Gov't troops flush out Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Basilan

From Zamboanga Today (Mar 30): Gov't troops flush out Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Basilan

In a text message, Brig Gen. Demy Tejares, commander of Joint Task Force ZamBaSulTa, said Monday that this was the result of the renewed offensive against Abu Sayyaf that started Friday last week that has so far killed three Abu Sayyaf men with seven government troopers wounded.

 

"The remains of another suspected terrorist and at least eight improvised explosive devices were recovered within the hastily abandoned Abu Sayyaf camp during Saturday's continuation of clearing operations," said Tejares.

 

Meanwhile, Major Filemon Tan, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said the Abu Sayyaf camp was situated just five kilometers from an MILF containment area.

 

According to him, the MILF also has a temporary camp in the area where some Abu Sayyaf members are believed to loiter there.

 

"Apparently the MILF has become fed up by the Abu Sayyaf presence, and were the ones to put their foot down and say the ASG has to go," Tan said.

 

Tan said the joint forces of the 18th Infantry Battalion and 200 Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team members militiamen from the local governments of Sumisip, Tuburan, Akbar and Al-Barka towns joined forces with the MILF in assaulting the Abu Sayyaf group last Saturday.

 

"The joint government and MILF forces initially clashed with 20 Abu Sayyaf militants about 6:20 in the evening Saturday. Sporadic firefight went until Sunday as the joint government forces, BPAT and the MILF flushed the Abu Sayyaf group from their stronghold,” he said.

 

Tan said the operating forces overran the camp about 10:40 a.m. on Sunday and a clearing operation was launched to rid the area of improvised bombs and booby traps. Two militiamen were injured when an IED was tripped during the clearing operation. They were airlifted to a military hospital in this city for treatment.

 

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/22513-govt-troops-flush-out-abu-sayyaf-terrorists-in-basilan.html

PH-US ‘Balikatan’ 2016 to focus on humanitarian assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 30): PH-US ‘Balikatan’ 2016 to focus on humanitarian assistance

Humanitarian civic assistance and conduct of training will be the focus of this year’s joint Balikatan exercises of the Philippines and the United States of Amercia.

Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division disclosed that many communities in Panay island will be the target beneficiaries of the various humanitarian assistance activities of said event.

He said that the Balikatan 2016 which is set on April 4 to 16 will be centered on a variety of missions to include humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement and environmental protection.

The 3ID together with its counterpart from the U.S. Armed Forces will conduct Humanitarian Civic Assistance projects that include Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) and Cooperative Health Engagement activities barangay Jaena Norte in Jamindan town and San Nicolas, Tapaz town, both in the province of Capiz as well as in barangay Matangharon in Dingle, Iloilo.

The preliminary work on three different elementary school buildings in the three ENCAP sites started on March 29, while the military medical personnel of both countries in partnership with the local community-based health workers will conduct medical first aid training in the same areas in the coming days.

Tiongson said that the other Balikatan 2016 events within the area of 3ID include the training on basic first responders, disaster mental health, and hygiene and nutrition in the Jamindan town as well as conduct of Civil-Military Operations Exchange training at Camp Peralta, also in the municipality of Jamindan.

“The implementation of a joint rapid-reaction force in the vicinity of the province of Antique as part of the distributed operations, demonstrating the partnered capability in rapid response is set on April 11 to 14,” he said.

Primarily, the activity aims to enhance the techniques, tactics and procedures as a critical part of interoperability as well as readiness and cooperation of both countries, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement.

In last year’s Balikatan, the Don Joaquin Artuz availed of one duplex school building while the classrooms at San Nicolas National High School were repaired and repainted. Said schools are Tapaz town.

Tiongson said that the formal opening ceremony of this year’s “Balikatan” Exercise will be on April 4 at Camp Peralta, Jamindan town while the closing ceremony will take place at Matangharon Elementary School in Dingle, Iloilo on April 16.

The Task Force Commander for BK16 in Panay is Brig. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, the Assistant Division Commander of 3ID, he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991459314228/ph-us-balikatan-2016-to-focus-on-humanitarian-assistance

Thousands of protesting farmers paralyze Cotabato–Davao highway

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Thousands of protesting farmers paralyze Cotabato–Davao highway

Riled by the severe effects of the drought-spawned El Nino phenomenon, some 6,000 farmers trooped here Wednesday and blocked motorists plying the Cotabato–Davao highway on efforts to dramatize their misery and prompt the provincial government to hasten measures on cushioning the effects of the extreme weather condition.

Currently, traffic flow is totally paralyzed with hundreds of vehicles and commuters alike stranded on both sides of the 220-kilometer freeway connecting Cotabato and Davao regions.

The farmers, who positioned themselves in front of the National Food Authority warehouse situated along the highway, came from the remote villages of this city and the towns of Arakan, Antipas, President Roxas, Magpet, and Makilala, all in North Cotabato province.

Pedro Arnado, chair of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP)–North Cotabato chapter, said they are urging the presence of the Governor Emmylou Mendoza for swift government interventions on resolving their immediate needs.

The peasant are demanding free and dole-out distribution of rice; subsidy of vegetable seeds and drought tolerant root crops; increase in the price of local farm produce; and total suspension of military operations in the province, among others.

The drought was felt in the province since November last year and has so far exacted over PHP1-billion damage to agricultural crops.

Jessie Enid, executive assistant to the governor, said Mendoza refused to appear before the protesters due to the absence of a prior notice and appointment from the farmers.

Meantime, hundreds of police and security personnel were deployed around the NFA compound to prevent any illegal intrusion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871295

9 ex-rebels get PHP.405M for surrendering weapons in Davao Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): 9 ex-rebels get PHP.405M for surrendering weapons in Davao Del Sur

Nine former New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Davao Del Sur received Tuesday PHP405,000 in checks under the government's firearm remuneration program or the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the handover of the checks and weapons was held at Arnaldo's Hotel in Digos City.

The rebel beneficiaries were Rodanny Ansudo, who was got PHP58,000 for turning over a serviceable AK-47 automatic rifle; Banases Mariano, PHP2,000 for surrendering a .357 revolver; Odoy Malbino, PHP45,000 for an M-16 automatic rifle and Bening Mental, PHP30,000 for one M-1 Garand carbine.

