DVIDS: Story time with NMCB 3 Seabees

From DVIDS (Feb 12): Story time with NMCB 3 Seabees

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3



160125-N-YG415-059 PALAWAN, Philippines (Jan. 25, 2016) Construction Electrician 2nd Class Leonard Verdan, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, read a short story to local Philippine students during a community relations event at Abaroan School in Palawan, Philippines. NMCB 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD)’s mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)

PALAWAN, Philippines – Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, read short stories to local children at Abaroan School District in Roxas City, Philippines as part of a community relations event, Jan. 25.

The six Seabees volunteered their time to read short stories to elementary students throughout eight different classrooms.

“I love seeing the reaction of the kids when we were reading to them,” said Builder Constructionman Devin Johnson. “Reading was a good way in giving back to the community.”

After each story was complete, the reader would ask the children questions about their favorite part of the story and tried to get to know the children a little better. Every student in the class raised their hand up as high as they can, just to talk to the reader about the story.

“I really enjoyed being able to connect with them [children],” said Utilitiesman Jamison Rigley. “They seem to like that we took the time out of our day to spend time with them.

At the end of the event, the Seabees donated all the books to the children and played few games with the students, such as Around the World, head up, seven up, and hangman.

NMCB 3’s Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD), Palawan, Philippines is currently together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 2nd NMCB, Naval Combat Engineering Brigade, to build a two classroom school building at Abaroan School District in Roxas, Philippines.

NMCB 3 is homeported in Port Hueneme, Calif., and is currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. The mission of NMCB 3 is to support Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) through construction projects and humanitarian missions in more than 14 different geographical locations.




160125-N-YG415-053 PALAWAN, Philippines (Jan. 25, 2016) Builder Constructionman Micah Parks from Tulsa, Okla., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, read a short story to local Philippine students during a community relations event at Abaroan School in Palawan, Philippines. NMCB 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD)’s mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)



160125-N-YG415-049 PALAWAN, Philippines (Jan. 25, 2016) Equipment Operator 3rd Class Christopher Tarmann, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, read a short story to local Philippine students during a community relations event at Abaroan School in Palawan, Philippines. NMCB 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD)’s mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)



160125-N-YG415-047 PALAWAN, Philippines (Jan. 25, 2016) Steelworker 2nd Class Shianne Chlupacek from Bruno, Neb., assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, shows pictures of her dog to local Philippine students during her lunch break at Abaroan School in Palawan, Philippines. NMCB 3 Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD)’s mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael Gomez/Released)

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/188688/story-time-with-nmcb-3-seabees#.Vr-oOLT2b3g

Military clarifies how 'misencounter' with MILF erupted

From CNN Philippines (Feb 13): Military clarifies how 'misencounter' with MILF erupted



Government troops in southern Philippines (file photo)

Two days after a reported clash between military troopers and fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the Army finally confirmed on Friday (February 12) that there was indeed a mistaken encounter in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan in Maguindanao last Wednesday morning.

But the military had a different version of the incident — contrary to earlier claims by the MILF.

For one, Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), described it odd that a "misencounter" could take place, given that its troops had been carrying out an operation in the area since last Friday (February 5) against the MILF's splinter group — the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Petinglay said the operation was properly coordinated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with the MILF, making it highly improbable for the Muslim rebel group to be unaware that the ongoing military offensive was directed — not at them — but against the BIFF.

Secondly, Petinglay said government troopers were fired upon first — by armed men whom they thought to be members of the lawless group.

Related: BIFF launches successive attacks vs. military detachments on New Year's eve

A soldier was killed in the first volley of gunfire. This triggered about an hour of intense firefight, which subsided only after the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) stepped in.



On Thursday (February 11), Von Alhaq of the MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) told the media that their forces clashed with soldiers in Sitio Badak, Barangay Madia the day before.

Alhaq said a fierce gun battle ensued when army troopers attacked the MILF position — leaving one of the rebels dead and two others wounded.

Col. Fiel Budiongan of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, which had jurisdiction over the area, initially refused to comment on the reported clash pending an investigation by the GPH-MILF panel.

Still supportive of peace process

Meanwhile, Petinglay added that an investigation was still ongoing to find out lapses in coordination which led to the misencounter, but she stressed that the 6ID remained open for any talks with the MILF to resolve the iron out what happened.

