitably shared; to transform shrines and memorials to instruments that instill national pride and patriotism; to make commemorative events pervasive and community-based; to rationalize pensions and benefits structure, and to ensure veterans’ overall welfare and well-being.

With the Roadmap, PVAO envisions a strong and unified Filipino veterans community serving as a reliable partner in nation-building.

It will guide PVAO to better fulfill its mandate, leading to the path where the ideals of kagitingan are exemplified in order to bring back kagitingan, or love for country, in its deserved place in the nation’s value system.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=812115

Armored personnel carriers from US in running and operational condition

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Armored personnel carriers from US in running and operational condition

The 114 M-113s armored personnel carriers (APCs) coming from the United States are in running and operational condition.

"All of 114 M-113s coming are operational and in running condition. However, we will still check it here before accepting them for service," said Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan in a message to the PNA.

The APCs are expected to arrive in November once the contract for shipping and transportation of the vehicles have been completed. Completion of the delivery is expected by the second quarter next year.

The APCs are declared "excess defense articles" meaning the Philippines did not pay for the acquisition except for the shipping and refurbishment costs.

The MID operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair).

One hundred and fifty of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the Philippine Army its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companies for deployment with regular units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=812180

Bulatlat: Cagayan Valley rights group slams Army for false charges vs 69 activists

From the pro-CPP Online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Oct 6): Cagayan Valley rights group slams Army for false charges vs 69 activists

“The recent slapping of trumped-up charges of kidnapping and homicide against us 69 individuals bares the despotic and authoritarian nature of this regime.”

(Bulatlat file photo: Former political detainee Randy Malayao is among the 69 activists charged with kidnapping and homicide)

 

A regional human rights group condemned the military for its filing of trumped-up charges against activists and progressive mass leaders, calling it “a cowardly act of the state to silence the people’s democratic movement.”

 

Karapatan-Cagayan Valley reported that the Philippine Army’s 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) maliciously filed cases of kidnapping with homicide against 69 individuals, including 29 indigenous peoples.

Romella “Mia” Liquigan, regional coordinator of Karapatan-CV said Sgt. Arsenio Villar Capili of the 17th IB accused 29 Aggays and Malawegs as members of the New People’s Army (NPA) under the Danilo Ben command, and filed three counts of kidnapping with homicide against them in July.

Capili accused the 29 of the kidnapping and killing of two army intelligence agents and a member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) last February 25.

Among the 29 charged were Marlon Baganay, Mendo Bisiotan and Lando Daryuin, who were earlier abducted by operating 17th IB soldiers from their homes in San Juan on July 20. The three were later surfaced on July 23 at a military camp in Lasam, Cagayan. They are now detained at the Cagayan Provincial Jail. Daryuin is around 70 years old and is partially blind.

Liquigan said that when they filed the counter-affidavits of seven of the 29 at the Tuguegarao prosecutor’s office on Sept. 21, they learned that 40 more individuals were falsely charged in the same case.

Liquigan was among the 40 who were charged, along with Isabelo “Buting” Adviento, chairperson of Kaguimungan and Anakpawis nominee; Femie Galapon, chairperson of National Union of Students in the Philippines (NUSP)-CV and Rise for Education convenor; Emil Dagdag, Piston Isabela coordinator, and former political prisoners Randy Malayao, vice president for Luzon of the Makabayan coalition; Agnes Mesina, Save the Valley and Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) regional coordinator.

Malayao condemned the continuing political repression against leaders and activists of the democratic mass movement. “We vow to militantly confront this head-on,” he said.

“The recent slapping of trumped-up charges of kidnapping and homicide against us 69 individuals bares the despotic and authoritarian nature of this regime,” Malayao added.

Northern Dispatch Reposted by Bulatlat

http://bulatlat.com/main/2015/10/06/rights-group-slams-army-for-false-charges-vs-69-activists/

Bishops to Aquino: Stop militarizing lumad areas

From InterAksyon (Oct 6): Bishops to Aquino: Stop militarizing lumad areas
 

The Ecumenical Bishops Forum assailed the Aquino administration for the militarization of lumad communities in Mindanao, saying the eviction of indigenous peoples through threats and summary killings “will destroy the nation.”

