From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 29): Army seize 5th NPA camp in Northern Samar
The 34th Infantry Battalion, 803rd Brigade, 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA) has seized five camps of the New People's Army and encountered 22 armed engagements initiated by government troops in the province of Northern Samar from January 2013 to date.
This was reported by Capt. Gene Orense, public affairs officer of 803rd Brigade.
Last July 27 at 6:10 a.m., the 803rd Brigade seized its 5th NPA camp in a 45-minute firefight between 30 NPA rebels allegedly led by Renato Rebay at Barangay Rombang, Laoang, Northern Samar.
Recovered from the camp were two M-16 rifles, two landmines, four military type backpacks, including two civilian bags and a number of subversive documents, Orense reported.
Orense said one NPA died and one was captured during the exchange of fires while some were wounded from the enemy side, evidenced by bloodstains found in the enemy's withdrawal route.
The dead NPA was later identified as the squad leader of Platoon 1, Silvino Pajares Command, Northern Samar Provincial Party Committee. The one captured will be subjected to proper legal action or inquest proceeding before the public prosecutor, Orense added.
Lt. Col. Rodrigo Illustrisimo, commanding officer of 34th Infantry Brigade, said the discovery and seizure of the NPA camp at Brgy. Rombang, Laoang was made possible by the reports from residents in the barangay who were extorted and intimidated by NPAs.
Illustrisimo said the recovery of two landmines in the rebel camp is a clear evidence of NPA’s complete disregard of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law or CARHIHL.
Meanwhile, Orense said the 803rd Brigade will continue to patrol every nook and cranny of the province and protect communities from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA’s terror and deception.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1261375061695
Monday, July 29, 2013
BIFF shoots 1, carts farm animals in latest NCotabato attacks
From the Philippine Star (Jul 29): BIFF shoots 1, carts farm animals in latest NCotabato attacks
Members of the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunned down a farmer and carted away more than a dozen water buffaloes in separate attacks on two farming districts in Midsayap at dawn Monday, police said.
The bandits first raided farming enclaves in Barangay Baliki at the southwestern part of Midsayap, located in the first district of North Cotabato, and shot houses with assault rifles, provoking a running firefight with armed villagers and civilian volunteers.
The clash ended when the bandits scampered away after sensing that responding soldiers from nearby detachments of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion were approaching.
The fleeing bandits collected farm animals of villagers as they repositioned to nearby Barangay Palomugin, also in Midsayap, where they also took more than a dozen villagers they used as shields to forestall any police and military pursuit.
The bandits shot dead a farmer, initially identified only as Reynaldo, apparently to intimidate and force their captives into joining them while fleeing to the marshy border of Midsayap and Datu Piang town in Maguindanao.
The gunmen eventually set their hostages free as they reached a swampy area that connects to river that straddles the border of the two provinces.
The Midsayap municipal police said all villagers that were taken by the bandits have been accounted for and that these villagers have returned home.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said all of soldiers are still in pursuit of the BIFF bandits, last seen fleeing toward a portion of the Liguasan Delta in the second district of Maguindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/29/1027421/biff-shoots-1-carts-farm-animals-latest-ncotabato-attacks
Members of the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunned down a farmer and carted away more than a dozen water buffaloes in separate attacks on two farming districts in Midsayap at dawn Monday, police said.
The bandits first raided farming enclaves in Barangay Baliki at the southwestern part of Midsayap, located in the first district of North Cotabato, and shot houses with assault rifles, provoking a running firefight with armed villagers and civilian volunteers.
The clash ended when the bandits scampered away after sensing that responding soldiers from nearby detachments of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion were approaching.
The fleeing bandits collected farm animals of villagers as they repositioned to nearby Barangay Palomugin, also in Midsayap, where they also took more than a dozen villagers they used as shields to forestall any police and military pursuit.
The bandits shot dead a farmer, initially identified only as Reynaldo, apparently to intimidate and force their captives into joining them while fleeing to the marshy border of Midsayap and Datu Piang town in Maguindanao.
The gunmen eventually set their hostages free as they reached a swampy area that connects to river that straddles the border of the two provinces.
The Midsayap municipal police said all villagers that were taken by the bandits have been accounted for and that these villagers have returned home.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said all of soldiers are still in pursuit of the BIFF bandits, last seen fleeing toward a portion of the Liguasan Delta in the second district of Maguindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/29/1027421/biff-shoots-1-carts-farm-animals-latest-ncotabato-attacks
U.S. surveillance planes conduct patrols in South China Sea
From ABS-CBN (Jul 29): U.S. surveillance planes conduct patrols in South China Sea
A classified government document seen by Kyodo News on Friday confirmed that U.S. Navy surveillance planes conduct routine maritime patrol to monitor activities in the disputed South China Sea.
"(There were) confirmed flights of U.S. P3C Orion aircraft over the South China Sea especially (in the contested Spratly Islands)," according to the document.
Last year, Philippine President Benigno Aquino revealed that Manila was seeking U.S. deployment of P3C Orion spy planes over the disputed sea since the Philippines lacks the capability to monitor its territorial and maritime claims in the sea.
"We can only do (the) best (with) what we have," the document says. "The military is aware of its limitations as regards equipment, naval and air assets, facilities and funding to support our efforts" in the South China Sea.
It says the military "needs another perspective of intelligence from higher headquarters and agencies that are relevant to our efforts".
Military experts describe the P3C Orion, a land-based maritime surveillance and antisubmarine aircraft that can intercept communications, as one of the most sensitive planes in the U.S. fleet.
Its reconnaissance flights are focused on Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged shoal 128 nautical miles (237 kilometers) off the Philippine island province of Palawan.
Since February, the Philippine military says, China has sent frigates and maritime surveillance vessels to the vicinity of the disputed shoal to maintain a presence, setting off alarm bells in Manila.
The territory, which is known to the Philippines as Ayungin Reef and to China as Ren'ai Reef, is part of a group of islets, shoals, reefs and cays known together as the Spratly Islands, which are claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The Philippines has garrisoned the shoal plus eight other features it claims in the South China Sea.
China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, wants the Philippines to remove a wrecked and rusty World War II-vintage landing ship which the Philippine military grounded in 1999 and which currently serves as its outpost there.
The military is closely monitoring the movements of Chinese ships in the shoal because of its proximity to Mischief Reef, a submerged bank about 129 nautical miles off Palawan that China occupied in early 1995. It is now Chinese navy's "most active base" in the South China Sea, according to the document.