All of these men surrendered to troops of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

While the five other ex-rebel beneficiaries who surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion were Roger Parasa, got PHP60,000 after he surrendered an M-14 rifle; Charlie Pasco, PHP60,000 for another M-14, while Roy Parasa, Cornelio Mampo and Guillier Ombaoy, got PHP50,000 for turning over their M-16 automatic rifles.

The amount given depends on the type and serviceability of the weapons, Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=871222

PHL Army paddlers confident of dominating int'l dragonboat competition

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): PHL Army paddlers confident of dominating int'l dragonboat competition

Members of the Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team expressed confidence that they will dominate the upcoming 10th International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) which will be held from April 1 to 10 in Adelaide, Australia.

Army Dragon Warriors team captain Sgt. Usman Anterola stressed that he and his companions were "trained to win the gold."

"The team had been preparing for this competition, training year-round, perfecting our paddling techniques and doing rigorous exercises," he said.

The Army Dragon Warriors has proven themselves in various local and international competitions, making them world-class soldier-athletes.

The Army athletes were once members of the Philippine National Team since 2003, and had won the world championships and set world records in the standard boat in 2007 and 2009 in Czech Republic and Australia, respectively.

In 2011, it has participated in the World Championships under the banner of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation, winning five gold medals and two silver medals.

As an all-Army team, it won two gold medals during the World Club Crews Championships in Ravenna, Italy in 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=871227

China Coast Guard aids fishermen to encroach into Malaysia waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): China Coast Guard aids fishermen to encroach into Malaysia waters

Malaysia's maritime authority said Tuesday Chinese Coast Guard vessels escorted 100-odd Chinese fishing trawlers into Malaysia's territorial waters near Luconia Shoals in the South China Sea last week.

"It is unprecedented. This is the first time," Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency Director General Admiral Ahmad Puzi Abdul Kahar told reporters of the huge fleet of fishing boats his agency encountered last Thursday. "That is why we are taking a cautious approach."

For the first time, the agency shed more details of the incident that was first disclosed by Shahidan Kassim, minister in charge of national security last Thursday.

Puzi showed a map that indicated the Chinese boats were within Malaysia's exclusive economic zone and they were discovered conducting their activities from Thursday through Sunday with the number of boats ranging from 40 to 100.

The boats were spread out within 1,931-square-kilometer area.

He said the fishing boats did not bear any flag or registration number but they noticed one Chinese Coast Guard vessel escorting them while another was anchored near Luconia Shoal or known locally as Beting Patinggi Ali.

The cluster of shoals and reefs that made up Luconia is located about 84 nautical miles off the coast of Miri town in Malaysia's Sarawak state in the Borneo.

MMEA tried to communicate with the foreign vessels but received no response. They however tailed them as they moved westward. As of Tuesday, the "uninvited guests" as Puzi termed them, were no longer seen.

Puzi said they could not attempt to board the boat to inspect due to rough sea.

The agency however took photo evidence.

"We will leave it to the Foreign Ministry to take the appropriate actions," he said.

"We want to send them a message that they are in our territorial waters," he added.

Deputy Foreign Minister Reezal Merican said they are looking into the matter.

"Let's have all the facts on the plate then we will take action," he told reporters in a separate event.

China claims over 90 percent of the South China Sea, parts of which are also claimed by Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman told Parliament last Thursday that the ownership of Luconia Shoals was never in dispute.

"I would like to stress that Malaysia do not hold Beting Patinggi Ali as a disputed territory with multiple claims between Malaysia and other countries," he said.

The alleged intrusion came after Indonesia intercepted a Chinese fishing boat last week off the Natuna Island in the southernmost region of the South China Sea sparking a diplomatic spat.

In the past there have been incidents of Chinese navy and fishing vessels encroaching into Malaysian waters in the South China Sea but Malaysia has thus far preferred a low profile approach via a quiet diplomatic protest note to its major trading partner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=871284

Philippines, Indonesia joint patrol can help overcome piracy

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 30): Philippines, Indonesia joint patrol can help overcome piracy

The problem of piracy and illegal fishing can be controlled if Indonesia and Philippines carry out joint maritime patrolling.

"Joint maritime patrols by Indonesia and Philippines can combat piracy and illegal fishing," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Tuesday.

"However, the idea has yet to materialize," the minister said.

He said several countries have already established joint maritime patrols, and cited the example of Japan and China which carry out joint patrolling with the United States and Malaysia, respectively.

Such joint patrols will help secure Indonesian waters along the border and ensure proper monitoring.

Earlier, the Indonesian Military (TNI) expressed its readiness to help the Philippines in tackling pirates like those who hijacked an Indonesian vessel and its crew.

"If the Philippines asks for Indonesian assistance, we are ready to help them out," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here.

The minister remarked that a military patrol boat had been prepared in anticipation of such accidents.

However, he noted, the military cannot carry out any operations in the Philippines without the permission of the authorities there.

He said the hijacking of the Indonesian vessel was different from the sea piracy rampant in Somalia.

The minister coordinated with the Defense Minister of the Philippines regarding the piracy issue.

"Indonesia continues to monitor the hostage situation," the minister remarked.

According to reports in the national media, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila has confirmed that an Indonesian vessel has been hijacked in the Philippines and 10 Indonesian crewmen were being held hostage.

Embassy spokesperson Basriana could not confirm whether the militants of Abu Sayyaf, a group of Islamic extremists, were involved in the incident.

The embassy is still coordinating with the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao and with other relevant authorities in the Philippines to gather more information about the situation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=871365

Indonesia ready to rescue seamen held by Abu Sayyaf

From the Straits Times (Mar 30): Indonesia ready to rescue seamen held by Abu Sayyaf

Elite forces said to be on standby; 10 Indonesians said to have been taken to militant stronghold in Philippines



Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said the priority remains "the safety of the 10 Indonesian crew being held hostage". PHOTO: EPA

Police commandos from Indonesia are standing by to launch a mission to rescue 10 of the country's seamen being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines.

Indonesian National Police spokesman Anton Charliyan yesterday said squads from the elite Detachment 88 (Densus 88) counter-terrorism unit and Brimob, the police mobile brigade, "are ready to assist when the time comes".


"We are now coordinating with Interpol," said the Inspector-General, in the wake of confirmation that the Abu Sayyaf have demanded more than US$1 million (S$1.4 million) for the release of the hostages and the vessel, Anand 12.