Quoting the Bible, EBF, in a statement signed by its executive secretary Bishop Elmer M. Bolocon of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, said: “When the King is concerned with justice, the nation will be strong, but when he is only concerned with money, he will destroy his country.”

The bishops added: “The country is, indeed, being destroyed. Our lumad who belong to the indigenous peoples (IPs) are getting harassed, intimidated, threatened and killed. Their leaders are being extra-judicially exterminated because they defend their ancestral land and protect their people. The perpetrators, the military and their paramilitary forces, use as an excuse the pretext that these leaders are New People’s Army combatants or supporters.”

The “unjustified” accusations, EBF said, have also become the basis for military and paramilitary units to force lumad to leave their communities on threat of death or arson of their homes.

The Aquino government cannot legitimize the killing of Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development, and of Manobo leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo on September 1 in Lianga, Surigao del Sur by saying they “supported” the NPA, the bishops said.

EBF’s position also thrashed the opinion of economist Solita Monsod who wrote in a column that only rebels and their supporters run the risk of being killed.

Earlier, the military also claimed that more than 60 percent of the NPA in Mindanao are lumad.

EBF said threats of arson and mass murder are more than enough reason for tribal communities to evacuate and seek sanctuary in safer areas, like the hundreds of Manobo from Talaingod, Davao del Norte and San Fernando, Bukidnon staying in a church compound in Davao City, and 3,000 refugees in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur who fled their homes after the Lianga killings.

“Why are they being driven out of their ancestral lands? The reason is money,” the bishops said. “Big foreign mining corporations want to exploit the resources of the lands known for their richness in gold, nickel and copper. The military wants to make sure that that happens. However, they could not freely enter due to people’s resistance. Hence, the militarization of the area had to commence.”

“Money has become more important than people!” they added.

The bishops noted that lumad communities have been “neglected” for decades yet, after churches and nongovernmental organizations took it on themselves to build schools, these have come under attack from the military and paramilitary groups.  

They also slammed North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco, who chairs the committee on indigenous people at the House of Representatives, for parroting military claims that the lumad refugees in Davao City are “trafficking” victims being held against their will and orchestrating a foiled “rescue” attempt that left several persons injured.

The EBF voiced support for the lumad’s position that they will not return to their communities unless militarization ends.

“We support the just demand of the lumad. It is their right to go back to their own homes and be assured to live in peace. This is the least that the government can do -- leave them in peace,” the bishops stressed.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118521/bishops-to-aquino-stop-militarizing-lumad-areas

DepEd bucks village chief’s shutdown order on ‘lumad school’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 6): DepEd bucks village chief’s shutdown order on ‘lumad school’

The lumad school in Kitaotao town, Bukidnon ordered closed last week for supposed links with the New People’s Army (NPA) has remained open after the Department of Education (DepEd) rebuked the village chief who ordered the shutdown.

Evelyn Cabangal, a mathematics and sciences teacher at the Fr. Fausto Tentorio Memorial School in Barangay White Kulaman in Kitaotao, said the village chief did not carry out his threats to shut the school down after an official of the DepEd in Malaybalay City called him up to say closing a school is not within the powers of a barangay chairman.

The village chief, Felipe Cabugnason, had written a memorandum order dated October 1 directing the school to voluntarily shut down within two days or be forcibly closed down by village officials.

Cabugnason had accused the school of links with the NPA and of endangering the community.

The school, named after the Catholic priest slain in October 2011 in Arakan town, North Cotabato, is a “boarding high school” run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc (MISFI) based in Davao City.

With a complement of three teachers, the school has 55 Grades 7 and 8 students, all of whom, together with the teachers, live in a dormitory in the school grounds.

But Cabangal said some of their students, children of lumad farmers and Bisaya and Illongo settlers, had not returned after going home for the weekend.

 Military operations against suspected NPA rebels are ongoing in surrounding areas near the school, about an hour’s hike from Poblacion Kitaotao.

“Some of the students have not returned,” Cabangal, in a text message, said.

