PH acquires air-to-air missiles for FA-50PH jets

From Update Philippines (Sep 6): PH acquires air-to-air missiles for FA-50PH jets 



The Department of National Defense (DND) will acquire sufficient stocks of AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air missiles for the country’s 12 Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer (F/SA/LIFT) FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” aircraft.

This was bared by DND public affairs office chief, Arsenio Andolong, in an interview with PNA Wednesday.

“Notice to Proceed was issued to Diehl Raytheon of Germany last Aug. 31. The [‘Sidewinder’ contract] is worth PHP1,016,734,088.” he added.

Andolong declined to give the specific number and delivery dates of the missiles for security reasons. But he said the “weapons are sufficient for all of the country’s FA-50s.”

Andolong added the AIM-9s to be acquired are “all live rounds and fresh from the factory” meaning all of its sensors, rocket motors and warheads are brand-new.

With the pending delivery of the missiles, the FA-50s will now have another weapon for air-to-air combat aside from its internal 20mm cannon, making it more capable of protecting the country’s airspace against airborne threats.

It utilizes infrared homing for guidance and tracking and has a top speed of Mach 3 or three times the speed of sound. Its warhead weighs around 20 pounds and the missile has a length of 9 feet and 11 inches.

https://www.update.ph/2017/09/ph-acquires-air-to-air-missiles-for-fa-50ph-jets/20531

Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Nur Misuari

From Rappler (Sep 5): Sandiganbayan orders arrest of Nur Misuari

(3RD UPDATE) 'We respect the process but sad because the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front have agreements,' says Misuari's spokesperson Emmanuel Fontanilla

GHOST PROJECTS. Nur Misuari is facing graft and malversation charges over multi-million peso educational projects in the ARMM which turned out to have never been delivered.

(3rd UPDATE) – The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) governor Nur Misuari over graft and malversation charges arising from multimillion-peso ghost projects.

The warrant, dated August 31, had been cascaded to law enforcement authorities to be served on Misuari, the Sandiganbayan's 3rd Division confirmed on Wednesday, September 6.

"We respect the process but sad because [the] Philippines and [the] Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have agreements," Emmanuel Fontanilla, Misuari's spokesman, said in a text message.

Malacañang said it will leave it up to Misuari to defend himself. Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said it cannot be established at this point ifMisuari's arrest will effect the peace process.

“I cannot categorically say that it will not have any effect. But at this stage, it will be best if he addressed [this] directly himself,” Abella said during a news briefing on Tuesday.

Asked whether Misuari has posted or will post bail, Fontanilla said he "cannot comment at this time."

"It's complicated, not only a matter of bail," Fontanilla said.

Bail is set at P460,000 for two counts of graft and two counts of malversation through falsification of documents. Separate charges of one count each of graft and malversation through falsification are still pending as the court is still in the process of establishing probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest in this regard.

Misuari is the leader of the MNLF faction which seized parts of Zamboanga City in 2013. He was charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity but President Rodrigo Duterte granted him temporary freedom so he could participate in the peace process.

His temporary freedom has been extended until November 16, 2017.

Appeals

The latest arrest warrant stemmed from charges over the purchase of P115 million worth of educational materials when Misuari was ARMM governor. The ARMM did not receive the materials.

The court also denied the appeals of Misuari’s co-accused – Leogivilda Cinches, former director of the Department of Education-ARMM; and Nader Macagaan, former resident auditor of DepEd-ARMM.

The ARMM, under Misuari, carried out the questionable purchases from 2000 to 2001, involving the purchase of an information technology package, multimedia information technology package, and textbooks.

Cinches said the charges against her should be dismissed because her signatures might have been forged. She also said she was only performing her ministerial duty to sign the documents which were prepared by her subordinates.

“If she would be required to examine every detail of the alleged irregular transactions prior to approving the Lists of Due and Demandable Accounts and Schedules of Accounts Payable, she would have to devote all her time and energy for the same,” Cinches said.

Macagaan, for his part, said he could not be charged because he is not a member of the DepEd Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

“He participated in the procurement process in the capacity of an observer,” Macagaan said, citing the procurement law.

Macagaan also tried to invoke his right against inordinate delay, saying the Commission on Audit (COA) submitted its report to the Office of the Ombudsman as early as 2007. Charges were filed before the Sandiganbayan in May 2017, or 10 years later.