Last year, China took control of Scarborough Shoal north of the Spratly chain, 124 nautical miles west of the Philippine main island of Luzon. So far, the document said, the Chinese navy has not "made any major changes" in Scarborough. "They're just maintaining their presence."
The P3C Orion has in the past taken part in joint maritime surveillance drills conducted by American and Philippine troops.
This year, for instance, the spy plane participated in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, a bilateral naval exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S.
Marines and the armed forces of nine partner nations in South and Southeast Asia.
Last year, the aircraft took part in a drill to test the operability of the coast watch system, a Philippine project funded by the United States and Australia that involves developing a string of radar platforms to help counter potential maritime threats in southern Philippines. The drill included patrols, surveillance, tracking and monitoring of a target vessel.
A hangar in Clark air base, once U.S. Air Force's fixed base in Angeles City, Pampanga, north of Manila, houses the Orion planes when in the Philippines.
The cash-strapped and ill-equipped Philippine military relies on the United States, its only treaty ally, for its territorial defense capability. Washington provided Manila $421.5 million in military aid between 2002 and 2011, according to figures from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia recently told a forum in Manila that U.S. aid provided to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Financing program, which makes available grants for the acquisition of U.S. defense equipment, services and training, more than doubled from less than $12 million in 2011 to $27 million in 2012. Additional U.S. military aid is provided under the anti-terrorism and military education and training programs.
"The pace and substance of dialogue have also intensified significantly," he said, adding, "The strategic imperative to engage with Asia has underscored the important role of the Philippines as a key U.S. ally in the region."
Cuisia said the Philippines and the United States " have clearly congruent interests" in the Asia-Pacific region. "Both countries recognize that economic stability needs to be premised on a secure and predictable security environment."
He said his government seeks to build "a minimum credible defense posture, to serve as deterrent to any aggressive action that may be taken against the Philippines."
After the Philippine Senate in 1991 forced the closure of U.S. fixed bases in the Philippines, it in 1999 ratified a Visiting Forces Agreement to allow access by U.S. forces to Philippine shores and joint Philippine-U.S. military operations in the country.
Government sources said Manila is now in a hurry to forge an expanded access arrangement with the United States.
"What we are talking about is joint use of certain facilities here in the Philippines. It may be Subic, it may be other facilities," Cuisia said.
He said the two sides are also discussing how to strengthen radar communications, which would enable the United States "to have a better grasp of what's going on in the region."
"We need to recognize that we need to strengthen our capability, particularly our security and maritime domain awareness," Cuisia said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/07/28/13/us-surveillance-planes-conduct-patrols-south-china-sea
A classified government document seen by Kyodo News on Friday confirmed that U.S. Navy surveillance planes conduct routine maritime patrol to monitor activities in the disputed South China Sea.
"(There were) confirmed flights of U.S. P3C Orion aircraft over the South China Sea especially (in the contested Spratly Islands)," according to the document.
Last year, Philippine President Benigno Aquino revealed that Manila was seeking U.S. deployment of P3C Orion spy planes over the disputed sea since the Philippines lacks the capability to monitor its territorial and maritime claims in the sea.
"We can only do (the) best (with) what we have," the document says. "The military is aware of its limitations as regards equipment, naval and air assets, facilities and funding to support our efforts" in the South China Sea.
It says the military "needs another perspective of intelligence from higher headquarters and agencies that are relevant to our efforts".
Military experts describe the P3C Orion, a land-based maritime surveillance and antisubmarine aircraft that can intercept communications, as one of the most sensitive planes in the U.S. fleet.
Its reconnaissance flights are focused on Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged shoal 128 nautical miles (237 kilometers) off the Philippine island province of Palawan.
Since February, the Philippine military says, China has sent frigates and maritime surveillance vessels to the vicinity of the disputed shoal to maintain a presence, setting off alarm bells in Manila.
The territory, which is known to the Philippines as Ayungin Reef and to China as Ren'ai Reef, is part of a group of islets, shoals, reefs and cays known together as the Spratly Islands, which are claimed in whole or in part by Brunei, China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.
The Philippines has garrisoned the shoal plus eight other features it claims in the South China Sea.
China, which claims almost all of the South China Sea, wants the Philippines to remove a wrecked and rusty World War II-vintage landing ship which the Philippine military grounded in 1999 and which currently serves as its outpost there.
The military is closely monitoring the movements of Chinese ships in the shoal because of its proximity to Mischief Reef, a submerged bank about 129 nautical miles off Palawan that China occupied in early 1995. It is now Chinese navy's "most active base" in the South China Sea, according to the document.
Last year, China took control of Scarborough Shoal north of the Spratly chain, 124 nautical miles west of the Philippine main island of Luzon. So far, the document said, the Chinese navy has not "made any major changes" in Scarborough. "They're just maintaining their presence."
The P3C Orion has in the past taken part in joint maritime surveillance drills conducted by American and Philippine troops.
This year, for instance, the spy plane participated in the annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training, a bilateral naval exercise between the U.S. Navy, U.S.
Marines and the armed forces of nine partner nations in South and Southeast Asia.
Last year, the aircraft took part in a drill to test the operability of the coast watch system, a Philippine project funded by the United States and Australia that involves developing a string of radar platforms to help counter potential maritime threats in southern Philippines. The drill included patrols, surveillance, tracking and monitoring of a target vessel.
A hangar in Clark air base, once U.S. Air Force's fixed base in Angeles City, Pampanga, north of Manila, houses the Orion planes when in the Philippines.
The cash-strapped and ill-equipped Philippine military relies on the United States, its only treaty ally, for its territorial defense capability. Washington provided Manila $421.5 million in military aid between 2002 and 2011, according to figures from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Cuisia recently told a forum in Manila that U.S. aid provided to the Philippines under the Foreign Military Financing program, which makes available grants for the acquisition of U.S. defense equipment, services and training, more than doubled from less than $12 million in 2011 to $27 million in 2012. Additional U.S. military aid is provided under the anti-terrorism and military education and training programs.
"The pace and substance of dialogue have also intensified significantly," he said, adding, "The strategic imperative to engage with Asia has underscored the important role of the Philippines as a key U.S. ally in the region."
Cuisia said the Philippines and the United States " have clearly congruent interests" in the Asia-Pacific region. "Both countries recognize that economic stability needs to be premised on a secure and predictable security environment."