The barge is one of two Indonesia-flagged vessels believed to have been hijacked by a militant cell led by Alhabsi Misaya, according to Philippine Army sources.

Misaya is an Abu Sayyaf leader behind several kidnapping and murder cases, including the beheading last November of Malaysian businessman Bernard Then, who was seized from a resort in Sabah, East Malaysia, in May.

Philippine army Major-General Demy Tejares, citing intelligence yet to be verified, said the Indonesian hostages may have been taken by Misaya's men to their stronghold in the Philippine province of Sulu.

 

Indonesia's Foreign Ministry yesterday confirmed that the Anand 12, with a load of 7,000 tonnes of coal, was intercepted by "pirates" last Saturday while it was being towed by the tugboat, Brahma 12.

The Brahma 12 was found abandoned and adrift near Tawi-Tawi.

The island province and Sulu are located in the same autonomous region of Muslim Mindanao in southern Philippines, where elements of the Abu Sayyaf are based.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she is coordinating with the authorities in the Philippines to resolve the crisis, adding that the priority remains "the safety of the 10 Indonesian crew being held hostage".

The hijack occurred while the two vessels were en route to Batangas in southern Philippines from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, which they left on March 15.

"The exact time (of the incident) is not clear but the owner of the vessels found out about it on March 26 when they were contacted by a person who claimed to be from the Abu Sayyaf," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Armanatha Nasir.

He added that the hostage-takers had contacted the owner of the Anand 12 twice since then, and demanded a ransom for the release of the crew and the barge.

The Badan Intelijen Negara (BIN), Indonesia's national intelligence agency, said the hijackers have asked for a ransom of "50 million peso or around 15 billion rupiah (S$1.4 million)". Tempo news, quoting spy chief Sutiyoso yesterday, reported that BIN also has information that the "pirates are treating the hostages well".

Indonesian lawmakers have urged the government not to give in to the demand for ransom.

The Abu Sayyaf was formed in 1991 with Al-Qaeda funding but the group has since gained prominence for taking tourists hostage, mainly to hold them for ransom to finance its cause.

The extremist group is now loyal to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Latest intelligence reports indicate that the Philippines is running the risk of becoming a breeding ground for militants aspiring to join ISIS, with the Abu Sayyaf as a proxy for its ambition to declare a South-east Asia "wilayat", or province of ISIS.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/indonesia-ready-to-rescue-seamen-held-by-abu-sayyaf

US: No valid reason for China to restrict navigation in disputed sea

From the Philippine Star (Mar 29): US: No valid reason for China to restrict navigation in disputed sea



Chinese dredging ships in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in an image from a surveillance video. US Navy, file

The United States (US) on Tuesday stressed that China does not have a valid reason in its attempt to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight in the disputed South China Sea.

US Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Multilateral Affairs in the East Asia and Pacific Bureau Colin Willett said that the facilities that China has been building in the disputed waters are not needed to protect civilians or monitor the weather.

"The runways that they have built are designed to accommodate strategic bombers, not coddle points for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. We still see radio operators channeling for ships and planes that are operating in accordance to the international law and warning them to stay away," Willett said in a telephone conference with members of the press.

READ: China flexes muscle in disputed waters

Willett also hit Beijing's accusation that the US is militarizing the South China Sea, adding that they found China's accusation "perplexing."

Earlier this year, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei claimed that the patrols by US military aircraft and Navy vessels in the region have escalated tensions in the disputed sea.

This follows reports that China had deployed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island in the Paracel Island chain.

READ: China: It’s US militarizing South China Sea

Willett emphasized that all American operations in the South China Sea were executed in full accordance with the international law.

"We have been transiting and operating in the South China Sea for decades to protect those rights and it is hard to see why our partnerships and operations can now be characterized as militarizing," Willett said.

The US Department of State official added that the US conducts freedom of operation activities in the region to protect the navigational rights of foreign nations.

"These laws, these rules, these rights are important to the stability and prosperity of the neighborhood and to the Asia Pacific," Willett said.

Willett noted that the US is committed to promoting regional security and prosperity as reflected in the "Sunnylands Declaration" signed in February.

US President Barack Obama and ASEAN leaders signed the 17-point declaration which agrees to respect the sovereignty of every nation and abide by the rules under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/29/1567310/us-no-valid-reason-china-restrict-navigation-disputed-sea

Obama seeing China leader as South China Sea tensions rise

From the Philippine Star (Mar 29): Obama seeing China leader as South China Sea tensions rise 

President Barack Obama will be meeting with Asian leaders in Washington this week as fears grow that long-smoldering tensions on the Korean Peninsula and in the South China Sea risk flaring into conflict.

World leaders, including those from China, Japan and South Korea, will be in town for a summit hosted by Obama on nuclear security — the final round in the U.S. president's drive for international action to stop materials that could be used for an atomic weapon or dirty bomb from getting into terrorist hands.

But other pressing security issues will be up for discussion on the sidelines of the two-day gathering that starts Thursday.

Obama will on Thursday meet separately with China's President Xi Jinping at a time when frictions between the two world powers over China's island-building in strategic waters are growing and look set to intensify with an upcoming ruling from an international tribunal on Beijing's sweeping territorial claims.

The U.S. president is also meeting with the leaders of Japan and South Korea.

Washington is looking for an elusive unity between its core allies in Asia as threats from North Korea reach fever-pitch after Pyongyang was stung with tough sanctions in response to its recent nuclear test and rocket launch.

Obama will be urging China to implement the U.N. sanctions it signed up to for use against North Korea, its traditional ally. For his part, Xi will want the U.S. to restart negotiations with the authoritarian government of Kim Jong Un, which has been touting progress in miniaturizing nuclear devices and missile technology that could directly threaten America.

With Obama's presidency in its final year, there's uncertainty among Asian nations on what the next administration will portend. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump is calling for Japan and South Korea to pay more for U.S. military protection, and is advocating a tougher trade policy toward China.

During his seven years in office, Obama has deepened engagement with Asia, despite the huge distraction of chaos in the Middle East. The U.S. and China have cooperated on issues like climate change and nuclear security, even as their strategic rivalry has grown. The U.S. is a major player in China's fast-growing nuclear industry, and this month, the U.S. and China opened a center in Beijing to train technicians and scientists from across the Asia-Pacific on nuclear security.

