From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Army, EOD supervise IEDs disposal
The 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion (30IB), Philippine Army and Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team supervised the disposal of six Unexploded Ordnances (UXOs) and 53 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Surigao del Norte on Saturday, June 15, 2019.
The UXOs and IEDs were either confiscated or recovered by troops from 2013 to 2019 during an encounter with the Communist Party in the Philippine-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist or turned-over by the Philippine National Police and civilians to 30IB for safekeeping and proper management to avoid damage.
As per record, the following UXOs and IEDs were disposed: two UXOs of 105mm howitzer, two UXOs of 60mm mortar, one rifle grenade, one hand grenade, one gallon IED, five bangalores, ten PVC pipe bombs, 21 GI pipe bombs, 12 dual blasting caps, and four directional IED mines.
UXOs are explosive weapons that did not explode when they were employed and still pose a risk of detonation, decades after they were used or discarded while IEDs are constructed and extensively used by the terrorist group to inflict casualty not only to military personnel but also to sow terror to civilians.
Lt. Col. Allen Raymond C. Tomas, 30IB commander, said the UXOs and IEDs are hazardous items and for the safety of everyone they coordinated with the EOD team for proper disposal to prevent damage to life and property. (1Lt. Ken T. Enciso, CMO-30IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023402
Friday, June 21, 2019
BARMM to launch ‘Radyo Bangsamoro’
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): BARMM to launch ‘Radyo Bangsamoro’
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set to launch on Saturday its weekend radio program “Radyo Bangsamoro”, aimed at updating its constituents on the affairs of the region.
The program, slated from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., would be aired via the Catholic-run DXMS radio station in this city.
“In our initial broadcast, BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod (Al Haj Murad) Ebrahim would be heard via phone patch inviting his constituents to tune in to the program and be abreast on regional matters,” Irene Fernandez-Gonzales, chief administrative officer of the Bureau of Public Information – BARMM, said.
Fernandez said the program would handle topics on peace and security, economics and development, among others.
She added that Abdullah Cusain, BARMM deputy executive secretary, is also expected to join the initial broadcast of the program.
The program would be hosted by Fernandez-Gonzales and Albashir Saiden, also of BPI-BARMM.
The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province that voted for inclusion to the fledgling expanded region during the January 21 and February 6 plebiscite this year.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072964
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set to launch on Saturday its weekend radio program “Radyo Bangsamoro”, aimed at updating its constituents on the affairs of the region.
The program, slated from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., would be aired via the Catholic-run DXMS radio station in this city.
“In our initial broadcast, BARMM interim Chief Minister Ahod (Al Haj Murad) Ebrahim would be heard via phone patch inviting his constituents to tune in to the program and be abreast on regional matters,” Irene Fernandez-Gonzales, chief administrative officer of the Bureau of Public Information – BARMM, said.
Fernandez said the program would handle topics on peace and security, economics and development, among others.
She added that Abdullah Cusain, BARMM deputy executive secretary, is also expected to join the initial broadcast of the program.
The program would be hosted by Fernandez-Gonzales and Albashir Saiden, also of BPI-BARMM.
The BARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Lanao del Sur, and Basilan; the cities of Cotabato, Marawi and Lamitan; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato province that voted for inclusion to the fledgling expanded region during the January 21 and February 6 plebiscite this year.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072964
8 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): 8 ex-NPA rebels in Sarangani get aid
Eight former New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani province received financial assistance on Thursday under the government's expanded reintegration program.
Sarangani Governor Seve Chiongbian Solon said the recipients comprised the latest batch of rebel returnees from the province who qualified for support assistance under the flagship Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The eight returnees received PHP25,000 to PHP65,000 each for initial livelihood assistance and remuneration for surrendered firearms, he said.
The financial assistance was released during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council at the provincial capitol in Alabel town on Thursday.
The meeting was led by Gov. Solon, the chair of the two councils, and graced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 12 director, Josephine Leysa; the Army's 1002nd Brigade commander, Col. Adonis Bajao; and Sarangani police director, Col. Arpha Abul Kyr Macalangcom.
The governor said the returnees, who surrendered earlier this year, were former members of the NPA's Front 71.
He said seven of them were from the municipality of Malapatan while one was from Malungon.
"This is just the initial assistance that they will receive under the E-CLIP. We're working on some additional interventions in coordination with our partner agencies," Solon told reporters.
Under the E-CLIP, the governor said the former rebels stand to receive housing assistance, skills training, health insurance coverage, and other related interventions.
The provincial government is currently building a halfway house for former NPA rebels in Barangay Poblacion, Alabel town.
Solon said the facility, which was supported by a PHP5-million grant from the DILG, is already 98 percent complete.