According to the court, while COA submitted a report in 2007, the preliminary investigation only lasted one year and 11 months.

As for the other arguments, the court said they are matters that will be properly threshed out during trial.

The other accused are: Pangalian Maniri, former chief accountant of DepEd-ARMM; Sittie Aisa Usman, former supply officer of DepEd-ARMM; and Alladin Usi, former accountant of DepEd-ARMM.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/181189-sandiganbayan-nur-misuari-arrest

U.S. donates P730 million to help rebuild Marawi

From Rappler (Sep 5): U.S. donates P730 million to help rebuild Marawi



US Ambassador Sung Kim describes the Marawi crisis as 'the most urgent challenge' facing the decades-long ties between Manila and Washington

The United States announced it is donating P730 million ($15 million) to help rebuild the southern Philippine city of Marawi, the site of months-long clashes between Philippine troops and terrorists linked to the Islamic State (ISIS).US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim made this announcement in a roundtable discussion with select journalists on Tuesday, September 5, as the Marawi clashes are on their 4th month.

In his opening statement, Kim described the Marawi conflict as "the most urgent challenge" facing the 71-year-old ties between Manila and Washington.

He also offered his condolences for soldiers and civilians who have died "during this terrible conflict."

"We all look forward to the end of the crisis, and the end of the fighting and suffering. We have been and will continue to support the Philippine government's efforts to deal with the crisis," Kim said.

He explained that the US will donate more than P730 million through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the American agency in charge of foreign aid.

Below is the breakdown of the P730-million US assistance:

• P153 million "to deliver critical relief supplies such as safe drinking water, hygiene kits, shelter materials for evacuation centers, and for programs to protect displaced women and children"
• P577 million "to support the early recovery, stabilization, and rehabilitation of Marawi and the surrounding area"

This donation comes even as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte slams the US for supposedly interfering in his bloody war on drugs.

The Philippine military earlier said the US is providing "technical assistance" to government troops battling the ISIS-linked Maute Group in Marawi City.

 

 

In reaction, Duterte said in June, "Nagpapasalamat na rin ako. Nandiyan na 'yan." (I have to be thankful. It's already there.)

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/181195-united-states-donation-marawi-rehabilitation-relief

Duterte to MILF: BBL still a priority

From Rappler (Sep 5): Duterte to MILF: BBL still a priority

President Rodrigo Duterte tells MILF leaders that he will talk to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez about the passage of the BBL

PEACE FOR MINDANAO. President Rodrigo Duterte meets with MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and other MILF leaders in Malacañang on September 4, 2017. Presidential photo

President Rodrigo Duterte has personally assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that the passage of the proposed Bangamoro Basic Law (BBL) is an administration priority.

Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in a press conference on Tuesday, September 5, that the President gave the assurance to the MILF leadership during a meeting in Malacañang on Monday, September 4.

"PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) assures MILF and the Moro people that BBL is an executive priority bill," said Abella.

During the meeting, Duterte told MILF leaders that he intends to speak with Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez about the passage of the BBL.

The MILF had earlier accused the Duterte administration of "non-compliance" with signed peace agreements.

In an official statement posted on its website, luwaran.com, the MILF pointed out that no lawmaker has sponsored the proposed BBL and that it was not among the 28 priority legislative measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).

During the meeting, Duterte raised his own concerns about these criticisms from the MILF.

"PRRD met with leadership of MILF yesterday to discuss, among others, their social media posts critical of their handling and the progress of the BBL bill," said Abella.

The President also relayed his gratitude to the Moro separatist group for its support to the fight against Muslim extremism and terrorism, and its help in humanitarian efforts in Marawi.

The MILF maintains that the passage of the BBL is the only long-term solution to the violence in Mindanao. Duterte, the first Mindanaoan president, has also said the BBL or federalism is the only way to bring peace to the troubled region.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/181200-duterte-assurance-milf-bbl-priority-measure

Most wanted MNLF member arrested in Basilan

From Rappler (Sep 6): Most wanted MNLF member arrested in Basilan

Boy Hamja is arrested for the following crimes: murder, robbery in band, extortion, and participation in the drug trade

ARRESTED. Boy Hamja is arrested by Basilan police on September 5, 2017. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler.

The most wanted Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) member in Basilan province was arrested in Barangay Bohe Baka. Tipo-Tipo on Tuesday afternoon, September 5.

