EDITORIAL – Enemies of peace

Editorial posted to the Philippine Star (Oct 21): EDITORIAL – Enemies of peace

Mayor Dario Otaza of Loreto town in Agusan del Sur grew weary of life in the New People’s Army and left the group, espousing peace and the welfare of his fellow lumad or indigenous people.

Last Monday night, 18 gunmen posing as members of the National Bureau of Investigation swooped down on Otaza’s home in Butuan City, grabbed him and his son Daryl, 27, and sped away in a van.  Hours later, the mayor and his son were found dead in a coconut plantation in Butuan. Their hands were tied and the bodies bore multiple gunshot wounds.

Security officials said the 18 belonged to the New People’s Army, who resented not only Otaza’s abandonment of the rebel movement but also his efforts to bring other NPA rebels back to the social mainstream. Otaza, a member of the Manobo tribe, had reportedly encouraged up to 246 other NPA rebels to follow in his footsteps and leave the group.

It was just the latest atrocity attributed to the NPA. Executing rebel returnees is one of the ways by which the NPA and its political leadership are undermining Philippine democracy. With the approach of the 2016 elections, the NPA is intensifying its extortion activities, demanding protection money from candidates as “permit to campaign fees.” The NPA and its political arm also support certain candidates and raise campaign funds by shaking down businessmen, torching the buses and installations of those who refuse to give in to the extortion.

Fear is what such attacks are meant to instill. The targets of the NPA must deprive the group of victory by refusing to be cowed into submission. But those who resist the nation’s largest outlawed armed group will need support from the government, which must intensify efforts to keep the public safe from NPA attacks.

http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2015/10/21/1513116/editorial-enemies-peace

Authorities launch manhunt for intelligence agent’s killer

From The Standard (Oct 21): Authorities launch manhunt for intelligence agent’s killer
 

Police and military elements have been deployed to track down suspects in an ambush here over the weekend that left a military intelligence agent dead and another wounded Saturday afternoon.

Senior Supt. Rex Anongos, city police director, named the slain soldier as Private First Class Denver Maguate, 25, of Pagadian City, and the wounded as PFC Aldrin Junsay Asejo, 27, of Libungan, North Cotabato.

The victims, both elements of the intelligence unit of the 11th Company of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Battalion, were riding a motorbike en route to their official base in Maguindanao when gunmen fired at them in front of the MC Square department store along Sinsuat Avenue here.

The gunmen were aboard Sept. motorcycles.

Anongos said the victims’ companion, PFC Jovert Bad-e who was riding a separate motorbike, was tailing them but did not see the attack since there was a passenger jeep between him and his comrades.

He said Maguate and Asejo, both wearing civilian clothes, were armed but failed to return fire as they crashed right after the attack. Responding police investigators recovered empty shells of cal. 45 pistol at the crime scene, he said.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division, which has jurisdictions over all military units in Maguindanao and parts of Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato, condemned the attack.

Military intelligence operatives suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters members for the attack. The BIFF has reportedly resorted to “hit and run” attacks after its organizational camps in Maguindanao had been overrun by the military in a series of offensives last February and March.

Anongos said his command was closely working with the 11th Mechanized Battalion in tracking down the suspects.

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-provinces/190017/authorities-launch-manhunt-for-intelligence-agent-s-killer.html

U.S. and The Philippines: Two Nations, One Goal for the Pacific

From PACOM News (Oct 20): U.S. and The Philippines: Two Nations, One Goal for the Pacific



CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Philippines, Gen. Hernando Iriberri, and the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Harry Harris Jr., endorse the U.S. and Philippine bilateral calendar for 2016. Gen. Iriberri visited USPACOM to co-chair the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board with Adm. Harris. Held annually since 1958, the boards provide a venue for strategic discussions on shared security topics. Board members consist of the U.S. and Philippine Service commanders, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Joint Interagency Task Force- West and the U. S. Coast Guard - Pacific Area. Following the discussions, the co-chairs endorse the bilateral activities for the upcoming year. (Photo by Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Holly Gray)

CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii – Each year key members of the U.S. and Armed Forces of the Philippines and government assemble together to build a plan for sustaining their nations’ alliance over the next year. This year, Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Philippines, led a Filipino delegation to Oahu to work out a plan for the coming year. Iriberri and Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., Commander, U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, served as the senior military representatives for their respective countries to co-chair two boards: the Mutual Defense Board and the Security Engagement Board.

Since 1958, these events have been held annually, alternating between the U.S. and the Philippines. Both boards have the same goal: bring together key military and government personnel to discuss U.S. and Philippine activities for the upcoming year.

The talks are crucial in ensuring the U.S., Philippine alliance is one of the strongest military partnerships in the region surrounding the South China Sea. Prepared to face any threat together, the two nation’s interoperability simply can’t be duplicated. An example of an activity discussed each year is the annual exercise Balikatan, Tagalog for “Shoulder-to-Shoulder.” As the translated name implies, the U.S. and Philippine armed forces work together on a variety of scenarios they could realistically face if a crisis took place in the Philippines. For example, did you know you can start a fire with just bamboo if you had no other resources after a typhoon? That exact scenario is one of the experiences the Philippine Marine Corps shared with U.S. service members during Balikatan 2015.

Balikatan and other military interactions are topics for the Mutual Defense Board. The Security Engagement Board on the other hand discusses what is called non-traditional activities. The accurately named board builds plans for the two nations to work together in the new year, particularly on the topics of humanitarian assistance, disaster response, counter-terrorism and counter-trafficking. Like the U.S., the Philippines Coast Guard and Maritime Police patrol their nation’s coast to deter and detain illegal traffickers and other waterborne criminals. As part of the Security Engagement Board, Joint Interagency-West and the U.S. Coast Guard-Pacific Area plan training opportunities with their Filipino counterparts. As a result of these discussions, U.S. and Philippines groups work together and learn from each other to improve their abilities to detect illegal traffickers and detain them for prosecution.

Like all previous years, this year’s Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board concluded their discussions with a plan for next year. Iriberri and Harris signed the activities agreement, shook hands, and thanked the many men and women from both the U.S. and Philippines Armed Forces and government representatives. Their hard work and dedication ensured another year of exercises, training and engagements that continue to strengthen both nations.



