From the Daily Tribune (Apr 19): Rebels junk armed struggle, change group’s name
Having decided to surrender a long established principle of armed struggle to change the structure of society, the armed group known as Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB TPG) is now to be called as “Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan” or a Brotherhood for Social Progress" and would embrace now the system of Philippine government.
In 2000, an agreement was signed between the former rebel group and with the government, after the group’s three-day general assembly where they drafted their new constitution and by-laws and defined their new organizational directions.
Lawyer Maria Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, undersecretary of Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP), said the formation of the Brotherhood for Social Progress is in line with the goal of the government to transform the RPM-P/RPA/ABB TPG into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization, as outlined by the proposed Closure Agreement Toward the Disposition of Arms and Forces.
Sandoval said the agreement is now under review for signing.
Sandoval added that the general assembly and the formation of the KPP serve as indicators of the TPG’s sincere intention of returning to the folds of government and into mainstream society.
Marlon de los Santos, KPP secretary, said “even without the signing, this is our way of showing the people that we intend to fulfill our obligation to the government by meeting the requirement of the peace agreement for the group’s institutional transformation.”
“We are tired of hiding and we want to use legitimate means to pursue our cause,” De los Santos said.
The KPP will pursue social justice as a key to lasting peace and genuine progress, De los Santos said.
“The new organization endeavors to improve economic conditions and welfare of its former combatant members and strengthen its capabilities so that it could effectively pursue its commitment to continue to work for the interest of the working masses and pursue substantial reforms for the betterment of the working people,” De los Santos added.
The KPP elected officers include Gilbert Arsenal as president; Placido Perfas as vice president; Marlon del os Santos as secretary; Fortunato Duran as treasurer, Antonio Bagabon as public information officer; Santos Malinao as auditor; Herminihildo Oliver as vice president for District 4 in situ; Ramel Factora as representative for Mindanao; Ivan Siosan as representative for Panay; Jon Reyes as representative for the National Capital Region; and Giovanni Banista as sergeant at arms.
The newly-formed organization’s membership includes the squad and territorial command officials of the former rebel group.
http://www.tribuneonline.org/index.php/metro-section/item/13044-rebels-junk-armed-struggle-change-group’s-name
Saturday, April 20, 2013
ANAD: NPA uses chapel to kill a Peace and Development Team leader
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 16): NPA uses chapel to kill a Peace and Development Team leader
ANAD PARTYLIST-MINDANAONEWS AND INFORMATION BUREAU
16 April 2013
NPA USES CHAPEL TO KILL A PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER
...
A Team Leader of the Philippine Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) Team was killed during a sniping incident perpetrated by the communist’s NPA at Purok7, Bgy Sta Fe, New Corella, Davao del Norte, at 11:20 a.m. of, April 15, 2013.
Two (2) NPAs armed with M14 rifle, positioned themselves at the Purok Chapel situated at a vantage high ground, approximately 100 Meters from the crowd fired upon the PDOP team on a dialogue with some civilians in the community for the proposed community project that they will be jointly undertake.
The attack hit Cpl Zalde G Sario of 60IB at his abdomen. Troops immediately retaliated with caution that made the NPA retreated. Cpl Sario was given First Aid and immediately rushed to Tagum City Regional Hospital but was pronounced Dead on Arrival.
LTC LLEWELLYN BINASOY, commander, 60th Infantry Battalion condemns the ungodly act of the bandits who are taking advantage on soldier’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
”It is provided in Part 4, Article 4, Section 8 that places of worship and religious institutions must be respected and should be spared from any military attack... Sa paggamit nila sa simbahan na taguan at base ng kanilang pag-atake upang mapatay ang ating sundalo ay isang pagpapakita ng kanilang kawalang respeto sa ating relihiyon at simbahan. ” LTC BINASOY pointed out further.
On his part, COL BUENAVENTURA C PASCUAL, the commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade stressed that “The sacrifices and heroism of our soldiers will not be put in vain. The fate of our comrade from treachery even inflames our commitment to go after these bandits, to stop and prevent them from further terrorizing our people. We will not allow them to deter our commitment to help the least of our brothers in exploring better opportunities in life. We firmly stand to that quest!” COL PASCUAL added.
16 April 2013
NPA USES CHAPEL TO KILL A PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT TEAM LEADER
...
A Team Leader of the Philippine Army’s Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) Team was killed during a sniping incident perpetrated by the communist’s NPA at Purok7, Bgy Sta Fe, New Corella, Davao del Norte, at 11:20 a.m. of, April 15, 2013.
Two (2) NPAs armed with M14 rifle, positioned themselves at the Purok Chapel situated at a vantage high ground, approximately 100 Meters from the crowd fired upon the PDOP team on a dialogue with some civilians in the community for the proposed community project that they will be jointly undertake.
The attack hit Cpl Zalde G Sario of 60IB at his abdomen. Troops immediately retaliated with caution that made the NPA retreated. Cpl Sario was given First Aid and immediately rushed to Tagum City Regional Hospital but was pronounced Dead on Arrival.
LTC LLEWELLYN BINASOY, commander, 60th Infantry Battalion condemns the ungodly act of the bandits who are taking advantage on soldier’s strict adherence to the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
”It is provided in Part 4, Article 4, Section 8 that places of worship and religious institutions must be respected and should be spared from any military attack... Sa paggamit nila sa simbahan na taguan at base ng kanilang pag-atake upang mapatay ang ating sundalo ay isang pagpapakita ng kanilang kawalang respeto sa ating relihiyon at simbahan. ” LTC BINASOY pointed out further.
On his part, COL BUENAVENTURA C PASCUAL, the commander of the Army’s 1003rd Brigade stressed that “The sacrifices and heroism of our soldiers will not be put in vain. The fate of our comrade from treachery even inflames our commitment to go after these bandits, to stop and prevent them from further terrorizing our people. We will not allow them to deter our commitment to help the least of our brothers in exploring better opportunities in life. We firmly stand to that quest!” COL PASCUAL added.
