From InterAksyon (Jul 21): Ex-Army officer turned crime gang boss falls in Iloilo, 'Red couple' falls in QC, Bulacan
A resigned Army captain who allegedly went on to head a robbery gang was arrested Monday in his hideout in Iloilo province, while an alleged communist rebel leader and his wife were captured separately the same day in Quezon City and Bulacan.
Former soldier Dexter Balane was arrested in Barangay Aganan on the strength of a warrant issued by Judge Dennis Vicoy of the Regional Trial Court Branch 20, Pagadian City, where he is facing robbery-in-band charges.
The suspect “is said to be the leader of (the) Balane robbery/holdup group affiliated with the Martilyo Gang operating in Metro Manila and (the) Mindanao area,” Senior Superintendent Peter Naboye, CIDG Western Visayas chief, reported.
The gang has been tagged to the robbery of a pawnshop in Pagadian in February.
Balane was last assigned to the civil military operations battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division in Jamindano, Capiz before he resigned in 2013.
Meanwhile, Ernesto Lorenzo, allegedly the first deputy secretary of the communist movement’s Southern Tagalog Region and also known as “Adlai,” “Lugod” and Archimedes Bella, and his wife Joyce Felicia Latayan, are in the custody of the CIDG in Camp Crame.
The CIDG said Lorenzo was arrested past noon Monday inside the Gilmore Commercial Plaza located along Aurora Boulevard on the strength of a warrant of arrest for arson charges filed before a Lucena City trial court in 2010.
After he was interrogated, police and military agents arrested Latayan early Monday afternoon in Barangay Tungkong Mangga, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.
Latayan is also the subject of an arrest warrant issued September 2008 in Mauban, Quezon.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114584/ex-army-officer-turned-crime-gang-boss-falls-in-iloilo-red-couple-falls-in-qc-bulacan
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
7 hurt, rebel leader killed in NPA-Bicol tactical offensives
From InterAksyon (Jul 21): 7 hurt, rebel leader killed in NPA-Bicol tactical offensives
NPA fighters in formation
A squad leader of the New People's Army (NPA) died and six civilians and a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were wounded after a two-day series of tactical offensives launched by the rebels in various parts of the Bicol Region.
Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya disclosed on Tuesday that the NPA attacks were apparently in retaliation for the death seven rebels in recent encounters: three killed in an encounter in Mauban, Quezon on July 8, one in Atimonan, Quezon on July 12 and 3 in Irosin, Sorsogon on July 16.
In these encounters, the military also lost two soldiers.
In Monday's clash, at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Sta. Elena, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Col. Amador Tabuga, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, said NPA squad leader Romeo Gresola was killed while CAFGU member Hubert Pagao was wounded.
Tabuga said a squad of NPA rebels positioned themselves about 300 meters away and opened fire towards the CAFGI detachment as they advanced.
"Initially, our men in the detachment held their position, then the CAFGU squad leader led his men in a counterattack and successfully engaged the NPAs, which resulted in one rebel dead," Tabuga said.
He said Pagao suffered shrapnel wounds from a rifle grenade explosion fired by the rebels.
Just more than two hours before this, suspected NPA rebels fired an M203 grenade against a team of soldiers taking rest at a civilian house, wounding at least six civilians at around 7:48 a.m. in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay.
The wounded civilians were Lendie Asaytono, 35; Eugene Asaytono, 27; Christian Bulgar, 18; Raquel Yato, 17; Jomar Balde, 16; and James Alien, 5.
Lt. Gen. Visaya said the NPA also wanted to avenge the arrest of Eddie A. Astaño, a suspected ranking NPA leader, on July 19, 2015 in Barangay Ilawod, Daraga, Albay.
"The arrest of Astaño is another big blow on them," Visaya said.
He said the NPA "want to project that they are still a force to reckon with in the region" to cover-up the declining number of their fighters.
The military in the region had recently declared as insurgency-free the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Rizal.
"At least eight NPA harassment actions were recorded at seven Army detachments and one police station in Sorsogon Province from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. of July 20," 903rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Cesar Idio said.
In Albay, two NPA attacks were recorded at around 11:55 p.m. Sunday and around 1:20 a.m. Monday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114588/7-hurt-rebel-leader-killed-in-npa-bicol-tactical-offensives
NPA fighters in formation
A squad leader of the New People's Army (NPA) died and six civilians and a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) were wounded after a two-day series of tactical offensives launched by the rebels in various parts of the Bicol Region.
Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya disclosed on Tuesday that the NPA attacks were apparently in retaliation for the death seven rebels in recent encounters: three killed in an encounter in Mauban, Quezon on July 8, one in Atimonan, Quezon on July 12 and 3 in Irosin, Sorsogon on July 16.
In these encounters, the military also lost two soldiers.
In Monday's clash, at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Sta. Elena, Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte, Col. Amador Tabuga, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, said NPA squad leader Romeo Gresola was killed while CAFGU member Hubert Pagao was wounded.
Tabuga said a squad of NPA rebels positioned themselves about 300 meters away and opened fire towards the CAFGI detachment as they advanced.
"Initially, our men in the detachment held their position, then the CAFGU squad leader led his men in a counterattack and successfully engaged the NPAs, which resulted in one rebel dead," Tabuga said.
He said Pagao suffered shrapnel wounds from a rifle grenade explosion fired by the rebels.