"Our halfway house will be the first to open soon in the entire Region 12 (Soccsksargen)," he said, citing a report from the DILG regional office.
The halfway house will have three rooms for males, three rooms for females, a conjugal room, an office, a kitchen, and a conference room. It will serve as a temporary home for rebel returnees in the province for 15 days to one month.
Solon added that former rebels who will seek shelter in the halfway house will undergo skills training, healing sessions, and psychosocial interventions to prepare them for integration into society's mainstream.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072971
Eight former New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sarangani province received financial assistance on Thursday under the government's expanded reintegration program.
Sarangani Governor Seve Chiongbian Solon said the recipients comprised the latest batch of rebel returnees from the province who qualified for support assistance under the flagship Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
The eight returnees received PHP25,000 to PHP65,000 each for initial livelihood assistance and remuneration for surrendered firearms, he said.
The financial assistance was released during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council at the provincial capitol in Alabel town on Thursday.
The meeting was led by Gov. Solon, the chair of the two councils, and graced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 12 director, Josephine Leysa; the Army's 1002nd Brigade commander, Col. Adonis Bajao; and Sarangani police director, Col. Arpha Abul Kyr Macalangcom.
The governor said the returnees, who surrendered earlier this year, were former members of the NPA's Front 71.
He said seven of them were from the municipality of Malapatan while one was from Malungon.
"This is just the initial assistance that they will receive under the E-CLIP. We're working on some additional interventions in coordination with our partner agencies," Solon told reporters.
Under the E-CLIP, the governor said the former rebels stand to receive housing assistance, skills training, health insurance coverage, and other related interventions.
The provincial government is currently building a halfway house for former NPA rebels in Barangay Poblacion, Alabel town.
Solon said the facility, which was supported by a PHP5-million grant from the DILG, is already 98 percent complete.
"Our halfway house will be the first to open soon in the entire Region 12 (Soccsksargen)," he said, citing a report from the DILG regional office.
The halfway house will have three rooms for males, three rooms for females, a conjugal room, an office, a kitchen, and a conference room. It will serve as a temporary home for rebel returnees in the province for 15 days to one month.
Solon added that former rebels who will seek shelter in the halfway house will undergo skills training, healing sessions, and psychosocial interventions to prepare them for integration into society's mainstream.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072971
2 NPA 'members' killed in clash with soldiers in NegOr
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): 2 NPA 'members' killed in clash with soldiers in NegOr
Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), were killed in a clash early Friday with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Talalak in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The bodies of the two unidentified alleged NPA members were recovered afterwards, according to reports from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) and the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Initial reports said that at around 4:55 a.m., a group of more or less 20 fully armed men believed to be NPA rebels allegedly harassed the Kakha SCAA (Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary) patrol base at Sitio Kakha by firing from an estimated distance of 100 meters.
Cpl. Rainier Artieda, assistant detachment commander, immediately deployed his forces and fired back at the suspected NPA members, which resulted in a firefight for about 30 minutes, after which the latter fled in different directions.
No casualty was reported on the government side.
The government troops recovered one long magazine for M-16 rifle and two short magazines, ammunition, an unexploded hand grenade, an empty shell for M203 and other personal effects.
The bodies of the slain suspected NPA members are still in the area, waiting to be transported to the Santa Catalina town proper for identification and disposition, said Col. Raul M. Tacaca, the provincial police director of Negros Oriental.
The Kakha SCAA is part of the 12th SCAA Battalion of the Philippine Army, which is under the operational control of the 94th IB.
With the recent arrival of the 11th IB in Negros Oriental, there are now three Army battalions in the province to address the insurgency problem.
The CPP-NPA is considered as a terrorist organization by several countries including the Philippines, United States and European Union.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072979
Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), were killed in a clash early Friday with government troops in the hinterlands of Barangay Talalak in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental.
The bodies of the two unidentified alleged NPA members were recovered afterwards, according to reports from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) and the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army.
Initial reports said that at around 4:55 a.m., a group of more or less 20 fully armed men believed to be NPA rebels allegedly harassed the Kakha SCAA (Special Civilian Armed Auxiliary) patrol base at Sitio Kakha by firing from an estimated distance of 100 meters.
Cpl. Rainier Artieda, assistant detachment commander, immediately deployed his forces and fired back at the suspected NPA members, which resulted in a firefight for about 30 minutes, after which the latter fled in different directions.
No casualty was reported on the government side.
The government troops recovered one long magazine for M-16 rifle and two short magazines, ammunition, an unexploded hand grenade, an empty shell for M203 and other personal effects.
The bodies of the slain suspected NPA members are still in the area, waiting to be transported to the Santa Catalina town proper for identification and disposition, said Col. Raul M. Tacaca, the provincial police director of Negros Oriental.