ANAD: Reestablishment of the CPP--CPP Five Year Plan (2010-2015)
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 16): Reestablishment of the CPP--CPP Five Year Plan (2010-2015)
Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan (PADEPA)
PADEPA 101
LESSON FOR THE DAY: April 16, 2013
... THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
By Arthur J. Tariman
National Council Member, ANAD Party-list
CPP Five-Year Plan (2010-2015)
• “The NPA must firmly and vigorously pursue the strategic line of protracted people's war. This involves encircling the cities from the countryside and accumulating sufficient armed strength here over a protracted period of time until it gains the capability to launch the strategic offensive against the enemy holdouts in the cities and seize political power on a nationwide scale…”
• “It must exercise flexibility in the use of tactics of concentration, dispersal and shifting. It concentrates strength superior to that of a target enemy unit for attack. It disperses to deprive the enemy of any visible target or when it conducts mass work among the people. It shifts position when it evades the attack of a superior enemy force and maneuvers to gain time or an advantageous position.”
• “The existing 110 guerrilla fronts must continuously be developed so that all or most of them become company-size fronts and give rise to new guerrilla fronts. They must increase to at least 180 guerrilla fronts in the next five years…”
Comment: This is in consonant with the objective of one guerilla front for each rural congressional district in the country.
• “Guerrilla fronts adjacent to each other are clustered to form a wider war theater that enables a wider scope of command, coordination, mutual support and maneuver…”
Comment: Such is the case in Claver, Surigao del Norte where three guerilla fronts had combined their strengths to simultaneously attacked three mining and mineral processing firms.
• “The Party must direct the formation of various levels of command in order to make effective deployment of NPA units for various objectives on varied scales…”
• “The NPA has already accumulated a critical mass for bold intensification of guerrilla warfare and advance toward a higher stage in the people's war. The people's army must relentlessly launch tactical offensives in order to seize weapons for creating new units, to increasingly change the balance of forces and to move from the stage of strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate. It must aim to accumulate 25,000 rifles in order to develop into the stage of the strategic stalemate…
• “Every level of command and every unit of the NPA must be conscious of its current armed strength, estimate and plan or target how many more weapons can be seized within a certain period and how to carry out the tactical offensives to seize weapons. The people's army must always be alert to opportunities for tactical offensives aimed at seizing weapons.
• “The whole array of the structure of force of the NPA which should include regional forces, local forces, people's militia and urban partisans must continue to wage intensive and extensive guerrilla warfare on the basis of an ever widening and deepening mass base in order to seize firearms and develop the capability of platoons and companies to wipe out enemy units. The main form of tactical offensives must be annihilative, the objective being to wipe out enemy units in order to seize weapons and demoralize the enemy forces.”
Comment: Heavily-guarded mining sites are good sources of firearms as proven in the Claver incident and other NPA raids and attacks prior to it. Additionally, the NPA has increased the use of roadside improvised explosive devices or IEDs targeting military vehicles that ferries troops and weapons. They are also targeting weak and/or isolated police and military detachments and patrol bases in the countryside, and ill-manned police stations in far-flung municipalities. Given a chance, they raiding parties of the NPA would kill everyone in a military detachment or police station to seize weapons and to demoralize government forces.
• “But certain other tactical offensives must be undertaken to inflict attrition and wear down the enemy forces. These include partisan warfare in urban areas, sparrow warfare, sniping operations, land mine warfare, interdiction of the fuel and supply lines of the enemy and destruction of military vehicles, depots and other fixed installations that are being used against the people's army…”
Comment: The NPA has been carrying out all these instructions from the CPP Central Committee.
TO BE CONTINUED.
PADEPA 101
LESSON FOR THE DAY: April 16, 2013
... THE REESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
By Arthur J. Tariman
National Council Member, ANAD Party-list
CPP Five-Year Plan (2010-2015)
• “The NPA must firmly and vigorously pursue the strategic line of protracted people's war. This involves encircling the cities from the countryside and accumulating sufficient armed strength here over a protracted period of time until it gains the capability to launch the strategic offensive against the enemy holdouts in the cities and seize political power on a nationwide scale…”
• “It must exercise flexibility in the use of tactics of concentration, dispersal and shifting. It concentrates strength superior to that of a target enemy unit for attack. It disperses to deprive the enemy of any visible target or when it conducts mass work among the people. It shifts position when it evades the attack of a superior enemy force and maneuvers to gain time or an advantageous position.”
• “The existing 110 guerrilla fronts must continuously be developed so that all or most of them become company-size fronts and give rise to new guerrilla fronts. They must increase to at least 180 guerrilla fronts in the next five years…”
Comment: This is in consonant with the objective of one guerilla front for each rural congressional district in the country.
• “Guerrilla fronts adjacent to each other are clustered to form a wider war theater that enables a wider scope of command, coordination, mutual support and maneuver…”
Comment: Such is the case in Claver, Surigao del Norte where three guerilla fronts had combined their strengths to simultaneously attacked three mining and mineral processing firms.
• “The Party must direct the formation of various levels of command in order to make effective deployment of NPA units for various objectives on varied scales…”
• “The NPA has already accumulated a critical mass for bold intensification of guerrilla warfare and advance toward a higher stage in the people's war. The people's army must relentlessly launch tactical offensives in order to seize weapons for creating new units, to increasingly change the balance of forces and to move from the stage of strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate. It must aim to accumulate 25,000 rifles in order to develop into the stage of the strategic stalemate…
• “Every level of command and every unit of the NPA must be conscious of its current armed strength, estimate and plan or target how many more weapons can be seized within a certain period and how to carry out the tactical offensives to seize weapons. The people's army must always be alert to opportunities for tactical offensives aimed at seizing weapons.
• “The whole array of the structure of force of the NPA which should include regional forces, local forces, people's militia and urban partisans must continue to wage intensive and extensive guerrilla warfare on the basis of an ever widening and deepening mass base in order to seize firearms and develop the capability of platoons and companies to wipe out enemy units. The main form of tactical offensives must be annihilative, the objective being to wipe out enemy units in order to seize weapons and demoralize the enemy forces.”
Comment: Heavily-guarded mining sites are good sources of firearms as proven in the Claver incident and other NPA raids and attacks prior to it. Additionally, the NPA has increased the use of roadside improvised explosive devices or IEDs targeting military vehicles that ferries troops and weapons. They are also targeting weak and/or isolated police and military detachments and patrol bases in the countryside, and ill-manned police stations in far-flung municipalities. Given a chance, they raiding parties of the NPA would kill everyone in a military detachment or police station to seize weapons and to demoralize government forces.