Related: Land dispute, not religious war, fueling Central Mindanao conflict

The incident touches on the sensitive issue of peace talks in the south and the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the aftermath of the infamous Mamasapano bloodbath in January 2015.

She said what happened, though unfortunate, was an isolated case and the military maintained its full support of the peace process with the MILF.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/02/13/Military-clarifies-MILF-misencounter.html

Philippines gains allies in arbitration case vs China – DFA chief

From the Philippine Star (Feb 13): Philippines gains allies in arbitration case vs China – DFA chief



Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario admitted yesterday that he initially felt the country was alone in the arbitration case it initiated against China and in seeking a lasting, legal and durable solution to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute. STAR/File photo

We are no longer alone.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario admitted yesterday that he initially felt the country was alone in the arbitration case it initiated against China and in seeking a lasting, legal and durable solution to the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute.

“Now, I don’t feel alone anymore. We’ve gained allies,” Del Rosario said in the ANC Headstart program.

He went on 151 official missions to other countries to negotiate and assert the Philippines’ rightful position in the West Philippine Sea.

“My job is to seek help from other countries to be on our side, to help us not only in security but also economic cooperation,” Del Rosario added.

The government, according to him, took President Aquino’s position that “what is ours is ours” and tried to sit down with China over 50 times but “got nowhere because China wants undisputed sovereignty” in the West Philippine Sea.

“China’s position is unlawful. We’re not allowed to exercise our rights in our own territory,” the secretary said.

Under Del Rosario, the Philippines was the first country to question China’s nine-dash line claim over the South China Sea.

He urged the United Nations arbitral tribunal not to give China the “golden key” that would allow Beijing to convert its nine-dash line in the South China Sea into a “Berlin Wall of the Sea” and a “giant fence” owned by, and excluding everyone but, Beijing itself.

“China wants to be a world power. To have that, they have to have the respect of other nations. They have to adhere to international laws,” Del Rosario said.

He hopes for the tribunal’s decision on the case by May this year.

Meanwhile, Del Rosario said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) would be good for the country in the long run, especially in terms of dealing with external threats “that we cannot deal with by ourselves.”

He earlier said the EDCA is moving in terms of agreed locations.

“I think the momentum will move by itself. You must remember the purpose of EDCA is to improve our capacity for addressing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities and to improve the capacity of the Philippines by being assisted in terms of its modernization program,” Del Rosario pointed out.

The US earlier welcomed the Supreme Court decision declaring EDCA, which has new components like allowing US access to existing Philippine military facilities without establishing bases, as being consistent with the Philippine Constitution.

The agreement will also allow the US to construct roads, bridges or buildings that will be owned by the Philippines, and to preposition its personnel and materials in the country to improve the Philippines’ disaster response capabilities.

Ambassador Philip Goldberg said the EDCA is also in the interest of the US by allowing it to be more present in the region.

He also said that, under the EDCA, the US has proposed more cooperation in terms of maritime security, noting that “it is an issue that has emerged as a new interest and a new challenge for the Philippine Armed Forces.”

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/13/1552485/philippines-gains-allies-arbitration-case-vs-china-dfa-chief

Kidnap for ransom cases on the rise

From the Philippine Star (Feb 13): Kidnap for ransom cases on the rise



Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have gone up since December, and anti-crime advocates believe crime syndicates may be taking advantage of a police force stretched thin due to election duties. STAR/File photo

Incidents of kidnapping for ransom have gone up since December, and anti-crime advocates believe crime syndicates may be taking advantage of a police force stretched thin due to election duties.

Teresita Ang See, founding chair of the Movement for the Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO), said the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) has investigated 30 cases of ransom kidnapping since December alone.

While there have been improvements in the police’s anti-kidnapping operations, See said much more could be achieved if families of victims would continue to cooperate with investigators.

Failure to cooperate with authorities would only embolden crime syndicates and make it harder for law enforcers to free victims and make arrests, See told reporters at Camp Crame.

“Fortunately the AKG is still focused on anti-kidnapping campaign and we encourage the victims to cooperate and the business sector – which is very vulnerable – to be very vigilant in these times,” she said.

She was at the PNP headquarters for the 4th anniversary of the AKG.

See credited the successful rescue of a kidnap victim in Tarlac to the cooperation between the victim’s family and the PNP-AKG.

“There are positive results if there is cooperation,” she said.