CAMP H.M. SMITH, Hawaii - Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Philippines, Gen. Hernando Iriberri, and the Commander of U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Harry Harris Jr., render honors during a ceremony at the USPACOM headquarters Oct. 19. Gen. Iriberri visited USPACOM to co-chair the Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagement Board with Adm. Harris. Held annually since 1958, the boards provide a venue for strategic discussions on shared security topics. Board members consist of the U.S. and Philippine Service commanders, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Joint Interagency Task Force- West and the U. S. Coast Guard - Pacific Area. Following the discussions, the co-chairs endorse the bilateral activities for the upcoming year. (Photo by Army Sgt. Charlene Moler)

http://www.pacom.mil/Media/News/tabid/5693/Article/624978/us-and-the-philippines-two-nations-one-goal-for-the-pacific.aspx

‘Turf war complicates Lumad problem’

From the Manila Times (Oct 20): ‘Turf war complicates Lumad problem’

He said the role of the datu is all about the “control of the ancestral domain where most of the mineral resources are.”

“It is, in fact, control of these resources. And their system has been abused,” Bautista added.

“Kanya-kanya (to each his own). Because the datus have a very big say in terms of the ancestral domain, the ancestral land… (the) consent given to the different mining companies to explore the resources there,” Bautista stressed.

“So, he is in a very powerful position,” he pointed out.

This explains why many datus and baganis came under the influence of the NPA units operating in their area.

“There are so many baganis organized by the NPA. You have heard of the Pulang Bagani Command, then there is the Magahat-Bagani, those are mostly former NPAs also, now anti-NPA, defending also their ancestral domain,” the official said in a press briefing.

Bautista, a former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), described the Lumad problem as “very complicated.”

“What we want is for them to resolve all of these issues among themselves without interference from any outside forces. And they have the means to do so. They have the facility to do so, the structure to do so and it’s just empowering them and leading them to resolve all of these issues in leadership, in the baganis, in the ancestral domains and who controls the ancestral domains, who will deal with the mining companies and we should allow them to do that,” he emphasized.

While there are Lumads who belong to the government and communist rebels, Bautista said there are non-conformists who decided to move on their own and by themselves protect their territories.

He urged the NPA to leave the Lumads alone, noting that many killings involving the local community were committed by the communist armed group whose guerrilla bases are within the turf of the indigenous community.

“There had been a lot of Lumad killings, most of them perpetrated by the New People’s Army. Hundreds have been killed already in the past so many years. It is unfortunate that the Lumads are in the center of all of this… we appeal to the CPP-NPA to please spare the Lumads,” Bautista said, adding that Lumads “deserve to live freely in their ancestral domain the way they want to do to live and we hope that this is respected.”

“Any ideological or political issue must be resolved through the most peaceful way without exploiting any groups,” he added.

http://www.manilatimes.net/turf-war-complicates-lumad-problem/224845/

Philippine police chiefs charged over AK 47 purchases

From the Gulf News (Oct 21): Philippine police chiefs charged over AK 47 purchases

Case once again puts spotlight on corruption within police ranks

Authorities have formally filed charges against five top Philippine police officials in connection with the improper purchase of firearms that turned up in the hands of communist rebels.

Police directors Gil Meneses of the Civil Security Group, Napoleon Estilles of the Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO) and Chief Superintendents Raul Petrasanta, Tomas Rentoy III and Regino Catiis were cited in court papers filed by ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales on Wednesday. An investigation conducted by the Ombudsman, the government anti-graft prosecutor, revealed a web of organised corruption in the issuance of licences to private entities for the purchase of weapons used for defence purposes. The involvement of the five top police officials underscored the corruption in the Philippine National Police as well the will of the government to prosecute erring men in uniform. Apart from the five senior police officials, seven other people, including two officers and three other non-uniformed personnel were also indicted.

“Respondents were found to have conspired in facilitating, processing and approving the applications for firearm licences of Caraga, Isla Security Agency (Isla), Claver Mineral Development Corporation and JTC Mineral Mining Corporation despite incomplete or falsified applications and supporting documents,” Carpio-Morales said. The scheme was brought to the knowledge of authorities after the military seized several AK 47s from fallen New Peoples’ Army (NPA) in Mindanao. When investigators traced the origins of the firearms, it was found out that the weapons were originally issued to mining firms. The mining firms had been allowed by the PNP Civil Security Group and the Firearms and Explosive Units to buy automatic weapons. Under Philippine law, only the military, police and security agencies accredited by the PNP can purchase automatic weapons in large quantities. Mining firms had been allowed to purchase automatic weapons on the assumption that they would be used to secure their business. But as it turned out, corruption had led to the weapons that the PNP allowed mining firms to purchase, being used by the rebels against government personnel, particularly the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP itself. Investigators discovered, among other irregularities, that Caraga was issued firearms on the basis of an expired licence. The processing of Caraga’s applications without verifying the number of firearms already issued to it, resulted in the issuance of licences beyond the limit allowed by regulations. Authorities allege Meneses even wrote notes by hand to the relevant officials to expedite the processing of firearms licences to the firms, among other anomalies.

http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/philippine-police-chiefs-charged-over-ak-47-purchases-1.1604266

Ex-scout ranger tagged in P2.4-M ATM heist

From the Philippine Star (Oct 22): Ex-scout ranger tagged in P2.4-M ATM heist



A former scout ranger was tagged in the P2.4-million robbery at a Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) automated teller machine (ATM) terminal along Aurora Boulevard in Quezon City, a police official said yesterday.

Normil Bolong, 43, used to be a member of the Philippine Army Special Operations Command before he became a security guard, Inspector Alan de la Cruz, chief of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) theft and robbery section told The STAR.

Bolong was arrested on Monday after he was identified as one of the men who took the money from the ATM, police said.

De la Cruz said Bolong was a former guard of the G4S Cash Solutions Philippines Inc., a multi-national security outsourcing provider of BPI. G4S provided the QCPD with photographs of its former and current employees.

Bolong’s three other cohorts remain at large.

Senior Superintendent Danilo Bautista, QCPD deputy director for administration, said they have formed a special task group to hunt down the suspects.

BPI technicians were repairing the ATM when the suspects struck on Oct. 13.

Police have filed robbery charges against Bolong. He denied a hand in the robbery, saying he was at home in Taytay, Rizal when the incident happened.