Just more than two hours before this, suspected NPA rebels fired an M203 grenade against a team of soldiers taking rest at a civilian house, wounding at least six civilians at around 7:48 a.m. in Barangay Anislag, Daraga, Albay.
The wounded civilians were Lendie Asaytono, 35; Eugene Asaytono, 27; Christian Bulgar, 18; Raquel Yato, 17; Jomar Balde, 16; and James Alien, 5.
Lt. Gen. Visaya said the NPA also wanted to avenge the arrest of Eddie A. Astaño, a suspected ranking NPA leader, on July 19, 2015 in Barangay Ilawod, Daraga, Albay.
"The arrest of Astaño is another big blow on them," Visaya said.
He said the NPA "want to project that they are still a force to reckon with in the region" to cover-up the declining number of their fighters.
The military in the region had recently declared as insurgency-free the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Rizal.
"At least eight NPA harassment actions were recorded at seven Army detachments and one police station in Sorsogon Province from 4:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. of July 20," 903rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Cesar Idio said.
In Albay, two NPA attacks were recorded at around 11:55 p.m. Sunday and around 1:20 a.m. Monday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114588/7-hurt-rebel-leader-killed-in-npa-bicol-tactical-offensives
Monday, July 20, 2015
Japan ramps up criticism of China in revised defense paper
From InterAksyon (Jul 21): Japan ramps up criticism of China in revised defense paper
Japanese coast guard ships keep pace with a Chinese vessel in the East China Sea (Reuters file)
Japan ramped up its criticism of China's land reclamation and offshore platforms in disputed seas on Tuesday in a hastily revised annual defense report.
The 500-page white paper, approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, for the first time includes satellite images of Chinese man-made islands in the South China Sea.
China claims most of the 3.5 million-square kilometer South China Sea, with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also staking claims.
Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea.
After hawkish members of Abe's party complained that the report was too soft on China, the Defense Ministry appended a demand for China to halt construction of platforms in the East China Sea that it began two years ago.
"We have confirmed that China has started construction of new ocean (exploration) platforms and we repeat our opposition to unilateral development by China and call for a halt," the ministry said.
The paper outlining Japan's defense posture and perceived threats comes after its lower house of parliament last week passed legislation that for the first time since World War Two would allow Japanese soldiers to fight overseas.
China said the legislation called into question Japan's post-war commitment to "the path of peaceful development."
Japan's complaints about platforms that Japan fears could be used as radar outposts in the East China Sea come as Japan is playing a more prominent role in the South China Sea dispute.
Japan has angered China with criticism of artificial islands that China is building in the Spratly Islands.
Japan fears Chinese military bases in the South China Sea could bolster its influence over a region through which $5 trillion in trade passes every year, much of it to and from Japan.
China has said its constructions in the South China Sea would be used for defense as well as to provide civilian services that will benefit other countries.
Japan is seeking to build ties in Southeast Asia that it hopes will improve the capacity of countries there to keep tabs on Chinese activity.
Japan and the Philippines have conducted two joint naval exercises in and around the South China Sea and in June, Abe and President Benigno Aquino III said they would begin talks that could led to Japan using Philippine bases.
Japan has also said it may begin air patrols in the South China Sea. China said it would see that as interference.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114562/japan-ramps-up-criticism-of-china-in-revised-defense-paper
Japanese coast guard ships keep pace with a Chinese vessel in the East China Sea (Reuters file)
Japan ramped up its criticism of China's land reclamation and offshore platforms in disputed seas on Tuesday in a hastily revised annual defense report.
The 500-page white paper, approved by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, for the first time includes satellite images of Chinese man-made islands in the South China Sea.
China claims most of the 3.5 million-square kilometer South China Sea, with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also staking claims.
Japan has no claim in the South China Sea but is in dispute with China over small islands in the East China Sea.
After hawkish members of Abe's party complained that the report was too soft on China, the Defense Ministry appended a demand for China to halt construction of platforms in the East China Sea that it began two years ago.
"We have confirmed that China has started construction of new ocean (exploration) platforms and we repeat our opposition to unilateral development by China and call for a halt," the ministry said.
The paper outlining Japan's defense posture and perceived threats comes after its lower house of parliament last week passed legislation that for the first time since World War Two would allow Japanese soldiers to fight overseas.
China said the legislation called into question Japan's post-war commitment to "the path of peaceful development."
Japan's complaints about platforms that Japan fears could be used as radar outposts in the East China Sea come as Japan is playing a more prominent role in the South China Sea dispute.
Japan has angered China with criticism of artificial islands that China is building in the Spratly Islands.
Japan fears Chinese military bases in the South China Sea could bolster its influence over a region through which $5 trillion in trade passes every year, much of it to and from Japan.
China has said its constructions in the South China Sea would be used for defense as well as to provide civilian services that will benefit other countries.
Japan is seeking to build ties in Southeast Asia that it hopes will improve the capacity of countries there to keep tabs on Chinese activity.
Japan and the Philippines have conducted two joint naval exercises in and around the South China Sea and in June, Abe and President Benigno Aquino III said they would begin talks that could led to Japan using Philippine bases.
Japan has also said it may begin air patrols in the South China Sea. China said it would see that as interference.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114562/japan-ramps-up-criticism-of-china-in-revised-defense-paper
U.S., Australia wrap up Talisman Sabre exercise
From the Navy Times (Jul 20): U.S., Australia wrap up Talisman Sabre exercise
The sailors and Marines of the George Washington carrier strike group and the Bonhomme Richard expeditionary strike group bid "hooroo" to the Australian Defence Force on Saturday after wrapping up Exercise Talisman Sabre.
