2 MNLF leaders run for mayor in Mindanao

From the Philippine Star (Mar 26): 2 MNLF leaders run for mayor in Mindanao



Flag of the Moro National Liberation Front

Two top leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are aspiring for the mayoral posts in two Mindanao cities they each served as mayor for three consecutive terms after the crafting of the group’s final truce with Malacañang in 1996.

Muslimin Sema and his long-time revolutionary comrade, Solitario Ali, former mayors of the cities of Cotabato and Marawi, respectively, have started campaigning on Saturday.

The duo made part of their separate campaign pitches their renewal of commitments to the Southern Mindanao peace process and to a continuing advocacy for interfaith and cultural solidarity among southerners to hasten the attainment of peace and development in the two cities and elsewhere.

Unlike some former Moro rebels who first surrendered and availed of government amnesty before joining mainstream politics, Sema and Ali remained as revolutionaries from the time they joined the group as young idealists in the 1970s until the crafting on Sept. 2, 1996 of their final compact with the government, then under President Fidel Ramos.

Ali had undergone masteral study on development management at the Asian Institute of Management. He authored Marawi City's 10-year solid waste management plan while he was its city mayor. 

Sema has had extensive exposure on peace and governance studies in the late 1990s, sponsored by different foreign donors helping push the Mindanao peace process forward, among them the Canadian International Development Agency, benefactor of the ten-year Local Government Support Program in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sema and Ali were recipients of many awards and citations, on governance, on public administration and for their involvement in peace advocacy programs while they were still mayors.

“Until now we are proud members of the MNLF and we are strong partners of the government in finding lasting negotiated political solution to the Mindanao Moro issue,” said Sema, chairman of one of three factions in the front, founded jointly in the 1970s by Nur Misuari and Egyptian-trained cleric Imam Salamat Hashim.

Hashim, born in Pagalungan town in Maguindanao, eventually bolted from the MNLF in the late 1970s due to irresolvable differences with Misuari, who hails from Sulu, and established the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Unlike Misuari, who is so opposed to the ongoing government-MILF peace overture, Sema and Ali are both visibly friendly to the breakaway group.

Ali, who is of pure Maranaw descent, leads a bloc of MNLF members in Marawi City, in Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte and in nearby areas in Administrative Region 10.

Followers told The STAR Ali remained unquestionably loyal to the 1996 government-MNLF peace accord despite misunderstandings on the implementation of many of its sensitive provisions.

“He never spoke ill against the government for not having complied with some provisions of the peace pact. He just supported all peaceful means of addressing the snags in the implementation of the peace agreement,” a Maranaw elder, who asked not to be identified for his being a career government official, told The STAR.

The groups led by Sema and Ali also both stood down calmly and did not participate in the deadly September 2013 siege of Zamboanga City by some comrades in other MNLF factions, asserting they adhere to their peace agreement with Malacañang and that misunderstandings on the implementation of some of its provisions are best addressed via dialogues mediated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The OIC, an organization of more than 50 Muslim states, including petroleum-exporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa, helped broker the 1996 government-MNLF truce.

Sema and Ali have not been opposing too Malacañang’s dealings with the MILF, which splintered from the MNLF in the early 1980s.

“The MNLF and the MILF are fighting for only one Bangsamoro people. While the Bangsamoro is comprised of different groups having different tribal identities, all wants peace and achievable development in their communities,” Sema said.

Ali’s brother, Fahad, now outgoing mayor of Marawi City, is aspiring for the gubernatorial post of Lanao del Sur. Fahad’s third and last term as Marawi City mayor will end on June 30, 2016.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/03/26/1566311/2-mnlf-leaders-run-mayor-mindanao

Analyst: Manila vs Beijing ruling to affect nations with similar claims

From the Philippine Star (Mar 25): Analyst: Manila vs Beijing ruling to affect nations with similar claims



Paul Reichler, the Philippines's lead counsel for its case against China over maritime claims in the South China Sea, speaks before the international tribunal in the Hague in July 2015 for the jurisdictional hearing. PCA / Released

Other nations with expansive maritime claims over remote islets may have to reconsider their position if the international tribunal established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) will rule in favor of Manila in its case against Beijing, an analyst said.

The Philippines in 2013 filed an arbitration case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands to challenge the latter's claims over the South China Sea. The ruling is expected to be out in May this year.

Academia Sinica research fellow Yann-Huei Song said that the expected favorable ruling for the Philippines may set a precedent that will affect the claims of several nations calling on China to abide by decision.