QCPD information officer Chief Inspector Jeffrey Bilaro said they were looking into the possible involvement of a BPI security guard in the crime.

http://www.philstar.com/metro/2015/10/22/1513308/ex-scout-ranger-tagged-p2.4-m-atm-heist

NPA responsible for atrocities against the Lumads – Cabinet official

From GMA News (Oct 21): NPA responsible for atrocities against the Lumads – Cabinet official

A Cabinet official said on Tuesday that it was the New People's Army (NPA) that was responsible for the Lumad killings in Surigao del Sur, given that the NPA would rather extort money directly from  mining companies rather than share profits with the indigenous peoples (IP).

"It was the IP communities, the IP tribes, who were negotiating with the mining companies. But that didn’t sit well with the NPA,” explained Cabinet Cluster on Security, Justice and Peace Executive Director Undersecretary Emmanuel Bautista during a press briefing at the Malacañang. “They (the NPA) want themselves to be negotiating with the mining companies. So who is trying to get control of those ancestral domains and the mining area?"

Responding to accusations that the mining companies were using paramilitaries to harass and drive out the Lumads from their ancestral domain, Baustista countered, “You have heard about the issue on the control of the mining areas and the agreement between the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army] and the local Lumad tribes there on who would to negotiate with the mining companies? We’re talking about the Malanday Agreement."

According to the Philippine Armed Forces' Civil Relations Service, the CPP-NPA-NDF [National Democratic Front] in 1994 met tribal leaders in the area  to propose that the NPA and the Lumads share the revenue coming form mining and logging operations, and agricultural plantations in the IP communities. The meeting resulted in the "Magdel-ay Agreement", which opened both parties to economic opportunities.

However, the CPP-NPA-NDF canceled the agreement ten years later and presented instead the "Malanday Agreement", which “cancelled all agreements contained in 'Magdel-ay agreement.'”

The AFP said that the communist leaders had realized that if the Lumads benefited from the economic activities, they would eventually no longer be interested in the communist group's revolutionary ends.

Because of the Malanday Agreement, some Lumad leaders decided to sever ties with the communist rebels. The NPA has since been attacking the Lumads that were against the said agreement, AFP claimed.

However, the Philippine military is being held responsible for a string of atrocities against the Lumads. The AFP has denied this, and instead blamed the atrocities on the a tribal conflict between groups affiliated with the NPA and an anti-communist paramilitary group.

But Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel was not convinced, and accused the AFP of coddling the paramilitary group. “If [the paramilitaries were] not supported by the Armed Forces, then why can we not apprehend or arrest these people?" Pimentel asked during a Senate hearing.

But Baustista insisted that government forces were not responsible for the violence. "Government is there to maintain peace and order, to uphold the rule of law, and that is the reason why government is there to protect the people and not for any other reason," he said. 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/541384/news/nation/npa-responsible-for-atrocities-against-the-lumads-cabinet-official

3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon clash – Army

From GMA News (Oct 22): 3 suspected NPA rebels killed in Sorsogon clash – Army

Three suspected New People's Army rebels were killed while two Army soldiers were wounded following a clash in Sorsogon province early Wednesday morning, a military statement said.

 

A statement from the Army's 9th Infantry Division said around 5:40 a.m., elements of the 31st Infantry Battalion engaged 15 insurgents at Sitio Baybay in Barangay Tinago in Juban town.

The rebels were reportedly headed by Andres Hubilla alias Magno/Bunso/Carlo, the statement said.

It added that government troops also recovered three high-powered firearms, two laptops, IT equipment, backpacks and other personal belongings from the rebels.

                     

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Formal peace negotiations with the communist group have remained stalled since April 2013.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/541421/news/regions/3-suspected-npa-rebels-killed-in-sorsogon-clash-army

AFP world’s 6th worst army

From The Standard (Oct 22): AFP world’s 6th worst army

THE Philippines landed in another negative list after the Armed Forces of the Philippines was ranked as the sixth worst army in the world, according to a group of former American soldiers who have turned to the Internet to cater to the information needs of United States servicemen.

Calling themselves “We Are The Mighty,” the group said President Benigno Aquino III vowed to upgrade the country’s aging navy and air force to the tune of $1.7 billion and the Congress has passed a bill appropriating $2 billion for the effort, but that is about it.

AFP

“Despite the Chinese military buildup in the region, with aggressive moves by the Chinese to claim areas and build islands close to the Philippines, the Philippines’ Naval and Air Forces are still nearly 60 years old and its ships are old US Coast Guard cutters,” the article remarked.

That places the Philippines as the sixth worst army in the world behind Costa Rica, Iraq, North Korea, Eritrea, and Nigeria. Seventh on the list is Tajikistan, followed by Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan.

But Army spokesman  Colonel Benjamin Hao said in a telephone interview he could not give an appropriate reaction on We Are The Mighty’s list and said the army is still more than a decade away from its target.

“I can only speak of our 85,000-strong Army which is already in its second base camp in its quest to become a world-class army by 2028,” Hao said, stressing, however, that the army is very much up to par “in terms of skills and training.”

“We’ve also started to modernize our individual force protection and rifle capabilities. As you can see, our mechanized armor capabilities have been tremendously upgraded like our tanks and artillery,” Hao added.

Hao was apparently referring to recent purchases of the military that was part of the P75 billion that Aquino allotted in 2011 to modernize the military.

But the modernization program of the AFP had been stalled by allegations of corruption and even the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, headed by Senator Teofisto Guingona, questioned why 98 percent of contracts of the Department of National Defense were only awarded through negotiated procurement.

Only 2 percent of the contracts awarded by the department in the last two years underwent competitive public bidding.

“In 2013, the data submitted by the DND shows that out of 35,000 contracts, only 650 contracts have undergone competitive biddings,” Guingona said in the Senate probe on the AFP modernization.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/top-stories/190114/afp-world-s-6th-worst-army.html

Army officer in Basilan fiasco

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 21): Army officer in Basilan fiasco
gets new assignment in WV

An Army officer who figured in the bungled operation in Basilan that killed 19 Special Forces soldiers in 2011, has been given another chance by the Philippine Army to command an infantry unit, this time the 61st Infantry Battalion in Western Visayas.

Lt. Col. Leonardo Peña took over the command of 61IB in Region 6, Monday exactly four years after the Al-Barka fiasco. He was then the commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion assigned in Basilan.

But Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who presided over the transfer of 61IB command in Tapaz, Capiz, said the 3ID has its” full trust and confidence in Peña”.

“With his competence and extensive knowledge in development and security, I am confident that Lt. Col. Peña will meet or even exceed the expectations of the people in his area of responsibility in implementing the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan”, Guerrero.