About 33,000 troops, 200 aircraft and 21 ships participated in the two-week biennial exercise.
"During TS15 we demonstrated our Pacific partnership with the Australians and Kiwis," Cmdr. Michael Posey, the lead planner for the exercise, said in a Navy release. "The first level of TS15 validated our long-standing relationship with the Australians and it was a reminder that our two nations have fought together in every major conflict since World War II."
It was the sixth iteration of the exercise and, significantly, members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated as embedded units with the United States, a further sign of Japan's growing involvement in regional security.
New Zealand defense forces also participated as embedded forces with the Australian military, the release said.
Bonhomme Richard ESG conducted more than 20 amphibious landings with landing craft air cushion and landing craft utility units, and MV-22 flights.
George Washington CSG also conducted war games. Five U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets took fuel from a Royal Australian air force KC-30A, according to a release.
The next Talisman Sabre is scheduled for Summer 2017.
The Bonhomme Richard and George Washington sailors also got to enjoy some liberty in Australia.
The sailors of the GW CSG visited Brisbane while the Bonhomme Richard took in the sights at Fremantle and Bunbury.
This is also the last major exercise for George Washington as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan. The super carrier is headed to Norfolk after seven years in Japan. It is on its way to San Diego where it will swap crews with the carrier Reagan, which will take over as the forward-deployed carrier in 7th Fleet.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/20/talisman-saber-navy-australia-2015-exercise/30411567/
The sailors and Marines of the George Washington carrier strike group and the Bonhomme Richard expeditionary strike group bid "hooroo" to the Australian Defence Force on Saturday after wrapping up Exercise Talisman Sabre.
About 33,000 troops, 200 aircraft and 21 ships participated in the two-week biennial exercise.
"During TS15 we demonstrated our Pacific partnership with the Australians and Kiwis," Cmdr. Michael Posey, the lead planner for the exercise, said in a Navy release. "The first level of TS15 validated our long-standing relationship with the Australians and it was a reminder that our two nations have fought together in every major conflict since World War II."
It was the sixth iteration of the exercise and, significantly, members of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force participated as embedded units with the United States, a further sign of Japan's growing involvement in regional security.
New Zealand defense forces also participated as embedded forces with the Australian military, the release said.
Bonhomme Richard ESG conducted more than 20 amphibious landings with landing craft air cushion and landing craft utility units, and MV-22 flights.
George Washington CSG also conducted war games. Five U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets took fuel from a Royal Australian air force KC-30A, according to a release.
The next Talisman Sabre is scheduled for Summer 2017.
The Bonhomme Richard and George Washington sailors also got to enjoy some liberty in Australia.
The sailors of the GW CSG visited Brisbane while the Bonhomme Richard took in the sights at Fremantle and Bunbury.
This is also the last major exercise for George Washington as the forward-deployed carrier in Japan. The super carrier is headed to Norfolk after seven years in Japan. It is on its way to San Diego where it will swap crews with the carrier Reagan, which will take over as the forward-deployed carrier in 7th Fleet.
http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/07/20/talisman-saber-navy-australia-2015-exercise/30411567/
Human rights worker accused in Sulu bombing freed
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jul 20): Human rights worker accused in Sulu bombing freed
DAVAO. A file photo of Sulu bombing suspect Temogen Tulawie while detained in Davao City last 2012. He has been acquitted of the charges along with Abner Tahil and Juhan Alihuddin. (King Rodriguez)
Human rights activist Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie, tagged in a bombing incident in Sulu in 2009, was acquitted by a court in Manila for lack of evidence.
Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19 presiding Judge Marlo Magdoza found Tulawie not guilty, together with Johan Alihudin and Abner Tahir, during his promulgation on Monday, July 20.
Lawyer May Ann Arnado of the Mindanao People Caucus (MPC), one of Tulawie's legal counsels in Davao City, said "the prosecution was not able to establish evidence to prove the accused guilty."
With the trial running for almost a year, Arnado also said that the statement of the prosecution's star witness was illegitimate and was "rehearsed in order to single out Tulawie."
"It's a very long time how our justice system works. If you have the money, it's very dangerous especially for human rights defenders," she said. "But in the end, we were able to obtain justice. Justice will prevail."
She said Tulawie, who has been detained at the Manila City Jail for more than three years now, is set to go back to Davao City Tuesday, July 21.
It was previously reported that one of the main complainants against Tulawie was former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan, who petitioned the Supreme Court to transfer the case trial venue from Davao City to Manila.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/07/20/human-rights-worker-accused-sulu-bombing-freed-420009
DAVAO. A file photo of Sulu bombing suspect Temogen Tulawie while detained in Davao City last 2012. He has been acquitted of the charges along with Abner Tahil and Juhan Alihuddin. (King Rodriguez)
Human rights activist Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie, tagged in a bombing incident in Sulu in 2009, was acquitted by a court in Manila for lack of evidence.
Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 19 presiding Judge Marlo Magdoza found Tulawie not guilty, together with Johan Alihudin and Abner Tahir, during his promulgation on Monday, July 20.
Lawyer May Ann Arnado of the Mindanao People Caucus (MPC), one of Tulawie's legal counsels in Davao City, said "the prosecution was not able to establish evidence to prove the accused guilty."