READ: Obama, SE Asian leaders seek resolution to maritime disputes

"For instance, Australia, Brazil, France, Japan, and the United States all make expansive maritime claims from remote islets that are not dissimilar in size or habitability to some of the Spratly Islands that the Philippines insists are legally rocks, not islands," Song said in an article published in the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Song explained that all states with the similar claims may face pressure to abide by the precedent set if the tribunal rules that the features in the disputed sea are rocks and cannot generate a 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) or continental shelf as stated in accordance with the Article 121 of UNCLOS.

"That means that McDonald Island (Australia), Clipperton Island (France), Saint Peter and Paul Rocks (Brazil), Okinotorishima (Japan), and Howland Island, Baker Island, and Kingman Reef (the United States) should generate only 12-nautical-mile territorial seas, not EEZs or continental shelves as their owners currently claim," the maritime analyst said.

The expected ruling of the tribunal in connection to the Spratlys, particularly Itu Aba or Taiping Island which are "rocks" under UNCLOS, will affect the claims of the US.

Howland Island, Baker Island and Kingman Reef in the Pacific Ocean contain no fresh water, no agricultural soil and no permanent population. Under Article 121 of the UNCLOS, they they are not able to "sustain human habitation" or "economic life."
During its 1986 annual meeting of the Law of the Sea Institute in Miami, Florida, the US government stressed its claim to an EEZ around all its possessions, inhabited or not, without regard to size or location.

"The United States had concluded that all islands should have the same capacity to generate EEZs, whether they are inhabited or not, and that isolated or awkwardly located islands should not be viewed as 'special circumstances' or geographical anomalies in determining extended maritime boundaries," State Department assistant legal adviser for oceans, international environmental, and scientific affairs David Colson said.

Professor Jon Van Dyke said that the US position seeks to expand the areas of the ocean claimed by one nation to the exclusion of others. This position reduces the resources shared as "common heritage" for all humankind.

Song noted that the US will have to change or abandon its claim to 200 EEZs and continental shelves in its remote Pacific islands.

Other states with similar claims, including Australia and Japan, should also consider the tribunal's decision and adjust their maritime claims to conform with UNCLOS, Song concluded.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/25/1566291/analyst-manila-vs-beijing-ruling-affect-nations-similar-claims

Malaysia says 100 China boats intrude into its waters

From the Philippine Star (Mar 25): Malaysia says 100 China boats intrude into its waters



The Luconia Shoals, divided into the North and South Luconia Shoals, and sometimes known as the Luconia Reefs, are one of the largest and least-known reef complexes in the South China Sea. Bing Maps

About 100 China-registered boats have been detected encroaching into Malaysian waters near the Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea, a Malaysian minister said.

Shahidan Kassim, a minister in charge of national security, said the government has dispatched the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the navy to the area to monitor the situation.



Shahidan was quoted by the national Bernama news agency on Friday as saying that legal enforcement action would be taken if the Chinese vessels are found to have entered Malaysia's exclusive economic zone.

Shahidan and other ministry officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have overlapping claims. Tensions have ramped up since China began a massive land reclamation program in the strategically vital sea lane in 2013.

Home to some of the world's busiest sea lanes, the area is also rich in fisheries and may hold oil and natural gas reserves under the seabed.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/25/1566301/malaysia-says-100-china-boats-intrude-its-waters

Man with bombs nabbed at Davao checkpoint

From ABS=CBN (Mar 26): Man with bombs nabbed at Davao checkpoint

Operatives of Task Force Davao (TFD) arrested a man for allegedly attempting to pass two home-made bombs through a checkpoint in Toril district on Good Friday.

Private First Class Salman Guipacan of TFD identified the 22-year-old suspect as Roy "Steve" Bulat-ag Moreno, a resident of Kidapawan City.

The improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other bomb paraphernalia were recovered from a black backpack that Moreno was carrying while trying to enter the city.

Moreno denied prior knowledge of the IEDs. He claimed that a certain Commander Bobby of the New People's Army (NPA) Front 54 ordered him to send it to a person in Toril district.

The suspect claimed that the supposed NPA leader's contact was set to send him a text message indicating a drop-off point for the bag.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, meanwhile, said intensified intelligence monitoring led to the arrest of Moreno.

"We doubled our effort on alertness and vigilance here and our proactive efforts which resulted to this apprehension," Driz said.