In 2013, the military tribunal demoted Peña, then 4th SF Battalion commander, and banned him from handling a command for two years, after he was found guilty by a general court martial as a result of bungled operation against combined forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Abu Sayyaf bandits where 19 soldiers were killed.

The 4th SF Battalion is now commanded by Lt. Col. Eliglen Villaflor, a Negrense.

The Army's elite SF troopers were supposed to serve arrest warrants to some MILF members in Al Barka town, Basilan, but the rebels, who were reportedly backed by Abu Sayyaf bandits, waylaid the soldiers and fought back.

A graduate of the US Special Forces school in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Peña, who accepted the verdict, was quoted as saying in previous interviews that he had vowed to redeem himself.

During his assumption of the 61IB command, Peña, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1991, said he will pursue the best practices initiated by his predecessor. At the same time, he vowed to ensure that the gains in peace and development campaign of the 61IB will be sustained by working collectively and collaboratively with the stakeholders.

The 61IB was previously assigned in southern Negros.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/October/21/topstory8.htm

NPA leader in Mindanao nabbed

From Rappler (Oct 21): NPA leader in Mindanao nabbed

Porferio Tuna or Ka Simon – allegedly the deputy secretary general and spokesperson of the NPA in southeastern Mindanao – is facing kidnapping and murder charges



'KA SIMON.' Porferio Tuna Jr, allegedly the deputy secretary general and spokesperson of the New People's Army in southeastern Mindanao Region, is arrested by police and the military in Tagum City on October 21, 2015. Photo courtesy of CIDG

Joint forces of the police and military arrested Porferio D. Tuna, a ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Southeastern Mindanao Region (SMR), on Wednesday afternoon, October 21.

Tuna, who has arrest warrants for kidnapping and murder, also goes by aliases Ka Simon, Pinot, Ampong, and Ricky. He is allegedly the deputy secretary general and spokesperson of the NPA in southeastern Mindanao.

Davao del Norte Police commander Samuel Gadingan told Rappler that Ka Simon was arrested within the vicinity of the La Filipina Independiente Church in Tagum City at 1pm on Wednesday. He did not resist arrest.

Captain Ryan Batchar, the spokesperson of the military's 10th Infantry Division, told Rappler: “Wala syang kasama. Wala naman kaming naging problema kasi wala siyang resistance, sumama siya peacefully.” (He was alone. We didn't encounter any problem because he didn’t resist, he came with us peacefully).

The arrest of Tuna came months after the death of Lencio Pitao aka Ka Paragu, another ranking NPA leader in Mindanao.

Batchar said Tuna was arrested by virtue of the warrants issued by two local courts. He is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges before Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley. He has a murder case with Regional Trial Court Branch 1 in Tagum City.

“Bumigay na siguro kasi na-feel ang pressure. At first ‘yong mga tao sa simbahan nag-deny na nandoon s’ya. Ang tropa kagabi pa nandoon, nag-aabang at postive na nandoon s’ya. Kanina, bumigay na talaga ‘yong nasa simbahan kaya nakuha si Ka Simon,” Gadingan told Rapppler. (He gave in because there was pressure. At first, those in church denied that he was there. The operatives were staking out since last night, and they were positive he was there. Later, today, the people in church gave in, that’s why Ka Simon was arrested.)

Asked if the operation was in any way connected to the recent killing of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, Mayor Dario Otasa and his son Daryl, Batchar said the arrest of Ka Simon was a separate effort by the joint forces.

Tuna’s arrest “means the NPA organization in SMR will be demoralized, because he is the deputy secretary general.”

Bayan Muna Representative Karlos Isagani Zarate told Rappler: “There is really an urgent need for the resumption of the peace process so that the deeper issues, the root causes of the ongoing rebellion in our country, will be addressed. This must be a priority by whoever wins in the next elections."

Tuna is detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group facility in Tagum City.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/110192-npa-leader-mindanao-nabbed

UP cops nab military spies in Diliman campus

From InterAksyon (Oct 21): UP cops nab military spies in Diliman campus

Six military agents reportedly on a surveillance operation were apprehended by the University of the Philippines Diliman police and Special Services Brigade in front of Vinzons Hall Wednesday afternoon, the Philippine Collegian reported.

The report posted on the Collegian's Facebook page
(https://www.facebook.com/philippinecollegian?fref=nf) quoted eyewitness accounts of three members of a workers' group who met with UP community leaders on preparations for the “Manilakbayan: Kampuhan sa Diliman”, a solidarity camp at the campus scheduled on October 26 that will host some 700 lumad who have embarked on a trek from Mindanao to Metro Manila to highlight the militarization and human rights violations that have driven thousands of indigenous people from their homes.

It said the agents were onboard two motorcycles, a Toyota Innova and another vehicle.

The Collegian also quoted Senior Police Officer 2 Pedro Walawala of the Quezon City Police District as saying they had taken custody of the agents who "were on an authorized operation to locate a target who was allegedly on campus" but did not say who or what the target was.

The report noted that there is an existing agreement between UP and the Department of National Defense - the Sotto-Enrile Accord - that bars the military from entering the university premises.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119244/up-cops-nab-military-spies-in-diliman-campus

9ID starts training 90 candidate soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 9ID starts training 90 candidate soldiers

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- After a rigid screening of hundreds of applicants for candidate soldiers, 90 new recruits took their oath for the Candidate Soldier Course Class 396-15 during a simple ceremony held at the 9th Infantry Division Grandstand on Tuesday with Brig. Gen. Ignacio A. Obligacion as keynote speaker.

The event signals the start of a four-month training for the new recruits under the 9th Division Training School.

The trainees will be molded to become soldiers with sufficient capability to defend the Constitution and democracy of the country, disciplined and with respect for the human rights of every Filipino.

The 90 new recruits were a product of five-month process of elimination from hundreds of applicants.

They passed the various stages of screening from registration and initial validation of supporting papers up to trade test, screening interview, physical fitness test, initial deliberation board interview, final PFT, hepatitis test and drug test, neuro psychological screening, medical and dental examinations, background investigation, final deliberation board and HPA validation.

The new recruits came from Camarines Sur, 20 percent; Camarines Norte, 8 percent; Albay, 20 percent; Sorsogon, 12 percent; Catanduanes, 4 percent; Masbate, 4 percent; and outside Bicol, 22 percent.