• “But certain other tactical offensives must be undertaken to inflict attrition and wear down the enemy forces. These include partisan warfare in urban areas, sparrow warfare, sniping operations, land mine warfare, interdiction of the fuel and supply lines of the enemy and destruction of military vehicles, depots and other fixed installations that are being used against the people's army…”
Comment: The NPA has been carrying out all these instructions from the CPP Central Committee.
TO BE CONTINUED.
ANAD: Maoist NPA burned down heavy equipment, banana packing house....
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 15): Maoist NPA burned down heavy equipment, banana packing house....
ANAD PARTYLIST-MINDANAO NEWS AND INFORMATION BUREAU
15 April 2013
MAOIST NPA BURNED DOWN HEAVY EQUIPMENT, BANANA PACKING HOUSE AND POULTRY FARMHOUSE AND HARASSED AN ARMY DETACHMENT IN NORTH-CENTRAL MINDANAO REGION EARLY TODAY
...
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Heavily armed men believed to be members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA) burned down brand new heavy equipment of two private contractors of Standard Filipino Company (STANFILCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dole Philippines, Inc. in two separate locations in northern Mindanao early today.
The armed men also razed a poultry farm, shot and wounded a worker, and harassed an Army detachment but injured none among the soldiers.
About 1:30 a.m., an undetermined number of armed men believed to be elements of Front 4B, NPA-North-Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) razed some heavy equipment owned by a private contractor of Stanfilco at Sitio Tapon, Brgy. Mat-I, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental Province.
At same time, another group of NPA men harassed the Army’s Mat-I Detachment but hurt none of the soldiers on duty.
About 5:30 a.m., some 50 suspected NPA men burned down the Agrenanas banana mini packing house at Brgy, Capehan, Libona town in Bukidnon Province. They also shot and wounded a worker identified as a certain Jaworski Revilla.
The attackers reportedly arrived onboard a green Isuzu Elf truck owned by a certain Datoon from Tamosan area of Brgy. Capehan.
The armed men also burned a poultry owned by Gama Farm at Purok 2, Brgy Capehan before withdrawing towards the village proper.
The Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4ID and the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion-10 are reportedly pursuing the attackers.
About 9 a.m. today however, some 50 fully-armed men with a female companion, all believed to be elements of Front 89, NPA-NCMR, conducted a checkpoint at the vicinity of Sitio San Isidro, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town apparently to divert government attention from pursuing the attackers in Libona and Claveria.
There is no immediate report of any contact between the pursuing government forces and the escaping Maoist terrorists. (ANAD Party-list-Mindanao News and Information Bureau)
15 April 2013
MAOIST NPA BURNED DOWN HEAVY EQUIPMENT, BANANA PACKING HOUSE AND POULTRY FARMHOUSE AND HARASSED AN ARMY DETACHMENT IN NORTH-CENTRAL MINDANAO REGION EARLY TODAY
...
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Heavily armed men believed to be members of the Maoist New People’s Army (NPA) burned down brand new heavy equipment of two private contractors of Standard Filipino Company (STANFILCO), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dole Philippines, Inc. in two separate locations in northern Mindanao early today.
The armed men also razed a poultry farm, shot and wounded a worker, and harassed an Army detachment but injured none among the soldiers.
About 1:30 a.m., an undetermined number of armed men believed to be elements of Front 4B, NPA-North-Central Mindanao Region (NCMR) razed some heavy equipment owned by a private contractor of Stanfilco at Sitio Tapon, Brgy. Mat-I, Claveria town in Misamis Oriental Province.
At same time, another group of NPA men harassed the Army’s Mat-I Detachment but hurt none of the soldiers on duty.
About 5:30 a.m., some 50 suspected NPA men burned down the Agrenanas banana mini packing house at Brgy, Capehan, Libona town in Bukidnon Province. They also shot and wounded a worker identified as a certain Jaworski Revilla.
The attackers reportedly arrived onboard a green Isuzu Elf truck owned by a certain Datoon from Tamosan area of Brgy. Capehan.
The armed men also burned a poultry owned by Gama Farm at Purok 2, Brgy Capehan before withdrawing towards the village proper.
The Army’s 403rd Brigade, 4ID and the PNP’s Regional Public Safety Battalion-10 are reportedly pursuing the attackers.
About 9 a.m. today however, some 50 fully-armed men with a female companion, all believed to be elements of Front 89, NPA-NCMR, conducted a checkpoint at the vicinity of Sitio San Isidro, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town apparently to divert government attention from pursuing the attackers in Libona and Claveria.
There is no immediate report of any contact between the pursuing government forces and the escaping Maoist terrorists. (ANAD Party-list-Mindanao News and Information Bureau)
ANAD: Army soldier murdered by bandits in front of his son
Posted to the anti-communist ANAD Facebook page (Apr 19): Army soldier murdered by bandits in front of his son
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- Suspected NPA bandits murdered an Army soldier who was having lunch with his son inside his home in Magsaysay village here at around 12:30pm on April 17.
...
Corporal Bonifacio Piedad, 46, of the 29th Infantry Battalion was on a short leave to spend time with his family when the incident happened, police reports said.
Armed with M16 Assault Rifles, the suspects barged into the home of Piedad and shot the helpless victim in front of his 15-year old son.
On the same day, the bandits also released 4 unarmed off-duty militiamen whom they abducted in San Luis town.
San Luis town Mayor Ronald Corvera led the negotiations that resulted to the release of the victims at around 8:30am in Mahayahay village of the said town.
Gradually decimated by armed encounters with government troops, NPA bandits have resorted to robbery and murder of unarmed members of the government security forces.
https://www.facebook.com/anadpartylist#!/photo.php?fbid=10151867951599638&set=a.155410804637.146759.142922174637&type=1&theater
PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur- Suspected NPA bandits murdered an Army soldier who was having lunch with his son inside his home in Magsaysay village here at around 12:30pm on April 17.
...
Corporal Bonifacio Piedad, 46, of the 29th Infantry Battalion was on a short leave to spend time with his family when the incident happened, police reports said.