With the trial running for almost a year, Arnado also said that the statement of the prosecution's star witness was illegitimate and was "rehearsed in order to single out Tulawie."
"It's a very long time how our justice system works. If you have the money, it's very dangerous especially for human rights defenders," she said. "But in the end, we were able to obtain justice. Justice will prevail."
She said Tulawie, who has been detained at the Manila City Jail for more than three years now, is set to go back to Davao City Tuesday, July 21.
It was previously reported that one of the main complainants against Tulawie was former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan, who petitioned the Supreme Court to transfer the case trial venue from Davao City to Manila.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/07/20/human-rights-worker-accused-sulu-bombing-freed-420009
Court clears 2009 Sulu bombing suspects
From the Manila Times (Jul 20): Court clears 2009 Sulu bombing suspects
Judge Marlo Maglagar of Regional Trial Court Branch 19 on Monday dismissed the charges filed against three suspects implicated in the 2009 Sulu bombings that left 12 people wounded.
The court found Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie, Abner Tahil, and Juhan Alihuddin innocent of illegal possession of explosives, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder charges.
The complainant, then vice governor and now Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan was among those injured.
http://www.manilatimes.net/court-clears-2009-sulu-bombing-suspects/202001/
Judge Marlo Maglagar of Regional Trial Court Branch 19 on Monday dismissed the charges filed against three suspects implicated in the 2009 Sulu bombings that left 12 people wounded.
The court found Temogen “Cocoy” Tulawie, Abner Tahil, and Juhan Alihuddin innocent of illegal possession of explosives, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder charges.
The complainant, then vice governor and now Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan was among those injured.
http://www.manilatimes.net/court-clears-2009-sulu-bombing-suspects/202001/
Esszone curfew stays due to potential threats of kidnapping
From the Free Malaysia Today (Jul 20): Esszone curfew stays due to potential threats of kidnapping
Sabah Police Commissioner says the 7pm to 5am curfew will enter its 23rd phase and begin tomorrow until August 5
KOTA KINABALU: The 22nd phase of the curfew in the waters off the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which expired today will be extended to the 23rd phase, beginning tomorrow until August 5.
Sabah Police Commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew, from 7pm till 5am, involving six districts, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau was extended for security considerations.
In a statement today, he said the decision to extend the curfew was based on new information about potential threats of kidnapping for ransom and Abu Sayyaf.
He said chalet operators and the fishing community were also supportive of the extension.
The curfew would enable security forces to carry out enforcement, and monitoring of boat movements and suspicious activities in relation to cross border crime such as human and drug trafficking and firearms smuggling, he said.
Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said district police chiefs in ESSZone had been empowered to issue permits to those involved in fishery activities or during an emergency.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/sabahsarawak/2015/07/20/esszone-curfew-stays-due-to-potential-threats-of-kidnapping/
Sabah Police Commissioner says the 7pm to 5am curfew will enter its 23rd phase and begin tomorrow until August 5
KOTA KINABALU: The 22nd phase of the curfew in the waters off the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) which expired today will be extended to the 23rd phase, beginning tomorrow until August 5.
Sabah Police Commissioner Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman said the curfew, from 7pm till 5am, involving six districts, Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna and Tawau was extended for security considerations.
In a statement today, he said the decision to extend the curfew was based on new information about potential threats of kidnapping for ransom and Abu Sayyaf.
He said chalet operators and the fishing community were also supportive of the extension.
The curfew would enable security forces to carry out enforcement, and monitoring of boat movements and suspicious activities in relation to cross border crime such as human and drug trafficking and firearms smuggling, he said.
Meanwhile, Jalaluddin said district police chiefs in ESSZone had been empowered to issue permits to those involved in fishery activities or during an emergency.
http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/sabahsarawak/2015/07/20/esszone-curfew-stays-due-to-potential-threats-of-kidnapping/
Cebuano News: Bag-ong Chief of Staff sa AFP naglaum magpadayon kausaban sa ‘Philippine Army’
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 20): Cebuano News: Bag-ong Chief of Staff sa AFP naglaum magpadayon kausaban sa ‘Philippine Army’
Naglaum si Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, nga ipadayon ni Major General Edwardo Año ang mga kausaban nga iyang nasugdan sa Philippine Army sa siya pa ang Hepe niini.
Gi-agni usab niya nga dugangan niini ang kakugi sa paghimo’g daghan pa nga mga kausaban aron makab-ot ang gitawag nga “our base camp 2016 transformation targets.”
Samtang si Major General Año, nga mipuli kang Lieutenant General Iriberri, kinsa mao ang natudlo nga Bag-ong ‘Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP),’ sa milabay nga Hulyo 17, mipasalig nga ipatumaw niini ang mga responsibilidad isip bag-o nga ‘Commanding General’ sa ‘Philippine Army.’
“Makasalig ka Sir nga akong bantayan pag-ayo ug hingpit nga gidawat ang akong tahas isip ‘Army Chief,’ si Major General Año namulong, atol sa seremonya sa iyang pagdawat sa katungdanan gikan kang General Iriberri, sa Fort Andres Bonifacion, ning siyudad, bag-ohay pa lamang.