Nine percent of them are college graduates; 20 percent, college level; 30 percent, vocational graduates; and 31 percent, high school graduates.

The rigid screening was based on the objective of the 9ID to select only “the best and the smartest” among the applicants because they will be part of the mission for peace and development of the Bicol Region.

Obligacion said the new recruits are fortunate since they were chosen from hundreds of recruits but this does not mean that they are already full-fledged soldiers since they will still undergo a rigid training which requires strength and courage to become a member of the Philippine Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=817926

VIDEO | 2 Chinese diplomats dead, consul general hurt in Cebu Lighthouse shooting

From InterAksyon (Oct 21): VIDEO | 2 Chinese diplomats dead, consul general hurt in Cebu Lighthouse shooting



Police forensic team take away body of a shooting victim from Lighthouse Restaurant in Cebu City. Screenshot extracted from News5 broadcast.

CEBU CITY – (UPDATE 7:45 PM) The deputy consul general and finance officer of the Chinese consulate in Cebu were killed, and Chinese Consul-General Song Rong Hua was wounded in a shooting that broke out inside a function room of Lighthouse Restaurant here around noon Wednesday.

The consul general's birthday was reportedly being celebrated when the suspect, a certain Li Qingling, said to be a retired consul, shot him.

Li was reportedly accompanied by his wife, identified as consular officer Guo Jing.

Song and Li were said to be embroiled in an argument before the shooting took place.

Guo and Li were arrested on suspicion of involvement in the shootings, Philippine National Police spokesman Wilben Mayor told Agence France-Presse.

Officers retrieved a semi-automatic .45 Colt pistol and three bullet shells from the scene, he added.
The Region 7 Police intelligence branch has started an investigation to look into the details of the incident and subject the suspect to tactical interrogation.

Police said the attack occurred at 1:30 p.m. (0530 GMT) at Lighthouse, a popular restaurant that serves Filipino food in Cebu, the trading capital of the central Philippines and the nation's second biggest city.

Staff at the upmarket restaurant told AFP a group of nine people had gathered in a private room to celebrate the birthday of Song.

Restaurant cashier Remedios Rivalde, 27, said she was at work at the cash register outside of the function room when she heard gunshots.

"I dived under the counter and covered my ears. Then there were other shots that followed," Rivalde said by phone.

She said the reservation had been made shortly before lunch for the consul general's birthday, and the group had ordered a banquet that included popular local delicacies such as tuna head, shrimps and roasted pork.

"They ordered a lot of food, but no liquor," she said.

Bullet through the neck

Song was shot in the neck, but his injuries were not believed to be life threatening and he was in a stable condition in hospital, regional police chief Tom Banas told AFP.

"The bullet went clear through (his neck)," Banas said.

Police identified his dead staff members as Sun Shan (earlier reported as Sun Shen), the deputy consul general, and Hui Li, a finance officer.

Banas said the husband and wife were arrested without any resistance.

But he said they had not immediately co-operated with police, and so the details of the shootings and the motives were not known.

"They claimed they can not speak English. Maybe they don't want to give a statement," he said, adding they had a lawyer.

Lighthouse manager Stephen John Patero said staff did not see the shooting because only the guests were in the private room at the time.

But he said waiters who served them beforehand had heard the guests shouting at each other.
"They are all friends who apparently figured in an argument," he said.

Song was born in October, 1962, according to a biography published on news website Sina News.

He has been a career diplomat, joining the foreign ministry in 1987 then serving in New Zealand, Japan and Hong Kong before his current posting, according to the biography.

A spokeswoman at the Chinese embassy in Manila, Li Lingxiao, said she could not yet comment.

"Our embassy is still verifying the facts. We'll update you as soon as I have anything new," Li said in a text message to AFP.

Philippine Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose also said he had no comment, as authorities were still determining what happened.

Watch the video below:

[Video report]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/119227/video--2-chinese-diplomats-dead-consul-general-hurt-in-cebu-lighthouse-shooting

Sayyafs free kidnapped Filipino mining executive

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 21): Sayyafs free kidnapped Filipino mining executive

Abu Sayyaf rebels have freed a Filipino nickel mining executive they kidnapped in May in Tawi-Tawi province in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Captain Roy Trinidad, a military spokesman, said Priscillano Garcia – who works for a mining firm in Tumbagaan Island in Languyan town – was released on Tuesday evening in the town of Indanan in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Garcia was already in a boat bound for Zamboanga City when government soldiers tracked down in Jolo town, according to Trinidad.

Other reports said Garcia was released by the rebel group after paying over a million pesos in ransom. But Trinidad told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner that “the rebels freed the victim due to continued military operation against them.”

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding about a dozen Filipino and foreigners they kidnapped in different areas in the southern Philippines.

Last year, the Abu Sayyaf also released two mining workers – Marcial Espana and Eddie Reubal – after almost a year in captivity in Sulu’s Patikul town. The two men were seized in May 2013 in Tawi-Tawi province – along with Mar Hadjula, who was later freed – while working for SR Languyan (nickel) Mining Corporation.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/sayyafs-free-kidnapped-filipino-mining-executive/

Aggressive China up in Manila-Hanoi talks

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 21): Aggressive China up in Manila-Hanoi talks

FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh will meet in Hanoi Wednesday to forge closer ties amid the aggressive moves of China in pressing their claim on the disputed South China Sea.

Del Rosario said he will meet Minh, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, during the Ministerial Meeting of the 8th Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation where they will discuss various issues, including security and maritime cooperation.

He said other areas of cooperation that would be discussed include political, economic, defense and agriculture.

“The meeting is an opportunity to discuss developments in our bilateral relations which have expanded significantly and strengthened and diversified through cooperative activities,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

“As both maritime nations with rapidly developing economies, the future of the Philippines and Vietnam are closely linked and it is natural that the bilateral relations of both countries should strengthen and intensify,” he added.

At present, economic relations between Manila and Hanoi are limited with two-way trade amounting to $2.6 billion in 2013 with the two countries setting a modest target to raise it to $3 billion by 2016.

Investment by Philippine companies in Vietnam is at a modest $290 million, while Vietnamese investment in the Philippines is negligible.

