Former MNLF rebs benefit from mining in Zamboanga

From the Business Mirror (Jun 2): Former MNLF rebs benefit from mining in Zamboanga

MINING has greatly contributed to the peace-and-order situation in Mindanao, particularly in Zamboanga del Norte, a former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebel said.

 

Tan Cailo, leader of a group of 76 former MNLF rebels and president of the Santa Maria Fisherfolk Association Inc. (SMFAI), said members of the group are now living in peace as fishermen, and are getting the much-needed support from TVI Resources Development Inc. (TVIRD) that operates the Canatuan mine in Siocon town.

 

Last year TVIRD helped SMFAI acquire a kubkoban, a large fishing boat that the group now operates.

 

TVIRD’s Canatuan mine is now on its final phase of operation.  As it folds up, as part of its corporate social responsibility to the host community, the company is stepping up various livelihood programs to sustain the development achieved over a decade of operation in the area.

 

The group generated a gross income of P1.6 million in its first year of fishing operations, Cailo said.

 

Speaking during the recent Philippine Mining Forum organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) at the Bulwagang Aquino in the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Rescue Center in Quezon City, Cailo said crew members of the kubkoban earn as much as P3,000 per fishing expedition.

 

The forum, a first of a series being planned by COMP, focuses on mining’s potential as an engine of growth and an agent of peace and development in Mindanao.

 

“Since our first expedition, the kubkoban already earned a gross income of P1,661,900, while every crew member averages P3,000 [income] per expedition,” Cailo said.  “Now we have P148,000 in the bank that we can use to purchase a delivery vehicle,” he added.

 

The SMFAI collectively owns the kubkoban, which was built by the association members themselves for almost a year through TVIRD’s livelihood project.

 

The project comes as part of the company’s sustainable development program in communities where it operates.

 

It also comes as an active response to the need to foster peace and progress in the town of Siocon, where TVIRD operates its copper and zinc mine, and the Santa Maria wharf where its port is located.

 

Cailo shared that he was once a combatant belonging to the Moro secessionist group.  Later on he and many others returned to a peaceful life as fishermen in Santa Maria.

 

He became an elected councilman in his village inhabited mostly by Tausugs.

 

Like most of his constituents, he said poverty and abuse were the reasons why he joined the MNLF.

 

“Without your own big fishing boat, you only get fish just enough to feed your family for a day,” he said.

 

He admitted that he and his men have long dreamt of having a kubkoban. It was the only answer to relieving his constituents from hardship.

 

“With this type of a fishing boat, you can go as far as the Sulu Sea and get a big catch. It may be costly to build but you will surely get a return on your investment,” he explained, also citing that the kubkoban took P2.8 million to build.

 

“I can’t thank the company enough for giving us this boat. We have dreamt of this and now it’s here. I meant it when I said to them that this will greatly help my people,” Cailo said.  He also shared that they are planning to buy a large truck to deliver their catch to nearby towns.

 

During the same forum, former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, who was also one of the guests and keynote speaker, said responsible mining can be the key to Mindanao’s sustainable development and a life-changer for the people.

 

Many areas in Mindanao, he said, have been “neglected” not just because of the peace-and-order problem, but because they are far from reach of the government.

 

Mining companies, such as TVIRD, he said, helped improved the lives of people in the town of Siocon and nearby towns in the province.

 

“You can sign all the peace agreements you want. But without economic activity and livelihood, poverty will trigger uprising and insurgency,” he said.

 

“I visited Siocon and have personally seen how TVI’s presence and economic activity elevated the town from a third-class municipality to first-class status,” he said.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14356-former-mnlf-rebs-benefit-from-mining-in-zamboanga

Decorated Filipino general dies while diving off Zambo Sur beach

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 2): Decorated Filipino general dies while diving off Zambo Sur beach



Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

A decorated army commander, who was a combat veteran in Mindanao, died on Sunday  after his diving dear malfunctioned off the coast of Zamboanga del Sur province, his grieving wife Maria Consuelo said.

