87 former rebels in Negros Occidental take oath of non-violence

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1): 87 former rebels in Negros Occidental take oath of non-violence

Eighty-seven former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) took an oath of adherence to the Code of Conduct of Non-Violence and Declaration of Peace Community as part of the National Peace Consciousness Month celebration in the province.

During the closing program Monday, rebel returnee Erol Biñas said they are grateful for the chance given to them by the government to return to their normal lives after they left the rebel movement.

He added that they have big hopes for their future.

Negrense peace advocate Delia Locsin administered the oath-taking to the 87 rebel returnees.

These rebels surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade in Negros Occidental from 2011 to present, military records show.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said the surrender of the 87 rebels shows that the call for peace of the provincial government is being answered.

“We are waging an all-out effort for peace. I am calling on them to return to the folds of government because their life in the revolutionary movement is difficult,” the governor said.

Marañon also informed the families of the 87 rebel returnees that they will be covered by the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Care Program aside from the livelihood and educational assistance they received from the provincial government.

During the program, a rebel amazon who surrendered two high-powered firearms to the 11th Infantry Battalion received P90,500 from the “Guns for Peace” program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, was assisted by Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio and Col. Jon Aying, commanders of the 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigades, respectively, in awarding the cash grant to the female rebel returnee.

Marañon and Vice Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson also turned over P9,000 in educational assistance, including tuition and allowances for one semester, to Bhemverly Complesa, Genesis Tamayor and Cyrus Canja, whose parents were killed in an ambush staged by the NPA in La Castellana town in January this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=571605

Malik alive, to show self, says Misuari spokesman

From InterAksyon (Sep 30): Malik alive, to show self, says Misuari spokesman

A spokesman of Moro National Liberation Front founder Nur Misuari said Monday Habier Malik, who led rebels in the bloody standoff with government troops in Zamboanga City, is alive and will eventually surface.

“Lalabas (siya) sa bandang huli (In the end, he will show himself),” lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla said in an interview with radio station dzMM.

Although government on Saturday declared an “end” to the standoff in Zamboanga, uncertainty remains about the fate of Malik, one of Misuari’s most trusted lieutenants.

There have been persistent reports he has managed to escape and return to Sulu but the military insists he remains trapped within one of the “constriction areas” where troops have surrounded rebel holdouts.

Over the weekend, Armed Forces public affairs chief Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala claimed soldiers had recovered Malik’s body from the body believed to be that of a slain MNLF fighter.

During the interview, Fontanilla claimed around 100 MNLF fighters managed to leave Zamboanga.

“Nagpapasalamat kami at nakaalis ang aming mga kapatid doon sa (We are thankful our brothers managed to leave) ground zero,” he said, as he disputed government figures on slain and captured rebels.

“Kay dali-daling kumuha ng tao at sabihing MNLF. Ito ay hindi rin natin ma-confirm dahil pamahalaan ang kumikilos, media ng pamahalaan ang lumalabas (It is easy to get people and say they are MNLF. We cannot also confirm this because it is the government moving, the media of government bringing out the news),” Fontanilla said.

He said claims of MNLF casualties can only be confirmed through an investigation by a third party.

But Zagala scoffed at Fontanilla who, he said, “is not on the ground, I was there. Maybe one or two or ten can escape but hundreds cannot go through the monitoring we have.”

“Like they (MNLF) said, they will die there, so it runs contrary to what Atty. Fontanila is saying (that) a hundred escaped,” he added.

However, there have been no accurate figures about the number of MNLF fighters who joined the foray into Zamboanga, with government initially saying there were around 200 of them.

However, the government says it has killed 168 rebels and captured 252 more, with another 24 surrendering, far more than the original estimates.

Since fighting started on September 9, 18 soldiers and five policemen have been killed and 179 soldiers and 15 policemen wounded.

There have also been 12 civilians killed and 72 wounded.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71792/malik-alive-to-show-self-says-misuari-spokesman

DAY 23 | Soldier, rebel slain in Zamboanga clearing operation

From InterAksyon (Oct 1): DAY 23 | Soldier, rebel slain in Zamboanga clearing operation



AFP chief of staff Gen Emmanuel Bautista (left), Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II (center) and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (right) talk to soldiers during a visit to Martha Street, scene of some of the heaviest fighting in Zamboanga, on Saturday, the day the two secretaries declared the crisis in the port city 'over.' (AFP)

Three days after the government declared the crisis “over” in Zamboanga City, a soldier and a Moro National Liberation Front fighter were killed as operations continued to clear rebel holdouts in what the military has called “constriction areas.”