“Akong sumpoon ang tanang mga hulga ug atubangon, sa dakung pagsalig ang paghimo sa unsay angayan himoon aron matunghayan ang katungod ug magpabilin nga magmatinud-anon sa atong Batakang Balaod nga maoy gipangayo sa kasundaluhang Pilipinhon,” pulong pa ni General Aňo.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382143/cebuano-news-bag-ong-chief-of-staff-sa-afp-naglaum-magpadayon-kausaban-sa-philippine-army-
Naglaum si Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, nga ipadayon ni Major General Edwardo Año ang mga kausaban nga iyang nasugdan sa Philippine Army sa siya pa ang Hepe niini.
Gi-agni usab niya nga dugangan niini ang kakugi sa paghimo’g daghan pa nga mga kausaban aron makab-ot ang gitawag nga “our base camp 2016 transformation targets.”
Samtang si Major General Año, nga mipuli kang Lieutenant General Iriberri, kinsa mao ang natudlo nga Bag-ong ‘Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP),’ sa milabay nga Hulyo 17, mipasalig nga ipatumaw niini ang mga responsibilidad isip bag-o nga ‘Commanding General’ sa ‘Philippine Army.’
“Makasalig ka Sir nga akong bantayan pag-ayo ug hingpit nga gidawat ang akong tahas isip ‘Army Chief,’ si Major General Año namulong, atol sa seremonya sa iyang pagdawat sa katungdanan gikan kang General Iriberri, sa Fort Andres Bonifacion, ning siyudad, bag-ohay pa lamang.
“Akong sumpoon ang tanang mga hulga ug atubangon, sa dakung pagsalig ang paghimo sa unsay angayan himoon aron matunghayan ang katungod ug magpabilin nga magmatinud-anon sa atong Batakang Balaod nga maoy gipangayo sa kasundaluhang Pilipinhon,” pulong pa ni General Aňo.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382143/cebuano-news-bag-ong-chief-of-staff-sa-afp-naglaum-magpadayon-kausaban-sa-philippine-army-
Cebuano News: Major General Año, cum laude, membro sa PMA ‘Matikas’ Class of 1983
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 20): Cebuano News: Major General Año, cum laude, membro sa PMA ‘Matikas’ Class of 1983
Si Major Genereal Edwardo Año, ang bag-ong natudlo nga Hepe sa ‘Philippine Army’ migradwar nga ‘cum laude’ sa Philippine Military Academy sa Baguio City ug membro sa PMA ‘Matikas Class of 1983.’
Siya ang Commander 10th Infantry “Agila” Division sa Philippine Army sa wala pa natudlo sa kasamtangang pwesto isip ‘Hepe sa Philippine Army.
Mikuha siya sa ‘International Officer Intelligence Course’ sa Fort Huachuca sa Arizona, United States of America, ug mikuha sa pinakataas nga pwesto sa klase.
Siya usab nakadawat sa daghanan nga mga awards, nga naglakip sa duha (2) ka Distinguished Service Stars, usa ka Gold Cross Medal alang sa ‘gallantry in combat action,’ usa ka ‘Silver Cross Medal,’ baynte-kwatro (24) ka mga Bronze Cross Medals alang sa ‘intelligence operations,’ ug traynta e otso (38) ka mga Tripple “M” kun Military Merit Medals.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382233/cebuano-news-major-general-a-o-cum-laude-membro-sa-pma-matikas-class-of-1983
Si Major Genereal Edwardo Año, ang bag-ong natudlo nga Hepe sa ‘Philippine Army’ migradwar nga ‘cum laude’ sa Philippine Military Academy sa Baguio City ug membro sa PMA ‘Matikas Class of 1983.’
Siya ang Commander 10th Infantry “Agila” Division sa Philippine Army sa wala pa natudlo sa kasamtangang pwesto isip ‘Hepe sa Philippine Army.
Mikuha siya sa ‘International Officer Intelligence Course’ sa Fort Huachuca sa Arizona, United States of America, ug mikuha sa pinakataas nga pwesto sa klase.
Siya usab nakadawat sa daghanan nga mga awards, nga naglakip sa duha (2) ka Distinguished Service Stars, usa ka Gold Cross Medal alang sa ‘gallantry in combat action,’ usa ka ‘Silver Cross Medal,’ baynte-kwatro (24) ka mga Bronze Cross Medals alang sa ‘intelligence operations,’ ug traynta e otso (38) ka mga Tripple “M” kun Military Merit Medals.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382233/cebuano-news-major-general-a-o-cum-laude-membro-sa-pma-matikas-class-of-1983
Cebuano News: IPSP sa AFP nakapadakop nga dagkung lider sa komonista
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 20): Cebuano News: IPSP sa AFP nakapadakop nga dagkung lider sa komonista
Ang Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) sa AFP kun “Armed Forces of the Philippines miresulta sa pagdakup ug pagsumpo sa mga gitawag nga ‘high-value targets’ kun dagkong lider sa mga komonistang rebelde.
Kini ang gibutyag ni Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III, sa iyang pagdayeg kang Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, ang iyang gitudlo nga bag-ong ‘Chief of Staff sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP).’
Matud pa sa Presidente, daku’g nahimo si Gen. Ireberri sa pagpatuman sa IPSP, sa dihang siya pa ang Hepe sa ‘Philippine Army.”