Armed with M16 Assault Rifles, the suspects barged into the home of Piedad and shot the helpless victim in front of his 15-year old son.
On the same day, the bandits also released 4 unarmed off-duty militiamen whom they abducted in San Luis town.
San Luis town Mayor Ronald Corvera led the negotiations that resulted to the release of the victims at around 8:30am in Mahayahay village of the said town.
Gradually decimated by armed encounters with government troops, NPA bandits have resorted to robbery and murder of unarmed members of the government security forces.
https://www.facebook.com/anadpartylist#!/photo.php?fbid=10151867951599638&set=a.155410804637.146759.142922174637&type=1&theater
NPA rebels launch own political campaign in Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner Blogspot site (Apr 20): NPA rebels launch own political campaign in Mindanao
Communist rebels launched their own political campaign in the southern Philippines and explaining to citizens their policies regarding the conduct of the May general elections in the country.
Allan Juanito, a spokesman for the New People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Command, said the campaign is in accordance to their “revolutionary” policies and that they set up check points in four provinces in the region and distributed pamphlets explaining their stand.
“Units of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command simultaneously put up checkpoints in several areas within four provinces. This is in accordance to the revolutionary policies regarding the conduct of 2013 election,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
“Pamphlets explaining the revolutionary movement’s stand and policies regarding the reactionary election were distributed,” he said.
Juanito said NPA units will continue to launch punitive actions against “environmentally-destructive” operations and exploitative foreign agribusiness companies that refuse to heed repeated warnings against the expansion of their plantations in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/npa-rebels-launch-own-political.html
Communist rebels launched their own political campaign in the southern Philippines and explaining to citizens their policies regarding the conduct of the May general elections in the country.
Allan Juanito, a spokesman for the New People’s Army-North Central Mindanao Regional Command, said the campaign is in accordance to their “revolutionary” policies and that they set up check points in four provinces in the region and distributed pamphlets explaining their stand.
“Units of the New People’s Army under the North Central Mindanao Regional Command simultaneously put up checkpoints in several areas within four provinces. This is in accordance to the revolutionary policies regarding the conduct of 2013 election,” he said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
“Pamphlets explaining the revolutionary movement’s stand and policies regarding the reactionary election were distributed,” he said.
Juanito said NPA units will continue to launch punitive actions against “environmentally-destructive” operations and exploitative foreign agribusiness companies that refuse to heed repeated warnings against the expansion of their plantations in the South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/npa-rebels-launch-own-political.html
Sayyaf group kidnaps Sulu trader for second time since 2005 – police
From GMA News (Apr 20): Sayyaf group kidnaps Sulu trader for second time since 2005 – police
The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Saturday kidnapped for the second time a coffee shop owner in Patikul town in Sulu province, the provincial police chief on Sunday said.
In an interview with reporters, Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, confirmed a certain Reynato Yanga, 53, a coffee shop owner in Brgy. Walled City in Patikul, has been kidnapped by the urban terrorist group.
Freyra noted this is not the first time Yanga was kidnapped. “Hindi naging cooperative [sa pulis], hindi tumulong mag-identify dun sa mga kidnaper noon, eh yun inulit sa kanya.”
Yanga was first abducted in March 2005.
“More or less 5:20 kaninang madaling-araw, malakas masyado ang ulan... dun sa isang coffee shop… na pag-aari nitong si Reynato Yanga, eh pinasok at kinuha siya ng limang armado,” Freyra noted. “Isinakay siya sa isang multicab.”
“KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) ‘yan pero hindi pa nag-aano [nagko-contact]. May mga suspect na ASG KFR (Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap-for-ransom),” the Sulu police chief added.
The multicab, which was used as a getaway vehicle of the perpetrators was later found in Brgy. Asturias of the same town.
The police, together with the Philippine Marines, were on a search operation on the victim and his kidnappers, Freyra said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304794/news/regions/sayyaf-group-kidnaps-sulu-trader-for-second-time-since-2005-police
The terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Saturday kidnapped for the second time a coffee shop owner in Patikul town in Sulu province, the provincial police chief on Sunday said.
In an interview with reporters, Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, confirmed a certain Reynato Yanga, 53, a coffee shop owner in Brgy. Walled City in Patikul, has been kidnapped by the urban terrorist group.
Freyra noted this is not the first time Yanga was kidnapped. “Hindi naging cooperative [sa pulis], hindi tumulong mag-identify dun sa mga kidnaper noon, eh yun inulit sa kanya.”
Yanga was first abducted in March 2005.
“More or less 5:20 kaninang madaling-araw, malakas masyado ang ulan... dun sa isang coffee shop… na pag-aari nitong si Reynato Yanga, eh pinasok at kinuha siya ng limang armado,” Freyra noted. “Isinakay siya sa isang multicab.”
“KFR (kidnap-for-ransom) ‘yan pero hindi pa nag-aano [nagko-contact]. May mga suspect na ASG KFR (Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap-for-ransom),” the Sulu police chief added.
The multicab, which was used as a getaway vehicle of the perpetrators was later found in Brgy. Asturias of the same town.
The police, together with the Philippine Marines, were on a search operation on the victim and his kidnappers, Freyra said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304794/news/regions/sayyaf-group-kidnaps-sulu-trader-for-second-time-since-2005-police
Kiram 'brother' charged in Sabah over alleged intrusion — report
From GMA News (Apr 19): Kiram 'brother' charged in Sabah over alleged intrusion — report
A suspected coordinator and relative of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was charged before a court in Sabah Friday for his alleged role in the armed conflict between Kiram's followers and Malaysian security forces.
Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram was charged in the Lahad Datu Magistrate's Court with waging war against the King, and being a member of a terrorist group, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported.
But no plea was recorded even as the charge was read out to Amirbahar in the Suluk language before Lahad Datu Sessions Court judge Rajalingam a/l S.S.Maniam, who sat as a magistrate.
Waging war on the King is an offense punishable by death upon conviction. Amirbahar was charged before the court sitting in a special session at the Lahad Datu police headquarters.
The Bernama report described Amirbahar as 49 years old and a "brother" of Sulu Sultan Kiram, and defense minister of the Sulu sultanate. Amirbahar was arrested March 23.