Although Camp Aguinaldo has yet to issue a confirmation, reports said Corporal Hakim Jaafar of the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion was leading a team clearing houses in Barangay Sta. Barbara when he was shot at close range by a rebel hiding in one of the houses Monday afternoon.

An MNLF fighter was also killed.

The soldiers also seized an M4 and M14 rifle from the rebels.

Asked for comment, Major Angelo Guzman, Armed Forces deputy public affairs chief, said: “Wala (Nothing) …The last casualties were six Marines last September 28.”

Jaafar would be the 18th soldier slain since hostilities were sparked by the MNLF’s foray into Zamboanga on September 9. He was reportedly scheduled to visit his family later this week.

Soon after Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II declared the Zamboanga crisis over, sporadic fighting resumed and fresh fires broke out in already devastated communities as the military warned that the although worst of the violence, clearing operations remained dangerous and were likely to continue for two weeks more.

Thus far, the government cannot say what has happened to Habier Malik, the trusted lieutenant of MNLF founder Nur Misuari who led the foray into Zamboanga.

Gazmin said a dead rebel on whose body troops found an identification card of Malik was not the MNLF commander.

There have also been reports that Malik had escaped and returned to Sulu and on Monday, a spokesman for Misuari, lawyer Emmanuel Fontanilla, said the rebel commander would eventually surface.

Interesting, although Malik’s face has long been shown in media, Gazmin said, “hindi pa natin matiyak kung kasama si Malik sa namatay o kasama (siya) dun sa mga na-capture or nakawala (We still aren’t sure if Malik is among the dead or among the captured or among those who escaped) …”

But, he added, “Ngayon, kung nakawala si Malik I’m sure hindi na siya uulit (Now, if Malik escaped, I’m sure he won’t do it again). It will take a long, long time before he can launch another offensive like that. Nakita nila ‘yung pwersa ng gobyerno kung paano ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayan (They have seen the government forces, how we defend our people).”

More than 200 persons -- including at least 12 civilians -- have died and roughly the same number have been wounded in the fighting.

Another 252 rebels have been captured and 24 others surrendered, while 194 civilians held hostage by the MNLF either escaped or were rescued, the government said.

More than 100,000 persons displaced by the fighting remain in 34 evacuation centers.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71841/day-23--soldier-rebel-slain-in-zamboanga-clearing-operation

Army commander says MILF report on Basilan deaths a 'lie' but admits 4 troops hurt in ambush

From InterAksyon (Oct 1): Army commander says MILF report on Basilan deaths a 'lie' but admits 4 troops hurt in ambush

An Army brigade commander dismissed as a “complete lie” a Moro Islamic Liberation Front claim that 30 soldiers were killed in Basilan province over the weekend, but acknowledged that an ambush had left four troops wounded.

Colonel Carlito Galvez, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, said in a phone interview that a member of the International Monitoring Team, which oversees a truce between the government and the MILF, informed him “about that story that came out in Luwaran,” the MILF website, and asking him for confirmation.

The Luwaran article claimed government troops attempted to assault a Moro National Liberation Front position in Barangay Ettub-Ettub, Sumisip town Saturday evening but lost 30 dead and “scores wounded.”

Saturday was the same day Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declared the bloody standoff in Zamboanga City “over.”

The MILF also claimed the military bombarded the site of the battle, sending civilians fleeing their homes.

But Galvez described the report as “preposterous” and a “complete lie”.

“Our soldiers did not attack the MNLF, they were ambushed. The firefight left four soldiers wounded. On the enemy side, there was one (dead), four of them wounded and one still missing …” Galvez retorted.

The MILF, which broke away from the MNLF in the early 1980s, is engaged in peace talks with government, with both sides saying they are closing to forging a final agreement.