Cabangal said they were also informed by the DepEd that an official from the department’s division offices in Malaybalay City will be visiting to look into the school.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/728369/deped-bucks-village-chiefs-shutdown-order-on-lumad-school

Tribal warrior, worker slain

From Tempo (Oct 6): Tribal warrior, worker slain

A tribal warrior called “Bahani” was killed in an ambush staged by unidentified gunmen in a remote town in Magpet, North Cotabato, Sunday.

Senior Inspector Felix Fornan, chief of Magpet Police, identified the victim as Joel Bia-ong, also known in his area as, “Datu Bahani” or a tribal warrior.

Fornan said Bia-ong was on his way to nearby M’lang town onboard his motorcycle when waylaid by armed men at Sitio Lacuacon, Barangay Tagbak in Magpet.

Authorities hinted the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) was behind Bia-ong’s murder.

The NPA had already declared war against “Bahani” or tribal warriors on suspicion that they were used by the Philippine Army in their campaign against communist insurgency.

In nearby Tulunan town, also in North Cotabato, a security guard of a banana plantation identified as Macario Porras Gadnana, 48, was found dead, around 6 a.m., also on Sunday.

Gadnana sustained gunshot wounds in the chest.

The victim’s body was discovered inside the motor pool of Delinanas Banana Plantation in Barangay Tambak, Tulunan.

Inspector Rolando Dillera, chief of Tulunan Police, said Gadnana was killed after a heated argument with a banana plantation worker who is now the subject of their manhunt.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/10/06/tribal-warrior-worker-slain/

Navy participates in US-led exercise

From the Business Mirror (Oct 5): Navy participates in US-led exercise

THE Navy is participating in a United States Navy (USN)-led multilateral exercise, codenamed Seacat (Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training)—together with the navies from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore—which began on Monday.

Exercise Seacat is a scenario-driven tracking exercise which focuses on real-time information exchange between the navy units involved; coordinated monitoring and close observation on maritime territory; tracking suspicious vessels; and eventual conduct of visit, board, search and seizure to the Seacat-controlled contact of interest  or the supposed suspicious target vessel.

The “field at-sea” training is carried out in each country’s territorial waters.

In the Philippines the exercise will be conducted within the area of responsibility of Naval Forces North West, which is the West Philippine Sea  area, in the vicinity off Subic Bay area, Manila and its approaches.

Cdr. Lued Lincuna, Navy Public affairs Office chief, said the exercise will see some of the command’s surface, air assets and special operations units operating with other navies, as they aim to expand information-sharing capabilities; improve interoperability among military, and law enforcement agencies in the region; and provide opportunities to participating navies to gain good working experience in a multilateral environment.

“Involved in this exercise are the two Philippine patrol vessels, air assets and members of the Naval Special Operations Group,” he said.

Also included is the high-speed USNS Millinocket (JSHV 3), which is a flexible platform that can be used to provide rapid projection of task tailored for response to a wide range of military and civilian contingencies such as non-combatant evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

“Seacat 2015 also aims to enhance the Navy’s capability in its fight against transnational crimes, and other maritime threats in the region,” Lincuna said.

Last year the same exercise started in Singapore before it sailed into the maritime territories of the participating states.

Seacat, which began in 2002 under the name Southeast Asia Cooperation Against Terrorism, was renamed in 2012 exercise to expand the scope of training among regional navies and coast guards.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/navy-participates-in-us-led-exercise/

MILF: Japanese Embassy Officials turn-over Two Storey BangsamoroWomen Training Center in Lupon, Davao Oriental

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 5): Japanese Embassy Officials turn-over Two Storey BangsamoroWomen Training Center in Lupon, Davao Oriental



Pamuka,Lupon- Officials from the Embassy of Japan turned-over on Thursday,  October 1, a two storey Bangsamoro Women Training Center Building to Bangsamoro Women Organization of Davao Oriental (BaWOrDo) headed by Jobaira Tandalong, Regional Director of BaWOrDo in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Mr.Takuhiro Watanabe, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan and Mr. Takayuki Nakagawa, First Secretary, Embassy of Japan and Chief Coordinator of Socio Economic Assistance of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), and officials of MILF Political Committee of Davao Oriental and the local Government of Lupon and Banay-Banay, Davao Oriental, led the turn over ceremony for the newly constructed training center building.