Police Superintendent Christopher Panapan, officer-in-charge of the Basilan Provincial Police Office, identified the arrested MNLF member as Boy Hamja. Hamja was arrested at 5 pm.

 

MOST WANTED. Identification cards for Boy Hamja. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler.

Panapan said personnel of the Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit arrested Hamja by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court, Branch 2, for the following crimes: murder, robbery in band, extortion, and drug trade.

Panapan said recovered from Hamja were a sachet of shabu and personal belongings.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/181265-boy-hamja-mnlf-member-arrested-basilan

20 suspected NPA supporters in Kidapawan yield

From MindaNews (Sep 5): 20 suspected NPA supporters in Kidapawan yield

At least 20 residents of a rebel-influenced village here have yielded voluntarily to authorities on Tuesday to clear their names after they were accused of helping communist guerillas.

The villagers were accompanied by Ricardo Rifurial, chairman of Barangay Katipunan, one of the seven villages identified as “highly-influenced” by the New People’s Army (NPA).

Rifurial said the surrenderees admitted to the 39th Infantry Battalion that they were members of the “Sangay ng Partido” (SP).

Two of the 20, he added, are members of his Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT).

One of the village guards reportedly confessed that he once accommodated some NPA guerillas to take some rest in his house.

Another guard, Rifurial said, admitted having in his possession a laptop left by one of the NPA rebels.

“These villagers yielded to the Army to clear their names … that they have nothing to do with the abduction of a police officer in Barangay Katipunan,” said Rifurial in an interview over the Catholic-run DXND.

On August 15, at least six armed NPA guerillas snatched PO1 Bristol Catalan, of the Makilala police, at Purok 3 in Barangay Katipunan while driving his children to school on his motorcycle.

But Catalan’s abduction remains a “mystery” to Rifurial.

“I was asking myself why would the NPAs take PO1 Catalan? He has done nothing wrong against the rebels. He is not a bad cop. He is a good person,” he said.

Other villages in Kidapawan City considered NPA-infested are Barangays Santo Niño, San Roque, Linangkob, San Isidro, Sikitan, and Gayola.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/09/20-suspected-npa-supporters-in-kidapawan-yield/

Lumad schools being used by NPA for propaganda – Army

From MindaNews (Sep 5): Lumad schools being used by NPA for propaganda – Army

A military official operating in Region 12 has confirmed reports that some of the schools run by the indigenous peoples (IPs) are being used as “tool for propaganda” by the New Peoples’ Army (NPA).

Col. Roberto Angcan, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade, said these lumad schools are located in remote villages in the region, especially in the hinterlands.

Angcan, however, refused to identify these schools.

He denied allegations by progressive groups hurled against the Army that his troops have been harassing and threatening IP schools in the region.

They were also accused of bombing IP schools in Sultan Kudarat province.

“That is a lie. We don’t attack schools. We only run after armed men who belong to terror groups,” Angcan said in an interview over the Catholic-run DXND.

This, he stressed, is despite the order coming from the Department of Education that they would check on schools that are accredited, registered, or licensed with the department.

“In my [area of responsibility], there are schools being built in the hinterlands. If these are legal institutions and authorized by the DepEd, then, they should not be afraid,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/09/lumad-schools-being-used-by-npa-for-propaganda-army/

Phil. Army gathers Muslim leaders, Dgte officials for briefing on countering violent extremism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5): Phil. Army gathers Muslim leaders, Dgte officials for briefing on countering violent extremism

The 31st Infantry Division of the Philippine Army in cooperation with Bantay Bayanihan sa Kapayapaan and the Dumaguete City government recently gathered the Muslim leaders and local officials for a briefing about countering violent extremism.

Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of 3ID, explained that due to the Marawi skirmishes and its impact in the Visayas, the briefing-dialogue is one of the steps to achieve peace and security resiliency.

“This is to develop understanding and foster unity among the Christian and Muslim communities to prevent violent and extremist views that destroy the harmonious co-existence of both," he said.

Aying also cited the need to unite the Muslims and Christians at social, economic, and political levels and set aside the tribal and religious differences to understand each other’s culture, practices, values, and beliefs towards attaining lasting peace and development in the country.

Meanwhile, Aying warned the participants to be vigilant as the influx of evacuees to the Visayas will continue due to the Marawi crisis and the Martial Law in Mindanao, and local terrorists might blend with evacuees to spread pockets of terrorism.