However, the MNLF has rejected the current negotiations, which it claims voids a 1996 peace agreement it sealed with the government.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71847/army-commander-says-milf-report-on-basilan-deaths-a-lie-but-admits-4-troops-hurt-in-ambush

3 firms join pre-bid for 3 PAF planes worth P5.3B

From InterAksyon (Oct 1): 3 firms join pre-bid for 3 PAF planes worth P5.3B

Three firms joined the pre-bid conference held Monday by the Bids and Awards Committee of the Department of National Defense for the acquisition of three brand new medium-lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3 billion.

According to an official document obtained Tuesday by InterAksyon.com, the firms that bought bid documents were Alenia Aermacchi, which may offer its C28J model, EADS Casa Air Bus Military, C295 model, and PT Dirgantara Indonesia/Indonesian Aerospace (IAe/Persero), C235 model.

The BAC is chaired by Fernando Manalo, undersecretary for Finance, Munitions, Installations and Materiel, with Patrick Velez, assistant secretary for Acquisition, Installations and Logistics as vice-chairman.

Sources who attended the conference said discussions centered on questions from the participating bidders on the Procurement Law, bid documents and specifications of the units to be procured.

Interestingly, PT Dirgantara’s presence in the pre-bid conference raised the eyebrows of some observers.

Last week, the DND-BAC declared the Indonesian firm the “lone qualified bidder” for a contract to supply two brand new light-lift fixed-wing aircrafts more than P800 million although it lacked a “local credit line.”

PT Dirgantara offered a bid price of P812,550,000 for its NC-212-400 Aviocar.

“During the opening of bid documents, Dirgantara was not able to present a Credit Line Certification from a local financial commercial bank in the Philippines,” a source privy to the bidding said. “What it presented only is an ongoing transmittal transaction. Therefore, the BAC should have declared failed bidding and possibly announced there and then a rebid. We also don’t know why BAC gave the Technical Working Group 7 days to evaluate Dirgantara’s documents. For what?”

A second source said the document Dirgantara lacks would be “subject for post qualification” process.

“I find this very, very irregular,” he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/71851/3-firms-join-pre-bid-for-3-paf-planes-worth-p5-3b

Mindanao soldiers get promotion

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Sep 30): Mindanao soldiers get promotion



Deputy Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command Navy Captain Severino Vicente T. David presides over the pinning of rank insignia to newly promoted soldiers during Monday’s flag raising ceremony in Davao City. He is assisted by Chief of Unified Command Staff Colonel Cristobal N. Zaragoza.

DAVAO CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 30, 2013) – Eastern Mindanao Command deputy commander Captain Severino Vicente David on Monday presided the pinning of rank insignia to newly promoted soldiers in Davao City in southern Philippines.

David pinned the rank insignia during the flag raising ceremony at the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao parade ground, according Captain. Alberto Caber, the command’s chief information officer.

He said the newly promoted soldiers were TSg. Domingo T. Lapitan; TSg. Ramil C. Azarez; TSg Pedro S. Brac; SSg. Donato S. Bello SSg. Edgar D. Lancheta; SSg. Angel T. Barrieta; SSg. Merce T. Jasmin; Sgt. Renato T. Gamos; Sgt. Mary Ann M. Tan; Sgt. Emily L. Ebrona and Cpl. Jhoan S. Gualberto.

Lieutenant General Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, congratulated the newly promoted enlisted personnel “who have proven themselves worthy of their rank.”

“The rank you have earned is the fruit of your efforts in the accomplishment of our mission. Wear your rank with pride and be worthy of the responsibilities that come with it,” Cruz said.

Cruz also urged troops to continue to pursue peace programs to achieve lasting peace and development in the region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/mindanao-soldiers-get-promotion.html

Soldier killed, woman wounded in Zamboanga Norte ambush

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Sep 30): Soldier killed, woman wounded in Zamboanga Norte ambush

Unidentified gunmen killed a government soldier and wounded his companion in an ambush in the southern Filipino province of Zamboanga del Norte, police said Monday.

Police said the gunmen attacked Sergeant Marlon Bacalares, of the 10th Infantry Battalion, who was travelling on a motorcycle with Irish Plindingue, 22; and Jenny Flores, 26, in the village of Limbonga in Godod town.