He said his government seeks to build "a minimum credible defense posture, to serve as deterrent to any aggressive action that may be taken against the Philippines."
After the Philippine Senate in 1991 forced the closure of U.S. fixed bases in the Philippines, it in 1999 ratified a Visiting Forces Agreement to allow access by U.S. forces to Philippine shores and joint Philippine-U.S. military operations in the country.
Government sources said Manila is now in a hurry to forge an expanded access arrangement with the United States.
"What we are talking about is joint use of certain facilities here in the Philippines. It may be Subic, it may be other facilities," Cuisia said.
He said the two sides are also discussing how to strengthen radar communications, which would enable the United States "to have a better grasp of what's going on in the region."
"We need to recognize that we need to strengthen our capability, particularly our security and maritime domain awareness," Cuisia said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/07/28/13/us-surveillance-planes-conduct-patrols-south-china-sea
US commander: China's aggression leads to US, allies' closer ties
From the Philippine Star (Jul 30): US commander: China's aggression leads to US, allies' closer ties
United States Air Force General Herbert "The Hawk" Carlisle. US ARMED FORCES PHOTO
United States Pacific Air Forces Commander Herbert Carlisle said China's behavior in the South China Sea has led to stronger ties between the US and its Asian allies which include the Philippines.
"Some of (China's) fairly assertive, aggressive behavior has in fact brought our friends (closer) and they're relying on us to be there and to be present," Carlisle said.
The general added that countries threatened by China's claim have bought defense equipment from different sources to boost their military and expressed a fresh welcome to US presence.
The US has lately shifted its military and diplomatic focus on the Asia Pacific partly due to Beijing's claims, with Vice President Joe Biden saying that the "core" of such strategy are alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.
Related: Biden: Alliance with Phl at the 'core' of US strategy
Carlisle also weighed in on China's military buildup, saying it runs the risk of having unintended consequences sooner or later.
"Being fairly aggressive runs the risk of creating the potential for miscalculation ... That's something we think about every day," he said.
Carlisle warned that such aggression may result in an unprecedented response from the different countries that Beijing does not anticipate.
"It's a complex, changing environment. Every action has unintended consequences and second and third order effects," Carlisle said.
The American general also gave an overview of the Pacific Command's positioning in the region, saying that the Air Force's F-22 fighter jets are present there.
Global Hawks unmanned spy planes as well as a new F-35 fighter plane will be sent to the area where there is increasing tension.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/30/1030981/us-commander-chinas-aggression-leads-us-allies-closer-ties
United States Air Force General Herbert "The Hawk" Carlisle. US ARMED FORCES PHOTO
United States Pacific Air Forces Commander Herbert Carlisle said China's behavior in the South China Sea has led to stronger ties between the US and its Asian allies which include the Philippines.
"Some of (China's) fairly assertive, aggressive behavior has in fact brought our friends (closer) and they're relying on us to be there and to be present," Carlisle said.
The general added that countries threatened by China's claim have bought defense equipment from different sources to boost their military and expressed a fresh welcome to US presence.
The US has lately shifted its military and diplomatic focus on the Asia Pacific partly due to Beijing's claims, with Vice President Joe Biden saying that the "core" of such strategy are alliances with Japan, South Korea, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.
Related: Biden: Alliance with Phl at the 'core' of US strategy
Carlisle also weighed in on China's military buildup, saying it runs the risk of having unintended consequences sooner or later.
"Being fairly aggressive runs the risk of creating the potential for miscalculation ... That's something we think about every day," he said.
Carlisle warned that such aggression may result in an unprecedented response from the different countries that Beijing does not anticipate.
"It's a complex, changing environment. Every action has unintended consequences and second and third order effects," Carlisle said.
The American general also gave an overview of the Pacific Command's positioning in the region, saying that the Air Force's F-22 fighter jets are present there.
Global Hawks unmanned spy planes as well as a new F-35 fighter plane will be sent to the area where there is increasing tension.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/30/1030981/us-commander-chinas-aggression-leads-us-allies-closer-ties
BIFF bandits ambush oil tanker, Army detachment in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Star (Jul 30): BIFF bandits ambush oil tanker, Army detachment in Maguindanao
Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) ambushed a 10-wheeler lorry carrying 50,000 liters of petroleum fuel and harassed Army detachments in separate attacks in the province Tuesday.
The latest BIFF rampage came a day after militiamen killed a ranking henchman of BIFF founder Ameril Omrah Kato in an encounter in North Cotabato.
The tanker, which was enroute to Cotabato City from South Cotabato, was ambushed in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan.
Local officials said the ambush was an apparent retaliation for the group’s losses in a series of encounters Monday with armed villagers and government forces in the neighboring Pikit and Midsayap municipalities in North Cotabato.
Army officials declined to provide information, meantime, on the plight of the lorry's driver and a helper.
The incident in Guindulungan prompted the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to close for several hours the portion of the Cotabato-Gen. Santos Highway traversing the municipality.
Just as responding soldiers began clearing the surroundings of the ambush scene, another group of bandits raided a roadside detachment of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion in Datu Piang town.
Another group also opened fire on houses of farmers in Maitum-a-ig area at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns, provoking hostilities with armed villagers and soldiers positioned in detachments nearby.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that the Cotabato-Gen.Santos Highway had to be temporarily closed to traffic as BIFF bandits may attempt to abduct motorists and commuters to divert the attention of pursuing soldiers.
BIFF bandits on Monday killed a farmer during an attack in two villages in Midsayap, located in the first district of North Cotabato.
The incident preceded the encounter between patrolling militiamen and BIFF bandits, which resulted to the death of Ebrahim Talenxa, a known henchman of the Kato. Soldiers recovered beside his cadaver an M-14 assault rifle.
Hermoso said villagers reported seeing heavy stains of blood on the escape route of the bandits, last seen scampering towards the direction of Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Kato, a cleric trained in Saudi Arabia, formed the BIFF in 2011 after he was booted out of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front a year before due to insubordination and other heinous offenses.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/30/1031081/biff-bandits-ambush-oil-tanker-army-detachment-maguindanao
Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) ambushed a 10-wheeler lorry carrying 50,000 liters of petroleum fuel and harassed Army detachments in separate attacks in the province Tuesday.
The latest BIFF rampage came a day after militiamen killed a ranking henchman of BIFF founder Ameril Omrah Kato in an encounter in North Cotabato.