Police will file illegal possession of explosives and violations of the Omnibus Election Code against Moreno.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/03/26/16/man-with-bombs-nabbed-at-davao-checkpoint

Palace: Enough security measures are in place to thwart terror attacks in the country

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26): Palace: Enough security measures are in place to thwart terror attacks in the country

Malacañang assured that sufficient security measures are being implemented in the country, especially following the bomb attacks in Belgium that left 34 people dead.

In an interview at the Palace, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the government is strict in securing public places in the country.

"Ang ipinaiiral natin ay ang mga deterrents at detection measures tulad nga ng heightened visibility of uniformed personnel sa mga terminals at ang pagpapakita na ang ating sinusunod ay mga patakaran na magpapatatag sa seguridad ng mga transportation terminals," he told reporters.

These security measures in airports and terminals, he said, include the inspection of people and vehicles, and X-ray scans of baggage, hand-carried items and cargoes.

"Hindi ito pangkaraniwang ginagawa sa ibang bansa at kahit hindi pa naganap ang pinakahuling terror attack sa Brussels, matagal nang ipinapatupad at pinapairal ang mga security measures na katulad ng ating nabanggit bilang pagpapatatag sa kasiguruhan ng seguridad ng ating mga mamamayan at ng mga naglalakbay sa loob ng ating bansa," Secretary Coloma said.

The Palace official further quoted Philippine Ambassador to Belgium Victoria Bataclan as saying that no Filipino has been killed or injured during the terror attacks.

“Patuloy na tinututukan ni Ambassador Bataclan ang sitwasyon doon at sinabi naman niyang nasa maayos na kalagayan naman ang ating mga mamamayan at patuloy na sinusubaybayan ang mga kaganapan sa Brussels,” he added.

Coloma also advised Filipinos in Belgium to remain vigilant and heed the call of Belgian authorities if they have announcements.

According to news reports, two explosions were heard at the Brussels airport and another at a busy train station in the Belgian capital on Tuesday, killing some 34 people and injuring about 250.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the coordinated bombing but Belgian authorities are still determining whether the terror group is behind the attacks. 

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141458788871/palace-enough-security-measures-are-in-place-to-thwart-terror-attacks-in-the-country

Soldiers over run NPA camp after brief clash

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 26): Soldiers over run NPA camp after brief clash

TROOPS of the 67th Infantray Battalion overran a New People’s Army camp after a firefight in Barangay Salvacion, Trento in Agusan del Sur around 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday.

 

Meanwhile, three soldiers were reportedly hurt from a landmine detonated by communist guerillas.

 

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said soldiers were checking the reported presence of an armed group in Sitio Alimot of said the barangay when they chanced upon the the NPAs, triggering a 30-minute firefight.

 

Batchar said three soldiers, identified only as Cpl. Monday, Cpl. Igasan and Pfc. Balucan, sustained shrapnel wounds from the bomb.

 

The wounded soldiers were airlifted to Camp Panacan Station Hospital for medical treatment.

 

During the clearing operation, soldiers stumbled into a camp that they estiumated accommodated 100 people.

 

In a statement, Lt. Col. Michele Anayron, 67th Infantry Battalion commander, said they received information that the rebels have been frequenting Sitio Alimot, which was also the possible venue of their anniversary celebration on March 29.

 

Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, division commander, said their  operations will be directed against armed groups that continue to threaten the populace.

 

Valencia, however, advised the people to think twice before attending the celebration of the NPA anniversary since the military offensives are ongoing.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/soldiers-over-run-npa-camp-after-brief-clash/

Military kills Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 25): Military kills Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Basilan province 

Government troops on Friday killed an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader and his follower in a violent clash that left 5 soldiers and two militias wounded in Basilan province in the war-torn Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The 3-hour fighting killed Eric Ajibun and one of his men in Macalang village in Al-Barka town where Moro Islamic Liberation Front forces – which signed an interim peace deal with the Aquino government in 2014 – clashed with the Abu Sayyaf. Their bodies had been recovered by soldiers.

The wounded infantrymen, members of the 4^th Special Forces Battalion under Colonel Andrew Bacala Jr, and the pro-government militias were brought to hospital for treatment – all of them hit by shrapnel from grenades fired by Ajibun’s group.

The injured have been identified as Technical Sergeant Reynaldo Pagba, Privates First Class Eric Caturan, Raul Guialil, Edev Malaran and Welmer Mallorca; and militias Usri Usman and Randel Ramirez.