Mr. Watanabe said “That the center funded by the Embassy of Japan in 2013 cost about of P4.5 Million pesos. Funding for the training center also include procurement of training equipment.  It can cater to different types of livelihood training for women such as, Dressmaking, Soap and Candle Making, Baking, Food Processing and basic protection causes”.

Watanabe also said that “Moro women will also be trained on basic Book keeping, Accounting, and other basic livelihood training programs”.

He also added, “That the center will be used to increase the income of Moro Women, thus improving their economic condition and the Bangsamoro people in the locality as a whole”. The Japanese Official also wished that the center shall serve as a symbol of friendship and shall strengthen the partnership between the Philippines and Japan.

Mr. Watanabe assured that the government of Japan will continue to remain strongly committed in providing development and economic assistance to the Philippines in any way possible.

The MILF Political Committee Provincial Chairman expressed his utmost gratitude to the Japanese Government through her implementing agencies in the country and organizations for unending support to the Moro people in their communities thereby alleviating their economic conditions.
He also thanked the Japanese government for being a great partner in realizing the dreams and aspiration of the Bangsamoro people and the next generation to come.

The local government of the Municipality of Lupon, Hon.Mayor Domingo A. Lim was deeply honored for the construction of the center and expressed his appreciation for the support extended by Japanese Government for the social and economic development of Bangsamoro women in his municipality.

Mayor Lim said," The construction of the two storey Bangsamoro Women Training Center in Lupon, Davao Oriental by the Japanese Government symbolizes our strong partnership for the progress of Lupon and neighboring municipalities that provides empowerment to the Bangsamoro in our beloved town. As this building rises it assures progress and human development for our women and the dawning of peace in our community.

Adalia L. Tambuang, Mayor of Banay-Banay also expressed her gratitude to the Japanese Government for having the heart for the welfare of  the Bangsamoro people as she also a member of Bangsamoro Women Organization in her own Municipality of  Banay-banay.

Jobaira Tandalong, BaWOrDo Regional Director, also expressed her emotional message and said, "Alhamdulillah, with this project it seems that our dreams are coming into reality, as it will empower the Bangsamoro women in this municipality.

This project aims to capacitate and develop ourselves in the field of economics, organizational management, personal and community development.  She stressed that," The project is a legacy for the Bangsamoro women that will be passed on to succeeding generation.  We are so grateful and always be grateful to the Japanese Government and her people", she added.

Other important guest who were present during the turn-over ceremony were, Dr. Salem Lingasa, Special Officer of Islamic Foundation of Malaysia, Mr. Luqman O. Tandalong, Area manager RMO Davao, Sheikh Mohammad Shuaib Yacob, Executive Director of Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Ms.Leni Tolentino, RGGP Program Officer, Embassy of Japan, the Commander of the MILF 111th Base Command, Macarona, Board director of Lupon Islamic Welfare Association, Mr. Mohammer Lomoos, President of Lupon Islamic Welfare Associatio and Mr. Ralph Landingan, Regional Officer of Sajahatra Bangsamoro, RMT Davao.

Also present were Mr. Julius Duterte, Regional Officer of DSWD, Engineer Mr. Hasanal Lamaran, the project contractor, Datu Nasser Macarona, Over-all Chairman of the Datu of Lupon, Mr. Dennis Francisco,MILF AHJAG Team Leader, Brgy.Captain Florentino Maquilan of Poblacion and Brgy. Captain Sani C. Hanani of Ilangay, Mr. Jose Lagbawan, President of CBYDO, Engr. Casilongan of JICA, Mrs. Subayna Asenas, Municipal Accountant, Mrs. Cerela Cubero of DSWD, Mrs. Ruth Fundang of TESDA,Ustadza Jamela Sugaran and Sura Oxillo, BOD Chairman and wife of Mayor Lim, Mrs. Fatimar Macarona, Administrator of Lupon Islamic Elementary School,Inc.(LIESI), Bai Sonia Vicente, Mr. Wahab Hussien,CCCH, PC1 Mario Galendez, Lupon Chief of Police and Col. Benjamin Daniel D. Tianco, Battalion Commander of (KAMAGONG)28 Infantry Battalion, Philippines Army.