The tanker, which was enroute to Cotabato City from South Cotabato, was ambushed in Barangay Bagan, Guindulungan.
Local officials said the ambush was an apparent retaliation for the group’s losses in a series of encounters Monday with armed villagers and government forces in the neighboring Pikit and Midsayap municipalities in North Cotabato.
Army officials declined to provide information, meantime, on the plight of the lorry's driver and a helper.
The incident in Guindulungan prompted the Army’s 6th Infantry Division to close for several hours the portion of the Cotabato-Gen. Santos Highway traversing the municipality.
Just as responding soldiers began clearing the surroundings of the ambush scene, another group of bandits raided a roadside detachment of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion in Datu Piang town.
Another group also opened fire on houses of farmers in Maitum-a-ig area at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns, provoking hostilities with armed villagers and soldiers positioned in detachments nearby.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that the Cotabato-Gen.Santos Highway had to be temporarily closed to traffic as BIFF bandits may attempt to abduct motorists and commuters to divert the attention of pursuing soldiers.
BIFF bandits on Monday killed a farmer during an attack in two villages in Midsayap, located in the first district of North Cotabato.
The incident preceded the encounter between patrolling militiamen and BIFF bandits, which resulted to the death of Ebrahim Talenxa, a known henchman of the Kato. Soldiers recovered beside his cadaver an M-14 assault rifle.
Hermoso said villagers reported seeing heavy stains of blood on the escape route of the bandits, last seen scampering towards the direction of Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
Kato, a cleric trained in Saudi Arabia, formed the BIFF in 2011 after he was booted out of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front a year before due to insubordination and other heinous offenses.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/30/1031081/biff-bandits-ambush-oil-tanker-army-detachment-maguindanao
Captured top NPA leader to be treated well
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jul 30): Captured top NPA leader to be treated well
This, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the capture of Maria Loyda Tuzo Magpatoc, alias Gwen, 52, said to be the front secretary of the Far South Mindanao Regional (FSMR) Committee of the NPA, by the authorities in a joint operation at the old terminal in Digos City on Sunday.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Eastmincom, said the 39th Infantry Battalion under 1002nd Brigade, 10th ID is providing the requirements of Magpatoc while the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office through its Children and Women's desk is assisting her needs while under custody.
Cruz said the Digos City Police Office is also preparing the documents for the filing of formal charges against her.
"This is how our justice system works. Magpatoc as the alleged over-all leader of FSMR and previously with NEMRC (North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee) could be held liable under RA (Republic Act) 9851 or Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other crimes against humanity under provisions on the Responsibility of the Superior of a non-state insurgent organization on all the atrocities/violations committed," Cruz said.
Magpatoc carries a bounty of P500,000 for her arrest based on the posters sent to police stations, and government checkpoints on wanted persons nationwide.
Captain Severino David, deputy commander and spokesperson for the AFP in Eastern Mindanao, said Magpatoc is implicated in a series of criminal activities like murder, extortion and kidnapping in the areas of Soccskasargen region and parts of the provinces of Davao del Sur, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
David said Magpatoc was arrested by virtue of the several arrest warrants for cases ranging from murder, robbery, homicide and damage to property.
He said based on gathered information that Magpatoc also became the Front Secretary of NEMRC early 2000, onwards which also covers the areas of Surigao and Agusan.
David said Magpatoc is also allegedly a member Executive Committee of Komisyon Mindanao or Mindanao Commission, the main party organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Mindanao.
THE military assured on Monday it will treat well a
ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) while under their custody and will
be accorded fair trial.
This, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the capture of Maria Loyda Tuzo Magpatoc, alias Gwen, 52, said to be the front secretary of the Far South Mindanao Regional (FSMR) Committee of the NPA, by the authorities in a joint operation at the old terminal in Digos City on Sunday.
Lieutenant General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Eastmincom, said the 39th Infantry Battalion under 1002nd Brigade, 10th ID is providing the requirements of Magpatoc while the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office through its Children and Women's desk is assisting her needs while under custody.
Cruz said the Digos City Police Office is also preparing the documents for the filing of formal charges against her.
"This is how our justice system works. Magpatoc as the alleged over-all leader of FSMR and previously with NEMRC (North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee) could be held liable under RA (Republic Act) 9851 or Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other crimes against humanity under provisions on the Responsibility of the Superior of a non-state insurgent organization on all the atrocities/violations committed," Cruz said.
Magpatoc carries a bounty of P500,000 for her arrest based on the posters sent to police stations, and government checkpoints on wanted persons nationwide.
Captain Severino David, deputy commander and spokesperson for the AFP in Eastern Mindanao, said Magpatoc is implicated in a series of criminal activities like murder, extortion and kidnapping in the areas of Soccskasargen region and parts of the provinces of Davao del Sur, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.
David said Magpatoc was arrested by virtue of the several arrest warrants for cases ranging from murder, robbery, homicide and damage to property.
He said based on gathered information that Magpatoc also became the Front Secretary of NEMRC early 2000, onwards which also covers the areas of Surigao and Agusan.
David said Magpatoc is also allegedly a member Executive Committee of Komisyon Mindanao or Mindanao Commission, the main party organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines in Mindanao.
"The arrest of Magpatoc is the result not only of
the continuous intelligence operations from the various law enforcement agencies
but also from the reports of the communities to the 10th Infantry Division’s
Peace and Development Teams under Major General Ariel B Bernardo," he said.
Kalahi gets US award
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 29): Kalahi gets US award
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services was awarded at the second Development Impact Honors Awards of the United States Treasury at the Main Treasury Building in North Washington, USA, recently.
Kalahi-CIDSS was commended as an “especially high-impact and noteworthy development intervention”, with around 5,876 small-scale community projects catering to about 1,345,767 households in the 42 poorest provinces of the Philippines.
It was also cited for having improved community participation rates in project activities that made the delivery of services of local government units more participatory, inclusive and transparent. Kalahi-CIDSS also improved household income per capita consumption of beneficiary communities by five percent, based on studies made by the World Bank in its Impact Evaluation Report in 2012.
In the Central Visayas, the National Community Driven Development Program of Kalahi-CIDSS will cover 104 towns whose poverty incidence rates are greater than the national average of 26.5 percent, according to the National Statistics Coordinating Board. These towns will undergo an enrolment process this year.