Captain Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, earlier said the 54-year old Brigadier General Daniel Lucero had a heart attack while diving with his staffs and wife at a beach in Tukuran town.

“It was a sad day us all. We lost a good man, a good officer, a good friend,” Somera told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

But Lucero's wife said his husband died after a malfunction in the diving gear. "He is gone. There was a malfunction in his diving suit," she said in a separate interview.

Lucero, who belonged to the Philippine Military Academy Class 1983, was rushed to Mendero Hospital in Pagadian City, but died along the way, according to Somero.

The Armed Forces and the Philippine Army said Lucero collapsed in the beach and was rushed to hospital where he died.

Lucero was the first in his class to assume as army division commander. He was first assigned as a platoon leader in the Muslim provinces of Basilan and Sulu and fought insurgents, until his assignments brought him to Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, also in Mindanao; and eventually to Aurora province in Luzon as infantry brigade officer.

He served as the commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade in Lanao del Sur province and replaced Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz in April this year.

A holder of Master Degree in International Studies from the University of the Philippines, and Masters Degree on International Relations in Australia, Lucero also served as the first commander of the Philippine contingent to the United Nations mission on the Caribbean island from 2004 to 2005.

Lucero, who started his career in Mindanao, was awarded three Distinguished Service Star Medals, Gold Cross Medal, Outstanding Achievement Medal and the Honor Graduate Medal and a number of Military Merit Medals and one of the Metrobank Foundation 2011 awardees of The Outstanding Soldier of the Philippines.

He is also survived by his only daughter Paula Divina.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/06/decorated-filipino-general-dies-while.html

Dalena sisters reassess the revolutionary movement

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 31): Dalena sisters reassess the revolutionary movement

DALENA. Helms “The Guerrilla is a Poet” with her sister.

When we visited the set of  “The Guerrilla is a Poet,” codirector Sari Dalena was down with the flu, so we chatted with her sister, Kiri, to discuss their entry for the CineFilipino Film Festival.

Kiri, who was the cinematographer of the 2011 CinemaOne Best Picture winner, “Ka Oryang,”  shares, “I’ve worked with Sari in various capacities—as a cinematographer, production designer, talent, writer and, now, as codirector.”

The multitasking siblings complement each other. Kiri shares, “We’re interested in Philippine history, martial law, living historical figures, and the revolutionary movement. Our collaboration starts before we go to the set—meetings, deciding on the actors, the budget, etc.  We also correct each other.”

Young activist 

The movie was shot in the Netherlands and the Philippines. Kiri interviewed Jose Maria Sison, the central figure of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP),
played in the film by Karl Medina as the young activist who started the revolutionary movement in the late 1960s. Kiri explains, “The movie sees activists in a different light. During their youth, they were motivated to demand change for our society. We all want peace.”

Dalena has a message for viewers: “Don’t be afraid of the film. The actors aren’t activists, nor are they a part of the revolutionary movement—but, they have learned to appreciate it. We might disagree with the way activists push for change, but they aren’t terrorists!”

http://entertainment.inquirer.net/96295/dalena-sisters-reassess-the-revolutionary-movement

CPP/NPA: Bravo Coy, 41st IB Attacks NPA Unit, Suffers Casualties

From the PRWC Blog site (May 31): Bravo Coy, 41st IB Attacks NPA Unit, Suffers Casualties

Diego Wadagan
Agustin Begnalen Command (NPA-Abra)
May 31, 2013
On May 30, 2013 at 6 A.M., soldiers from the 41st IB’s Bravo Coy chanced upon an NPA unit and fired upon the NPA sentry.  A firefight ensued, with the NPA guerrillas retreating for safety, as the soldiers had the initial advantage. At 10 A.M. the NPA unit and the soldiers again clashed, now with the NPA gaining advantage, as they mounted a hasty ambush on the pursuing soldiers of the Bravo Coy, 41st IB.

The 2 incidents left three (3) soldiers killed, with undetermined number still wounded. The NPA guerrillas retreated safely.  The 2 firefights took place at Mabolo, Gacab, Malibcong, Abra.