Just last month, See said three kidnappings were recorded by the MRPO – one in Metro Manila and two in Tarlac. See said the incidents happened one after the other.

With the police force busy with its pre-election duties like enforcing the gun ban and providing security to candidates, criminal syndicates appear to have gone into full gear, she said.

“We’re appealing to candidates to hire their own bodyguards and not to deplete the ranks of the PNP,” she said. “Let them (police) do their work.”

See also called on the PNP to intensify its campaign against car theft, saying kidnap syndicates use stolen vehicles in their criminal operations.

“We think they’re related,” she said referring to kidnapping and car theft.

See also called on authorities to look into kidnapping operations being run from the New Bilibid Prison by some high-profile convicts.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/13/1552470/kidnap-ransom-cases-rise

Tribal leader decries killing of another tribal chief by armed group

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13): Tribal leader decries killing of another tribal chief by armed group

A tribal leader from a hinter municipality of a southern province in the region expressed his grief for the killing of another tribal chief by armed group believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels recently.

Rico Maca, tribal leader of San Miguel and Chairman of the Indigenous People Crisis Committee of Surigao del Sur expressed his grief for the death of another tribal chief recently killed by armed group believed to be New People’s Army in the province, as well as to the bereaved family who now is calling for justice, according to an information released by the Philippine Information Agency 13 to the media outlets here in the region on Friday evening.

Maca is calling on the religious or faith-based organizations, the priests, nuns, cause-oriented groups, government agencies, the Office of the President and the media to unite and take real and visible actions to stop the violence inflicted by the NPAs to the lives of the indigenous people in Caraga region.

“We have been praying for years to receive justice for the other 428 tribal people (lumads) who were also killed and we cannot do this alone. We need each others’ help and cooperation. We need the government and the different organizations to be firm in response to our call to abate the misery and series of killings of our tribal(lumad) brothers. We cannot afford to lose more lives. We are human and we cannot allow these ruthless NPAs rule over us. We need to act now! I believed that humanity will still reign in us,” stressed Maca.

Maca’s call was made following the discovery of a dead man’s body riddled with bullet wounds,found buried in a mountainous area in Brgy. La Purisima, Cagwait, in Surigao del Sur on Sunday morning. It was later identified to be the remains of Cristituto Garcia, 54, a tribal leader belonging to the Manobo tribe and a resident of Sitio Hinayhayan, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur.

A former NPA member claimed that Garcia was forcibly taken by an armed group from his house and took him in front of his children in the evening of Nov. 15 last year. The armed group believed to be NPAs brought the victim to Sitio Cagburao, Cagwait, Surigao del Sur where he was accordingly shot. Garcia worked as a “Bantay Banwa” (Lumad Forest Guard) and was an active anti-illegal logging advocate.

The PIA information also said that Garcia’s death caused the commanding officer of the 36th Infantry (VALOR) Battalion, 4ID, Philippine Army based in Surigao del Sur Lt. Col. Randolph P. Rojas, to also condemn the said incident.

“We vehemently condemn the NPAs for the murder of another innocent lumad. The New People’s Army has already killed hundreds of innocent lumads in Mindanao and most of their victims came from Caraga region. We will continue to conduct security operations to protect the lumad communities in the province from that group who sows terror to them,” Rojas reportedly said.

The recent report of another lumad killing by the NPAs in Surigao del Sur, likewise prompted PIA 13 regional director Abner Caga to also condemn such act.

He called on the media, concerned organizations and localities to condemn such barbaric act.

“We are calling on our media partners to also give due attention to this incident just like how they took the scoop for news highlighting the ALCADEV members who were allegedly killed by the para military group.

We always believed that media has a vital role in presenting fair and balanced news information to the general public and we consider them our partners in creating an inform and decisive citizens in the society. More than 400 lumads were already killed by the NPAs with their families still awaiting for justice they deserved. These innocent lumads must also be given due attention more than the shameless NPAs,” Caga said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=856568

10th ID beefs up security operations in Davao Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13): 10th ID beefs up security operations in Davao Region

The 10th Infantry Division has intensified its security operations in Davao Region amid increasing number of clashes between its troopers and rebel fighters.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the move came after three encounters with New People's Army (NPA) forces took place in Pantukan town, Compostela Valley province and Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental last Feb. 11

The first encounter took place in Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan when a group of NPA rebels fired at the Detachment of 5th CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Company, 72nd Infantry Battalion in Sitio Riverside.