The soldier, assigned at a detachment in the village, was instantly killed whole Plindigue was wounded in the ambush, while Flores escaped unscathed.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the ambush and police are still investigating the motive of attack.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/09/soldier-killed-woman-wounded-in.html

SWS: Pinoys not quite as hopeful on peace with MILF in 2nd quarter

From GMA News (Sep 30): SWS: Pinoys not quite as hopeful on peace with MILF in 2nd quarter

Filipinos are not quite as hopeful about peace efforts between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, according to a new survey by pollster Social Weather Stations.

The SWS' June 28-30 survey showed that while seven out of 10 Filipinos remain hopeful government and the MILF can forge a deal, this was a drop from 79 percent in March 2013, and 83 percent in June 2011.

Results of the survey were posted Monday on SWS' media partner BusinessWorld.

Negotiators of the government and MILF have yet to reach a final agreement on power sharing and normalization, nearly a year after signing a framework agreement that promises to have a Bangsamoro political entity replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The survey used face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide, with error margins of +/-3% for national and +/-6% for area percentages applying to the survey.

Very hopeful, somewhat hopeful

The SWS survey showed the percentage of those "very hopeful" and "somewhat hopeful" that the government and MILF will reach an agreement was at 70 percent as of end-June, this was below the 79 percent in the first quarter of 2013.

It said this percentage had fallen to 71 percent in September 2011, and was between 58 and 64 percent from December 2011 to August 2012.

However, the SWS said this gained to 79 percent in March 2013 but fell to 70 percent in June 2013.

Of the 70 percent who believed a peace deal can be reached, 28 percent were “very hopeful” - lower than 41 percent in March; while 42 percent who were “somewhat hopeful” compared to 38 percent in March.

Those “somewhat not hopeful” about a peace pact rose to 14 percent from 10 percent in March, while those “not hopeful” increased to 16 percent from 11 percent.

Of those "not hopeful at all" about a peace pact, their ranks rose to 16 percent from 11 percent in March, the survey showed.

Mindanao remained the most optimistic with 34 percent "very hopeful" of a peace agreement, along with 30 percent in the Visayas, 27 percent in Metro Manila, and 24 percent in Balance Luzon.

* 35% believe peace pact can be forged during pnoy's term

The survey also showed fewer Filipinos - 35 percent compared to 49 percent in March - believe a peace agreement can be reached during the term of President Benigno Aquino III.

Those who believe a peace deal can "not ever" be signed rose to 34 percent from 22 percent in March, while those who believe a deal can be signed in 2013 dipped from 11 percent in March to 10 percent in June.

At least 25 percent believe a deal can be reached between 2014 and 2016, while 28 percent believe it can be reached between 2016 and 2020.

Mindanao optimistic

The survey showed Mindanao respondents expect a peace deal to be achieved this year, with 23 percent expecting it to happen in 2013, along with 9 percent in Balance Luzon, 4 percent in Metro Manila, and 3 percent in the Visayas.

Those who believe a peace pact is possible in the final three years of the Aquino administration included 28 percent in the Visayas, 27 percent in Mindanao, 25 percent in Metro Manila (25%), and 22 percent in Balance Luzon.

As for those who believe a deal would never happen, they include 43 percent in the Visayas, 35 percent in Balance Luzon, 34 percent in Metro Manila, and 24 percent in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, those who believe the next administration in 2016 to 2022 will approach a peace deal include 34 percent in Metro Manila, 29 percent in Balance Luzon, and 24 percent each in Visayas and Mindanao.

Muslims and Christians

The survey showed Muslims were most hopeful for a peace agreement with 59 percent saying they were "very hopeful," along with 29 percent of non-Catholic Christians and 27 percent of Catholics.

Also, the survey showed 43 percent of Muslims expect a deal to be signed this year, along with 10 percent of Catholics and 8 percent non-Catholic Christians.