Troops launched an operation dubbed “Oplan Urgent Fury 2” against the Abu Sayyaf following deadly clashes between the MILF and the jihadist group on March 23 that killed Haipa Isnilon, son of a key Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.

MILF forces ambushed Haipa’s group which was reported to be trying to set up a camp in the area which the villagers and the former rebel group strongly opposed.
The restive province of Basilan has become the bastion of power of the Abu Sayyaf after it pledged allegiance anew to the caliph of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and named new leaders aligned with the international Islamic extremist group.

In a propaganda video released by the Abu Sayyaf and picked up by international media, more than two dozen gunmen – including child warriors – led by Isnilon were seen hiking in the hinterlands of Basilan while chanting the “Dawlah Islamiyah (Islamic State)” after which they recited an Arabic script of  bayah or pledge of allegiance.

Isnilon, alias Abu Abdullah, was named as the new leader of the “Harakatul Islamiyah” (Islamic Movement)” the new name given to the Abu Sayyaf by its founder Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani who was slain in a police shootout in Basilan in December 1998.

The Abu Sayyaf evolved to a notorious group known for having carried out kidnappings, bombings and other criminal activities in southern Philippines. The US government has offered a $5 million bounty for Isnilon Hapilon’s head – dead or alive.

Security forces are also battling other jihadist groups in Maguindanao, Sulu and Lanao del Sur – all in the Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/military-kills-sayyaf-sub-leader-killed-in-basilan-province/

Man with IED nabbed in Davao City checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Man with IED nabbed in Davao City checkpoint

Units from the military's Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) have arrested a 22-year-old man reportedly carrying an improvised explosive device (IED) during checkpoint operations in Davao City Friday evening.

Capt. Roda Leoncito, EMC public information office chief, said the incident took place 6 p.m. as suspect Roy Bulat-ag Moreno, 22, and of 2nd Block Sinsuat St., Kidapawan City, was entering Davao City.

Checkpoint operations in Sirawan discovered that the motorcycle-riding Moreno was carrying a rectangular device in his bag which he claimed was a bomb.

Further search by government troops revealed two improvised blasting machines with eight double AA batteries, a M-26 fragmentation hand grenade, an improvised electric blasting cap, one improvised tester with nine-volt batteries and electrical tape.

Leoncito said the suspect was immediately turned over to the PNP-Toril for investigation and custody.

In the same vein, all EMC units were placed in "red alert" since Palm Sunday in anticipation of the rebels' founding anniversary this coming March 29, she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870253

Are indigenous Filipinos being killed for activism?

From the Gulf Times (Mar 24): Are indigenous Filipinos being killed for activism?

Irinnews/Davao

Kailo Bontulan sat in front of a cluster of thatched bamboo huts next to a humble Protestant church in Davao, a city on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

About 700 members of his indigenous community fled there almost a year ago following deadly attacks by paramilitary groups.

“In the camp I feel safe. The army can’t abduct me that easy, like back home where I can disappear without a trace,” said the community leader. “Here we are together and strong, and able to tell the world what is done to us by the army.”

Bontulan spoke too soon. Weeks later, on 24 February, unidentified men set the makeshift camp on fire, burning two buildings to the ground and injuring five people.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines said in a statement that Lumads, a collective term for the numerous indigenous peoples of Mindanao, continued to be harassed even after fleeing their villages. In December, the displaced community camping around the church received threats that their temporary dwellings would be burned down.

“The threats have been executed, and, once again, the Lumads have been harmed,” the church said.

The Lumads find themselves caught in the middle of a violent struggle between an array of armed groups. The Philippine Army is battling the New People’s Army, which has waged a Maoist guerrilla struggle since 1969. The government army has allegedly drawn on indigenous communities to form paramilitary groups, which are accused of some of the worst abuses.

After a 1 September attack allegedly committed by the Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group that killed three indigenous leaders in the town of Lianga in Surigao del Sur, the province’s outspoken governor Johnny Pimentel said in a statement: “The military created a monster.”

The UN special rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons, Chaloka Beyani, has expressed concern about links between the army and paramilitaries. The Philippine human rights group Karapatan says it has documented the relationship between the military and the Alamara, another Mindanao paramilitary group, going back to 2002.

Military officials routinely deny such allegations.

But the circumstantial evidence is so strong that former justice secretary Leila de Lima announced last September an investigation into violence against Lumads and promised to probe the role of “paramilitary groups”, which are by definition connected to the army.