Pipila niini mao ang pagdakop sa mga high-value targets nga komonistang rebelde, sama sa magti-ayon nga Benito ug Wilma Tiamzon, Ruben Saluta, Adelberto Silva, ug Kumander Parago sa Communist Party of the Philippines, New Peoples’ Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Lakip usab niini sila si Mohamad Ali Tambako sa Justice Islamic Movement (JIM) ug Sihata Latip sa ‘Abu Sayyaf,’ pulong pa sa Presidente.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382009/cebuano-news-ipsp-sa-afp-nakapadakop-nga-dagkung-lider-sa-komonista
Ang Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) sa AFP kun “Armed Forces of the Philippines miresulta sa pagdakup ug pagsumpo sa mga gitawag nga ‘high-value targets’ kun dagkong lider sa mga komonistang rebelde.
Kini ang gibutyag ni Presidente Benigno S. Aquino III, sa iyang pagdayeg kang Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri, ang iyang gitudlo nga bag-ong ‘Chief of Staff sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (CSAFP).’
Matud pa sa Presidente, daku’g nahimo si Gen. Ireberri sa pagpatuman sa IPSP, sa dihang siya pa ang Hepe sa ‘Philippine Army.”
Pipila niini mao ang pagdakop sa mga high-value targets nga komonistang rebelde, sama sa magti-ayon nga Benito ug Wilma Tiamzon, Ruben Saluta, Adelberto Silva, ug Kumander Parago sa Communist Party of the Philippines, New Peoples’ Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).
Lakip usab niini sila si Mohamad Ali Tambako sa Justice Islamic Movement (JIM) ug Sihata Latip sa ‘Abu Sayyaf,’ pulong pa sa Presidente.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1451437382009/cebuano-news-ipsp-sa-afp-nakapadakop-nga-dagkung-lider-sa-komonista
School children receives hygiene kits from 1st CAV Squadron
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 20): School children receives hygiene kits from 1st CAV Squadron
Elementary students in a far-flung barangay of Navalan, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur were recipients of “Project Hygiene Kit” initiated by the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Squadron led the distribution of 105 hygiene kits to students of MV Lagare Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Navalan.
New Project
A new program of the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) office for this year, “Project Hygiene Kit” aims to promote proper hygiene to indigenous peoples’ children especially in the remote and far-flung barangays.
Batayola said the project is consonance with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that encourages active participation of various stakeholders in their peace and security efforts.
“We are launching this program, because we consider the school children as part of the stakeholders,” he added.
Proper Hygiene
He said further that there is a need for children in the countryside to develop proper hygiene to protect them from various diseases. Hence, this project intends to raise awareness on the importance of proper handwashing with soap and water not only among schoolchildren but in the community as well.
The simple act of handwashing can reduce the spread of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever and respiratory infections.
The said kit includes basic hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, bath soap and alcohol.
During the event, Batayola said the school children were taught proper hand washing techniques, brushing of teeth and other health practices by the health team of Labangan Rural Health Unit headed by Dr. Mailyn Manupac, municipal health officer.
Meanwhile, Navalan Punong Barangay Leoncio Osores was grateful to the 1st Cavalry Squadron for launching the project in his barangay saying that it offers help to school children to learn and practice personal hygiene.
“Pinaagi ani nga project, ang mga kabataan makasagop sa maayong batasan sa ilang pagkabata. Kung unsa ang ilang nahibaloan sa kasundalohan ug sa municipal health office mahitungod sa personal hygiene, ila na kini madala hangtud madako sila ug malikayan nga magkasakit,” Osores explained. (Through this project, the school children can adopt good habits during their formative childhood years. What children learn from the soldiers and municipal health office on personal hygiene can be practiced until they grow up and thus avoid getting sick.)
Osores recalls that last year, the unit also conducted several activities such as: tree planting, “Brigada Eskwela”, medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP), clean up drive and extending food assistance to poor families.
Batayola expressed his gratefulness to Pagadian Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, Ferdinand P. Pulmones and Mr. Kendrick Yap for partnering with the “Project Hygiene Kit” of the 1st Cavalry Squadron.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371437364993/school-children-receives-hygiene-kits-from-1st-cav-squadron
Elementary students in a far-flung barangay of Navalan, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur were recipients of “Project Hygiene Kit” initiated by the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, Mechanized Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola Jr., commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Squadron led the distribution of 105 hygiene kits to students of MV Lagare Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Navalan.
New Project
A new program of the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) office for this year, “Project Hygiene Kit” aims to promote proper hygiene to indigenous peoples’ children especially in the remote and far-flung barangays.
Batayola said the project is consonance with the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that encourages active participation of various stakeholders in their peace and security efforts.
“We are launching this program, because we consider the school children as part of the stakeholders,” he added.
Proper Hygiene
He said further that there is a need for children in the countryside to develop proper hygiene to protect them from various diseases. Hence, this project intends to raise awareness on the importance of proper handwashing with soap and water not only among schoolchildren but in the community as well.
The simple act of handwashing can reduce the spread of diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid fever and respiratory infections.
The said kit includes basic hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, face towel, bath soap and alcohol.
During the event, Batayola said the school children were taught proper hand washing techniques, brushing of teeth and other health practices by the health team of Labangan Rural Health Unit headed by Dr. Mailyn Manupac, municipal health officer.
Meanwhile, Navalan Punong Barangay Leoncio Osores was grateful to the 1st Cavalry Squadron for launching the project in his barangay saying that it offers help to school children to learn and practice personal hygiene.
“Pinaagi ani nga project, ang mga kabataan makasagop sa maayong batasan sa ilang pagkabata. Kung unsa ang ilang nahibaloan sa kasundalohan ug sa municipal health office mahitungod sa personal hygiene, ila na kini madala hangtud madako sila ug malikayan nga magkasakit,” Osores explained. (Through this project, the school children can adopt good habits during their formative childhood years. What children learn from the soldiers and municipal health office on personal hygiene can be practiced until they grow up and thus avoid getting sick.)