 http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/597-japanese-embassy-officials-turns-over-two-storey-bangsamorowomen-training-center-in-lupon-davao-oriental

CPP/NDF/NPA: Six military Actions Launched by NPA-NCMR on September

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 3): Six military Actions Launched by NPA-NCMR on September

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Media Statement
October 3, 2015

On the month of September, the New People’s Army from three provinces in North Central Mindanao Region successfully launched various military actions against soldiers of the 4th ID and their paramilitary troops. This month also witnessed the arrest of an army sergeant from the 26th IB and his detention as POW. Harassment operations were also launched against the rescue operations to the prisoners-of-war. Together with the region’s revolutionary forces, we would also give our salute to a comrade who offered his life during this period.

September 29, around 11 o’clock in the morning – a counter-attack was launched by an NPA platoon under Eastern Misamis Oriental-North Eastern Bukidnon (NPA EMONEB) Subregional Command against troops of the 58th IB together with the CAFGU who attempted in raiding the temporary NPA camp in Purok 2, Balahan, Mat-i, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. One Cafgu was killed and 4 members of the 58th IB was wounded on the said clash. Nothing was confiscated by the raiders and no casualties were suffered by the NPA.

September 22 – an NPA team under Mt. KitangladSubregional Command harassed soldiers from the 1st Special Forces Batallion in combat operation in Lantapan, Bukidnon. One was killed and three soldiers got wounded on this harassment.

September 21, around 6:45 in the morning – an NPA team harassed a column of troops under the 26IB in the mountainous part of Kamingawan, Brgy. Balit, San Luis. Five got killed and there were undetermined wounded reactionary troops on this harassment. A helicopter lifted their fatalities and wounded at around 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

September 20, around 4:30 in the morning – an NPA unit detonated a command-detonated explosive (CDX) to a platoon under 26IB who pursued the NPA forces which assailed Sgt. Bengil. The ambush occured in the midst of Km.13 of Barangay Policarpo, San Luis. Two regular soldier under the 26th IB and a Civilian Armed Auxilliary (CAA) were killed and four suffered wounds on this event.

September 19, 2015, around 10:45 in the morning – an NPA unit under Western Agusan Norte-Agusan Sur (NPA WANAS) Sub-regional Command successfully arrested and took Sergeant Adriano De la Peña Bengil (serial number: 831966) as POW on a checkpoint while riding a motorcycle in Km.16, Brgy. Policarpo, San Luis, Agusandel Sur. He is team leader of the Peace and Development Team (PDT) under 26th Infantry Battalion which conducted their activities in Community Organizing for Peace and Development (COPD) in Mahagsay, Agusandel Sur. He is now in the care of the custodial unit of NPA WANAS and is moved to a safe location due to the continuing rescue operations of the AFP. His family now has also received the cash through a local radio station worth P10,150 which he is about to deliver them during his arrest in the checkpoint.

September 13, around 8 o’clock in the morning – an encounter unintentionally occurred between an NPA team under Mt. Kitanglad Sub-regional Operational Command and the Licanay brothers who are both members of the Licanay criminal bandit group in SityoTandacul, Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City. The two died on the clash despite their first shot towards NPA members who they met on the forested part of the barrio. The 4th ID spokesperson used the bandit father of the two who died in order to spin a story that the Red fighters desecrated the bodies of the two. This is a desperate effort of the 1st SFB and the 4th ID in order to shield their liability for the massacre of five Lumad farmers in Pangantucan, Bukidnon last August 18.

Despite the more intensified counter-revolutionary attacks of the AFP against the revolutionary armed units of the NPA coupled with the attacks on the poor population who should have been the Boss, the revolutionary movement was never deprived of its initiative and determination to defeat the last card of the US-BS Aquino regime, the OplanBayanihan. These tactical offensives and those upcoming will be the region’s share in responding to the Communist Party of the Philippines’ call of exacting justice to the victims of instigated crimes by the AFP, paramilitary and bandit groups. The ruling system could not anymore impede the further expansion and consolidation of the revolutionary movement because they themselves teach the fighting people in building a liberating and just path which extremely contrasts the “straight path” of the reactionary Aquino clique.