The AFP is now undertaking a mad pursuit operation, indiscriminately bombing several areas in Malibcong Municipality.  At 2P.M. on May 30, 2013, bombs were dropped in Gacab and Duldulao.  At 7  A.M. today, May 31, 2013, helicopters bombed farmlands in Paoay, Umnap, Bangilo.  At 9:05 A.M. a bomb also exploded in farmlands Barangay Lat-ey, 150 meters away from the community Micro-Hydro Power Plant, and only 40 meters away from 2 teenage girls who suffered warshock due to the incident.  A bomb was also dropped in nearby Sitio Alligang, Barangay Lat-ey, Bangilo, Abra but failed to explode.

The NPA, with the full support of the people, will definitely frustrate the current AFP offensive in North Abra.  The people will rise-up against the fascist AFP.  Surely, the 503rd Brigade is hellbent in “clearing” North Abra, to ensure easier entry of large-scale mining companies.

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2013/06/bravo-coy-41st-ib-attacks-npa-unit.html#more

Philippine terrorists reduced to life of crime, US says

From ABS-CBN (Jun1): Philippine terrorists reduced to life of crime, US says

Terrorist groups in the Philippines have become no more than ordinary criminals raising money to sustain themselves, according to the US government.

The US State Department's "Country Reports on Terrorism 2012" published Friday identified Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), the Jemaah Islamiya (JI), and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), as the terrorist groups operating in the Philippines.

However, the report said the groups' terrorist activities "remained constrained."

"Terrorist groups' acts were generally limited to criminal activities designed to generate revenue for self-sustainment, such as kidnapping-for-ransom or extortion," the report said.

"Nonetheless, members of these groups were suspected to have carried out bombings against government, public, and private facilities, primarily in the central and western areas of Mindanao; others were linked to extortion operations in other parts of the country," it added.

The US State Department identified several high-profile terrorist incidents that occurred in the Philippines in 2012. They include:

- On May 31, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated in front of the residence of Isabela City Mayor Santos-Akbar, wounding two civilians.

- On July 26, nine soldiers were killed and 12 wounded when the AFP clashed with militants in Sumisip on the island of Basilan. Five militants were reportedly killed in the incident.

- On August 16, a bomb destroyed a city bus in Zamboanga City, injuring at least seven. A second bomb exploded an hour later in front of a nearby mosque. No one was injured in the second blast.

- On September 1, around 48 civilians were injured when a grenade exploded during a village fiesta in Paquibato District outside of Davao City. The NPA later issued an apology for the attack, claiming the grenade was thrown at an AFP detachment but bounced off some netting and landed inside an adjacent basketball gym where a circus was being held.

- On October 11, an IED exploded near the entrance of Maxandrea Hotel in downtown Cagayan de Oro City, killing two civilians after police arrived to investigate suspicious activity reported in the area. A second IED was found on a street adjacent to the hotel, but was safely detonated.

Joint efforts by the Philippines and US governments to go after suspected terrorists is hampered by under-resourced and understaffed law enforcement and justice system, along with widespread corruption of local officials, the report said.

This resulted in limited domestic investigations, unexecuted arrest warrants, few prosecutions, and lengthy trials of cases, it added.

Among the victories achieved by authorities are:

- On February 2, the AFP launched an operation on Jolo Island that reportedly killed ASG commander Umbra Jumdail (aka Dr. Abu) and 14 other ASG members.

- On May 23, Philippine National Police Officer Arnold Mayo was charged with murder. Witnesses reportedly identified him as planting a bomb that exploded inside a commuter bus on a major highway in Makati City and killed five passengers in January 2011.

- On June 21, Alawie Pasihul was arrested in Zamboanga City on suspicion of being part of an ASG group that kidnapped American citizens Martin and Gracia Burnham and Guillermo Sobero in May 2001. (Fourteen other ASG members were convicted in 2007 and sentenced to life imprisonment for their participation in the kidnapping that resulted in the deaths of Sobero, Martin Burnham, and Philippine nurse Ediborah Yap.)