Osores recalls that last year, the unit also conducted several activities such as: tree planting, “Brigada Eskwela”, medical and dental civic action program (MEDCAP), clean up drive and extending food assistance to poor families.
Batayola expressed his gratefulness to Pagadian Mayor Romeo P. Pulmones, Ferdinand P. Pulmones and Mr. Kendrick Yap for partnering with the “Project Hygiene Kit” of the 1st Cavalry Squadron.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371437364993/school-children-receives-hygiene-kits-from-1st-cav-squadron
Defense budget reduced by P2b
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 21): Defense budget reduced by P2b
THE government has slashed to P25 billion the 2016 budget of P27,752,655.774.55 being proposed by the Department of National Defense, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad confirmed on Monday.
He said the appropriation would be used to buy modern equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one of the weakest in Asia.
The P27.7 billion defense budget for 2016 is part of the proposed Revised AFP Modernization Program dated Oct. 29, 2014, with a total amount of P90,858,912,364.56 including P31,106.003,531.90 in 2015 and P18,589,184,038.45 in 2017.
The Defense Department said that of the P90.8 billion budget for 2014-2017, it had P13,410,026,020.06 allocation in 2014 but it has yet to itemize the money.
The Budget Department must be more transparent in releasing figures because Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in his letter to President Benigno Aquino III dated March 5, 2015, said it appeared that the P90.8 billion defense budget for 2014-2017 for 33 projects had further been slashed to P60,143,404,181.90 with 28 projects.
Gazmin said Aquino “approved in principle” 28 projects under the with a total budget of P60.1 billion during a meeting that the latter presided over on Feb. 17, 2015. Abad and all the AFP Major Service commanders, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, among others, were also in the meeting.
In his letter, Gazmin said the proposed P60.1 billion budget was for 2015-2017 that he submitted to Abad on Feb. 23, 2015.
Meanwhile, the P25 billion defense budget for 2016 reportedly will be used to buy two frigates, two twin-engine long-range patrol aircraft and three aerial surveillance radars to boost the military’s capability to defend the West Philippine Sea from China’s aggression in the area.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/21/defense-budget-reduced-by-p2b/
THE government has slashed to P25 billion the 2016 budget of P27,752,655.774.55 being proposed by the Department of National Defense, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad confirmed on Monday.
He said the appropriation would be used to buy modern equipment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, one of the weakest in Asia.
The P27.7 billion defense budget for 2016 is part of the proposed Revised AFP Modernization Program dated Oct. 29, 2014, with a total amount of P90,858,912,364.56 including P31,106.003,531.90 in 2015 and P18,589,184,038.45 in 2017.
The Defense Department said that of the P90.8 billion budget for 2014-2017, it had P13,410,026,020.06 allocation in 2014 but it has yet to itemize the money.
The Budget Department must be more transparent in releasing figures because Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in his letter to President Benigno Aquino III dated March 5, 2015, said it appeared that the P90.8 billion defense budget for 2014-2017 for 33 projects had further been slashed to P60,143,404,181.90 with 28 projects.
Gazmin said Aquino “approved in principle” 28 projects under the with a total budget of P60.1 billion during a meeting that the latter presided over on Feb. 17, 2015. Abad and all the AFP Major Service commanders, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, among others, were also in the meeting.
In his letter, Gazmin said the proposed P60.1 billion budget was for 2015-2017 that he submitted to Abad on Feb. 23, 2015.
Meanwhile, the P25 billion defense budget for 2016 reportedly will be used to buy two frigates, two twin-engine long-range patrol aircraft and three aerial surveillance radars to boost the military’s capability to defend the West Philippine Sea from China’s aggression in the area.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/21/defense-budget-reduced-by-p2b/
Abu Sayyaf frees 18-year-old kidnap victim in Sulu
From GMA News (Jul 20): Abu Sayyaf frees 18-year-old kidnap victim in Sulu
An 18-year-old woman abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Zamboanga del Sur in March was released in downtown Jolo in Sulu Monday afternoon, Sulu police said.
The victim, identified as Ledegie Tomarong, was brought by a civilian to the Joint Task Force Sulu, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.
She underwent a medical checkup afterwards.
Initial information received by the Sulu PNP showed Tomarong and two children were abducted by an Abu Sayyaf members led by sub-leader Sibih Pisih on March 31 in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Abu Sayyaf used the three as human shields while escaping from policemen.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/525338/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-frees-18-year-old-kidnap-victim-in-sulu
An 18-year-old woman abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Zamboanga del Sur in March was released in downtown Jolo in Sulu Monday afternoon, Sulu police said.
The victim, identified as Ledegie Tomarong, was brought by a civilian to the Joint Task Force Sulu, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.
She underwent a medical checkup afterwards.
Initial information received by the Sulu PNP showed Tomarong and two children were abducted by an Abu Sayyaf members led by sub-leader Sibih Pisih on March 31 in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Abu Sayyaf used the three as human shields while escaping from policemen.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/525338/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-frees-18-year-old-kidnap-victim-in-sulu
SBMA ready to coexist with military base
From the Business Mirror (Jul 20): SBMA ready to coexist with military base
Despite its mandate to convert and develop into civilian and commercial use in what used to be a US naval base here, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is ready and willing to coexist with a military base that the government is set to establish in this free port.