This was followed by another firefight around 2:30 p.m. in Sitio Post when patrolling elements of 46th Infantry Battalion encountered the fleeing guerrillas led by one alias "Raden" that harassed the CAFGU detachment in Sitio Riverside.

No casualty was reported among government forces in the incidents.

At 1:40 p.m. the same day, soldiers from 73rd Infantry Battalion figured in a 35-minute firefight with NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 71 of Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR).

The encounter took place in Sitio Binaloy, Barangay Marabatuan, Jose Abad Santos.

One soldier identified as Cpl. Joel Camus was injured while the Maoist rebels who retreated in different directions were believed to have incurred several casualties.

On Feb. 12 at about 9 a.m., soldiers of Alpha Company, 67th Infantry Battalion were conducting peace and development outreach program (PDOP) in Sitio Km. 28, Barangay Panansalan in the municipality of Compostela, Compostela Valley province when they were fired upon by a group of NPA.

A 15-minute exchange of fires ensued until the rebels fled the area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=856743

Philippines Captures Top Militant of Splinter Rebel Group

From The Diplomat (Feb 11): Philippines Captures Top Militant of Splinter Rebel Group

High-ranking leader Hasan Indal nabbed in a joint operation.

Philippine authorities have captured a high-ranking leader of a key splinter militant group, a military spokesman confirmed Wednesday.

According to Maj. Filemon Tan, the spokesperson for the Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command, Hassan Indal alias Abu Hazam, the vice-chairman for internal affairs of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) and the 4th division commander of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), was arrested in his hideout in the village of Kalanganan, west of Cotabato City late Tuesday. His son, Ali Indal, also a BIFF member, was killed during the raid after resisting arrest.

Though Indal was initially declared dead by Philippine military officials back in early 2014, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Resituto Padilla said officials are certain this time of his arrest since he had been identified by locals. The raid that led to Indal’s arrest was a joint operation of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion, the 601st Brigade and intelligence units of the 6th Infantry Division. Military officials said local villagers had helped in locating him.

Indal’s arrest comes amid ongoing skirmishes between the Philippine security forces and the BIFF, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which is the largest Muslim rebel group in the country’s south now engaged in a peace process with Manila. Security forces had initially been engaged by BIFF gunmen in Datu Salibu, Maguindanao late last Friday as they were defusing three improvised explosive devices planted near a government infrastructure project.

Major General Edmundo Pangilian, the commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, averred  that Indal may have been hiding in Cotabato to avoid the ongoing fighting. But BIFF spokesman Abu Misri Mama said instead that the ranking rebel leader, who has been suffering from diabetes, was merely in the city to seek medical attention.

During the raid, which took place close to midnight local time, security forces also recovered a loaded M-16 assault rifle, a .45 caliber pistol and a fragmentation grenade. Indal, who is wanted for a string of criminal offenses, has reportedly been turned over to the CDIG office in Cotabato City.

“This is an accomplishment not only of the security forces but of the entire community because Indal was one of the BIFF leaders who continually sowed terror among civilians by planting improvised bombs in public places,” Pangilian said.

http://thediplomat.com/2016/02/philippines-captures-top-militant-of-splinter-rebel-group/

Philippines considers 2-way sea talks with China

From ABS-CBN 9Feb 12): Philippines considers 2-way sea talks with China

The Philippines may consider two-way talks with China to resolve a territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea but only if it wins its case with Beijing at an arbitration tribunal in The Hague, Manila's foreign affairs secretary said on Friday.

China claims almost the entire disputed sea, believed to have huge deposits of oil and gas. Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Taiwan also claim the waterways where about $5 trillion of ship-borne goods passes annually.

China refuses to recognize the case lodged by the Philippines with the tribunal and says all disputes should be resolved through bilateral talks.

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, who has resigned effective next month due to health reasons, said the court may hand down a ruling before May.

"A bilateral approach per se is good," del Rosario said in a television interview, three years after Manila filed the case in The Hague, rejecting Beijing's offer of two-way talks.

"When the conclusion of the arbitration is handed down, and if it is in our favour, I think we should initiate a bilateral because we already have a platform by which we can solidly approach the negotiating table. If it's not in our favour, they will approach us."

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/02/12/16/philippines-considers-2-way-sea-talks-with-china