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, said, “We are honored to have the Kalahi-CIDSS chosen as one of the awardees by the U.S. Treasury. We are optimistic that, with NCDDP, we will be able to help more families and communities rise from poverty”.
Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat of DSWD in Region 7 said Central Visayas is the third region with the most number of towns covered by the NCDDP.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/July/29/negor3.htm
The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services was awarded at the second Development Impact Honors Awards of the United States Treasury at the Main Treasury Building in North Washington, USA, recently.
Kalahi-CIDSS was commended as an “especially high-impact and noteworthy development intervention”, with around 5,876 small-scale community projects catering to about 1,345,767 households in the 42 poorest provinces of the Philippines.
It was also cited for having improved community participation rates in project activities that made the delivery of services of local government units more participatory, inclusive and transparent. Kalahi-CIDSS also improved household income per capita consumption of beneficiary communities by five percent, based on studies made by the World Bank in its Impact Evaluation Report in 2012.
In the Central Visayas, the National Community Driven Development Program of Kalahi-CIDSS will cover 104 towns whose poverty incidence rates are greater than the national average of 26.5 percent, according to the National Statistics Coordinating Board. These towns will undergo an enrolment process this year.
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, said, “We are honored to have the Kalahi-CIDSS chosen as one of the awardees by the U.S. Treasury. We are optimistic that, with NCDDP, we will be able to help more families and communities rise from poverty”.
Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat of DSWD in Region 7 said Central Visayas is the third region with the most number of towns covered by the NCDDP.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/July/29/negor3.htm
China boosts presence near Ayungin reef
From ABS-CBN (Jul 29): China boosts presence near Ayungin reef
China is enhancing its presence in the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef to pressure the Philippines to remove its grounded ship in nearby Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, a defense expert said Monday.
Rommel Banlaoi, of the Philippine Association of Chinese Studies, confirmed that Panganiban Reef off Palawan has been transformed by China into an active naval detachment and military garrison.
“China has recently increased their naval presence in the Mischief Reef because the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy wants the Philippines to remove our grounded ship in the Ayungin Shoal,” Banlaoi told The STAR.
“China’s increased maritime activities in Mischief Reef can pressure the Philippines but they do not provide a compelling reason for the Philippines to remove the grounded ship in Ayungin Shoal. In fact, it even encourages the Philippines to level up our defenses there,” he added.
Banlaoi said China could not compel the Philippines to remove its grounded ship unless ordered by the international court or mutually agreed upon by both countries.
The BRP Sierra Madre, which was intentionally grounded in 1999, serves as a Navy outpost and symbolizes the country’s ownership of Ayungin Shoal, which is being claimed by China.
Banlaoi stressed the increased military activities in the West Philippine Sea would not help settle territorial disputes.
“They will just escalate the tensions and complicate the security situation in the disputed waters. Demilitarization is still the best option to deescalate the complex nature of conflicts in the South China Sea,” he said.
Located about 70 nautical miles from Palawan, Panganiban Reef has been occupied by China since 1995.
China initially built modest structures on stilts at the reef, supposedly to provide shelter for fishermen, but these were later transformed into a military garrison with powerful radars.
Among the structures reportedly built on the reef were a windmill, solar panels, a concrete platform suitable for helipad and a basketball court.
“All structures and facilities in all features currently occupied by claimants are considered naval detachments or a ‘mini naval base’ in a loose sense,” Banlaoi said.
China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea and South China Sea while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.
Last May, China expressed concern that the Philippines might put up additional structures in Ayungin Shoal, an area within Manila’s continental shelf.
The Philippine government, however, said it has no plan to do so and that it was just sending ships in the shoal to replenish the supplies of soldiers securing the area.
China also has presence in Subi Reef, where it has put up a three-story facility with gun emplacements, a helicopter landing pad, a radar dome, and lighthouse, and in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales where it is conducting illegal patrols.
The Philippines has filed a case against China’s “excessive” and “exaggerated” territorial claims before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.
China asserts that virtually all of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is its historical territory, even the waters close to the coasts of other Asian countries.
The Philippines and Vietnam, on the other hand, will hold its 7th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on Thursday in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario will lead the Philippine delegation while Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will head the Vietnamese delegation.
Among the issues to be discussed by the Philippines and Vietnam, both claimants in the South China Sea, are cooperative initiatives in defense and security, maritime and ocean cooperation, trade and investments, and agriculture.
The meeting will also review the implementation of the Philippines-Vietnam Action Plan, a framework document which lists the initiatives to be implemented by both countries for the period 2011-2016.
The last round of the JCBC meeting was hosted by Vietnam in 2011.
The JCBC is a regular consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/29/13/china-boosts-presence-near-ayungin-reef
China is enhancing its presence in the Panganiban (Mischief) Reef to pressure the Philippines to remove its grounded ship in nearby Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, a defense expert said Monday.
Rommel Banlaoi, of the Philippine Association of Chinese Studies, confirmed that Panganiban Reef off Palawan has been transformed by China into an active naval detachment and military garrison.
“China has recently increased their naval presence in the Mischief Reef because the PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy wants the Philippines to remove our grounded ship in the Ayungin Shoal,” Banlaoi told The STAR.
“China’s increased maritime activities in Mischief Reef can pressure the Philippines but they do not provide a compelling reason for the Philippines to remove the grounded ship in Ayungin Shoal. In fact, it even encourages the Philippines to level up our defenses there,” he added.
Banlaoi said China could not compel the Philippines to remove its grounded ship unless ordered by the international court or mutually agreed upon by both countries.
The BRP Sierra Madre, which was intentionally grounded in 1999, serves as a Navy outpost and symbolizes the country’s ownership of Ayungin Shoal, which is being claimed by China.
Banlaoi stressed the increased military activities in the West Philippine Sea would not help settle territorial disputes.
“They will just escalate the tensions and complicate the security situation in the disputed waters. Demilitarization is still the best option to deescalate the complex nature of conflicts in the South China Sea,” he said.
Located about 70 nautical miles from Palawan, Panganiban Reef has been occupied by China since 1995.
China initially built modest structures on stilts at the reef, supposedly to provide shelter for fishermen, but these were later transformed into a military garrison with powerful radars.
Among the structures reportedly built on the reef were a windmill, solar panels, a concrete platform suitable for helipad and a basketball court.
“All structures and facilities in all features currently occupied by claimants are considered naval detachments or a ‘mini naval base’ in a loose sense,” Banlaoi said.
China claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea and South China Sea while the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have overlapping claims.
Last May, China expressed concern that the Philippines might put up additional structures in Ayungin Shoal, an area within Manila’s continental shelf.
The Philippine government, however, said it has no plan to do so and that it was just sending ships in the shoal to replenish the supplies of soldiers securing the area.
China also has presence in Subi Reef, where it has put up a three-story facility with gun emplacements, a helicopter landing pad, a radar dome, and lighthouse, and in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales where it is conducting illegal patrols.
The Philippines has filed a case against China’s “excessive” and “exaggerated” territorial claims before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea.
China asserts that virtually all of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is its historical territory, even the waters close to the coasts of other Asian countries.
The Philippines and Vietnam, on the other hand, will hold its 7th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) on Thursday in Manila, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario will lead the Philippine delegation while Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will head the Vietnamese delegation.
Among the issues to be discussed by the Philippines and Vietnam, both claimants in the South China Sea, are cooperative initiatives in defense and security, maritime and ocean cooperation, trade and investments, and agriculture.
The meeting will also review the implementation of the Philippines-Vietnam Action Plan, a framework document which lists the initiatives to be implemented by both countries for the period 2011-2016.
The last round of the JCBC meeting was hosted by Vietnam in 2011.
The JCBC is a regular consultation mechanism between the foreign ministries of the two countries to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/29/13/china-boosts-presence-near-ayungin-reef
Police find 'meaningful leads' in CDO blast
From ABS-CBN (Jul 29): Police find 'meaningful leads' in CDO blast
The police have gathered more “meaningful leads” in the Cagayan de Oro explosion that has claimed the lives of eight persons.
“There are meaningful leads, but the police are very careful. In the next few days, the results would be more comprehensive by then,” Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno told ANC.
He refused to divulge what those leads are, noting the police will embargo the release of all details until there are definite developments.
This morning, the police finally released the facial composites of at least three men allegedly behind the explosion at the Limketkai Center late Friday.
Fear continues to blanket the relatively peaceful city, even as security authorities – from local to government – have already been tapped to get to the bottom of the crime.
“To address [these fears], we have to solve this as soon as possible and solve it thoroughly,” Moreno said.
The recreation of the crime scene also continues as directed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas. He gave the police a mouthful on Saturday after the crime scene was cleared immediately.
Roxas told radio dzMM that the injuries of some of the wounded did not come from a shrapnel of the explosive device, but from pieces of furniture that flew all over the place.
“We have to [recreate] the pressure wave so that we can trace back to the explosive used, who has the capacity to do it," he said.
He said they are also currently collecting the “bio-profiles” of all those present in the crime scene.
“We have to determine if this was politically-motivated, or plain squabble stemming from business or land or relationship issues," Roxas said.
“One thing is clear, this is an act of a coward."
Meanwhile, some of the injured have already been sent home after getting treated.
Around 13 are still at a hospital in Cagayan de Oro.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/29/13/police-find-meaningful-leads-cdo-blast
The police have gathered more “meaningful leads” in the Cagayan de Oro explosion that has claimed the lives of eight persons.
“There are meaningful leads, but the police are very careful. In the next few days, the results would be more comprehensive by then,” Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno told ANC.
He refused to divulge what those leads are, noting the police will embargo the release of all details until there are definite developments.
This morning, the police finally released the facial composites of at least three men allegedly behind the explosion at the Limketkai Center late Friday.
Fear continues to blanket the relatively peaceful city, even as security authorities – from local to government – have already been tapped to get to the bottom of the crime.
“To address [these fears], we have to solve this as soon as possible and solve it thoroughly,” Moreno said.
The recreation of the crime scene also continues as directed by Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas. He gave the police a mouthful on Saturday after the crime scene was cleared immediately.
Roxas told radio dzMM that the injuries of some of the wounded did not come from a shrapnel of the explosive device, but from pieces of furniture that flew all over the place.
“We have to [recreate] the pressure wave so that we can trace back to the explosive used, who has the capacity to do it," he said.
He said they are also currently collecting the “bio-profiles” of all those present in the crime scene.
“We have to determine if this was politically-motivated, or plain squabble stemming from business or land or relationship issues," Roxas said.
“One thing is clear, this is an act of a coward."
Meanwhile, some of the injured have already been sent home after getting treated.
Around 13 are still at a hospital in Cagayan de Oro.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/29/13/police-find-meaningful-leads-cdo-blast
Brand-new frigates still part of PN modernization
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): Brand-new frigates still part of PN modernization
Despite the impending arrival of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) to the country this coming August, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is still looking to acquire brand-new frigates to further boost its maritime awareness capabilities.
"(The frigates is still) part of the modernization program. (We are) now in the process of coming up with the final documents for the bidding," PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said.
This includes the listing of the operational requirements wanted by the PN for its prospective frigates.
Alano clarified that once this process is completed, it would be up to the Department of National Defense (DND) to start up the country's frigate project.
Arrival of the Hamilton-class cutters in PN service is expected to boost up the maritime domain awareness capability of thePhilippines
The DND earlier announced that the budget for the two missile-firing frigates has been increased to P18 billion.
This is P7 billion higher than the P11 billion earlier allocated.
Five countries have expressed their intention to sell thePhilippines
These offers came from theUnited States ,
Israel , Croatia , South
Korea and Australia
All vessels being offered by these nations are brand new.
Offers of the above-mentioned countries started coming during the last quarter of 2012.
The DND attributed the sudden influx of would-be-suppliers to the fact the Philippine is now seriously upgrading its military forces.
ThePhilippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549083
Despite the impending arrival of BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) to the country this coming August, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is still looking to acquire brand-new frigates to further boost its maritime awareness capabilities.
"(The frigates is still) part of the modernization program. (We are) now in the process of coming up with the final documents for the bidding," PN flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said.
This includes the listing of the operational requirements wanted by the PN for its prospective frigates.
Alano clarified that once this process is completed, it would be up to the Department of National Defense (DND) to start up the country's frigate project.
Arrival of the Hamilton-class cutters in PN service is expected to boost up the maritime domain awareness capability of the
The DND earlier announced that the budget for the two missile-firing frigates has been increased to P18 billion.
This is P7 billion higher than the P11 billion earlier allocated.
Five countries have expressed their intention to sell the
These offers came from the
All vessels being offered by these nations are brand new.
Offers of the above-mentioned countries started coming during the last quarter of 2012.