But when Obama and Xi meet, the hottest topic will be the most divisive one: China's bold pursuit of its sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

China has reclaimed more than 3,000 acres (1,200 hectares) of land in the past two years near sea lanes crucial for world trade. On these artificial islands, Beijing has installed airstrips and other military facilities that U.S. intelligence assesses will enable China to project offensive military power in the region by early next year.

Despite conflicting territorial claims from five other Asian governments, China contends it has a historic right to most of the South China Sea and maintains the U.S. has no business there. It accuses the U.S. of stoking tensions by sending military ships and planes through the area on freedom of navigation maneuvers.

"Washington should know that the more provocative moves it makes against China, the more counter-measures Beijing will take. Such an undesirable cycle may push both sides nearer confrontation and cause both to prepare for the worst-case scenario, potentially making it self-fulfilling," the U.S. edition of the state-supported China Daily said in a recent editorial.

The stakes are set to rise by mid-year when an international arbitration body is set to rule on a case brought by the Philippines challenging the legal basis of the nine-dash line — Beijing's rough demarcation of its claims.

If the Hague-based tribunal rules in the Philippines' favor, as most experts anticipate, it could undermine China's insistence that its stance is consistent with international law. China has refused to participate in the arbitration and says it will ignore the ruling, but a growing number of countries say both parties should be bound by it.

Jeffrey Bader, Obama's former principal adviser on Asia, wrote in a commentary ahead of the summit that there's concern in Washington and the region about how China might react to the ruling, and whether it will militarily challenge Filipino territorial claims. He said that as the Philippines is a U.S. ally, Obama "may warn Xi of the risks of escalation."

The last time Xi visited Washington, in September, he publicly said that China did not intend to pursue militarization in the Spratly islands where most of the land reclamation has happened — a statement that U.S. officials remind Beijing of at every opportunity. But in recent weeks, China has reportedly positioned more military equipment on disputed islands in the South China Sea.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/29/1567445/obama-seeing-china-leader-south-china-sea-tensions-rise

China’s airfields on Spratlys meant for fighter jets – US

From the Philippine Star (Mar 30): China’s airfields on Spratlys meant for fighter jets – US



FILE - In this Monday, May 11, 2015, file photo, the alleged on-going reclamation of Subi Reef by China is seen from Pag-asa Island in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, western Palawan Province, Philippines. China’s campaign of island building in the South China Sea might soon quadruple the number of airstrips available to the People’s Liberation Army in the highly contested and strategically vital region. That could be bad news for other regional contenders, especially the U.S., the Philippines and Vietnam. Ritchie B. Tongo/Pool Photo via AP, File

A senior US State Department official yesterday disputed China’s claims that the airstrips built on its artificial islands in the South China Sea were meant for flights for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Colin Willet, US deputy assistant secretary, Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said what China has been doing in the region was to outstrip all other claimants.

“The runways they’ve built are designed to accommodate strategic bombers, not cargo planes for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” Willet told a group of journalists in a teleconference from the US embassy in Manila.

While it is true that other claimant countries have deployed military personnel and weapons on their outposts, Willet said, these are small compared to what China has been doing for the last two years.

There were also reports China has installed an anti-air defense system over its man-made islands at Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Zamora (Subi) and Panganiban (Mischief) reefs.

The three former obscure maritime outcrops are now home to newly built runways.

Beijing also installed missile batteries over its occupied Woody Island in the Paracel island group located north of the Spratlys.

“Frankly, what’s going on here is far more than simply catching up. What China is doing vastly outstripped what all other claimants have done over the past several decades,” Willet said.

“When countries place weapons on their outposts and transform them into what can only be described as military bases, it sets the stage for others to follow suit and raises the risk of conflict as well as the prospect of a diplomatic solution,” the state department official said.

China maintains its land reclamation activities in the region are not aimed at militarizing the area but for civilian purposes.

“We simply don’t need these type of facilities to protect civilians, or assist distressed fishermen or monitor the weather,” Willet said.

On China’s moves of restricting freedom of navigation and overflight over the disputed region, she said it is also causing a lot of concern, as this is a clear violation of international law.

“While China has pledged to protect freedom of navigation, we still see radio operators challenging foreign ships and planes that are operating in the area, warning them to stay away,” she said.

Willet pointed out that US ships and planes have been sailing and flying over the region for decades to protect freedom of navigation and overflight.

She also pointed out that when the US conducts freedom of navigation, it is not meant at militarizing the region as China had claimed, but for the protection of navigation rights of all seafaring nations in order to ensure that they can all exercise this right, including China.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/03/30/1567562/chinas-airfields-spratlys-meant-fighter-jets-us

Soldier arrested in drug buy-bust

From ABS-CBN (Mar 29): Soldier arrested in drug buy-bust

 

Watch premium ANC videos on iWantv or TFC.tv

Police arrested an army sergeant who was caught selling illegal drugs in Reina Mercedes, Isabela.

The suspect was identified as Rodel Dumalag of the 77th Infantry Battalion, from whom authorities confiscated nine sachets of shabu.

According to the Philippine National Police, they have long been monitoring Dumalag, who allegedly gets his supply from Kalinga province.

Dumalag is set to face charges for violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.

Mornings @ ANC, March 29, 2016

http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/nation/regions/v1/03/29/16/soldier-arrested-in-drug-buy-bust

Ex-Army intel officer shot dead

From ABS-CBN (Mar 29): Ex-Army intel officer shot dead

A former Army intelligence officer was gunned down by two suspected New People's Army (NPA) members in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental on Monday.

Retired 2nd Lt. Armando Secuya was at a waiting shed in Barangay Guinpanaan when gunmen attacked him at around 3 p.m.

Police failed to catch the gunmen during a pursuit operation.

Secuya was the husband of a barangay official who is now running for a post in the provincial council.

But investigators believe that the attack is linked to the victim's former role as an intelligence officer in the Army.

The military, meanwhile, condemned the killing and urged rebels to surrender the culprits.

http://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/03/29/16/ex-army-intel-officer-shot-dead

3 killed, one injured in Bukidnon explosion

From GMA News (Mar 29): 3 killed, one injured in Bukidnon explosion

Three minors were killed while another was wounded in an ammunition explosion in Bukidnon province in Northern Mindanao on Good Friday, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

Capt. Lorenzo B Siobal Jr, the army’s 403rd Brigade information officer, reported that the explosion occurred around 1p.m. at at Pud-ong Hill, Sitio Kibaritan, Barangay Malinao, Kalilangan town.