Since that statement, however, the ministry has released no further information about the investigation,  and de Lima was replaced in January. Officials at the Justice Ministry did not respond to phone calls or e-mails.

There is an economic element to the plight of Mindanao’s indigenous peoples. The area is rich in minerals and the province of Surigao del Sur has been designated by the government as the “mining capital of the Philippines”, Human Rights Watch has noted.

The church said: “The Lumads live in mineral rich areas coveted by foreign mining companies. There is massive militarisation in these areas to protect foreign mining interests.”

It is a common enough allegation, but it’s hard to prove a direct connection between the individual acts of violence and mining interests.

However, anti-mining activists like Bontulan often receive death threats from members of the military. “They told a family member they would skin me alive if they ever saw me again in the village,” he told IRIN.

Bontulan takes the warning seriously. Targeted killings are common in Mindanao, and although the assailants are rarely prosecuted, the victims are disproportionately Lumads and often involved in anti-mining activities.

On 9 February, two Lumads were killed and others wounded in Compostela Valley Province, where the Compostela Farmers  Association has opposed mining. The human rights group Karapatan said one of the victims killed by an unknown assailant was the sister of a CFA activist, while the second person was killed when the army bombarded the village of Sitio Diat.

Local media quoted an army spokesman saying the bombardment occurred during a battle with the NPA, but Karapatan denied that NPA elements were in the area at the time and accused the army of indiscriminately bombing the village. IRIN requested comment from the army on this incident and its alleged support for paramilitaries, but a spokesman did not reply before publication.

Karapatan also documented the extrajudicial killings of four people in Compostela Valley and Davao del Sur provinces in January.

Despite the continuous attacks, indigenous leaders say they will not be driven from their lands.

Sabello Tatay Bello Tindasan, a CFA member, fled to Davao after a soldier shot at his son-in-law in November but missed. That followed a hail of bullets on his home from a nearby army base after he participated in a roadblock last June to prevent a mining company from bringing heavy equipment into the area.

In January, Tindasan decided to return home despite the risks. Standing by his house, which is still pockmarked by gunfire, he told IRIN: “This is my ancestral land. It belonged to my father and it will belong to my son. I have no other choice than to stay and defend it.”

 

http://www.gulf-times.com/story/485905/Are-indigenous-Filipinos-being-killed-for-activism

Corruption issues hounding NPA leadership, rebel returnees claim

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 24): Corruption issues hounding NPA leadership, rebel returnees claim

General Santos City – Corruption and immorality issues are hounding the local command of the New People’s Army (NPA) which triggered the mass surrender of its guerillas in the provinces of Sarangani and Davao del Sur this year, former members of the leftist group claimed.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, said for the first quarter of this year, at least 23 NPA rebels had surrendered to local officials and military authorities in Sarangani and Davao del Sur.

Among the former NPA fighters who surrendered were  Ariel Calaor and Jenelyn Ali Juan, 22 who were former members of NPA Front Guerilla 71.

Ali Juan, who was recruited to join the rebel group in 2010, served as medic to NPA guerilla unit and even took part in several encounters with government troops.

 

She said she met her husband, Calaor, while both of them were serving the underground movement.

She said she and her husband decided to abandon the Maoist-inspired rebel group due to the brewing issues of corruption and immorality involving the local leadership of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Lost funds

She cited the case of Commander Lucas, the secretary of NPA Front Guerilla 75 who carted away  the funds of the organization amounting to P100,000 which were supposedly intended for  the maternal care of NPA amazons.

Lucas, she said,  had gone into hiding after he eloped with a widow of an NPA member who was killed in an encounter with military in Malita, Davao del Sur in 2014.

Lucas and his paramour, a certain ‘Ai-Ai’ decided to quit the rebel group after they were reportedly sanctioned by the NPA leadership.

Demoralizing developments

Ali Juan said the issues of immorality and corruption hounding the local leadership of the NPA demoralized the ranks of the local NPA command.

“There is a growing demoralization within the ranks of the local NPA command because of corruption and immorality issues which prompted many of our members to surrender,” she said.

Better options

Ali Juan even urged her former comrades to surrender and avail of the government’s reconciliation program with former rebels.

She said she now lives a peaceful and normal life after she reunited with her family.

“It seems that I am now a free man who enjoys the privileges under a democratic society,” Ali Juan said.