Leading the prosecution were Trial and Appeal Division chief Datuk Nordin Hassan and deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, both from the Attorney-General's Chambers, and Lahad Datu DPP Shukor Abu Bakar.
Also on Friday, the court allowed the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the Tawau High Court. It set May 14 as the date for mention in that court.
Under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012, all security cases are to be tried in the high court.
With Friday's development, at least 20 Filipinos have now been charged in connection with the Sabah row, where Kiram's brother Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram led a group of armed Filipinos to Sabah.
The group engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2. The clashes prompted Malaysian offensives against Kiram's followers since March 5.
Aside from the 20 Filipinos, a Malaysian police corporal was also charged for failing to provide information on terrorist activities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304702/news/nation/kiram-brother-charged-in-sabah-over-alleged-intrusion-report
A suspected coordinator and relative of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III was charged before a court in Sabah Friday for his alleged role in the armed conflict between Kiram's followers and Malaysian security forces.
Datu Amirbahar Hushin Kiram was charged in the Lahad Datu Magistrate's Court with waging war against the King, and being a member of a terrorist group, Malaysia's state-run Bernama news agency reported.
But no plea was recorded even as the charge was read out to Amirbahar in the Suluk language before Lahad Datu Sessions Court judge Rajalingam a/l S.S.Maniam, who sat as a magistrate.
Waging war on the King is an offense punishable by death upon conviction. Amirbahar was charged before the court sitting in a special session at the Lahad Datu police headquarters.
The Bernama report described Amirbahar as 49 years old and a "brother" of Sulu Sultan Kiram, and defense minister of the Sulu sultanate. Amirbahar was arrested March 23.
Leading the prosecution were Trial and Appeal Division chief Datuk Nordin Hassan and deputy public prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar, both from the Attorney-General's Chambers, and Lahad Datu DPP Shukor Abu Bakar.
Also on Friday, the court allowed the prosecution's application to transfer the case to the Tawau High Court. It set May 14 as the date for mention in that court.
Under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act 2012, all security cases are to be tried in the high court.
With Friday's development, at least 20 Filipinos have now been charged in connection with the Sabah row, where Kiram's brother Raja Muda Azzimudie Kiram led a group of armed Filipinos to Sabah.
The group engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff that ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2. The clashes prompted Malaysian offensives against Kiram's followers since March 5.
Aside from the 20 Filipinos, a Malaysian police corporal was also charged for failing to provide information on terrorist activities.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304702/news/nation/kiram-brother-charged-in-sabah-over-alleged-intrusion-report
Palace to ‘ignore’ Kiram claims his supporters going to Sabah
From GMA News (Apr 20): Palace to ‘ignore’ Kiram claims his supporters going to Sabah
Malacañang on Saturday said it may soon ignore claims from the camp of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III that several groups are joining their ranks and may now be heading for Sabah.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Kiram’s camp had made several claims of “supporters” joining the group, but verification efforts had turned up negative results.
“Tuwing sinusubukan natin tingnan ang katotohanan laging negative sa ating reports," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She added the Kiram camp’s claims of Moro National Liberation Front fighters joining their ranks had “been a persistent report.”
“Nag-iiba lang sa numero (The only thing that changed is the figures they claim),” she said. Because of that, she said, “hindi na tayo magkukumento roon.”
In February, a group of armed Filipinos led by Kiram’s brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram went to Sabah and engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff.
The standoff ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2, which in turn led to offensives by Malaysian security forces against Kiram’s followers.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304765/news/nation/palace-to-ignore-kiram-claims-his-supporters-going-to-sabah
Malacañang on Saturday said it may soon ignore claims from the camp of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III that several groups are joining their ranks and may now be heading for Sabah.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Kiram’s camp had made several claims of “supporters” joining the group, but verification efforts had turned up negative results.
“Tuwing sinusubukan natin tingnan ang katotohanan laging negative sa ating reports," she said on government-run dzRB radio.
She added the Kiram camp’s claims of Moro National Liberation Front fighters joining their ranks had “been a persistent report.”
“Nag-iiba lang sa numero (The only thing that changed is the figures they claim),” she said. Because of that, she said, “hindi na tayo magkukumento roon.”
In February, a group of armed Filipinos led by Kiram’s brother Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram went to Sabah and engaged Malaysian forces in a three-week standoff.
The standoff ended with deadly clashes March 1 and 2, which in turn led to offensives by Malaysian security forces against Kiram’s followers.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/304765/news/nation/palace-to-ignore-kiram-claims-his-supporters-going-to-sabah
Abducted cops kill rebel guards in daring escape
From the Mindanao Gold Star Daily (Apr 20): Abducted cops kill rebel guards in daring escape
BUTUAN City––Two police officers from Loreto, Agusan del Sur who were taken by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Sunday escaped on Thursday after killing two guerrillas who were guarding them.
Police said the two officers––PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España––managed to escape and brought with them two AK47 assault rifles from Barangay Maitum in Loreto town.
Muñez and España, police said, managed to untie themselves and grabbed a rebel’s rifle which was used in shooting two guerrillas assigned to guard them.
The Caraga police quickly sent sent troops to Loreto for pursuit operations.
Police regional director Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas said the two Loreto policemen were merely doing their job in trying to arrest a homicide suspect when rebels came and snatched them away.
Napeñas lauded Muñez and España for their “bravery, strong determination and dedication.”
Insp. Chris Artihemius Devaras, Loreto police chief said the two officers were already safe and were reunited with their families.
Devaras said the officers escaped in the afternoon and reached the town police station in the evening with the help of the Provincial Public Safety Company, 14th Special Action Company and the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion.
He said the two police officers were undergoing and would be meeting with town and provincial officials.
“We will go after them (rebels). I am ordering massive pursuit operations against the abductors. What they are doing is no longer right. The two police officers were in that area because they responded to a reported hacking incident and then they got abducted,” said Napenas.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/abducted-cops-kill-rebel-guards-in-daring-escape.html
BUTUAN City––Two police officers from Loreto, Agusan del Sur who were taken by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels last Sunday escaped on Thursday after killing two guerrillas who were guarding them.