The fatalities were identified as Delmar Copresos, 15, and his brothers 11-year-old brother Regie and 13-year-old Roldmar.

Siobal reported that Roldmar was rushed to the Bukidnon Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Loyd P. Nanggaska, 13, managed to run but was injured and was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

According to initial reports, the boys went inside the military reservation and training area in Pud-ong Hill, Camp Kibaritan which is ‘off-limits’ to civilians.

They found a 90mm Recoilless Rifle ammunition, which they that they fiddled with and exploded.

Lt. Col. Peter Edwin R. Navarro, commanding officer of 1st Special Forces Battalion said, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division through the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade has extended necessary assistance to the families of the victims.

“We are supporting the investigation being conducted by the local police and will cooperate in any way deemed necessary. Whatever is the result of police’s investigation, the 4ID will abide by it," he said.

"We are now conducting [a] joint investigation in coordination with the Municipal Police Station of Kalilangan to determine the facts of the incident. We will also enhance security measures in order to prevent the same incident from happening again in the future,” he added.

Navarro also said that the army’s Land Warfare Center, Training and Doctrine Command and Division Training School (DTS) of the 4th Infantry Division earlier held dialogues and information campaign among the residents informing them that the area is off limits to civilians. The site serves as impact zone for firing weapons, including mortars and 90RR weapons.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/560682/news/regions/3-killed-one-injured-in-bukidnon-explosion

Alleged extortionist preying on ex-guerillas nabbed in Cavite

From GMA News (Mar 29): Alleged extortionist preying on ex-guerillas nabbed in Cavite

[Video report]

Government agents on Tuesday arrested in Cavite an alleged extortionist preying on former guerillas during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines, according to a report by GMA News' John Consulta on "24 Oras."

 

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation-Cavite District Office arrested Michael De Guzman during an entrapment operation in Tanza town after one of his victims informed authorities about his extortion scheme.

 

Citing probers, the report said De Guzman would promise his victims a sum of $604,000 or about P20 million from the United States government as a reward for helping the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE), a military formation of the United States Army active from 1941 to 1946.

 

De Guzman allegedly would tell his victims that the reward would be forfeited if they do not immediately give P250,000.

 

The suspect has already received a million pesos from his victims, according to the NBI.

 

De Guzman, for his part, denied that he was into extortion. "Mayroon akong tinatanggap na pera pero dahil utos nila sa akin 'yun,” he said.

 

De Guzman will be charged with robbery and extortion, the "24 Oras" report said.

 

"Diyos na ang bahala sa kaniya," said 88-year-old Constancia Arias De Cabuhat, one of his supposed victims. The report said the NBI-Cavite is encouraging other victims to come forward and help strengthen the case against De Guzman. 

Kidnapped Indons now in Sulu?

From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 30): Kidnapped Indons now in Sulu?

THE 10 Indonesian crewmen of a tugboat hijacked off Tawi-Tawi over the weekend were reportedly brought by their captors to the island province of Sulu, a ranking military official said yesterday.

This is based on intelligence information which is still being verified, said Maj. Gen. Demy Tejares, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Zambasulta.

The information also showed the victims are in the hands of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Al Habsi Misaya, a sub-commander under Sulu-based senior Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, Tejares said.

Tejares said the task force has directed troops in Sulu “to continue conducting pressure” on Sahiron’s group and to “confirm if the Indonesian crewmen were indeed brought to Sulu.”

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the tugboat, Brahma 12, was intercepted Saturday night by a “group” aboard a motorized banca. He said the tugboat came from Jakarta and on was on its way to Batangas.

A military source earlier said the tugboat was a Taiwanese vessel but it turned out that it is Indonesia-registered. The tugboat was found abandoned and later towed to the port of Tawi-Tawi in Languyan.

“The information that we have received indicates that a certain group did the abduction high at sea by the use of a motorized banca powered by three outboard motors…

However, we could not categorically say what group this is until we have enough information to confirm that this allegation is true,” said Padilla.

Asked if the kidnappers are Abu Sayyaf men, Padilla said, “We are still waiting for the ongoing verification and cross checking on the information coming in.”

A source said one of the victims has contacted the tugboat owner, apparently on orders of their captors, to say they are being held by the Abu Sayyaf. “They (kidnappers) are seeking a P50 million ransom for the victims,” he said.

“One of the kidnap victims made a call to the tugboat owner, using a (Taiwanese) line. The phone was apparently in the tugboat. We cannot ascertain why there was a Taiwanese line there,” he said.

Asked if the kidnappers were indeed demanding ransom, Padilla said: “We are waiting for the tugboat owner to coordinate with us because there is information that the owner was already contacted to pay ransom in exchange for the lives of the crewmen.”

On the amount being demanded, Padilla said: “We don’t know the exact amount and we are waiting for the (tugboat) owner to give us the information that we are looking for to substantiate or confirm initial reports.”

In Zamboanga Sibugay Monday, Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Esmael Pingli alias Tago Pingli was arrested by joint military and police forces.

Pingli is involved in a string of kidnapping incidents in the region and has arrest warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, said Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/kidnapped-indons-now-sulu

Photo: Reds in the city

Posted to The Standard (Mar 30): Photo: Reds in the city



Supporters of the communist New Peoples Army march with an urn containing the remains of long-time rebel Gregorio ‘Ka Roger’ Rosal to mark the anniversary of the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. MANNY PALMERO

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-news-in-photos/202574/reds-in-the-city.html

Kidnappers demand ransom for 10 sailors

From The Standard (Mar 30): Kidnappers demand ransom for 10 sailors

Ten Indonesian sailors have been kidnapped in Philippine waters by Islamic militants who have demanded a ransom for their release, an official said  Tuesday.

The crew were traveling on two boats that were transporting coal from Borneo island to the Philippines when they were hijacked, said Indonesia’s foreign ministry spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir.

It is not clear when the vessels—a tugboat and a barge—were hijacked but the boats’ owners received a ransom call from someone claiming to be from the Abu Sayyaf militant group  on Saturday, Nasir said.

Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Arrmanatha Nasir

“The hijackers demanded a ransom from the owners of the boat. Since March 26, the hijackers have contacted the owners twice,” Nasir told reporters, without elaborating on how much had been demanded for the crew’s release.

It is unclear where the barge Anand 12 and the crew are being held by the kidnappers but the tugboat Brahma 12 had been released to the Philippine authorities, he added.