Meanwhile, 84 percent of Muslims, 36 percent of Catholics and 22 percent of non-Catholic Christians expect a deal to be signed before the Aquino administration ends.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/328711/news/nation/sws-pinoys-not-quite-as-hopeful-on-peace-with-milf-in-2nd-quarter

DVIDS: Photo -- Philippine Armed Forces members, Marines train for emergencies

From DVIDS (Sep 26): Photo: Philippine Armed Forces members, Marines train for emergencies



Philippine Air Force Airman 1st Class Aimond Eryan Hernandez and U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Channing Urber carry U.S. Marine Cpl. Abraham Bernado out of an F/A-18 Hornet during aircraft rescue and firefighting training at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 26 part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014. The day of training familiarized the Armed Forces of Philippine members with egress procedures should an aircraft mishap incident occur. The Philippine and U.S. militaries often engage in bilateral training in the common interest of regional security. Hernandez is an air rescue fire fighter with the 600th Air Base Wing, Urber is an aircraft rescue and firefighting specialist with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force and Bernado is a power line mechanic with MWSS-172.

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1027426/philippine-armed-forces-members-marines-train-emergencies#.UkpoOZfD8kM

DVIDS: Photo -- 3d MEB assists community in cleanup of flood-damaged schools

From DVIDS (Sep 29): Photo: 3d MEB assists community in cleanup of flood-damaged schools


Filipino police officers, community members and soldiers as well as U.S. Marines toss potato sacks filled with mud as part of a community relations event Sept. 29 at Olongapo City, Zambales, Republic of the Philippines during the Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014. The team helped clean three flood-affected schools. Bilateral Philippine-U.S. Marine Corps training during PHIBLEX sustains and reinforces the foundation and framework for a bilateral force to respond rapidly and effectively to regional humanitarian crises. The Filipino soldiers are with the Army Reserve Command. The Marines are with 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, III Marine Expeditionary Force. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Jose D. Lujano/ Released)

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1027583/3d-meb-assists-community-cleanup-flood-damaged-schools#.UkpnHJfD8kM

DVIDS: Philippine Armed Forces members, Marines train for emergencies

From DVIDS (Sep 26): Philippine Armed Forces members, Marines train for emergencies

 

U.S. Marine Sgt. Devon McIntyre explains the fundamentals of aircraft rescue and firefighting training at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines, Sept. 26 during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014. The day of training familiarized the Armed Forces of the Philippine members with egress procedures should an aircraft mishap incident occur. PHIBLEX 14 is an annual, bilateral training exercise focused on enhancing security and stability within the region. McIntyre is the ARFF training noncommissioned officer-in-charge with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing.
PAMPANGA, Republic of the Philippines - Armed Forces of the Philippines members and U.S. Marines conducted bilateral aircraft rescue and firefighting training during Amphibious Landing Exercise 2014 Sept. 26 at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines.

PHIBLEX 14 is an annual, bilateral training exercise focused on enhancing security and stability within the region.

The day of training, which involved U.S. Marines with Marine Wing Support Squadron 172, Marine Wing Support Group 17, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, increased the already high level of interoperability between Philippine and U.S. forces.

“Today we are going to be conducting some bilateral training with our Filipino counterparts involving the F/A-18 Hornet,” said Sgt. Devon McIntyre, the aircraft rescue and firefighting training non-commissioned officer-in-charge with MWSS-172.
The day of training started out with a familiarization class consisting of emergency procedures on how to extract a pilot or shut a plane down, according to McIntyre.

“We will be covering all the major areas of emergencies, so they will understand the complexity of this should it really happen,” said McIntyre.

“The whole point of today is to ensure that our Filipino counterparts fully understand the rescue procedures that we have,” said Cpl. Heriberto Alonso, an aircraft rescue firefighter with the unit. “Therefore, if there is an emergency situation, we can effectively help each other to overcome the problem in order for no miscommunication to take place along the way.”

Upon completion of the classes, the participants conducted a pilot extraction drill, consisting of a mock pilot being evacuated from an F/A-18. The members of both forces evacuated the pilot and conducted a mental evaluation, creating a realistic training experience.

“Upon extraction, we want to test the pilot’s mental psyche in order to ensure he has no serious head trauma caused by the mishap,” said McIntyre. “The entire assessment process could take up to 30 minutes.”

The day of training left the participants from both nations confident in the training they received, according to Philippine Air Force Airman 2nd Class Kennard I. Gomez, an air rescue firefighter with the 600th Air Base Wing.

“This training is highly beneficial for the Philippine forces and gives us a huge advantage should a mishap take place,” said Gomez. “I feel that both of our countries can benefit from what we are doing here.”