He said that retaliation by Sulu-based Abu Sayaff Group against targets in the Visayas is expected after their failed mission in Bohol.

However, he assured that at present, there is no imminent threat of terrorism in the Visayas.

Aying said that an action plan to conduct a series of awareness campaigns with Muslim and Christian communities will be carried out.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1000059

Cebuano News: Pres. Duterte ug liderato sa MILF, nagpulong og balik

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5): Cebuano News: Pres. Duterte ug liderato sa MILF, nagpulong og balik

Nakig-pulong og balik si Presidente Rodrigo Duterte sa mga opisyal sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sa Malakanyang kagahapon.

Kauban sa maong pulong sila MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Ghazali Jaafar ug MILF peace implementing panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal.

Nitambong usab sa maong pulong sila BTC Commissioner Abdulraof Macacua ug BTC Executive Director Esmael Pasigan.

Sa habig usab sa gabinete ni Duterte, nitambong sila Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. ug Interior and Local Government Acting Secretary Catalino Cuy.

Matud pa ni Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella, sa maong pulong giseguro ni Duterte sa MILF nga executive priority bill ang BBL, taliwala sa mga kabalaka sa pipila ka grupo nga walay sponsor ang maong balaodnon sa Kongreso.

Giingong gi-konsiderar usab sa Presidente ang BBL isip mahinungdanong balaodnon nga kinahanglan alang sa umaabot ug gipangandoy nga kalinaw.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1000060

Police: Pamatong is 'armed and dangerous'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): Police: Pamatong is 'armed and dangerous'

Controversial lawyer Ely Pamatong is “armed and dangerous” and has maintained at least 30 camps throughout the country, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has warned.

Pamatong, a colorful political figure who has gained notoriety for his antics, was nowhere to be found when authorities implemented a search warrant and recovered a handgun and two grenades in his compound in Brgy. Tablon here last August 31.
Authorities had originally targetted Pamatong's cache of firearms during the raid, said Senior Police Officer 4 Noel Oclarit, CIDG chief investigator.

It was possible that Pamatong, Oclarit said, had been tipped off of the raid in his premises, and carted away the firearms together with his followers.

Because of this, Oclarit said they viewed Pamatong and his cohorts as "armed and dangerous" and that the public is urged to inform authorities of the group's whereabouts.

Oclarit said Pamatong's group maintains around 30 camps all over the country, "and they could be in one of those camps."

Pamatong, who was suspended last year by the Supreme Court from practicing law for two years due to corruption, is the leader of the "USA Freedom Fighters of the East (USAFFE)".
His antics, which included burning the flags of some countries he deemed hostile to the Philippines, have largely been ignored by authorities. Early this year, Pamatong declared himself to be the legitimate president of the Philippines.

Pamatong has been seen in public clad in military regalia, complete with badges and accessories. His Facebook posts also show him and his followers brandishing firearms.


Pamatong's activities have largely been dismissed by authorities as theatrics, until some of USAFFE members were arrested last month for trying to enter Marawi City in fake military uniforms.

Police said Pamatong allegedly ordered his members to "reinforce" government troops in Marawi City, where the terrorist Maute group has been laying siege for three months.

Oclarit warned Pamatong's followers they can be charged with violation of RA 10591 for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition; RA 9516, for alleged illegal possession of explosives; and RA 8491, for inverting the Philippine flag.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008413

2 killed in MILF, BIFF clashes in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): 2 killed in MILF, BIFF clashes in Maguindanao

Fighting between joint government forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao has continued, the latest of which happened Sunday that left two MILF fighters killed.

The MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity) clashed over the weekend with BIFF Esmael Abdulmalik faction in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, Capt. Arvin John Encinas told reporters.

Among those reported killed was an operation officer of MILF 118th base command.
Encinas, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, said the Army has been providing blocking positions around the so called “SPMS box” or the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi town), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo.

Fighting between MILF and BIFF has been going on since three weeks ago after the ISIS-inspired group tried to encroach MILF communities in the SPMS box.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the MILF, said his group will continue to defend its areas to prevent the ISIS-inspired armed men from encroaching civilian communities.

Under the 1997 ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF, the rebel movement is mandated to help the government get rid of terrorists and kidnappers.

Senior Supt. Agustin Tello, Maguindanao police provincial director, said the police have remained on alert alongside the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade and 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade to prevent spillover of clashes between the MILF and BIFF to other Maguindanao towns and in North Cotabato.