The Ministerial Meeting was preceded by a Seniors Official’s Meeting held last month also in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The Philippines and Vietnam are in the process of finalizing a strategic partnership, which was agreed upon by both President Aquino and Vietnamese President Tan Sang in 2014 during their meeting on the sidelines of the 26th APEC Summit.

http://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/aggressive-china-manila-hanoi-talks

Military taps lumad soldiers for education program

From the Business World (Oct 20): Military taps lumad soldiers for education program

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippine’s (AFP) 4th Infantry Division based in Northern Mindanao is tapping 125 soldiers who belong to indigenous peoples (IP) groups for an education program that will be implemented in their home communities.

Capt. Joe Patrick A. Martinez, spokesperson of the AFP division, said the IP or lumad soldiers have been pulled out of their respective bases and are now undergoing training from the Department of Education (DepEd) through the alternative learning system (ALS).

 

“These soldiers range from privates to sergeants. They will wear their traditional clothing once they will be integrated back to their barangays and they will be unarmed,” Mr. Martinez said in an interview last Monday.

 

The soldiers, who belong mostly to the Higaonon and Manobo tribes, will be deployed before the end of the year to 35 pilot villages (barangay) where they will organize their respective ALS units.

Reports of human-rights violations, including killings, of various IP groups in different parts of Mindanao have recently brought attention to the plight of the lumad, not a few of them forced to flee their homes and now living in evacuation sites.

The AFP and paramilitary groups have been blamed for the atrocities. The military, on the other hand, blames the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as well as infighting among the IPs.

The military has also accused some IP members of supporting the NPA.

The 4th Infantry Division maintains military jurisdiction in eight provinces: Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

As this developed, a delegation from the IP advocacy group Kalumbay will arrive in Manila on Monday to join the Manilakbayan ng Mindanao 2015, an annual caravan of IP leaders and supporting non-government groups intended to bring to the capital their concerns.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=military-taps-ilumadi-soldiers-for-education-program&id=117287

Colmenares: 'Left is not evil'

From ANC/ABS-CBN (Oct 21): Colmenares: 'Left is not evil'

[Video: Colmenares: 'Left is not evil' 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keCvnTLG3y0]

A vocal leftist leader himself, Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Wednesday disputed the persisting negative perception among Filipinos against left-leaning, progressive groups.

Speaking to ANC's Headstart, Colmenares said leftists have been branded "evil" because of politicians who want to discredit the left.

"The problem here really is that most of the presidents and public officials that we've exposed as corrupt or abusive, they tried to package us as, of course, Left and that Left is evil. Ang problema is kung madala ang taumbayan sa ganong klaseng box," Colmenares said.

Colmenares, who is running in the 2016 senatorial race, also appealed to the public to examine leftists beyond the negative image.

"That's why we are asking the people that this connotation of Left, just transcend it and see what did we do. Kasi the moment you transcend that, hindi ka na magba-bias pa...they will see that we did a lot of things for them, for the Filipino people," the lawmaker said.

A Makabayan bloc member at the House of Representatives, Colmenares believes the "evil packaging" of the Left has been around to prevent the "real" pro-poor leaders from getting elected to higher public offices.

"At kung manalo palagi ang military o 'yung mga abusive government officials doon sa packaging sa amin whether Left or Left-of-center or Left-leaning, then there will never be a chance that the people would be able to vote for what we believe as the real voice of the people in Congress," Colmenares said.

His colleagues such as Liza Maza, Satur Ocampo, and Teddy Casiño have all failed to secure Senate seats in previous polls. Colmenares is however hopeful for victory.

READ: Colmenares finds new friends in old foes

"We've made our positions known and we've always told any political party or any group that we are independent. And if there are support coming from other sectors, they should not ask anything in return," he added, amid new-found support from political figures.

Colmenares said he would push for the passage of his bills such as lowering taxes on income, electricity and oil, as well as increasing SSS pensions, among others, if he wins in the 2016 polls.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/21/15/colmenares-left-not-evil

Yes for Peace, govt. agencies assert peace as a human right

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 21): Yes for Peace, govt. agencies assert peace as a human right

Peace advocates recently unveiled a marker to underscore the call of more than 11.2-million Filipinos for the permanent cessation of hostilities between government forces and all armed groups.

Mr. Ernesto Alcanzare, lead organizer for Yes for Peace - Bayanihan para sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganahan said the spate of killings of Lumads (indigenous people) in Surigao del Sur, which once again brought out the ugly effects of armed conflicts, prompted them to unveil the Yes for Peace Rock at the College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Palma Hall, University of the Philippines, Diliman.

"The marker also symbolizes their call for the conduct of peace negotiations here in the Philippines instead of abroad and for the collective involvement and participation of all stakeholders in implementing programs and projects agreed upon and may be agreed upon in open and participatory peace talks,” Alcanzare said.

For his part, Commission on Human Rights chairman Martin Gascon, who attended the simple ceremonies, recalled in his speech, “Yes for Peace started as Di-Yes for Peace more than two decades ago and convinced the UP Board of Regents to declare all UP campuses a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality.”

Gascon also reminded officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police of their duty to protect the human rights of the Filipino people.

Meanwhile, General Hernando DCA Iriberri, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured the Filipino people that, “the AFP through the IPSP Bayanihan will continue its pursuit of peace with utmost respect for human rights and emphasis on the role of our stakeholders. The AFP will remain as the staunch and reliable ally of our peace-loving citizens in wining and securing the peace for our country.”

For his part, PDG Ricardo C Marquez, Chief, Philippine National Police emphasized that, “there is a need to encourage all government agencies to participate in various activities to instill greater public awareness and understanding of the meaning and culture of peace as well as its process.”

For her part, Dean Grace Aguiling – Dalisay of the UP College of Social Sciences and Philosophy said that while the Yes for Peace Rock is important to mark what has happened, it is more important that more people know more what Yes for Peace is all about. “

For more information on Yes For Peace and how to be part of its advocacy, please visit its website at www.yesforpeace.com.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/261445403513/yes-for-peace-govt-agencies-assert-peace-as-a-human-right

61 IB commander to focus on "Bayanihan"

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 21): 61 IB commander to focus on "Bayanihan"

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” remains a priority directive for the newly-assumed commander of the Army here.

In his speech during the change of command for the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion based in Lagdungan Tapaz town, 3rd Infantry Division Commander Major General Rey Leonardo Guerrero  urged Lt. Col. Leonardo Peña to meet or even exceed the expectations of the people in his area of responsibility especially in implementing the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.

Peña  assumed the post in a ceremony, October 19, vice Lt. Col. Victor Llapitan.