(Signed)
Ka Allan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA-North Central Mindanao Region

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151003_six-military-actions-launched-by-npa-ncmr-on-september

CPP/NDF/NPA: 1st SFB Killing Machine Subling Miarangkada

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 2): 1st SFB Killing Machine Subling Miarangkada

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Pamahayag sa Media
Oktubre 2, 2015

Tataw nga mabati sa katawhan karon dinhi sa atong rehiyon ang pasistang paghari sa AFP paglabay sa pila ka dekada na human napalagpot ang pasistang diktadurang Marcos. Ang sunod-sunod nga masaker, pinataka nga pagpamusil sa mga sibilyan, pagterorisa sa mga Lumad ug tinibuok nga dislokasyon sa mga komunidad, ug lain-laing dagway sa pagpanghasi pulos nagsabwag og kalisang sa mga magbubuhis nga nagsweldo kanila, mga binuhatan sa mga daw nagsalimuang nga kontrarebolusyonaryong pwersa sa anino sa NPA. Bisan mga yanong Lumad, mga mag-uuma o ordinaryong sibilyan, NPA na ang ilang tinan-awan. Dili na malalis ang kapakyas sa ilang gidamgong pagdugmok sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan ug labaw lang nilang gibutyag ang kainutil sa Oplan Bayanihan.

Niadtong Septyembre 27, miarangkada na usab ang killing machine sa 1st SF “massacre” Battalion. Mga kapin alas dose sa udtong tutok, walay pupanagana nga girakrakan sa mga berdugong membro sa maong batalyon ang nagabiyaheng Bongo truck padulong Valencia City gikan sa Baungon, Bukidnon subay sa Sayre Highway. Pag-abot sa Purok 1 sa Barangay Cabangahan, Malaybalay City, sumala sa mga baryuhanon nga nakasaksi sa hitabo, kalit nga mi-overtake ang puti nga SUV nga gisakyan sa mga operatiba sa 1st SFB babag sa highway diretso rapido sa mga nagsakay sa Bongo.

Patay diha-diha ang drayber nga si Walter Ayuban ug iyang pasahero nga si Edwin Namatidong. Samdan ang asawa ni Walter ug giaresto ang naligo sa dugo nga laing pasahero nga si Teresita Olarte nga dayon gipasa sa mga berdugo sa 1st SFB ngadto sa CIDG sa Malaybalay City ug gipasakaan og tinumo-tumo nga kaso. Tungod kay naandan na nila, wala sila’y pagpakabana o kaha may paghunahuna bisan gamay sa ilang nabiktima nga mga sibilyan. Ang mga paryente ra sa namatay nga drayber ang nagpahiluna sa iyang patayng lawas ug sa samaron niya nga asawa. Aron walay daghang kuskos-balungos – sayon ang pag-charge nga mga NPA silang tanan.

Awtomatik dayon nga namahayag si Col. Jesse Alvarez sa 403rd BDE nga dunay nahitabong engkwentro tali sa iyang mga tropa ug mga membro sa NPA human nila gitamnan og ebidensya nga pistolang 45, mga bala ug duha ka granada. Walay kabutangan sa pasigarbo sa kintahay ilang malampusong operasyon batok sa mga NPA ang mga tigpamaba sa 403rd BDE ug 4th ID AFP nga nagpuli-puli pagpagarpar. Sama sa miaging mga hitabo, giangkon nilang dakung kadungganan ang walay lipod-lipod nga pagpangyatak sa tawhanong katungod, paglapas sa ilang kaugalingong reaksyonaryong balaud ug sa mga internasyonal nga balaud sa gubat. Nagpatuyang na lang gyud sila sa pagligis sa sibilyan nga awtoridad, gimbuhatong pamulis o kaha pagtamod sa ilang reaksyonaryong hudisyal nga proseso sa pagdumala sa mga gidudahang subersibo. Niini nga mga binuhatan, gusto nilang isilsil sa alimpatakan sa katawhan nga nagsweldo kanila nga ang armas nga ilang gihawiran mao na ang balaud. Klaro nga sukwahi sa pasiatab nga usa ka elite ug propesyonal nga unit ang 1st SFB, sa tinuod lang, ignorante pa sila kaysa CAFGU ug luog pa sa mga mangtas nga para-militar nga terorista pareho sa mga sinuhulang mersenaryo sa mga tirano sa wala pa moabot ang katilingban sa yugto sa sibilisasyon.