More checkpoints have been set up to ensure public safety, he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008566

Army appeals for public support on anti-insurgency campaign

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Army appeals for public support on anti-insurgency campaign

The Philippine Army is calling for the cooperation of the public on its anti-insurgency campaign in view of the ongoing recruitment activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas.

“Their recruitment is constant that is why we are appealing for the help of the civilians in the communities because the Army cannot do it alone through military solutions,” Captain Eduardo Precioso Jr., public information officer of the Army's 301st Infantry Brigade (3rd Infantry Division) based in Dingle, Iloilo, said in a press conference Tuesday.

Precioso said the NPA recruitment process is very simple -- emphasizing negative issues about the government, particularly about its alleged failure to uplift people from poverty.

These newly-recruit civilians will then be organized and will go to cities to conduct rallies for exposure and go to the mountainous areas for mobilization.

Precioso also appealed to local government units to help resolve the insurgency problem that the region has been experiencing for the past 40 to 50 years.

“There is the need for the civilians and the LGUs to take part because the issues on insurgency is more on community,” he said.

“We are appealing to the community to bring their problems to concerned government agency so that the government could address them,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008642

AFP hails Recto proposal to hike benefits for wounded troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): AFP hails Recto proposal to hike benefits for wounded troops

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) lauded the proposal of Senator Ralph Recto calling for the increase of financial benefits to troopers severely wounded-in-action or in the battlefield.

"(That is) a very noble initiative that would be of great help to our wounded soldiers specially those who were seriously wounded," said AFP chief-of-staff Eduardo Ano on Sunday.

Recto proposed that PHP1 million be given in financial assistance to soldiers physically incapacitated in the line-of-duty, a far cry from the PHP250,000 now being given.

"Some of our men may not be able to walk while some would be blind for the rest of their lives. Recuperation from their wounds will longer time and costly hence the proposed increase would go a long way and prepare our soldiers well enough until they return back to normal duty," the AFP chief noted.

Año said this is also a better way to appreciate troops wounded serving the country and its people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008401

AFP mum on alleged death of terror chief Abdullah Maute

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 4): AFP mum on alleged death of terror chief Abdullah Maute

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it cannot positively comment with certainty on the alleged death of terrorist leader Abdullah Maute until it has recovered the former's body or physical evidence showing conclusively that the latter has been neutralized or killed in the ongoing clearing operations.

And in the event that the body has been badly damaged or corrupted, this includes DNA sampling, said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

Until these requirements are satisfied, Arevalo said, the AFP cannot "100 percent" claimed that the terror chief is killed or neutralized.

"We are continuously taking in information to validate this (Abdullah's reported death)," Arevalo said, adding that they have no exact information on the time and date of the terror chief's reported death.

Abdullah is one of the founders of the Maute Group terrorists who ran amuck in Marawi City last May 23 after a botched attempt to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and his cohorts.

Another founder is brother Omar whom the AFP public affairs office chief said is still cornered in the main battle area in Marawi City along with Hapilon.

Arevalo issued this statement after confidential sources claimed that Abdullah was killed in one of the air strikes launched against the terror group.

As of this posting, Maute Group members killed in the ongoing clearing operations are placed at 639 along with 145 government troops. Civilians executed are still at 45 while rescued captives are placed at 1,728 along with 672 weapons seized.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008455

Army thanks CebPac for free airlift support

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Army thanks CebPac for free airlift support

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday expressed gratitude to Cebu Pacific Air for its free airlift support that helped transport troops wounded in the ongoing battle in Marawi City.

"It is with deep gratitude that we accept this kind of gesture of support for our soldiers who are now returning to their respective units for combat. It is a meaningful gesture to make your soldiers feel that their sacrifices are being recognized and appreciated,” PA Public Affairs Office chief, Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said.

Last Monday, 11 soldiers were flown from Manila via four separate Cebu Pacific flights.

Tiongson said these soldiers were discharged from confinement at the Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. They are the first beneficiaries of the airline's free airlift support.

Wounded troops, who are fit for commercial flights can be accommodated on Cebu Pacific flights from Cagayan De Oro (Laguindingan Airport) or Manila to any of the 37 domestic destinations of Cebu Pacific Air.
On top of the free flights, these military personnal are provided with a 40-kilogram baggage allowance.