“The command has its full trust and confidence in Lt.Col. Peña as he assumes command of 61IB,” said Guerrero.

With Peña’s competence and extensive knowledge in development and security, Guerrero said he is confident that he will meet or even exceed the expectations of the people in his area of responsibility.

Peña, a native of Batangas and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1991, also finished his   Master of Science in Defense Analysis (National Security Affairs) from the  Naval Post Graduate School in California, U.S.A. and his  Master in Public Management major in Development and Security from the Development Academy of the Philippines.

Guerrero also acknowledged the dedication, sacrifices and remarkable accomplishments of the outgoing 61IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Llapitan that  contributed much to the accomplishment of the 3ID’s mission, particularly the successful implementation of the IPSP “Bayanihan” which led to the declaration of Capiz and Iloilo provinces as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development last December 2014 and March 2015 respectively.

For his part, Peña vowed to pursue the best practices that were started and initiated by his predecessor and ensure that the gains in peace and development in the battalion’s area of operations will be sustained by working collectively and collaboratively with the stakeholders.

Part of the activities during the ceremony was the recognition of the all-out support of Governor Victor Tanco and the provincial government of Capiz.

Also recognized were the national government agencies, local government units, non-government and civic organizations as well as private individuals and groups for their commitment, support and cooperation in pursuing peace, security and development in the community.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991445324286/61-ib-commander-to-focus-on-bayanihan-

2 rebels hurt as BIFF harass Army base in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 2 rebels hurt as BIFF harass Army base in Maguindanao

Two members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were hurt after a botched attack on an Army detachment here Tuesday night, police said.

Chief Inspector Abdulbasit Kulod, Datu Salibo town police chief, said about five heavily armed BIFF guerrillas attacked at 7 p.m. the detachment of 3rd Platoon, 21st Mechanized Company of the 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Sitio Gadong, Barangay Sambolawan, Datu Salibo town.

The attackers fired rocket propelled grenades toward the Army detachment base manned by alert infantrymen who retaliated and fired back with their assault rifles towards the attackers.

Village residents later told police they saw the attackers fleeing, with two of their comrades wounded.

Kulod said no one was hurt among the Army personnel who quickly maneuvered its armored personnel carrier and chased the rebels who disappeared using the cover of darkness toward a nearby marshland.

Kulod said normalcy has been restored, and that passage of commuters on a highway in Barangay Sambolawan was not affected by the incident.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division provost marshal, condemned the harassment and reiterated the directive of Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th ID chief, for all military units in Maguindanao to maintain alert status.

The BIFF had been blamed for the series of “hit and run” attacks on military personnel either in military detachments or in non-combat activities.

”They have been into guerrilla attacks after they were almost reduced to nothing when the Army launched law enforcement operations in February to March this year,” Hermoso said.

At least 50 BIFF and 10 soldiers were killed during the two-month air and land assaults on BIFF lairs in Maguindanao’s second district.

Hermoso said soldiers under the 6th ID had been directed to refrain from traveling on motorbikes along highways of Maguindanao as precaution.

On Sunday, an Army intelligence operative was killed in the outskirts of Cotabato City, while his companion was wounded in a broad day light attack by BIFF militants.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=817650

Ranking CPP-NDF-NPA leader arrested in Tagum City

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Ranking CPP-NDF-NPA leader arrested in Tagum City

Joint operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police arrested on Tuesday afternoon one of the top men of the Communist Party of the Philippines/National Democratic Front/New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) in Mindanao.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 spokesperson Antonio Rivera identified the communist leader as Porferio D. Tuna, who is also known as Pinot/Ampong/Ricky, the deputy secretary of the rebel group's Southern Mindanao Regional Command.

Rivera said Tuna, who sometimes issues press statements from the communist movement aside from a certain "Ka Oriz", was arrested at La Filipina, Tagum City by the joint elements from the 10th Infantry Battalion, the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)-Davao del Norte and the Tagum City Police Office when they served the warrants of arrests issued by a Nabunturan court.

Tuna is facing kidnapping and serious illegal detention filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

Rivera said Tuna is currently detained at the CIDG-11 in Tagum for proper disposition and filing of cases against him.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=817932

PAF conducts air recon, assessment of 'Lando' battered areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): PAF conducts air recon, assessment of 'Lando' battered areas

Philippine Air Force (PAF) units conducted aerial reconnaissance and assessment of areas battered by Typhoon "Lando," discovering much damage Tuesday.

"Two Sokol helicopters of the 505th Search-and-Rescue Group piloted by Capts Ombao, Sadama, and 1st Lt. Rengel and Solano proceeded to Baler, Aurora and two UH-1Ds piloted by Major David, Capts Cervantes and Palisoc and 1st Lt. Belen and Ronquillo over the areas of Camiling, Tarlac and Bayambang, Pangasinan but was unable to proceed to Wallace, La Union due to bad weather enroute," PAF spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said.

The extend of damage, especially to crops, were seen during the overflight.

Aside from this, teams from the 600th Air Base Wing of the 1st Air Division and Philippine Coast Guards were sent to barangays Sta Isabel and Bagong Sikat, both of Cabiao, Nueva Ecija to distribute assorted relief goods using their rubber boats.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817579

3 rebels killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Sorsogon clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 3 rebels killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Sorsogon clash

Three New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed while two soldiers from the 31st Infantry Battalion were wounded during a clash in Juban town, Sorsogon Wednesday.

The encounter between government forces and 15 NPA fighters took place at 5: 40 a.m.in Sitio Baybay, Barangay Tinago, Juban town of the said province.

Capt. Clint Antipala, 903rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said the rebels were headed by one Andres Jubilla

Three high-powered firearms, two laptops, IT equipment, seven backpacks with personal belongings and subversive documents were recovered in the encounter site.

Antipala said government troops were conducting security operation to ensure the safety of the civilian doctors and other stakeholders participating in the so-called medical, optical, legal and dental (MOLD) mission in Barangay Pili and other nearby communities of Magallanes town, Sorsogon when they encountered the rebel force.

In the issuing encounter, three of the rebels were killed and two troopers were wounded.

The NPAs quickly retreated after sustaining this heavy loss.