The Indonesian foreign ministry is working with the Philippines foreign ministry on the case, Nasir said.

“Our current priority is the safety of the 10 citizens who were taken hostage,” he said, adding their families had been informed.

Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri flew to the main army base in the south of the country to check on the situation and discuss what steps should be taken, his spokesman Brigadier General Restituto Padilla said.

The Philippine government has repeatedly said it has a no-ransom policy. But parties linked to foreigners held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf often pay to win their release.
Reports from Manila said local authorities found one of the tugboats abandoned at Languyan island, Tawi-tawi province  on Monday  afternoon.

Arrmanatha said Brahma 12 was already in the custody of officials in the Philippines while the other vessel and crewmen were still held hostage.

A report said authorities in the Philippines have received a demand for ransom equivalent to at least $1 million for the crew’s release.

The military confirmed the abduction of the 10 Indonesians  Tuesday  but could not confirm they were taken by the Abu Sayyaf.

Brig. Gen. Demy Tejares, commander of the joint task force on Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, said naval, air and ground assets are conducting a search for the victims.

Tejares also confirmed reports that the tugboat was found in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi, without its crew.

Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the abductors took the navigational equipment attached to the vessel and the personal belongings of the entire crew.

The military announced  Tuesday  that government forces arrested an Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader who was involved in a string of kidnappings in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Maj. Filemon Tan, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, identified the suspected kidnapper as Esmael Pingli alias Tago Pingli.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-main-stories/top-stories/202544/kidnappers-demand-ransom-for-10-sailors.html

Further confrontation with neighbors if China ignores tribunal decision

From Update.Ph (Mar 29): Further confrontation with neighbors if China ignores tribunal decision    

China will be setting up itself for further confrontation with neighboring countries if it will disregard and ignore the ruling of the international tribunal on case filed by Philippines against China’s sovereignty claim over virtually the entire South China Sea, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Colin Willett said today in a teleconference with Southeast Asian journalists.

The decision of the tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague is expected in coming weeks until May this year. China’s claim includes territory within Philippines’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), the West Philippine Sea.

“All eyes will be on China to see how it responds to the ruling and in our view that ruling should not be seen as a threat but can be seen as an opportunity for a real diplomatic solution,” the American official said.

Willet is responsible for Strategy and Multilateral Affairs in the East Asia and Pacific Bureau.

China has repeatedly said that it will not participate nor accept a third-party dispute settlement.

Former Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, before leaving his post, said “as we presume to be responsible states, the Philippines, as well as the international community, are asking China to respect the forthcoming ruling of the Arbitral Tribunal and together advance an international rules-based regime. If China does not heed our collective call, does it mean that China considers itself above the law?”

http://www.update.ph/2016/03/further-confrontation-with-neighbors-if-china-ignores-tribunal-decision/3644

Rebel killed in latest clash

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 29): Rebel killed in latest clash

ANOTHER alleged NPA rebel died in a clash between troops under the 401st Infantry Brigade and communist guerillas in Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan Del Norte at around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.

 

An AK-47 rifle was recovered at the scene.

 

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of 4th Infantry Division, said the troops were tracking down the same NPA group they’ve encountered a few days ago in the outskirts of Jabonga and Kitcharao towns of Agusan del Norte.

 

“It can be noted that this is already the 20th armed engagements since last month that led to the discovery of NPA main camp in Caraga region located at the outskirts of Jabonga,”Martinez said.

 

That clash resulted to the death of three NPA members, recovery of one M14 and six AK-47 rifles, four landmines, four handheld radios, 17 rounds of 60mm and five rounds of 81mm mortars.

 

Maj. Gen Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., the newly appointed commander of 4th Infantry Division, lauded the troops for the latest accomplishment.

 

“I congratulate our gallant soldiers who fought bravely and are fully motivated in accomplishing their mission,” he said.

 

“We are saddened whenever Filipino lives are lost. If only the NPA leaders did not deceive them to join the extortion group, they would still be living peacefully with their family.”

 

The body was immediately turned over to the local officials and PNP for identification and for a decent burial. Pursuit operations are still ongoing to track down the remaining NPA members.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/rebel-killed-in-latest-clash/

Military plane from Cebu arrives to help in firefighting effort in Mt. Apo

From MindaNews (Mar 29): Military plane from Cebu arrives to help in firefighting effort in Mt. Apo

A Bell UH-1Y Venon, or Super Huey, military aircraft from Tactical Operations Group Central Command arrived in Davao City from Mactan, Cebu on Monday afternoon to do an aerial reconnaissance over Mt. Apo.

In a phone interview, Capt. Roda Leoncito, acting chief of Eastern Mindanao Command’s Public Information Office, told MindaNews that the aircraft landed at around 2:40 p.m. at TOG 11 headquarters at the old Davao Airport in Sasa.

The aircraft might assist in suppressing the fire by using a helicopter bucket to pour water, she said.

It fetched officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- 11 before heading to Mt. Apo for a reconnaissance flight.

Roda said the plane returned to TOG 11 headquarters at 4:52 p.m.

She said that they requested for additional plane from Cebu upon request of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of North Cotabato.

“We have a Super Huey plane, but it is currently at the hangar for maintenance,” she said.

A Cessna plane from Aero Scout Company of the Light Armor Division of the Philippine Army carried the PDRRMC officials who conducted a rapid damage need assessment at 10 a.m. on Monday.

“Accordingly, initially large portion of the fire is within the side of North Cotabato,” EastMincom’s statement said.

It cited the PDRRMC-North Cotabato as saying that a fireline has been established “as means of controlling the fire. As of same time, large portion of fire is now within the side of Talomo Mt. Range and Davao Sur area.”

MindaNews tried to contact Harry Chester Camoro, of PDRRMC-Davao del Sur but he was still in a meeting with PDRRMC-North Cotabato and Davao del Sur in Lake Agco in Ilomavis, Kidapawan City.

In a text message, Edgardo Elera, head of the Digos City Tourism Office said they have surveyed the affected area but they have yet to determine the extent of the damage.

“May aerial survey na, ipa-plot pa sa map to determine the area na nasunog,” he said.
The fire started at around 1 p.m. on Black Saturday. By Sunday evening, it had reached the Century Tree Trail that leads to Talomo-Sibulam-Kapatagan in Davao del Sur.