Working cooperatively and being interoperable with the Armed Forces of the Philippines is highly important, according to McIntyre.

“I feel that because of this training, the Philippine forces will be fully confident and capable of carrying out the extraction of a pilot who is in an emergency situation,” said McIntyre. “It is important for us to spread the knowledge we have as well as to pick up new things from them as well. We are always very happy to train with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/114435/philippine-armed-forces-members-marines-train-emergencies#.UkplqJfD8kM

Troops to remain in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 30): Troops to remain in Zamboanga City



A Government trooper rests amidst the ruins at the site of a three-week intense fighting between Government forces and Muslim rebels who have taken nearly 200 people hostages and used them as human shields in Zamboanga city, southern Philippines. AP

Although the siege in Zamboanga City has been declared over, the military will still maintain its forces in the strife-torn city.

The military said Monday that mopping-up operations, the supposed second phase of the three-week conflict between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front guerrillas, have been launched.

“During this two-week period [of clearing operations], we will help. We will pull out a unit so they could take a rest but another reserve [unit] will be coming,” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala told reporters in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Monday.

He said the Philippine National Police has taken the lead in the clearing operations.

Thousands of troops had been deployed to battle in Zamboanga but the military did not give the exact number for operational reasons. Over 200 had been killed and at least 100,000 persons were displaced because of the fighting.

“The fighting has been fierce, long and hard for our soldiers so it’s important that they recover. And one way to recover is to pull them out and deploy fresh troops,” he added.

Zagala said the government troops were still engaging with the remnants of the MNLF.

“We know that a lot of them are still hiding and trying to evade capture and want to escape. We know that they have a few ammunitions left for last defense. We will not stop. Both the AFP and PNP will continue to find them,” he said.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin declared over the weekend that the Zamboanga siege has ended after all the hostages taken by the MNLF were all accounted for.

Clearing operations will be part of the post-conflict stage, Zagala said, and “to render the area safe,” they will have “to remove all unexploded ordnances like grenades, rifle grenades, ammunition, mortars and the like.”

They were given two weeks to do the task.

“After this period of two weeks we are to turn over the area to local government unit for the eventual return of the residents and we can go to phase three, which is rehabilitation,” he said.

As for Habier Malik, MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari’s top lieutenant who led the attacks in the city, Gazmin said they have yet to verify if he was among those killed in the fighting.

“If he escaped I’m sure he will not repeat [the attack]. It will take a while before he could launch a new attack. They saw the force of our government troops, that we can defend our fellowmen,” he told reporters.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/498129/troops-to-remain-in-zamboanga-city

8ID Change of Command (w/ photo)

Recently posted to the Samar News (Sep 13): 8ID Change of Command (w/ photo)

by DPAO, 8ID PA



CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – A Testimonial Review in honor of Major General Gerardo T Layug AFP and Change of Command ceremony was held yesterday at the Headquarters of the 8th Infantry Division. Brigadier General Jet B Velarmino AFP took over the Command of the Division from Major General Gerardo T Layug AFP who officially retired yesterday after serving the Armed Forces of the Philippines for 37 years. Major General Samuel L Narbuada AFP, Inspector General, Philippine Army represented Lieutenant General Noel A Coballes AFP, the Commanding General, Philippine Army as the Guest of Honor and Presiding Officer.

Distinguished guests and awardees from the public and the private sectors namely: Hon. Jose L Ong, Governor of Northern Samar; Hon. Conrado B Nicart Jr, Governor of Eastern Samar; Hon. Emil Ong, Representative 2nd District, Northern Samar Hon. Harlin Abayon, Representative 1st District Northern Samar; Most Reverends Isabelo C Abarquez, Bishop Diocese of Calbayog and Emmanuel Trance, Bishop of the Diocese of Catarman.

Other awardees sent their respective representatives to receive the awards are the following: Hon Sharee Ann Tan, Governor of Samar represented by Ms Hannia Tan, Tourism Officer; Hon Ben Evardone, Representative Lone District, Eastern Samar represented by Hon Marcelo Ferdinand Picardal; and Hon Mel Senen S Sarmiento Representative, 1st District, Samar represented by Hon Charlie Cońejos, Board Member 1st District of Samar.