Syempre dahumon nato nga atubangan sa timbangan sa opinyong publiko, lig-ong barugan pa gihapon sa mga upisyal sa 1st SFB, 403rd BDE ug 4th ID, ang paghugas sa ilang naduhig sa dugo nga mga kamot sa mga kriminal nga tulubagon, bisan kung nagkahulugan kini sa pagpusta sa ilang mga ranggo ug promosyon kay ang ilang napatay mga NPA. Apan sama sa ilang idolong mangingihaw nga si Palparan, ang pasistang pagkayawan-on dunay kinutuban.

Ang katawhang nabiktima sa pasistang dikdatura nakakat-on sa pagbarug ug nasayud sila asa nga natad sa pagsukol nila dad-on ang ilang pakigbisog. Kining masukulong diwa mituhop sa galamhan sa matag Pilipino nga walay paglurang ang pangandoy sa pagkab-ot sa katilingbanong kaangayan, kagawasan ug kalingkawasan gikan sa mga mapahimuslanon ug madaugdaugon. Labaw sa tanan, duyog ug saksi sila sa padayong pag-abante sa demokratikong rebolusyon sa katawhan nga may sosyalistang perspektiba nga gipaasdang sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan ilalum sa pagpangulo sa Partido Komunista sa Pilipinas.

Pinirmahan,
Ka Allan Juanito
Tigpamaba
New People’s Army
North Central Mindanao Command

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151002_1st-sfb-killing-machine-subling-miarangkada

CPP/NDF/NPA: 2 Army Soldiers Captured in NPA Checkpoint in Monkayo were in Combat Operations

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Oct 2): 2 Army Soldiers Captured in NPA Checkpoint in Monkayo were in Combat Operations

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

Press Statement
October 2, 2015

Red fighters belonging to the Comval North Davao South Agusan Subregional Command arrested in a New People’s Army checkpoint two regular elements of the Philippine Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Casoon, Monkayo, at 1pm September 30. Seized as Prisoners of War were members of the Reengineered Special Operations Team (RSOT) Alpha Company, Private First Class NiÑo L. Alavaro (serial no. 184895) and Private First Class Marjon S. Anover (serial no. 190028). Confiscated from the two POWs were two .45 caliber pistol.

Contrary to claims of the GPH’s provincial police that the two Prisoners of War were not in active duty, POW Alavaro and POW Anover came from the Army’s headquarters in Banlag, Monkayo and were enroute to combat operations at the time of their capture, warranting the Red fighters to take action and arrest them.

In adherence to the protocols of war, the NPA custodial unit is duty-bound to treat the two Prisoners of War humanely and leniently while an investigating team subjects them to the judicial process under the tenets of revolutionary justice.

The NPA mounted the checkpoint in response to the atrocities committed by the 25th IB RSOT. The fascist Army troops committed grave human rights violations in the villages when they ransacked several houses, encamped village centers, committed serious psychological warfare and arrested civilians on account of fake criminal charges. It was the same Army unit which seized and tortured to death three Red fighters in Montevista, Compostela Valley last year.

In contrast to the Army’s innate brutality as it sustains its counter-revolutionary campaign of suppression Oplan Bayanihan, the NPA exacts revolutionary justice against the people’s enemies while adhering to the international humanitarian law.

(sgd.) Aries Francisco
Spokesperson
NPA-Comval North Davao South Agusan Subregional Command

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20151002_2-army-soldiers-captured-in-npa-checkpoint-in-monkayo-were-in-combat-operations

Philippines engage China in debate at UN General Assembly

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): Philippines engage China in debate at UN General Assembly

The Philippine delegation, headed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, engaged China during the general debate at the 70th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations. Department of Foreign Affairs said the Philippines once again invited China “to join the deliberations of the arbitral tribunal and to let the merits be decided upon on the basis of international law and with transparency rather than by recourse to coercion and intimidation.”