The DND attributed the sudden influx of would-be-suppliers to the fact the Philippine is now seriously upgrading its military forces.
The
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549083
BIFF bomb threat forces closure of Maguindanao highway
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): BIFF bomb threat forces closure of Maguindanao highway
A threat by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along a portion of the highway connecting Maguindanao toGeneral
Santos City
Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police commander, said the closure stranded travelers.
He added IED clearing operations are ongoing.
Before the closure, government forces and BIFF fighters engaged in a firefight at Guindulungan in Maguindanao.
The BIFF is founded by Ameril Umbra Kato who led attacks inMindanao in 2008 after the Supreme Court thumbed down a
memorandum of agreement on ancestral domain between the government and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549407
A threat by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to detonate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along a portion of the highway connecting Maguindanao to
Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao police commander, said the closure stranded travelers.
He added IED clearing operations are ongoing.
Before the closure, government forces and BIFF fighters engaged in a firefight at Guindulungan in Maguindanao.
The BIFF is founded by Ameril Umbra Kato who led attacks in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549407
Quezonian air force officer named among PHL outstanding soldiers
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): Quezonian air force officer named among PHL outstanding soldiers
Lt. Col. Moises L. Micor, who hails fromLucena City
Lt. Col. Micor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and his fellow soldier winners will each receive a trophy and cash prize of P300,000 in simultaneous awarding ceremonies now dubbed as the Search for the Outstanding Filipinos on Sept. 5, 2013.
The simultaneous awards rites include this year's Search for the Country's Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) and the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).
Lt. Col. Micor emerged as one of the winners in the annual search due to his extraordinary feats and competence throughout his 20-year military career as an officer and ace pilot.
He was cited for introducing innovations and revisions to the Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Wing on Safety, development of a Management Information System to monitor aircraft requirements and spares, as well as the formulation and implementation of a program that would prevent Tool Foreign Object Damage, among other accomplishments.
Aside from gaining the military's various recognitions for leading his squadron such as the CG, PAF Streamer Award for the Best Support Group of the Year 2010 and CG, PAF Streamer Award for Best Tactical Squadron 2005, Lt. Col. Micor is also recipient of the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry, distinguishing his service as a pilot during an attack by the MNLF at Camp Budato on Nov. 19, 2001.
He was also pinned four Bronze Cross Medals for acts of heroism involving risks of life as a pilot on four separate occasions and the Distinguished Aviation Cross Medal together with his aircrew for troop insertion and extrication, air evacuation, aerial recon, re-supply mission and combat support during a military offensive by the Philippine Army on Nov. 11-12, 2001.
TOPS which recognizes and pays tribute to outstanding members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Rotary Club of Makati Metro.
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy, chaired the TOPS panel of judges.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=549020
Lt. Col. Moises L. Micor, who hails from
Lt. Col. Micor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and his fellow soldier winners will each receive a trophy and cash prize of P300,000 in simultaneous awarding ceremonies now dubbed as the Search for the Outstanding Filipinos on Sept. 5, 2013.
The simultaneous awards rites include this year's Search for the Country's Outstanding Police Officers in Service (COPS) and the Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT).
Lt. Col. Micor emerged as one of the winners in the annual search due to his extraordinary feats and competence throughout his 20-year military career as an officer and ace pilot.
He was cited for introducing innovations and revisions to the Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the Wing on Safety, development of a Management Information System to monitor aircraft requirements and spares, as well as the formulation and implementation of a program that would prevent Tool Foreign Object Damage, among other accomplishments.
Aside from gaining the military's various recognitions for leading his squadron such as the CG, PAF Streamer Award for the Best Support Group of the Year 2010 and CG, PAF Streamer Award for Best Tactical Squadron 2005, Lt. Col. Micor is also recipient of the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry, distinguishing his service as a pilot during an attack by the MNLF at Camp Budato on Nov. 19, 2001.
He was also pinned four Bronze Cross Medals for acts of heroism involving risks of life as a pilot on four separate occasions and the Distinguished Aviation Cross Medal together with his aircrew for troop insertion and extrication, air evacuation, aerial recon, re-supply mission and combat support during a military offensive by the Philippine Army on Nov. 11-12, 2001.
TOPS which recognizes and pays tribute to outstanding members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is sponsored by the Metrobank Foundation, Inc. and Rotary Club of Makati Metro.
Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Adolfo S. Azcuna, Chancellor of the Philippine Judicial Academy, chaired the TOPS panel of judges.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=549020
Army Recruitment Office in Mindanao sets officer’s exam in Pagadian City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): Army Recruitment Office in Mindanao sets officer’s exam in Pagadian City
The Army Recruitment Office in Mindanao is conducting an examination for those interested to join the Philippine Army Officer Corps on Wednesday inPagadian City
Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade information officer Capt. Randy Veracion said the examination, which will be held in Pagadian Capitol Colleges, is for Officer Candidate Course and Officer Preparatory Course.
The qualifications for OCC are the following: Must have completed at least one term in military service; not more than 29 years old before/on the start of the training; baccalaureate degree holder; single or unmarried; five feet in height; physically and mentally, and, a Filipino.
For OPC, the qualifications are as follows: at least one term in the service; 21-31 years old; must be a graduate of POTC with a reserve rank of Second Lieutenant; baccalaureate degree holder; single or unmarried; must have completed at least one term in military service; five feet in height; physically and mentally fit; and a Filipino.
The qualifications for civilian applying for OCC are as follows: 21–24 years old; graduate of any four–year college course; single; minimum height is five feet; Filipino; and, physically and mentally fit.
The qualification for OPC for a civilian applicant are: 21-31 years old; MS43 graduate (Advance ROTC graduate); graduate of any four-year college course; single; Filipino; minimum height is five feet; and, physically and mentally fit.
Veracion said the requirements (original documents) to take the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) are National Statistics Office-issued birth certificate; transcript of records and diploma; valid identification card (ID); and, one 2x2 picture.
Those qualified and interested to take the examination may call the contact person, Corporal Michael Asistin at +639177165230, according to Veracion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=549221
The Army Recruitment Office in Mindanao is conducting an examination for those interested to join the Philippine Army Officer Corps on Wednesday in
Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade information officer Capt. Randy Veracion said the examination, which will be held in Pagadian Capitol Colleges, is for Officer Candidate Course and Officer Preparatory Course.