- On December 14, Mohammad Noor Fikrie bin Abdul Kahar, a suspected Malaysian JI member, was killed in Davao by police after he threatened to detonate an explosive device in his backpack.

The US State Department said Manila remains an important partner of Washington in its anti-terrorism assistance program.

The program aims to support a transition in the southern Philippines from military to civilian counter-terrorism authority.

The report also discussed the Philippines' fight against terrorist finance and money laundering.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/05/31/13/philippine-terrorists-reduced-life-crime-us-says

US State Dept: Anti-money laundering efforts weak link in PHL's fight vs terrorism

From GMA News (Jun 1): US State Dept: Anti-money laundering efforts weak link in PHL's fight vs terrorism

Potential flaws in the monitoring mechanism against money laundering may be a weak link in the Philippines' efforts against terrorism, a US State Department report has indicated.

In its country report on terrorism for 2012, the State Department noted the Philippines has no single supervisory authority for entities in the nonprofit sector.

"There is no single supervisory authority responsible for entities in the non-profit sector; coordination is insufficient. Monitoring is weak due to insufficient coordination and resources of non-profit organization regulatory bodies," it said.

It noted the Philippines is a member of the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering (APG), a Financial Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional body.

Last July 5, Republic Act No. 10168 went into effect to help prevent and suppress terrorism financing.

"The law made terrorist financing a stand-alone crime in line with APG/FATF recommendations and specifically authorizes the Anti-Money Laundering Council to issue an ex parte order to freeze without delay property/funds related to the financing of terrorism or acts of terrorism," the report said.

Also, it said the law allows the Anti-Money Laundering Council to "inquire into bank accounts based on an ex parte application, without the depositor’s knowledge for a limited period of time, and allows additional courts other than the Court of Appeals to issue asset freeze orders."

Under-resourced, understaffed

The State Department also pointed out the "under-resourced and understaffed law enforcement and justice system, coupled with widespread official corruption," resulted in "limited domestic investigations, unexecuted arrest warrants, few prosecutions, and lengthy trials of cases."

It cited a petition filed in 2010 by the Philippine Department of Justice with the Regional Trial Court in Basilan for the proscription of the Abu Sayyaf Group as a terrorist group and 202 identified associates as terrorists, was still pending action at end-2012.

Otherwise, the State Department said the Philippines maintained strong counter-terrorism cooperation with the US.

"The ability of terrorist groups, including the ASG, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), and the Communist People’s Party/New People’s Army (CPP/NPA), to conduct terrorist activities inside the Philippines remained constrained," it said.

It added terrorist groups’ acts were "generally limited to criminal activities designed to generate revenue for self-sustenance, such as kidnapping for ransom or extortion."

Yet, it said members of such groups were linked to bombings against government, public, and private facilities, primarily in the central and western areas of Mindanao.

"Others were linked to extortion operations in other parts of the country," it said.

Moreover, it said the Philippine government continued to implement its 2011-2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan that seeks the transition of internal security functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Also, the US State Department said the Philippines coordinated with US law enforcement authorities, especially regarding US fugitives and suspected terrorists.

On the other hand, it said the Philippine government moved closer toward a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) by signing a Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October.

"A comprehensive peace agreement with the MILF has the potential to improve peace and security in Mindanao," it said.

The State Department also noted "limited weapons smuggling, often through the Philippines," posed an "ongoing challenge" to anti-terrorism efforts in Indonesia.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/311011/news/nation/us-state-dept-anti-money-laundering-efforts-weak-link-in-phl-s-fight-vs-terrorism

MILF: Editorial--MILF's Political Party

Editorial posted  to the MILF Website (Jun 1): MILF's Political Party

The plan of the MILF to establish a political party is simply planning for the future. It is contingent on the success of the current peace negotiation, drafting and passing of the Basic Law by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and Philippine Congress, respectively, and the establishment of the Bangsamoro regular government in 2016. To date, the MILF is still conducting a massive consultation amongst its members and the people at large.