“With the growing support from the international community in peacefully resolving disputes in the South China Sea, including through arbitration, the Philippines believes that the final outcome of this arbitration process would pave the way for a settlement of the maritime disputes,” del Rosario said in his address to the UNGA.

China, on the contrary said it wants a peaceful settlement in accordance with international law but insisted through bilateral negotiations and consultations. China emphasized that its claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea are based on historical and legal foundations.

The Philippine delegation, for its part, stressed that “given that the South China Sea is an international waterway, the stronger the reason to settle any disputes thereof at an international level, under international law, including arbitration under Annex VII of UNCLOS.”

DFA said Philippines has maintained the position that the core issue in the South China Sea is the claim of indisputable sovereignty of China, as represented by the nine-dash line, over almost the entire South China Sea, which has no basis under international law. “We cannot, moreover, accept China’s illegal actions on its artificial islands as fait accompli,” the Secretary added.

“The world cannot allow a country, no matter how powerful, to claim an entire sea as its own nor should it allow coercion to be an acceptable dispute settlement mechanism,” Secretary del Rosario concluded.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/06/13862-philippines-engage-china-in-debate-at-un-general-assembly

Navy deploys new troops in Kalayaan Island Group

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): Navy deploys new troops in Kalayaan Island Group

The Philippine Navy sent-off new security personnel for the Kalayaan Island Group. The send-off ceremony was conducted September 28 at 2LT Lagare Tidepole Pier in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

The Navy said troop rotation, re-provisioning and replenishment on the eight island detachments in KIG were undertaken by BRP Quezon (PS70) and BRP Ivatan (AT298).

Naval Forces North West commander Commodore Jorge Amba and Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez were present during the ceremony. The strategic importance of the West Philippine Sea to national security and deployment of Fleet-Marine Forces in KIG were highlighted during the said ceremony.

“Immediately afterwards [the send-off ceremony], the entire force of the KIG Security Personnel embarked on BRPs Quezon and Ivatan, more than prepared and willing to selflessly serve by upholding the sovereignty and ensuring the territorial integrity of the Republic.”

Security forces were deployed to Lawak Island, Likas Island, Kota Island, Panata Shoal, Parola Island, Patag Shoal, Rizal Reef and Pag-Asa Island. They will relieve their fellow troopers who have been manning their posts for more or less three months.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/10/06/13870-navy-deploys-new-troops-in-kalayaan-island-group

US Navy: Some nations in Pacific continue to impose superfluous warnings, restrictions

From Ang Malaya (Oct 6): US Navy: Some nations in Pacific continue to impose superfluous warnings, restrictions

Top United States Navy officer in Pacific region, US Pacific Fleet commander Admiral Scott Swift told an audience at the Royal Australian Navy Seapower Conference in Sydney, Australia that freedom of navigation and overflight is the golden rule of a rules-based system codified in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

He added that freedom of navigation and overflight, and UNCLOS applies to all types of vessels and aircraft, military and civilian from all nations.

“It cannot be parsed, minced, or revised by any one nation’s domestic laws. It cannot be halted by coercion or encroachment. It endures regardless of competing maritime claims, no matter how longstanding or disputed, regardless of their being conceived by nature, or manufactured by man,” Admiral Swift added.

Without specifically mentioning a nation, Swift said “it’s my sense that some nations view freedom of the seas as up for grabs, as something that can be taken down and redefined by domestic law or by reinterpreting international law.”

He added that “some nations in this region continue to impose superfluous warnings and restrictions on freedom of the seas in their exclusive economic zones and claim territorial water rights that are inconsistent with UNCLOS.”

Admiral Swift warned “if even one of these restrictions were successful, it would be a major blow to the international rules-based system with ramifications well beyond the maritime domain.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/10/06/13881-us-navy-some-nations-in-pacific-continue-to-impose-superfluous-warnings-restrictions