Despite its mandate to convert and develop into civilian and commercial use in what used to be a US naval base here, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is ready and willing to coexist with a military base that the government is set to establish in this free port.
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said in a media interview here on Monday that he sees no problem for a mixed civilian and military use of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
“We’re a government agency, and for reasons of national security we have to cooperate with the national government,” Garcia said.
He added the return of Subic as a military base is understandable “because Subic simply offers the best defense position” for the Philippines and its allies in view of Chinese aggression on the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippine government announced last week that it would re-open Subic Bay as a military base to allow quicker response to Chinese movements in disputed waters.
Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said the government would station fighter planes and frigates in Subic as part of a defensive posture.
Garcia confirmed the plan on Monday, saying that under a memorandum of agreement signed last year with the Department of National Defense (DND), the SBMA has set aside 13 hectares for the proposed Philippine military base in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
This will be in the Cubi Point area, that is at the southwest apron of the Subic Bay International Airport, an area that used to be the air terminal of the courier giant Federal Express before it relocated to China.
Garcia said it would take at least six months for the government to refurbish the facilities, considering the sad state the terminal has fallen into after FedEx’s departure in 2009.
“As I understand it, the proposed base will be what they call in military parlance a ‘forward operating base’ because it is near a potential source of conflict. But mainly it will be a training base,” Garcia said.
He added that the use by American forces of the proposed Philippine base would not violate the Constitution because the visiting foreign troops that may be hosted in the base would be here only on a rotational basis.
He also said that Philippine allies like Japan and Australia, which are also seeking to sign a visiting forces agreement similar to the existing pact with the US, might also be hosted in the proposed Subic base.
Aside from the air base at the Cubi Point, the Armed Forces will also use the Alava, Bravo and Boton wharves here for the naval assets, Garcia said. As of now, Subic is already the home port of the country’s two frigates that were acquired from the US last year.
Garcia clarified, however, that the SBMA-DND agreement would only be implementable once the Supreme Court gives the green light to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, which provides for greater access by foreign allies of Philippine military bases.
On the economic side, Garcia said the SBMA will not be generating any income from hosting a Philippine base. “But local companies that can provide services to the military, as well as the local hotels and restaurants, would surely benefit from Subic’s hosting of a base,” he added.
Garcia added that under the agreement with the DND, the military would have priority in using facilities here only in case of national emergency.
“So I think, this would not prejudice the interest of our business locators in the free port,” Garcia said.
Photos: US Navy rescues Pinoy fishermen in disputed sea
From ABS-CBN (Jul 20): Photos: US Navy rescues Pinoy fishermen in disputed sea
A US Navy ship on Sunday rescued 11 Filipino fishermen whose ship capsized in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The US Navy, in a report, said surveillance ship USNS Impeccable rescued the fishermen while it was en route to Subic Bay.
Impeccable sailors saw the distressed fishermen on a partially submerged boat.
“They [Impeccable crew] initially spotted only eight people on the partially submerged vessel,” said Lt. Cory Hilgart, an anti-submarine watch officer. “They then realized that it was actually 11 and made the call to commence the rescue effort.”
“One of the crew members spoke English,” Hilgart said. “He told the Impeccable crew that they were fishermen from the Subic Bay region. He confirmed that there were only 11 on board.”
The fishermen were brought aboard the Impeccable where they were examined by medical personnel and given food and water.
No serious injuries or illnesses were reported, the US Navy said.
They were later turned over the Philippine Coast Guard.
Filipino fishermen await rescue from their sinking boat in the West Philippine Sea.
Sailors and personnel from the Military Sealift Command assigned to USNS Impeccable man a rigid-hull inflatable boat to rescue the 11 distressed fishermen.
US Navy sailors assist a Filipino fishermen after he is rescued from their sinking vessel.
The 11 rescued fishermen returned home to Infanta, Pangasinan on Monday.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/07/20/15/look-us-navy-rescues-pinoy-fishermen-disputed-sea
A US Navy ship on Sunday rescued 11 Filipino fishermen whose ship capsized in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The US Navy, in a report, said surveillance ship USNS Impeccable rescued the fishermen while it was en route to Subic Bay.
Impeccable sailors saw the distressed fishermen on a partially submerged boat.
“They [Impeccable crew] initially spotted only eight people on the partially submerged vessel,” said Lt. Cory Hilgart, an anti-submarine watch officer. “They then realized that it was actually 11 and made the call to commence the rescue effort.”
“One of the crew members spoke English,” Hilgart said. “He told the Impeccable crew that they were fishermen from the Subic Bay region. He confirmed that there were only 11 on board.”
The fishermen were brought aboard the Impeccable where they were examined by medical personnel and given food and water.
No serious injuries or illnesses were reported, the US Navy said.
They were later turned over the Philippine Coast Guard.
Filipino fishermen await rescue from their sinking boat in the West Philippine Sea.
Sailors and personnel from the Military Sealift Command assigned to USNS Impeccable man a rigid-hull inflatable boat to rescue the 11 distressed fishermen.
US Navy sailors assist a Filipino fishermen after he is rescued from their sinking vessel.
The 11 rescued fishermen returned home to Infanta, Pangasinan on Monday.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/07/20/15/look-us-navy-rescues-pinoy-fishermen-disputed-sea
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