Police said the two officers––PO2 Ronald Alan Muñez and PO1 Nemuel España––managed to escape and brought with them two AK47 assault rifles from Barangay Maitum in Loreto town.
Muñez and España, police said, managed to untie themselves and grabbed a rebel’s rifle which was used in shooting two guerrillas assigned to guard them.
The Caraga police quickly sent sent troops to Loreto for pursuit operations.
Police regional director Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas said the two Loreto policemen were merely doing their job in trying to arrest a homicide suspect when rebels came and snatched them away.
Napeñas lauded Muñez and España for their “bravery, strong determination and dedication.”
Insp. Chris Artihemius Devaras, Loreto police chief said the two officers were already safe and were reunited with their families.
Devaras said the officers escaped in the afternoon and reached the town police station in the evening with the help of the Provincial Public Safety Company, 14th Special Action Company and the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion.
He said the two police officers were undergoing and would be meeting with town and provincial officials.
“We will go after them (rebels). I am ordering massive pursuit operations against the abductors. What they are doing is no longer right. The two police officers were in that area because they responded to a reported hacking incident and then they got abducted,” said Napenas.
http://www.goldstardailynews.com.ph/mindanao/abducted-cops-kill-rebel-guards-in-daring-escape.html
NPA camp seized, firearms recovered by government troops in Northern Samar
Just posted to the Samar News (Apr 13): NPA camp seized, firearms
recovered by government troops in Northern Samar
By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – An abandoned communist terrorist’s camp was recently discovered by government security forces atHappy Valley ,
San Isidro , Northern Samar
at around 10:30 in the morning today, April 13, 2013.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led 1LT Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has fifteen (15) bunkers that can accommodate more or less twenty (20) communist terrorists, one (1) kitchen, one (1) comfort room, three (3) outposts and has just been abandoned by the CTs as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops. After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four (4) cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from the peace-loving people as well as political.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area. The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.
LTC Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the continued support of the people in the government’s efforts of 'Winning the Peace'. “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to discover the NPA encampment, a staging place of their terroristic activities in the area. The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms is a big blow to the CTs considering that we have denied them of their safe haven and sanctuary and once again proven that the people are with us in our pursuit for peace in this part of the country”.
Vestuir also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c625.htm
By 20th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
BRGY. MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar – An abandoned communist terrorist’s camp was recently discovered by government security forces at
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led 1LT Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has fifteen (15) bunkers that can accommodate more or less twenty (20) communist terrorists, one (1) kitchen, one (1) comfort room, three (3) outposts and has just been abandoned by the CTs as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops. After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four (4) cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays of the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from the peace-loving people as well as political.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA. The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area. The discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace and is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities.
LTC Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the continued support of the people in the government’s efforts of 'Winning the Peace'. “Through the timely and accurate information tipped by the residents, our troops were able to discover the NPA encampment, a staging place of their terroristic activities in the area. The seizure of the said NPA encampment and the recovery of their firearms is a big blow to the CTs considering that we have denied them of their safe haven and sanctuary and once again proven that the people are with us in our pursuit for peace in this part of the country”.
Vestuir also calls for the fleeing Communist Terrorists to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c625.htm
Phil. Army and NGO on a successful medical mission
Just posted to the Samar News (Apr 14): Phil. Army and NGO on a
successful medical mission
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
ORMOC CITY , Leyte – Philippine Army soldiers from 19th Infantry (Commando)
Battalion led by 1LT Rod Vincent F Babera and members of Share-Me-A-Dream, a
Bisayan Community Club of Victoria from Australia
successfully conducted a medical mission to the poor families of Ormoc City
last April 14, 2013 at Claretian Mission Centre, Barangay Milagro, Ormoc City
The whole day activity which started at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm last Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists fromOrmoc
City Liberty , Cabingtan, Gaas, and Lake Danao
The Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission was in full support because he believes in serving his countryfolks in whatever form it may be. According to him, “we are grateful for the kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.” He is hopeful that this activity will prove that the government cooperates with the NGOs and the people to maintain the peace and order in theProvince of Leyte
“The Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing needs of medical assistance to the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economical challenges,” according to Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President. It was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then actively helping the less fortunate.
http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/apr/c626.htm
By 19th Infantry Battalion, 8ID PA
The whole day activity which started at 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 pm last Sunday was participated by doctors and dentists from
The Commanding Officer of 19IB, Lt Col Joel Alejandro S Nacnac, upon receipt of the invitation for this medical mission was in full support because he believes in serving his countryfolks in whatever form it may be. According to him, “we are grateful for the kind-hearted Filipinos from other countries who extended a helping hand.” He is hopeful that this activity will prove that the government cooperates with the NGOs and the people to maintain the peace and order in the
“The Share-Me-A-Dream is responding to the growing needs of medical assistance to the less fortunate people from poorer communities who could not afford appropriate healthcare due to geographical and economical challenges,” according to Ms Maria Theresa Symes, the Club President. It was founded on June 23, 2011 and since then actively helping the less fortunate.
72 more cops arrive for polls
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 20): 72 more cops arrive
for polls
Another company-sized unit of the police elite Special Action Force arrived in Negros Occidental to augment the local police in the maintenance of peace and order, and to conduct internal security operations, its commander, Supt. Mario Baquiran, yesterday said.
The 604th SAF Company, which is composed of 72 personnel, aside from the 39
assigned at the 6th SAF Battalion headquarters in Manapla, arrived nine months
after the 601st SAF Company came to Negros Occidental in July last year.
The SAF troopers are trained in domestic counter-terrorism, law enforcement and commando-type unconventional warfare.
Baquiran said they will serve as the rapid deployment force during the election in Negros Occidental. He also assured the impartiality of SAF in the election, following claims that they may be used by some politicians in northern Negros.
The 602nd and 603rd SAF companies are now assigned in Panay island.
Police records show that the 6th SAF Battalion had participated in the recent arrest of Greg Tuayon, alleged by the military to be the finance bureau chief of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, in Manapla.
Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they are forming a rapid deployment force and quick reaction teams to be deployed in strategic areas of the province during the election.
De la Paz and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday met with Comelec officials in Cadiz City, and discussed security preparations for the PCOS machines, polling precincts, and voters in the district level.