Babac said that since last year more than 80 former NPA rebels had returned to the folds of the law in Sarangani nand Davao del Sur and have been provided with livelihood assistance under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

http://www.mb.com.ph/corruption-issues-hounding-npa-leadership-rebel-returnees-claim/

Corruption hounds NPA

From Tempo (Mar 25): Corruption hounds NPA

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Allegations of corruption and immorality are hounding the local command of the New People’s Army (NPA) that prompted the mass surrender of its guerillas in the provinces of Sarangani and Davao del Sur this year.

Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, 73rd Infantry Battalion commander, said for the first quarter of this year, at least 23 NPA rebels surrendered to local officials and military authorities in Sarangani and Davao del Sur.

Among the NPA surrenderees are couple Ariel Calaor, 21 and Jenelyn Ali Juan, 22, who were former members of NPA Front Guerilla 71.

Ali Juan, who was recruited to join the rebel group in 2010, served as medic to NPA guerilla unit and even took part in several encounters with government troops.

She said she met her husband, Calaor, while both of them were serving the underground movement.

She said she and her husband decided to abandon the Maoist-inspired rebel group due to the brewing issues of corruption and immorality involving the local leadership of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

She cited the case of Commander Lucas, the secretary of NPA Front Guerilla 75 who stashed away with the funds of the organization amounting to R100,000 which were supposedly intended for the maternal care of NPA amazons.

She said Lucas had gone into hiding after he eloped with a widow of an NPA member who was killed in an encounter with military in Malita, Davao del Sur in 2014.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2016/03/25/news/main/corruption-hounds-npa/

5 soldiers hurt, NPA medic captured in Agusan clashes

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 25): 5 soldiers hurt, NPA medic captured in Agusan clashes

Davao City — Two days of armed encounters between elements of the 67th Infantry Battalion (67th IB) and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Trento, Agusan del Sur on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in the wounding of four soldiers, and the capture of an insurgent, the 10th Infantry (Agila) Division reported.

LOOK OF DEFIANCE — New People’s Army (NPA) medic Reynaldo Yamson, alias Dodoy, lies on a stretcher after he and a wounded soldier (in arm sling) were airlifted from Sitio Alimot, Barangay Salvacion, Trento, Agusan del Sur Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of 10th ID)

10th ID spokesperson Capt. Rhyan Batchar told reporters here that the first armed confrontation lasted for 30 minutes that started at 9:40 a.m. Tuesday in Sitio Alimot, Barangay Salvacion, Trento where three soldiers were wounded.

Pursuit operations conducted by government forces resulted in another clash Wednesday at around 5:15 a.m., Batchar added.

Two soldiers were hurt in that second engagement while an NPA medic, identified as Reynaldo Yamson, alias Dodoy, was wounded and left by his fleeing comrades. Yamson was captured after he suffered a shoulder wound.

 

Soldiers recovered from his possession an AK-47 rifle and five improvised explosive devices (IEDs) which were left by his comrades.

The wounded soldiers and Yamson were immediately evacuated by helicopter to Camp Panacan Station Hospital (CPSH) in Davao City.

Follow-up military operations also had an NPA member surrendering to authorities. He yielded an M-16 rifle.

Authorities withheld his identity for security reasons.

The wounded soldiers during the first encounter were identified as Corporals Winelito Monday and Jayboy Igasan and Private First Class Joven Balucan, hurt in the second engagement were Corporal Melvin Loretero and Private First Class Yvon Bedia.

The soldiers are now in stable condition and recuperating at the Davao hospital.

In the same statement Lt. Col. Michele Anayron, commander of 67th IB said that the wounded NPA member and the insurgent who surrendered will be protected by authorities.

“We will coordinate with the local government units and government agencies for his necessary medical support and the livelihood assistance for the other who voluntarily surrendered,” Anayron added.

http://www.mb.com.ph/5-soldiers-hurt-npa-medic-captured-in-agusan-clashes/

Forces remain on full alert in vs BIFF in Maguindanao town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 25): Forces remain on full alert in vs BIFF in Maguindanao town



Combatants of the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion patrol at a swampy area in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao to prevent marauding bandits from coming close. STAR / John Unson

Guns in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao have been silent since Wednesday but military units are still on full alert, patrolling areas vulnerable to attacks by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Lt. Col. Ricky Bunayog, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, said the last military-BIFF encounters in the outskirts of Datu Salibo happened earlier this week, sparked by the intrusion of bandits into open fields in Barangays Tee and Andavit to lay booby traps along farm trails.