The qualifications for OCC are the following: Must have completed at least one term in military service; not more than 29 years old before/on the start of the training; baccalaureate degree holder; single or unmarried; five feet in height; physically and mentally, and, a Filipino.
For OPC, the qualifications are as follows: at least one term in the service; 21-31 years old; must be a graduate of POTC with a reserve rank of Second Lieutenant; baccalaureate degree holder; single or unmarried; must have completed at least one term in military service; five feet in height; physically and mentally fit; and a Filipino.
The qualifications for civilian applying for OCC are as follows: 21–24 years old; graduate of any four–year college course; single; minimum height is five feet; Filipino; and, physically and mentally fit.
The qualification for OPC for a civilian applicant are: 21-31 years old; MS43 graduate (Advance ROTC graduate); graduate of any four-year college course; single; Filipino; minimum height is five feet; and, physically and mentally fit.
Veracion said the requirements (original documents) to take the Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery (PAATB) are National Statistics Office-issued birth certificate; transcript of records and diploma; valid identification card (ID); and, one 2x2 picture.
Those qualified and interested to take the examination may call the contact person, Corporal Michael Asistin at +639177165230, according to Veracion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=549221
BIFF rebels attack 2 villages in North Cotabato, kills farmer
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): BIFF rebels attack 2 villages in North Cotabato, kills farmer
More government forces were sent here Monday by the Army's 6th Infantry Division after renegade Moro rebels stormed two villages, shot dead a farmer, and used civilians as human shields as they fled from pursuing government forces.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Midsayap,North Cotabato , were sent to the villages of Baliki and
Polomoguin where Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed on Monday
dawn.
Reports here said that at around 1:00 a.m., BIFF rebels attacked thevillage of Baliki ,
a community in Midsayap, North Cotabato
situated near Datu Piang where the BIFF operates.
Armed Civilian Volunteer organizations (CVOs) engaged the attackers in an hour-long firefight until the renegade Moro rebel group fled towards Datu Piang when elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion reinforced the militiamen.
As the 40th IB elements started to close in Barangay Baliki, the BIFF forces numbering about 50 persons, fled toward Datu Piang in Maguindanao. But as they passed by Sitio Mirasol, Barangay Polomoguin, also in Midsayap, the bandits took away work animals and personal belongings of civilians.
A farmer identified only as Reynald was shot dead after he refused to release his work animal.
Before escaping toward the Rio Grande de Mindanao, the BIFF took some civilians and used them as human shields when the Army conducted pursuit operations.
The civilians were released unharmed about an hour later.
The BIFF harassment in Midsayap came after the bandits attempted but failed to blow up a bridge in Barangay Magaslong, Maguindanao Sunday morning.
A breakaway of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the BIFF gained notoriety when they simultaneously attacked Army and militia bases in Maguindanao in an apparent futile attempt to stop the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro last year.
The BIFF vowed to push for a separate state forMindanao .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=549025
More government forces were sent here Monday by the Army's 6th Infantry Division after renegade Moro rebels stormed two villages, shot dead a farmer, and used civilians as human shields as they fled from pursuing government forces.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Midsayap,
Reports here said that at around 1:00 a.m., BIFF rebels attacked the
Armed Civilian Volunteer organizations (CVOs) engaged the attackers in an hour-long firefight until the renegade Moro rebel group fled towards Datu Piang when elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion reinforced the militiamen.
As the 40th IB elements started to close in Barangay Baliki, the BIFF forces numbering about 50 persons, fled toward Datu Piang in Maguindanao. But as they passed by Sitio Mirasol, Barangay Polomoguin, also in Midsayap, the bandits took away work animals and personal belongings of civilians.
A farmer identified only as Reynald was shot dead after he refused to release his work animal.
Before escaping toward the Rio Grande de Mindanao, the BIFF took some civilians and used them as human shields when the Army conducted pursuit operations.
The civilians were released unharmed about an hour later.
The BIFF harassment in Midsayap came after the bandits attempted but failed to blow up a bridge in Barangay Magaslong, Maguindanao Sunday morning.
A breakaway of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the BIFF gained notoriety when they simultaneously attacked Army and militia bases in Maguindanao in an apparent futile attempt to stop the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro last year.
The BIFF vowed to push for a separate state for
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=549025
Transfer to Subic part of AFP modernization
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29): Transfer to Subic part of AFP modernization
Defense Dept. spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez Said Monday the proposed transfer of some units of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines ,
namely naval and air units, to Subic Bay ,
Zambales is part of the military's modernization program.
The DND earlier announced that upgrades of some military installations is included in its modernization package.
He added this proposal is very timely considering that the Civil Aviation Authority of thePhilippines
is poised to take over Sangley Point in Cavite
The latter projects are part of the efforts to decongest theNinoy Aquino
International Airport
Sangley Point is the main base of the Philippine Navy while Clark Field hosts most of the air assets of the Air Force.
"The best alternative for us (should this projects go full speed) is Subic Bay as it has it deep water port for our two Hamilton-class cutters, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and aerodrome facilities for our Air Force units. At the same time the location is very strategic," Galvez added.
He stressed this proposal is very timely considering that the Navy and Air Force will getting additional equipment within the coming years.
Subic Bay is only 200 to 300 kms away from the West Philippine Sea, an area that Chinese maritime ships are known to intrude into heavily.
The DND spokesperson added they are now studying the possible timeline for the transfer.
He declined to comment on how much it will cost the government to effect the transfer.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=549152
Defense Dept. spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez Said Monday the proposed transfer of some units of the Armed Forces of the
The DND earlier announced that upgrades of some military installations is included in its modernization package.
He added this proposal is very timely considering that the Civil Aviation Authority of the
The latter projects are part of the efforts to decongest the
Sangley Point is the main base of the Philippine Navy while Clark Field hosts most of the air assets of the Air Force.
"The best alternative for us (should this projects go full speed) is Subic Bay as it has it deep water port for our two Hamilton-class cutters, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and aerodrome facilities for our Air Force units. At the same time the location is very strategic," Galvez added.
He stressed this proposal is very timely considering that the Navy and Air Force will getting additional equipment within the coming years.
Subic Bay is only 200 to 300 kms away from the West Philippine Sea, an area that Chinese maritime ships are known to intrude into heavily.
The DND spokesperson added they are now studying the possible timeline for the transfer.
He declined to comment on how much it will cost the government to effect the transfer.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=549152
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