However, while the decision is inclined to establishing this political party but the issue of whether the MILF will convert itself into a political party or organizes a separate political party is still hotly debated. Even the top leadership of the Front is not unanimous on which way to adopt. Arguments, whether pros and cons, are strong on both sides.

A third view, however, is very much alive. Proponents, while they agree to put up this party, argue that we wait for the completion of the annexes of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the comprehensive peace agreement is signed before the MILF engages in seriously in putting up this political party. They also called for the massive consolidation of all the organs of the MILF, arguing that the future is full of uncertainties.

Officially, there is no decision yet to put up this political party. The MILF leadership calls for more time to appreciate the whole issue before it will decide. The urgency is diluted by the seriousness of the issue and the snail-paced GPH-MILF peace negotiation.

Why is the MILF contemplating on putting up this party?

The reasons are varied. First, when the Moro Question is settled through a negotiated political settlement, there is no need to assert our aspirations through the barrels of the gun. The means are getting more and more democratic until the resort to armed struggle becomes less and less appealing or even irrelevant. Second, the unacceptability of the status quo can be well articulated by a political party that has clear ideology and platform and airtight mass-based membership.

Third, the MILF, which then becomes a social movement, will be shielded from the nitty-gritty of the dirty linens of politics. The truth is that even the ideologically-guided political parties such as those in Germany and perhaps including those in Turkey, Japan, and Egypt are not completely immune from the effects of politicking. Fourth, a strong political party is a requirement in a ministerial form of government where the executive and legislative are fused into one.

The party which wins the most seat in the assembly will not only form the government but all chooses the head of that government. And fifth, there is no other path the MILF can go except to participate in elections where the playing field is level, not the one we know of today in this country where only the moneyed and powerful win and control government.

http://www.luwaran.com/

MILF: KDFI holds Seminar on Resource Mobilization and Basic Accounting Procedures

Posted to the MILF Website (Jun 1): KDFI holds Seminar on Resource Mobilization and Basic Accounting Procedures



The Kalilintad Development Foundation, Inc.(KDFI) once again conducted another activity in furtherance of its thrusts to capacitate volunteers and community leaders from different provinces. This time, the KDFI held a Seminar on Resource Mobilization and Basic Accounting Procedures in collaboration with Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc.(BMFI) last May 29  to 30 2013 at the KDFI Peace Center, Saludes Subdivision, 5th Block, New Rosario, Barangay Beunaflor, Tacurong City.
  

Moidjoddin K. Talusob, KDFI Executive Director presented the historical background of the institution and illustrated its community-based programs and activities. He said, “There is a need to strengthen collaborative efforts and networking services with BMFI in Mindanao where peace building, human capability building, disaster prevention and preparedness and risk reduction programs   are focused in conflict-affected areas”.

Prof. Esmail A. Abdula, Steering Committee member of the Bangsamoro Leadership Management Institute (BLMI) and KDFI Senior Training Adviser presented the overview and significance of the seminar to the 30 participants from North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao and Cotabato City. He also stressed the importance of having organizational networking and tie-up of operations for peace building activities and social services with BMFI.

Madam Rochelle Y. Mordeno, BMFI Executive Director and Member of Action Asia Secretariat, shared her intellectual assistance and technical inputs in Project Proposal making that can help the organization on how to undertake and realize its program of activities that will be implemented in the communities. “Building trust and confidence are key elements in sustaining capability building endeavors.

“Sustainability is an important mechanism in advancing peace and development in localities”, she said.

On second day, financial management was discussed by Reina Okinlay BMFI former finance officer, while Madam Mordeno lectured on Project Proposal Making. A Nepali national, Pritush Maharjan was also with the company of the BMFI staff all of them came all the way from Bukidnon.

The activity successfully ended with a simple closing ceremony, with short messages and sharing of experiences from selected participants and inspirational messages from the executive directors of the two organizations.

http://www.luwaran.com/

MILF: Sajahatra Bangsamoro executives conferred with OPAPP officials

From the MILF Website (May 31): Sajahatra Bangsamoro executives conferred with OPAPP officials

Last May 28 and 29, executives from the MILF Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro led by Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad who is concurrently the Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) had a conference with OPAPP officials headed by Ms. Polly Michelle Cunanan, Director of OPAPP Communications Group and Angela Carla Segovia, Operations Manager of OPAPP Communications group.
  