Sources from the Philippine Marine Corps said five personnel of the 5th Marine Battalion were hurt in the skirmishes, which waned only after the attackers ran out of ammunition and retreated to swampy areas near the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta.

The wounded Marines belong to a contingent deployed in Datu Salibo three weeks ago to augment the units of the Philippine Army trying to clear the entire municipality from BIFF presence.

Combined Marine and Army combatants from the 33rd IB and other component battalions of the 6th Infantry Division have figured in more than 50 encounters with BIFF forces in Datu Salibo since late January.

"It has been quiet in the area for about 36 hours now. Just the same, we are not taking chances. These gunmen are treacherous and attacks whenever they can have chance," Bunayog told The STAR on Friday.

Bunayog said what is dangerous with the BIFF is the group’s total disregard of the safety of civilians when they attack military targets.

Barangay folks said more than 30 bandits have been killed in a series of encounters with soldiers in Datu Salibo since January.

Five soldiers were killed while 36 others were hurt in the ensuing spate of skirmishes.

At least 13 of the wounded soldiers were hurt in roadside bombings while searching for improvised explosive devices in the surroundings of Barangay Tee, the BIFF’s former bastion now occupied by Army and Marine forces.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/03/25/1566302/forces-remain-full-alert-vs-biff-maguindanao-town

2 killed, 13 wounded in Basilan clash

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 25): 2 killed, 13 wounded in Basilan clash

TWO Abu Sayyaf bandits, including an explosive expert, were killed while 13 others were wounded in a three-hour gun battle in a remote village of Basilan province, the military reported Friday.

Major Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the gun battle broke out around 7:55 a.m., March 25, at Sitio Luglugi in the village of Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan.

Tan said the slain Abu Sayyaf explosive expert was identified as Eric Ajibon, who is also a sub-leader, and the other one was only identified as a certain Abu Aiyan.

The remains of the slain Abu Sayyaf bandits were turned over to the police for pro
per disposition.

Tan said Ajibon was responsible in the series of bombings against the government forces and business establishments in Basilan province.

The gun battle ensued after the residents reported to the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion the presence of around 40 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Isnilon Hapilon in Sitio Luglugi, Macalang, Al-Barka.

According to Tan, seven of the 13 wounded were government troops. Five of them are soldiers while the other two are militiamen.

The wounded troops were taken to the Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City, and in stable condition.

Tan said they received intelligence report that six followers of Hapilon were wounded during the clash and were dragged by the fleeing comrades.

He said the troops have recovered war materials and personal belongings at the clash site.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2016/03/25/2-killed-13-wounded-basilan-clash-464357

Hapilon son killed in ASG Basilan clash with MILF

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 25): Hapilon son killed in ASG Basilan clash with MILF

A son of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader Isnilon Hapilon was reportedly killed following a clash with a group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters in al-Barka town.

Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the younger Hapilon suffered bullet wounds during the clash that erupted at around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday near the crossing of Linuam and Guinanta in al-Barka town.

“This was the report that we obtained but this is still subject to confirmation,” said Tan.

Tan said the MILF was led by a certain Aslumin Masud.

 

The official said three other members of the ASG were killed during the clash, according to report.

It was not immediately clear why the gunfight occurred but the MILF fighters were reportedly landowners in the area.

Violent confrontations among Muslim clans are usually triggered by land dispute and disagreements on local matters.

Basilan is one of the two remaining strongholds of the ASG, but the MILF is also maintaining a considerable force in the province.

http://www.mb.com.ph/hapilon-son-killed-in-asg-basilan-clash-with-milf/

ASG sub-leader, member killed in Basilan

From CNN Philippines (Mar 25): ASG sub-leader, member killed in Basilan



A ranking member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a morning encounter with the military on Good Friday (March 25) in Al-Barka, Basilan.

Citing reports from the 104th Infantry Brigade based in the province, a sub-leader of the bandit group, Eric Ajibon, was killed in a firefight that erupted around 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Macalang.

Another ASG member was also killed, identified as a certain Aiyan. Both the bodies of the bandits were recovered by the military.

Related: Abu Sayyaf demands P4B ransom for Samal kidnap victims

Meanwhile, five soldiers and two civilian paramilitary members suffered minor injuries in the encounter that lasted until before noontime.