The MOLD mission are being conducted by the 903rd Infantry Brigade and partner stakeholders such as UNTV, Kamanggagawa Foundation Inc. and “Ang Dating Daan” of Brother Ely Soriano.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817711

PAF C-130s now conducting relief operations in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): PAF C-130s now conducting relief operations in Aurora

Philippine Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes have started carrying food packs, generator equipment and other essential relief items to help families severely affected by Typhoon "Lando" in Baler and Casiguran towns in Aurora Wednesday morning.

Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF spokesperson, said the first C-130 cargo plane arrived Baler Airport at 8 a.m. with 840 family food packs.

After unloading some of the relief goods, the same aircraft proceeded and arrived Casiguran Airport at around 9:25 a.m. and continued the delivery of relief goods.

Canaya said the relief operations was also supervised by local government unit officials with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Jullano-Soliman and Office of Civil Defense Under Secretary Alexander P. Pama.

Also, the second C-130 arrived Baler Airport at 9:50 a.m. with 660 family food packs, 1,680 blankets, 1,968 sack mosquito nets, 270 malong and other necessities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817725

3 more Aussie LCHs to enter PN service by 2016 Q1

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): 3 more Aussie LCHs to enter PN service by 2016 Q1

Three more "Balikpapan" class LCHs (landing craft heavies) are scheduled to arrive and be commissioned in Philippine Navy (PN) service by the first quarter of 2016.

These ships are the HMAS Balikpapan, HMAS Wewak and HMAS Betano. The Royal Australian Navy decommissioned these LCHs in November 2014.

The three are sisters to BRP Ivatan (formerly HMAS Tarakan) and BRP Batak (ex-HMAS Brunei) which were commissioned into PN service last Aug. 10.

LCHs are an extremely versatile vessel, capable of moving large amounts of cargo, personnel and equipment from larger ships to shore.

A very shallow draft (two meters) allows these ships to deliver personnel and equipment to areas otherwise unreachable especially during humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations.

It is an all-welded twin-screw vessel, able to trans-ship cargo and supplies from ships lying offshore to water terminals or across the beach.

Maximum cargo load is governed by the load-fuel balance and varies between 140 and 180 tons.

A typical load of 175 ton gives the LCHs a range of 1,300 nautical miles, increasing to 2,280 nautical miles for a load of 150 tons.

Up to five shipping containers with HADR supplies and equipment can also be embarked.

LCHs have a draft of two meters, length of 44.5 meters, beam of 10.1 meters and displacement of 364 tons.

It has a speed to 10 to 13 knots and a range of 3,000 nautical miles and a crew of 15.

Sources said that the three ships were acquired at their respective "salvage value" which is 10 to 15 percent of the actual value of the LCHs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817792

Palace: Gov’t ready to resume talks with communist group

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Palace: Gov’t ready to resume talks with communist group
 

Malacanang on Wednesday said the government remains ready to resume peace negotiations with the communist group without any condition.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda reiterated its commitment to pursue a peace deal with the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) despite death of Loreto, Agusan del Sur Mayor Dario Otaza, a former NPA rebel and a Lumad peace advocate.

Otaza and his son Daryl were found dead Tuesday morning just hours after they were abducted from their home in Butuan City by armed men believed to be members of the NPA.

“We have always been ready to discuss the table with them regardless of what happens on the ground… Handa po ang gobyerno (to return to) the peace table to resume talks provided that they don't impose any conditions. They are the ones who are imposing the conditions,” said in a Palace press briefing.

“So if they wish to proceed with the peace talks, with no conditions, why not? That is always the agreement that we have,” he added.

The Palace official also assured that the government will continue holding its serbisyo caravan for peace and development.

“We will continue to show the services what government has done and can do for them,” stressed Lacierda.

“We will continue to also convince the people why it makes sense to return to the fold of government. There is no reason for them to remain in the mountains,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817827

Ranking NPA leader nabbed in Tagum City

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Ranking NPA leader nabbed in Tagum City

Government security forces arrested a ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA)'s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee during operations in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City Wednesday afternoon.

Arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 3, Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley was Porferio D. Tuna, alias "Pinot/Ampong/Ricky".

He was bagged by the joint elements of 10th Infantry Division, Tagum City Police and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Davao Del Norte.

Tuna is also known as Ka Simon Santiago, SMRC Spokesperson and Second Deputy Secretary.

He was the former Front Secretary of Guerilla Front 25 and the current head of the Regional Instructors Bureau.

Tuna will also be facing raps for murder with Criminal Case Number 20502 filed at RTC, Branch 11 Judicial Region Branch 1, Tagum City.

Major Rafael Valencia, 10th Infantry Division commander, commended the 10th Infantry Division and PNP personnel involved in this successful operations.

"I extend my utmost congratulations to the soldiers and policemen who participated in this operation. We will continue to insure that the long arms of the law will catch up with members of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee who have terrorized our people for so long," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817929

Participation of progressive leftist groups in politics, good for country's democracy, says official

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 21): Participation of progressive leftist groups in politics, good for country's democracy, says official

The government wants progressive leftist organizations to become active participants in the country's politics to give them an opportunity to air their views, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Wednesday.

A spate of killings in Mindanao, including the slaying of Lumads, has called attention to the need for the government to distinguish between armed communist guerillas and those who belong to legal fronts.

On views that, following the repeal of the Anti-Subversion Law, the New People's Army (NPA) gained momentum in some areas and grew bolder with the support of organizations that are considered legal, Lacierda said the Supreme Court has already declared the Anti-Subversion Law unconstitutional and this cannot be reversed.

"Now, certainly, we want the progressive left to come join the mainstream," he told reporters during a media briefing in Malacañang.

"That is why you have the participation of Bayan Muna, Bayan, and all the other progressive left organizations, which is good because they participate in the mainstream society. They are able to discourse in public their views," he explained.

"As to whether they are fronts of the New People's Army and all that, that is not something that we would like to comment on. It is up to them to convince people what their organizations are."

As to whether these organizations are violating the law, there are laws and guidelines that the government must enforce, he said.

There are laws for specific crimes, for instance, sedition or inciting to sedition, Lacierda said, adding that it is up to authorities to determine whether these groups break the rules.

"Alam nila kung ano 'yung batas. ‘Yan po ay isang bagay na, on the progressive left, kaya sila bumaba, kaya sila nag-join ng mainstream ay talagang kailangan din natin ang kanilang tinig para magkaroon ng mas magandang diskusyon sa publiko," he said.

Members of the NPA are suspected of being behind the recent killing of a Lumad mayor and his son in Agusan del Sur province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=817914