The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of two additional Special Action Force battalions.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/20/topstory3.htm
Another company-sized unit of the police elite Special Action Force arrived in Negros Occidental to augment the local police in the maintenance of peace and order, and to conduct internal security operations, its commander, Supt. Mario Baquiran, yesterday said.
The SAF troopers are trained in domestic counter-terrorism, law enforcement and commando-type unconventional warfare.
Baquiran said they will serve as the rapid deployment force during the election in Negros Occidental. He also assured the impartiality of SAF in the election, following claims that they may be used by some politicians in northern Negros.
The 602nd and 603rd SAF companies are now assigned in Panay island.
Police records show that the 6th SAF Battalion had participated in the recent arrest of Greg Tuayon, alleged by the military to be the finance bureau chief of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, in Manapla.
Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said they are forming a rapid deployment force and quick reaction teams to be deployed in strategic areas of the province during the election.
De la Paz and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday met with Comelec officials in Cadiz City, and discussed security preparations for the PCOS machines, polling precincts, and voters in the district level.
The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of two additional Special Action Force battalions.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/20/topstory3.htm
DVIDS: Balikatan 2013 comes to an end
From DVIDS (Apr 18): Balikatan 2013 comes to an end
From left to right: U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; the honorable Honorio S. Azcueta, Filipino Under Secretary for National Defense, Brian Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines; Philippine Army Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director, stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Balikatan 2013 closing ceremony.
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Filipino and American troops reaffirmed decades of friendship and cooperation while aspiring toward a future of greater collaboration April 17 during the closing ceremony of exercise Balikatan 2013.
In an increasingly complex world in which threats continue to challenge the interests of the long time allies, senior leaders from the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines gathered on this urban military installation to praise the efforts of the approximately 6,800 troops who participated in the exercise.
“I can confidently state that the shoulder-to-shoulder spirit of Balikatan is stronger than ever. The cooperation, determination and professionalism of our men and women training so vigorously together over the past few weeks have made Balikatan a tremendous success,” said U.S. exercise director, U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We stand ready in solidarity to face tomorrow’s challenges.”
Robling noted the especially historic nature China’s fist ever involvement in exercise Balikatan. Several key Asian Pacific countries had long participated as observers in the exercise, but China’s presence at the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tabletop exercise portends a new era for exercise.
Nevertheless, Robling focused primarily on the strategic relationship between the U.S. and this island nation of 95 million people.
“Moving forward, we do so confident in the enduring strength of our alliance and the relationship between our peoples,” Robling said.
Filipino Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine exercise director, echoed Robling’s sentiments.
“We can look back with pride and celebrate what we have yet again accomplished as allies and friends,” Domingo said. “We have proven how technically we can work should-to-shoulder to achieve our common objectives. We have certainly raised the bar in terms of interoperability and operational readiness.”
In its 29th iteration, exercise Balikatan in the largest regularly scheduled exercise between the two World War II allies. The exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability between the two nations as well as ensuring capability to respond to humanitarian disasters. The official opening ceremony was held on April 5, but troops from both countries had been working for weeks in preparation for the three parts of the exercise.
Zambales province, north of the capital city of Manila, was the site of a host of humanitarian civic assistance projects. Troops in that region focused on medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.
The U.S. spent just shy of $400,000 on seven projects in Zambales. Approximately 236 engineers trained for 33 days during the projects that totaled more than 7,800 man-days of construction work.
Twelve-thousand Filipinos are estimated to benefit from these projects.
Highlights of their accomplishments include:
• Tapauc Foot Bridge: Construction of a 60-meter suspension foot bridge, including river bank stabilization and drainage improvements and culvert installation.
• Mangahhan Community Center: New building for community center as well as the renovation of a health clinic. Drainage improvements and construction of one new 12,000 gallon (45,000 liter) ferro-cement water cistern
• Omaya Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms as well as the reenovation of three existing classrooms. Access road improvements were also accomplished.
• San Pasqual Foot Bridge: Construction of a 57-meter suspension foot bridge.
• Rabanes Elementary School: Renovation of four classrooms, construction of a new restroom as well as installation of one new 10,000 liter rainwater harvesting system and extensive site improvements.
• So Lawen Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms. Massive drainage system constructed and river bank stabilization.
• Looc Ferro-Cement Cistern. Construction of one new 12,000 gallon ferro-cement water cistern.
Meanwhile, a command post exercise was held at Camp O’Donnell that included combined and joint training for a typhoon-based humanitarian assistance/disaster relief response.
Field training exercises, which included a host of U.S. Marine Corps assets to include the MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 fighter jets and Amphibious Assault Vehicles, tested the mettle of the combined teams working in temperatures that regularly topped 100 degrees. U.S. service members shared tactics, techniques and procedures in a host of military scenarios throughout the field exercises.
Their Filipino counterparts, meanwhile, shared their expertise in jungle warfare, which included a highly publicized capture and consumption of a wild jungle lizard. Before the scorching sun rose and during its descent, U.S. Marines reveled in the opportunity to learn Filipino martial arts from expert AFP instructors.
“The exercises may have been exhausting…, but I believe we have learned many things that will benefit our respective defense forces,” said AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105379/balikatan-2013-comes-end
From left to right: U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; the honorable Honorio S. Azcueta, Filipino Under Secretary for National Defense, Brian Goldbeck, Deputy Chief of Mission, U.S. Embassy in the Philippines; Philippine Army Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine Balikatan exercise director, stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the Balikatan 2013 closing ceremony.
CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Philippines – Filipino and American troops reaffirmed decades of friendship and cooperation while aspiring toward a future of greater collaboration April 17 during the closing ceremony of exercise Balikatan 2013.
In an increasingly complex world in which threats continue to challenge the interests of the long time allies, senior leaders from the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines gathered on this urban military installation to praise the efforts of the approximately 6,800 troops who participated in the exercise.
“I can confidently state that the shoulder-to-shoulder spirit of Balikatan is stronger than ever. The cooperation, determination and professionalism of our men and women training so vigorously together over the past few weeks have made Balikatan a tremendous success,” said U.S. exercise director, U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. Terry G. Robling, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. “We stand ready in solidarity to face tomorrow’s challenges.”