“As of now, ang Digos area walang fire na naka-pasok, but aming volunteers naka-ready lahat, ang fire nasa Venado (Lake) going to Sta. Cruz area,” Elera said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/03/29/military-plane-from-cebu-arrives-to-help-in-firefighting-effort-in-mt-apo/

10 Indonesian tug boat crewmen seized in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 29): 10 Indonesian tug boat crewmen seized in Southern Philippines

Jakarta and Manila were verifying reports about the abduction of 10 Indonesian tug boat crew members off Tawi-Tawi province in southern Philippines.

The Indonesian foreign ministry said the tug boat Brahma 12 came from Kalimantan and was heading to Batangas province in Luzon when it was hijacked over the weekend.

It said the owner of the boat received telephone from men who claimed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf and were demanding P50 million ransoms for the safe release of the Indonesians.

But the Philippine military headquarters in Manila has not confirmed the reports and even the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines did not release any report about the abductions to the press.

The report of the hijacking was first reported by Peter Tonsen Barahama, the tug boat’s skipper, after he wrote on his Facebook account that “Tug boat Brahma 12 is being hijacked, all crew are being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf. Pray for our safety and God’s protection.”

The Jakarta Post, in a report Tuesday, also said information about the hijacking first came to light via the Facebook account of Barahama. “The information then spread to an Indonesian sailors group.

However, Peter’s friends have not been able to contact him to obtain further information. Peter is from Sangihe Island in North Sulawesi,” the report said.

The tugboat, owned by Patria Maritime Lines, is reportedly negotiating with the hostage-takers to secure the safe release of the victims, who were being held on an island in southern Philippines.

One of Barahama’s friends, Welmy Loway, said the tug boat was carrying coal. He and other friends then contacted the Indonesian foreign ministry and authorities in Sangihe to check the information and seek help for the crew members.

Pirates and other criminal gangs are also actively operating in Tawi-Tawi, one of five provinces under the restive Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In February 2012, Abu Sayyaf rebels under sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Moro National Liberation Front members kidnapped two European wildlife photographers Lorenzo Vinciguerra, from Switzerland; and Ewold Horn, 54, from Holland, in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town in Tawi-Tawi.

Vinciguerra had escaped from his guards in December 2014 after he allegedly killed one of his guards – Juhurim Hussien – with a bolo and recovered by soldiers. The fate of Horn is still unknown, and aside from him, the Abu Sayyaf is still holding several other foreigners in the Muslim region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/10-indonesian-tug-boat-crewmen-seized-in-southern-philippines/

Army presents 64 IEDs recovered after operation vs. BIFF

From the Philippine New Agency (Mar 29): Army presents 64 IEDs recovered after operation vs. BIFF

An outlawed Moro armed group has been manufacturing improvised explosive devices aimed at killing or wounding combatants and non combatants alike in Maguindanao and nearby provinces, the military here said today.

It was clearly evident when the Army's 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division through its Task Force Central presented to the media on Monday various improvised explosive devices (IEDs) recovered, disposed and defused by Army bomb experts.

Capt. Joann Petinglay, speaking for Task Force Central, said the IEDs were manufactured and dispersed by the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The Geneva-banned war materials were recovered during the more than one month operations against the BIFF in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

It started when the outlawed group torched two heavy equipment of a private construction company dredging portions of the town for the flood control project.

When the Army responded, a full blown shooting war erupted and lasted until mid-March, leaving five soldiers killed and 35 others injured, mostly by IEDs.

Civilians near the clash area claimed more than 50 BIFF were killed in the operation but the Army would not confirm nor deny the report.

But an Army junior officer said the number of fatalities could be that high since the Army used air and ground assaults against the BIFF who were armed with dangerous Barret sniper rifles.

With the number of IEDs recovered, Petinglay said, the BIFF clearly aims to inflict more injuries, not only against government forces but also civilians.

“This is a manifestation that the BIFF will sow more terroristic activities in the area, with utter disregard for the safety of the civilians,” Petinglay said.

She said soldiers of the Joint Task Force "Kampilan" will continue to intensify its operations to clear the area IEDs “so that people in the community can go back with their normal lives.”

At least 3,000 individuals from several villages of Datu Salibo remain in evacuation sites and hoping the Army would give the green light soon for them to return home and rebuild their lives.

At 8 a.m. today, the Army bomb disposal unit will dispose by detonation all the confiscated, recovered and unserviceable high explosives in a disposal area in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

“We would like to inform the public, especially those living near Barangay Sema, and Cotabato City that a series of explosions will be heard beginning this morning,” Petinglay said.

She reiterated earlier appeals for the public to remain vigilant to ensure ill motives of BIFF will not succeed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870836

6th ID to dispose 'unserviceable' high explosives

From the Philippine New Agency (Mar 29): 6th ID to dispose 'unserviceable' high explosives

The Army's 6th Infantry Division disposed today some 300 kilos of explosives, composed of mortars and other high explosive cartridge in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Capt. Joan Petinglay, speaking for the 6th ID, said the disposal was carried out by Army bomb disposal units which started at 8 a.m.

"Informing the civilian populace in Cotabato City and Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao not to panic if they hear loud explosions," Petinglay said.

The explosives were either recovered during military operation against lawless elements and those owned by the government that are no longer serviceable.

Few years ago, a stockpile of high explosive devices in the 6th ID ordnance depot accidentally went off one day. The incident was, per Army investigation, was triggered by an accidental explosion due to extreme heat.

No one was reported injured in that incident.

Petinglay said safety measures are in place to prevent accident that could claim lives and properties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870830

Troops arrest KFRG leader in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine New Agency (Mar 29): Troops arrest KFRG leader in Zamboanga Sibugay

Government troops have arrested a leader of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a military official announced Tuesday.

Maj. Filemon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified the arrested KFRG leader as Esmael Pingli alias Tago Pingli.

Tan said Pingli was arrested by the troops of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade around 1:15 p.m. Monday along the highway between the municipalities of R.T. Lim and Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Tan said the troops were conducting checkpoints when then spotted and arrested Pingli, who has standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and illegal detention.

He said Pingli was involved in many kidnapping incidents here in the Zamboanga Peninsula the previous years.

He said among the incident Pingli was involved was the kidnapping of a local businessman, Inocente Bautista.