Clearing operations had been launched afterwards with air and naval support.

http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/03/25/ASG-sub-leader-member-killed-in-Basilan.html

2 ASG brigands killed in Good Friday clash in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): 2 ASG brigands killed in Good Friday clash in Basilan

Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands, including an explosive expert, were killed while six others were wounded in a three-hour clash with the military in the hinterlands of Basilan province on Good Friday.

Also wounded in the incident were seven government troops -- five soldiers and two militiamen. They were taken to Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city and are now in stable condition.

Maj. Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash broke out at 7:55 a.m. in Sitio Luglugi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka, Basilan.

Tan said the slain ASG explosive expert was identified as Eric Ajibon, who is also a sub-leader, and the other one was only known as a certain Abu Ayan. Their remains are in the custody of the police for proper disposition.

Tan said Ajibon was responsible in the series of bombings against the government forces and business establishments in Basilan province.

According to Tan, the clash ensued after the residents reported to the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion the presence of around 40 ASG brigands led by Isnilon Hapilon in Sitio Luglugi, Barangay Macalang, Al-Barka.

Tan said they received intelligence report that six followers of Hapilon were wounded during the clash and were dragged by their fleeing comrades.

He said the troops recovered war materiel and personal belongings at the clash site.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870212

PAF SF-260TP up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): PAF SF-260TP up for repairs

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated Php33,055,587.49 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of one of its SIAI-Marchetti SF-260TP training aircraft.

Submission and opening of bids is on March 31 at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

This was disclosed by PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in a similar project within the last five years.

The SF-260 is an Italian light aircraft marketed as an aerobatics and military trainer.

It was designed by Stelio Frati, originally for Aviamilano, which flew the first prototype of it (then designated F.260) on July 15, 1964.

Actual production was undertaken when SIAI Marchetti purchased the design soon thereafter and continued with this firm until the company was bought by Aermacchi in 1997.

The military versions are popular with smaller air forces, which can also arm it for use in the close-support role.

The PAF is known to operate between 10 and 18 units of the aircraft in its inventory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870037

Defense system is a must, says solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25): Defense system is a must, says solon

In the wake of the growing security threats in the West Philippine Sea, a lawmaker has stressed the urgency of strengthening the country’s national security.

Camarines Sur Rep. Felix William B. Fuentebella is urging Congress to address the looming challenges to the security of the country by acting promptly on HB 5865 which seeks to upgrade the nation’s defense system anchored on the capabilities of the country’s armed forces and police forces.

HB 5865 is entitled “An Act Strengthening the National Security of the Philippines, and appropriating funds therefor,” pending with the House Committee on National Defense and Security chaired by Rep. Rodolfo G. Biazon of Muntinlupa City since June 9, 2015.

“This measure intends to provide the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police with improved capabilities in manpower, equipment and facilities to better address the assessed threats on the country’s defense and security, both internal and external,” Fuentebella pointed out.

The Bicol lawmaker explained that the enhancement f the manpower and logistic capability of the AFP and the PNP is needed to ensure sustained law enforcement, public security, and internal security operations, and the security of the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national territory.

“The importance of an enhanced coordination mechanism between the AFP and the PNP also needs to be emphasized to ensure the success of operations on the field and to institutionalize inter-operability between them including the use of compatible communications equipment,” he added.

The defense of the State, Fuentebella stressed, is the concern of all the people and not only of the government, the young lawmaker stressed, adding that every citizen must be ready to answer the call of (duty) the government to assist in the defense of the country.

To this end, he explained that the National Service Training Program as established under R.A. 9163, also known as the “National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001,” should be modified by changing the service components into more relevant components suitable to the needs of the country.

Under the Constitution, the President of the Philippines is Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and as Chief Executive, the President shall exercise control and supervision over all police forces through the National Police Commission.

HB 5863 proposes that the NSTP will now consist of the following service components: 1) Reserve Officers’ Training Service; 2) Enlisted Reservists’ Training Service; 3) Disaster Preparedness Training Service; and 4) Humanitarian Aid and Other Assistance Training Service.

Under the proposal, Fuentebella said, State-run universities and colleges will be required to offer the Reserve Officers’ Training Service and the Enlisted Reservists’ Training Service to all their students who will also be granted preference in joining the AFP and PNP subject to other requirements of existing laws, rules and regulations.

The measure provides for a budgetary support annual General Appropriations Act for each of the AFP and PNP in the amount not less than one percent of the total national budget which will be administered by the Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, respectively, he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=870182