With Sheikh Mahmud were Dr. Taugan Kikay, Team Leader, Project Management Team-Central Management Office (PMT-CMO); Engineer Muhajireen Ali, Liaison Officer and Darwin Matindo, MILF Communications and Information Officer based in Zamboanga Sibugay who is also a member of task force Sajahatra Bangsamoro in Western Mindnao.

In a news dispatch from the OPAPP Office at Pasig City, Metro Manila, Mr. Matindo relayed the agenda as well as things that transpired during the conference between the two groups. According to Mr. Matindo, the agenda were the proposed communication plan; preparation for the launching of Sajahatra Bangsamoro in Tawi-Tawi and issues affecting CHED Scholars. Engr. Ali was quoted by Mr. Matindo to have said that, “If the problem with CHED pertaining to the issues affecting the scholars are not resolved, the launching of the program in Tawi-Tawi may be postponed”. Engr. Ali urged OPAPP officials to address the problem because the people on the ground particularly those affected by the issues on scholarship will blame us”.

The outcome of the conference was unclear but Sheikh Mahmud and Dr. Kikay are in the process of preparing the budget for the PMT-CMO for its whole year operations. All proposals are subject to the approval of the Joint Central Committee meeting slated on June 3, 2013. The venue of the meeting was not mentioned in the news dispatch from Mr. Matindo.

Activities of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro are underway particularly on the selection of scholars from Moro, settlers and Lumad tribes. A total of 600 scholars were allotted to the program but 50 slots were given to Christian incoming first year students and 50 slots for Lumads. As of this writing, the identities of the scholars were certainly identified by the joint task force. Mr. Matindo, despite his lack of time and access to internet exerted his efforts to relay to his superiors in the MILF the developments that transpired in their meeting with OPAPP officials for the past two days.

http://www.luwaran.com/

MILF: MILF forces hit government, MNLF troops sneaky attacks in Matalam

From the MILF Website (May 31): MILF forces hit government, MNLF troops sneaky attacks in Matalam

Local troops of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front hit the unabated sneaky attacks being committed by the troops of the Moro National Liberation Front under the Dima Ambil and the forces of the 602nd Brigade Philippine Army under Commander Tomaro, acts demonizing the Resolution reached during the Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) Meeting to address the conflict in Matalam, Cotabato.

These attacks were carried out by troops of the Dima Ambil and BGen Tomaro, who are both signatories of the Resolution reached during the Cotabato PPOC Meeting presided over by Governor Lala Talino - Mendoza.

The Resolution was also signed by concerned MILF commander, Gov Talino, Police Provincial Director, Local Monitoring Team, Mayor of LGU Matalam, Datu Jimmy and Norodin Matalam, and the Government Ceasefire Committee last May 23, 2013.

The MILF Ceasefire Committee did not attend the PPOC meeting because it already gave the assurance of full cooperation following instructions from its principal, to the initiatives of the concerned local government units and leaders.

To comply with the Resolution, the MILF forces returned to their respective places of origin yesterday, leaving behind only those who are native and residents of the Matalam. On the contrary, those MNLF forces who were sent as reinforcement did not return to places of origin but stayed with the local troops of Ambil. The troops of the 602nd Brigade also stayed behind.

Unfortunately, soon after the return of the MILF forces to their respective places of origin yesterday, the troops of Ambil attacked the local MILF troops at Barangay Natutungan, which were left behind pursuant to the Resolution. The government soldiers did not do anything being the neutral force in the spirit of protecting the Resolution that was reached through the government initiatives.