Robling noted the especially historic nature China’s fist ever involvement in exercise Balikatan. Several key Asian Pacific countries had long participated as observers in the exercise, but China’s presence at the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief tabletop exercise portends a new era for exercise.
Nevertheless, Robling focused primarily on the strategic relationship between the U.S. and this island nation of 95 million people.
“Moving forward, we do so confident in the enduring strength of our alliance and the relationship between our peoples,” Robling said.
Filipino Army Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the commandant of the Command and General Staff Course and the Philippine exercise director, echoed Robling’s sentiments.
“We can look back with pride and celebrate what we have yet again accomplished as allies and friends,” Domingo said. “We have proven how technically we can work should-to-shoulder to achieve our common objectives. We have certainly raised the bar in terms of interoperability and operational readiness.”
In its 29th iteration, exercise Balikatan in the largest regularly scheduled exercise between the two World War II allies. The exercise focuses on strengthening interoperability between the two nations as well as ensuring capability to respond to humanitarian disasters. The official opening ceremony was held on April 5, but troops from both countries had been working for weeks in preparation for the three parts of the exercise.
Zambales province, north of the capital city of Manila, was the site of a host of humanitarian civic assistance projects. Troops in that region focused on medical, dental, veterinary and engineering civic action projects.
The U.S. spent just shy of $400,000 on seven projects in Zambales. Approximately 236 engineers trained for 33 days during the projects that totaled more than 7,800 man-days of construction work.
Twelve-thousand Filipinos are estimated to benefit from these projects.
Highlights of their accomplishments include:
• Tapauc Foot Bridge: Construction of a 60-meter suspension foot bridge, including river bank stabilization and drainage improvements and culvert installation.
• Mangahhan Community Center: New building for community center as well as the renovation of a health clinic. Drainage improvements and construction of one new 12,000 gallon (45,000 liter) ferro-cement water cistern
• Omaya Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms as well as the reenovation of three existing classrooms. Access road improvements were also accomplished.
• San Pasqual Foot Bridge: Construction of a 57-meter suspension foot bridge.
• Rabanes Elementary School: Renovation of four classrooms, construction of a new restroom as well as installation of one new 10,000 liter rainwater harvesting system and extensive site improvements.
• So Lawen Elementary School: New insulated panel building for two new classrooms. Massive drainage system constructed and river bank stabilization.
• Looc Ferro-Cement Cistern. Construction of one new 12,000 gallon ferro-cement water cistern.
Meanwhile, a command post exercise was held at Camp O’Donnell that included combined and joint training for a typhoon-based humanitarian assistance/disaster relief response.
Field training exercises, which included a host of U.S. Marine Corps assets to include the MV-22 Osprey, F/A-18 fighter jets and Amphibious Assault Vehicles, tested the mettle of the combined teams working in temperatures that regularly topped 100 degrees. U.S. service members shared tactics, techniques and procedures in a host of military scenarios throughout the field exercises.
Their Filipino counterparts, meanwhile, shared their expertise in jungle warfare, which included a highly publicized capture and consumption of a wild jungle lizard. Before the scorching sun rose and during its descent, U.S. Marines reveled in the opportunity to learn Filipino martial arts from expert AFP instructors.
“The exercises may have been exhausting…, but I believe we have learned many things that will benefit our respective defense forces,” said AFP chief of staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/105379/balikatan-2013-comes-end
CA affirms conviction of Dos Palmas kidnappers
From the Sun Star (Apr 19): CA affirms conviction of Dos Palmas kidnappers
ELEVEN members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf will continue to suffer in jail for abducting 20 people including American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan nearly 12 years ago.
The Court of Appeals (CA) said Wednesday the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 69 did not commit any error in late 2007 when it penalized members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with 20 counts of life imprisonment for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
Convicted are Bas Ismael, Bashier Ordonez, Sonny Asali, Margani Iblong Hapilon, Radzmar Sangkula, Kamar Ilias Ismael Jaafar, Guillermo Salcedo, Haber Akimuddin Asari, Tuting Hannoh while the petitions of Alzen Jandul, Daud Baru were junked for failure to file appellant’s brief, which contains arguments why the lower court ruling must be reversed.
Set to be freed is Marvin Vincent Rueca, who was acquitted because he was able to prove that he was working at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Manila during the abduction.
The appellate court also required the ASG members to pay P5.2 million to the victims and families of the kidnapping incident, which cost the lives of Martin, Guillermo Sobero, Eldren Morales, Armando Bayona and Sonny Dacquer.
To recall, the ASG assaulted the resort on May 27, 2001 and brought with them people to Basilan through speedboats.
Businessman Reghis Romero was freed on June 2, 2001 in Lamitan, Basilan after paying ransom while Gracia was rescued by soldiers on June 7, 2002 in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/19/ca-affirms-conviction-dos-palmas-kidnappers-278372
ELEVEN members of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf will continue to suffer in jail for abducting 20 people including American couple Martin and Gracia Burnham in Dos Palmas resort in Palawan nearly 12 years ago.
The Court of Appeals (CA) said Wednesday the Pasig City Regional Trial Court branch 69 did not commit any error in late 2007 when it penalized members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) with 20 counts of life imprisonment for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with ransom.
Convicted are Bas Ismael, Bashier Ordonez, Sonny Asali, Margani Iblong Hapilon, Radzmar Sangkula, Kamar Ilias Ismael Jaafar, Guillermo Salcedo, Haber Akimuddin Asari, Tuting Hannoh while the petitions of Alzen Jandul, Daud Baru were junked for failure to file appellant’s brief, which contains arguments why the lower court ruling must be reversed.
Set to be freed is Marvin Vincent Rueca, who was acquitted because he was able to prove that he was working at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Manila during the abduction.
The appellate court also required the ASG members to pay P5.2 million to the victims and families of the kidnapping incident, which cost the lives of Martin, Guillermo Sobero, Eldren Morales, Armando Bayona and Sonny Dacquer.
To recall, the ASG assaulted the resort on May 27, 2001 and brought with them people to Basilan through speedboats.
Businessman Reghis Romero was freed on June 2, 2001 in Lamitan, Basilan after paying ransom while Gracia was rescued by soldiers on June 7, 2002 in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2013/04/19/ca-affirms-conviction-dos-palmas-kidnappers-278372
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