Cebu Pacific has also been granting free 40-kilogram baggage allowance to all soldiers and police who are being deployed to Mindanao, or flying within Mindanao, provided they can show valid mission orders and AFP or PNP identification cards.

"Support for the soldiers from the private sector continues. More than 15 tons of goods in various items have been donated through the Army's Civil Military Operations Regiment," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008536

Parreño to formally assume Marines helm Tuesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Parreño to formally assume Marines helm Tuesday

Brig. Gen. Alvin Parreño will formally take over the helm of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Tuesday afternoon.

Change-of-command ceremony will take place at the Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

Parreño will replace Major Gen. Emmanuel S. Salamat, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, who was appointed head of the Tarlac City-based Northern Luzon Command on Monday following the retirement of Lt. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo, PMC public affairs office head, Lt. Rowena Dalmacio said.
Parreño, member of PMA Class of 1986, becomes the 31st Commandant of the PMC. He is the Deputy Commandant of PMC prior to his appointment.

Parreño is a seasoned Marine officer who started his career by commanding a marine rifle platoon and honed his skills during his stint in Force Reconnaissance Battalion where he became its Commander.

He also commanded the Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 and was promoted to brigadier general while leading the Naval Reserve Command prior his assignment as commander of the 1st Marine Brigade in 2016.

The incoming PMC chief held various key positions which honed him to become one of the finest generals of his time.

He has proven his leadership skills and prowess in fighting separatist and terrorist groups in Mindanao and received numerous medals and various commendations for gallantry and dedication to service.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008549

Palace says Misuari has to answer graft charges

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): Palace says Misuari has to answer graft charges

Malacañang on Tuesday said Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari should face the charges filed against him before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the so-called “textbook scam” while he was still governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Sandiganbayan has ordered the arrest of Misuari after the anti-graft court found probable cause to hold the former governor and his co-accused on trial over the alleged anomalous purchase of PHP115.2 million in educational materials in 2000 and 2001.

“The onus to defend himself, at this point, will have to be with Mr. Misuari,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a Palace briefing.

President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier ordered the police not to implement the standing warrant of arrest against Misuari after he expressed his willingness to meet with the MNLF leader to restart stalled peace talks.

Misuari is facing rebellion charges over the deadly 2013 Zamboanga siege that left 200 dead.

The court has given him a temporary pass so he could participate in the peace talks.

Misuari emerged after three years in hiding when he met with Duterte in Malacañang in November 2016.

Since then, Duterte and Misuari have met several times to discuss peace talks with the MILF.

Abella said Malacañang could not say if Misuari’s latest arrest warrant would have an effect on the ongoing peace talks but nonetheless advised the former ARMM governor to answer the graft charges.

“I cannot categorically say it will not have any effect (on the peace talks), but at this stage, it will be best if he addresses directly the matter himself,” Abella said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008627

US, PH working for return of Balangiga bells: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5): US, PH working for return of Balangiga bells: envoy

The United States has started working with the Philippine government for the return of the Balangiga bells to the country as quickly as possible.

“There is an ongoing effort, ongoing discussion within the US government and with the Philippine government to try to facilitate the return of these bells as quickly as possible. I believe it's the right thing to do and I really do hope that we’ll be able to return the bells soon,” said US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim in a press briefing.

Kim believes the bells are “emotionally and historically important matter” for the Filipino people.

The Ambassador did not give a timeline for the return of the bells.

The Balangiga bells were seized by US troops from Balangiga town in Samar more than a century ago during the Philippine-American war. The troops took back the relic to the US as war booty.

“It’s very difficult for me to predict things, the timeline but I assure you that we are deeply committed to making sure that the bells are returned to the Filipino people and I hope that we’ll be able to see some progress not at distant future,” Kim said.

Efforts started a month after President Rodrigo Duterte called on the US to return to the Philippines the bells of the Balangiga church during his second State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July.

Meanwhile, the US government, through the US Embassy in the Philippines’ United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has committed about PHP730 million ($14.3 million) in emergency relief and recovery assistance for communities affected by the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and its surrounding areas.

“The United States is deeply committed to this relationship and remains ready to support our friend and ally as we face the challenges and opportunities,” Kim said.

“We all look forward to the end of the crisis, and the end of the fighting and suffering. We have been and will continue to support the Philippine government’s efforts to deal with the crisis,” he added.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1008672