At around 4pm today (May 31, 2013), the Dima Ambil troops attacked again the local troops of the MILF at Barangay Natutungan. Worst, the troops of the 602nd Brigade under BGen Tomaro bombarded the MILF troops with 105mm mortars. This artillery strike of the 602nd is totally unbecoming, shameless and deplorable, even as it deliberately disrespected the PPOC Resolution and violated the GPH – MILF Ceasefire Accord.

Firefight in Matalam which had already displaced thousands of civilians started when the group of Datu Dima attacked the local forces of MILF at Barangay Marbel last May 5, 2013. On May 16, 2013, again the group of Datu Dima attacked the local MILF forces and this time troops of the 602nd Brigade that was tasked to be a buffer force backed up the attacked against the local MILF forces.

The MILF Ceasefire Committee made an appeal to all those behind the Resolution through the GPH Ceasefire Committee to act accordingly to the blatant act of disregarding and undermining committed by the troops of Datu Dima and the 602nd Brigade with the their attacks against the MILF local troops.

Supposedly, after the return of the reinforcement troops from both the MILF and MNLF, the return of the thousands of displaced civilians to their respective communities of origin is to be facilitated. But with these unabated offensives of the both the troops of Datu Dima and Gen Tomaro, return of the IDPs will not be happening.

The government troops had been saying that they can control and protect the Resolution reached during the PPOC Meeting but unfortunately they are the ones destroying it and possibly jeopardizing the peace process and ceasefire between the GPH and MILF.  

http://www.luwaran.com/

1 NPA killed, 2 others captured in Compostela valley

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): 1 NPA killed, 2 others captured in Compostela valley

At least one member of the communist New People's Army was killed while two others were captured following an encounter with government troops in Compostela Velly Friday.

Col. Buenaventura Pascual, head of the Army's 1003rd Brigade, said Army troopers encountered the NPA at 8:40 a.m. in Sitio Kugon, Brgy. Longanapan, Laak town.

Three more encounters occurred at 11:50 a.m., 1:40 p.m., and 4 p.m., he said.

Pascual identified the fatality as Emat Andoy a.k.a. Ian. He said the military captured NPAs Arnel Roble a.k.a. Dindo and Rex Galang a.k.a. Junjun.

Recovered were an M-16 rifle; an M-16 M-653 rifle; an AK-47 weapon, two grenade launchers, improvised land mines, and subversive documents.

Pascual said the Army's operations stemmed from information given by local residents.

He said the captured NPAs will be turned over to the Philippine National Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=530068

Soldier dies in clash with 30 NPA rebels in Catanauan, Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1): Soldier dies in clash with 30 NPA rebels in Catanauan, Quezon

Government troopers from the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) clashed with about 30 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels Friday morning in the far-flung Barangay Duongan Ilaya in Catanauan, Quezon.

Two squads of soldiers belonging to the Bravo Company of the 74th “Unbeatable” Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division traded shots with some 30 fully armed rebels starting 8:15 a.m. while they were on patrol for internal peace and security operations in Sitio Pangi in Duongan Ilaya village.

A soldier identified as Private First Class (PFC) Denopol expired later after he succumbed to several gunshot wounds.

The firefight lasted an hour before the rebels retreated.Soldiers said the NPA group may have suffered casualties due to several blood trails at the rebels’ retreat routes and heavy blood stains from the encounter site.

Government troops recovered an undetonated improvised explosive device (IED), detonating wires, makeshift tents and other NPA belongings.

SOLCOM commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo commended the 74th IB Bravo Company troopers and expressed his sympathy to the fallen comrade.

The SOLCOM commanding general also vowed government troops will exercise extreme vigilance to counter the NPA’s terrorist threat.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo lauded “Southern Luzon soldiers who stand ready to sacrifice their own lives in the performance of their duty to people and country.”

He also assured residents and rural folks in the vicinity of the clash site that the military prioritizes their safety and security from the enemies of the state.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=530021

Palace says ongoing defense upgrade to boost PHL military capability

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Palace says ongoing defense upgrade to boost PHL military capability

Malacanang sees the ongoing military upgrade a big improvement in the country’s defense capability particularly when the minimum credible defense posture goal is achieved.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Friday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the procurement of various defense equipment is currently in different stages of acquisition.