Bautista was kidnapped on May 27, 2008 in Barangay Tetuan and was released on June 9 of the same year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870914

‘Lumad’ holds indignation rally against NPA

From the Philippine New Agency (Mar 29): ‘Lumad’ holds indignation rally against NPA

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon – About 800 ‘Lumads’ (Indigenous People) held an indignation rally here Tuesday to denounce the atrocities allegedly committed by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the IP communities in the region.

Datu Armando P. Bravo, spokesperson of the Lumad Mindanao Movement for Peace and Development, Inc. (LMMPDI), said that the Lumads were gathered to condemn the NPA atrocities towards the Lumads in Bukidnon on the rebel’s founding anniversary on March 29, 2016.

“We the Lumads in Bukidnon have been suffering from being oppressed and abused by the group of bandits of the Communist Party of the Philippines for the last 47 years", Bravo said in a statement emailed to the local media in Northern Mindanao.

The Lumads came from various ancestral lands in different areas in Bukidnon have gathered in the Plaza Rizal of Malaybalay City to express the apprehension about the oppression and exploitation of the NPA against the IPs, Bravo said.

Bravo also exposed the alleged brazen recruitment and the reported deceptions employed by NPA in the recruitment of the IPs, including minors, to forcibly join the armed insurgency and fight the government.

Aside from the abuses, the NPA also mercilessly killed many Lumads, including the IP leaders, who refused to support the armed struggle of the communist movement.

Bravo cited the killings of Mayor Mario Okinlay, of Impasug-ong, Datu Mambansilan ng Sitio Ulayanon, in Kalabugao, also of Impasug-ong, Datu Melody Delamance ng Cabanglasan, Datu Manhadukan Sandigan also of Cabanglasan, all of towns of the province of Bukidnon.

He said that the LMMPDI wants the government and the military to clear and drive away the NPA rebels in the ancestral lands in the whole province of Bukidnon.

“It is only when the province of Bukidnon is freed from the clutches of the communist rebels that the IPs could live and enjoy lasting peace,” Bravo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871159

Police dismantle NPA checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Police dismantle NPA checkpoint

A joint team of Philippine National Police personnel from Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office dismantled an illegally set up checkpoint allegedly by the New People's Army Monday morning at a hinter village, 15 kilometers from the town proper of a municipality along the highway of a southern province in the region.

Reports from Agusan del Sur provincial police reaching the regional headquarters here on Tuesday said that the joint teams of police personnel led by PSInsp. Jerry Fernandez, PCInsp. Joel Villamor and PCInsp. Bonifacio Estrella responded to the reports that about 40 communist rebels were setting up an illegal checkpoint at Purok 2, Barangay San Jose, Prosperidad town (about 15 kilometers from the town proper) in Agusan del Sur on Monday morning.

The police team, however, recovered only the signage marked "NPA Checkpoint" as the rebels fled in haste upon seeing the approaching lawmen. The fleeing rebels accordingly fired their guns indiscriminately, hitting a house owned by a resident identified as Mrs. Jelly Rose Molina Vadueza.

Police investigation disclosed that at 7:00 a.m. yesterday, the rebels set up their checkpoint at a road in the area and forcibly flagged down every passing vehicle. The residents in the area reported the incident to the police, which immediately dispatched some teams to respond and verify the said reports.

The police and their counterparts from the Philippine Army are now conducting hot pursuit operations and have restored the easy flow of the traffic in the said area.

Meanwhile, an NPA rebel died and a AK 47 rifle was recovered as another encounter sparked between the remnants of the rebels and the government troopers belonging to the 401st Infantry Brigade at a hinter village of Barangay Bangonay, Jabonga in Agusan del Norte on Sunday afternoon.

Army sources said that the government troops were tracking down the same NPA group they encountered a few days ago at the outskirts of Jabonga and Kitcharao towns of Agusan del Norte.

The Army said that this was the 20th armed engagement since last month that had already resulted in the death of at least three NPA rebels, the recovery of an M14 and 6 AK 47 rifles, 4 landmines, four hand held radios, 17 rounds of 60mm, 5 rounds of 81mm mortars and NPA belongings including subversive documents with high intelligence value.

The Communist Party of the Philippines, New People's Army and National Democratic Front (CNN) is celebrating their 47th founding anniversary this day.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871008

Improvised bomb blast hits school in Lamitan City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Improvised bomb blast hits school in Lamitan City

An improvised bomb explosion has destroyed a classroom of a school in Lamitan City, Basilan, a police official disclosed Tuesday.

Senior Insp. Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, disclosed the incident took place around 7:20 p.m. Monday at the Dangkalan Elementary School.

Gallardo said while there was no casualty, a classroom of the said school was destroyed in the explosion.

Gallardo said that personnel of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) have recovered parts of an improvised bomb at the blast site.

He said they are conducting thorough investigation to establish the identity of the suspects as well as the motive of the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=870918

Alert up in 4 Koronadal City villages due to sightings of armed men

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 29): Alert up in 4 Koronadal City villages due to sightings of armed men

Police authorities have tightened security in four remote villages in Koronadal City in line with the start of the local campaign period for the May 9 elections.

Supt. Barney Condes, Koronadal City police chief, said Tuesday they have placed Barangays Cacub, Topland, San Jose and Esperanza under heightened alert due to the reported sightings of armed elements.

“We're closely monitoring the situation in these areas to avert possible security-related problems in the run-up and during the election day,” he said in a radio interview.

The official said they are specifically focusing their security operations in Sitio Sta. Barbara in Barangay San Jose that is considered as among the remotest communities in Koronadal City.

He said the area is not quite accessible and might pose some problems during the polls.

Sitio Sta. Barbara could only be reached so far through an alternative route in an adjacent municipality, he said.

The village is close to Koronadal City's boundary area with Columbio and Lutayan towns in Sultan Kudarat and Tampakan in South Cotabato.

The mountains of Tampakan and Columbio hosts a guerrilla front of the New People's Army that had been blamed over several attacks in the area these past years.

“These armed groups don't necessarily stay in our area but they regularly pass by there and it's a serious concern for local residents,” he said.

Condes assured that they are currently on top of the situation and making the necessary moves to ensure that upcoming polls in the area will be smooth, peaceful and orderly.

He said their security plan for the May 9 elections had long been in place as mandated by Philippine National Police central office and the Police Regional Office 12.

“We've been taking this matter seriously and we will not stop until we effectively address or resolve it,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=871001