And likewise the invited guests that also sent their representatives were; Hon Leopoldo L Petilla, Governor of Leyte represented by Hon Mesias Arevalo, Board Member 4th District of Leyte; Director Manolito D Ragub, Regional Executive Director DENR, RO8 represented by Marciano Talavera, Technical Director for Forestry; Director Jose Nick Mendros, Regional Director COMELEC, RO8 represented by Atty Ma. Corazon Montallana; Director Rolando A Asis, Regional Director, DPWH, RO8 represented by Engineer Efren Padilla; Director Rey M Gozon, Acting Regional Director, OCD8 represented by Bhenlie Linde; Director Edgar A Catarongan, MPA, Regional Director, LTO, RO8 represented by Mr Ruben Mancol, OIC, LTO Catbalogan and Stephany Uy Tan the City Mayor of Catbalogan represented by Hon Bembot Bermejo City Councilor.

In his farewell speech, Major General Layug acknowledged the professionalism and commitment of the soldiers of the 8th Infantry Division and the support and cooperation of the public and the private sector partners who have worked with him to make Region 8 a better place to live-in and made 8ID as one of the best Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army for Calendar Year 2012.

The newly designated 8ID Commander, Brigadier General Jet B Velarmino called on the personnel of the Division and the partners in the civilian sector to continue pursuing effort with the local officials and community leaders as well as the citizenry . “I envision that under my charge, the soldiers of 8ID will give the genuine spirit of “Bayanihan” alive. I will definitely work by defining the framework of the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan and the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).

http://www.samarnews.com/news2013/sep/c805.htm

CentCom chief: Soldiers want peace most

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 30): CentCom chief: Soldiers want peace most

The top military brass in the Visayas said the biggest beneficiary of peace are soldiers themselves.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is organized for war, but why are we talking about peace?”

Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda of the AFP Central Command (CentCom) made this statement as he addressed Saturday afternoon’s candle-lighting ceremony to close the National Peace Consciousness Month at Camp Lapu-Lapu. Soldiers, families and representatives from different government agencies attended the event in support for the cause of peace. In his speech, Deveraturda said everybody should work hand in hand to achieve harmony.

“If we address the root causes of violence, we can attain peace,” said Deveraturda.

The candle-lighting activity was a simultaneous event to underscore peace efforts in all camps of the AFP under the CentCom in regions 6 and 8. “At times of war, peril and danger, we soldiers always advocate peace because it is our duty to fight for the security of the nation. And with that, these soldiers are the first casualties,” he said noting the soldiers who died in Zamboanga crisis.

September of every year has been declared as peace month by the Office of the President.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/497839/centcom-chief-soldiers-want-peace-most

P85 B needed for AFP modernization

From the Philippine Star (Sep 30): P85 B needed for AFP modernization

More than P85 billion is needed for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the next four years.

Data from the Department of National Defense (DND) showed that P85.29 billion will cover a total of 24 projects in line with the new Armed Forces Modernization Law.

Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said no fund releases will be made for the program this year.

However, he is hopeful that the modernization efforts will be realized due to the support from the administration, he added.

The bulk of the funds for the upgrade program will come from general appropriations.

It will receive P15 billion per year from the national budget until 2017 for a total of P75 billion.

Another funding source is President Aquino’s commitment to provide P632.18 million to the program annually until 2015.

The President’s commitment will contribute P1.896-billion to the modernization program.

Another P4.78 billion will come from the proceeds of the Malampaya natural gas project.

About P1.215 billion will also be sourced from the Malampaya funds for the acquisition of a third all-weather, high-endurance cutter.

Remittances from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) are expected to hit P2.39 billion.

The Armed Forces modernization program gets about 35 percent of the proceeds.

Of the 24 projects to be implemented, 10 will benefit the Air Force, six the Navy, five the Army and three the general headquarters and Armed Forces Wide Support and Separate Unit.

To be acquired are 12 fighter jets, ammunition, rocket launchers, handheld radios, long range patrol aircraft, amphibious assault vehicles, frigates, anti-submarine helicopter, aerial radars, base support logistics and engineering equipment.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/30/1239736/p85-b-needed-afp-modernization