Judging by the equipment that the country is looking to upgrade, Valte said she believes that once the acquisition is completed it would be a huge improvement in the country’s military capability.

The goal is to defend the country’s waters and territory, given the Philippines’s unique position, she said.

Asked by reporters how soon the country could achieve the minimum credible defense posture, Valte said they expect BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the second naval ship from the US will arrive in the next few months.

The military is also awaiting the arrival of additional helicopters after the country received initial delivery of new Polish-made combat choppers. The Philippines is also eyeing for the procurement of 12 T-50 trainer/fighter jets from South Korea.

But Valte clarified that buying modern military hardware is different from deciding to send a stronger force in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.

“You know having the hardware is one thing. The strategy is not borne out of just wanting to send something there. Of course, it is a coordinated effort between all agencies in the government,” Valte said when asked if those equipment would be used to fend off intruders in the country’s waters.

The Palace official also said that it’s a deliberate choice in the part of the Philippine government not to respond to any provocative actions regarding disputes that it has in the West Philippine Sea.

“It’s a deliberate step taken not to respond to any provocative actions regarding but whether it will achieve the minimum credible defense posture we want to achieve is something that need to assess,” military and security officials,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=529893

NPA fighter killed, another captured in ComVal clashes

From MindaNews (Jun 1): NPA fighter killed, another captured in ComVal clashes

A New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla was killed while another rebel was captured following two separate encounters in Laak, Compostela Valley province on Friday, the military reported.

Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said that elements of 60th Infantry Battalion clashed with NPA rebels at around 8:45 a.m. in Sitio Kugon in Barangay Luganapan.

In a press statement, Paniza said the clash ensued following a tip from civilians about the presence of the NPA rebels, who were reportedly “conducting a road block. “
He said a rebel was killed after a 20-minute firefight.

The troops recovered an M-16 rifle with M-203 Grenade launcher, a two-way radio, 40 rounds of ammunition for M-60 machine gun, a backpack and 50 meters electrical wire allegedly used for landmine, he added.

 

The second encounter occurred at around 1:40 p.m. as government troops pursued the withdrawing rebels at Sitio Buayahon in Barangay San Antonio, Paniza said.

Paniza said an alleged minor was captured with his AK-47 assault rifle.

He said the captured rebel “sustained a head injury during his escape when he rolled down the rugged terrain.”

Paniza said the government troops did not sustain any casualty.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/06/01/npa-fighter-killed-another-captured-in-comval-clashes/

Palace guards off the hook

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun1): Palace guards off the hook

An auto shop owner has withdrawn robbery charges filed against two members of the Presidential Security Group with the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

Sr. Supt. Eleazar Matta, Quezon City Police District’s Station 5 director, confirmed the lack of interest of Richard Tubig, owner of Streamline Auto Salon and Detailing Shop located in Barangay Lagro, Novaliches, to pursue the robbery suit against Corporal Bobby Ates, 25, of 830 South Nagtahan, Pandacan, Manila, and Sgt. Marvin Gaton, 31, of 50 Kaysakat St., San Jose, Antipolo City, Rizal.

“Tubig had filed a motion of desistance, prompting the prosecutor’s office to drop the suit,” he told the Manila Standard.

“There is no robbery suit against Ates and Gaton.”

But Ates is facing other criminal charges filed before two different courts.

He was charged for illegal possession of firearm, or violation of Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by RAt 8294 before Judge Snooky Maria Ana Bareno- Saguyo of the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 34.

Second assistant city prosecutor Rogelio Velasco, chief of the inquest division, approved the recommendation of ACP Nilda Ordoño to indict Ates.

Ates, who failed to present a permit to carry a .9mm HK USP Compaq, posted a P60,000 bail with Branch 34.

He was also slapped with violation of the Commission on Elections’ gun ban before Branch 88 Judge Rosanna Romero-Maglaya of the regional trial court over his failure to show a clearance exempting him from the Comelec’s restriction.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/01/palace-guards-off-the-hook/