The Kakha SCAA is part of the 12th SCAA Battalion of the Philippine Army, which is under the operational control of the 94th IB.
With the recent arrival of the 11th IB in Negros Oriental, there are now three Army battalions in the province to address the insurgency problem.
The CPP-NPA is considered as a terrorist organization by several countries including the Philippines, United States and European Union.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072979
Ilocos Norte declares CPP-NPA-NDF ‘persona non grata’
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Ilocos Norte declares CPP-NPA-NDF ‘persona non grata’
Ilocos Norte province, through its Peace and Order Council, has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) as "persona non grata” on Friday.
Colonel Cesar Pasiwen, director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, said the move is very timely to prevent several leftist groups, which previously held rallies in the province, from recruiting young people here.
“This is a good move while it is still early. So we are appealing to parents to guard their children before it’s too late,” said Pasiwen, as he lauded the passing of the measure during Friday's Peace and Order Council meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall.
The approved resolution was proposed during the meeting attended by various stakeholders and was presided by outgoing Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba.
The resolution was created in line with Memorandum Circular No. 2018-211 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which prohibits support to the leftist rebel group, and Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and the adoption of a national peace framework.
Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy P. Faminial, commander of the 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army, confirmed during the meeting that the province has been peaceful and free from the clutches of the NPA for the past seven years.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073009
Ilocos Norte province, through its Peace and Order Council, has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP) as "persona non grata” on Friday.
Colonel Cesar Pasiwen, director of the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, said the move is very timely to prevent several leftist groups, which previously held rallies in the province, from recruiting young people here.
“This is a good move while it is still early. So we are appealing to parents to guard their children before it’s too late,” said Pasiwen, as he lauded the passing of the measure during Friday's Peace and Order Council meeting held at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan session hall.
The approved resolution was proposed during the meeting attended by various stakeholders and was presided by outgoing Vice Governor Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba.
The resolution was created in line with Memorandum Circular No. 2018-211 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which prohibits support to the leftist rebel group, and Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and the adoption of a national peace framework.
Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy P. Faminial, commander of the 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division of the Philippine Army, confirmed during the meeting that the province has been peaceful and free from the clutches of the NPA for the past seven years.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073009
PH, China to hold separate probes on Recto Bank incident: DFA
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): PH, China to hold separate probes on Recto Bank incident: DFA
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
China and the Philippines will conduct separate investigations to determine the facts behind the recent incident involving a Chinese and a Filipino vessels near Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Friday.
"There will be no joint investigation. China and Philippines will conduct their respective investigations," Locsin said on his official Twitter account.
The statement comes after the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday proposed "a joint investigation at an early date" to enable an exchange of initial findings between the two sides.
When asked about Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s statement that both sides have indicated willingness to conduct a joint inquiry, Locsin reiterated his view on the proposal.
"DFA will act on my view and no one else's. I talked to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Palace supports me," he said.
"That's that. Also, I listen only to the DND and the NSA. This is a matter beyond civilian agencies' remit and falls well within the DFA's, DND's and NSA's," he said referring to the Department of National Defense and the National Security Advisor.
On June 9, the Filipino fishing boat Gem-Ver1 sank after a Chinese boat hit it, leaving the Filipino boat’s 22 crew members floundering in the water for several hours until they were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing boat.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072959
China and the Philippines will conduct separate investigations to determine the facts behind the recent incident involving a Chinese and a Filipino vessels near Recto Bank (Reed Bank) in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Friday.
"There will be no joint investigation. China and Philippines will conduct their respective investigations," Locsin said on his official Twitter account.
The statement comes after the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday proposed "a joint investigation at an early date" to enable an exchange of initial findings between the two sides.
When asked about Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s statement that both sides have indicated willingness to conduct a joint inquiry, Locsin reiterated his view on the proposal.
"DFA will act on my view and no one else's. I talked to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea; Palace supports me," he said.
"That's that. Also, I listen only to the DND and the NSA. This is a matter beyond civilian agencies' remit and falls well within the DFA's, DND's and NSA's," he said referring to the Department of National Defense and the National Security Advisor.
On June 9, the Filipino fishing boat Gem-Ver1 sank after a Chinese boat hit it, leaving the Filipino boat’s 22 crew members floundering in the water for several hours until they were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing boat.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072959
Critics using Recto Bank incident to show 'nationalism': Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Critics using Recto Bank incident to show 'nationalism': Palace
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. (File photo)
The Recto (Reed) Bank incident is being used by critics of the administration to show their pretended nationalism, Malacañang said Friday.
"The Reed Bank incident is being dressed with misplaced emotionalism and pretended nationalism by those who are bent on (politicizing) an otherwise ordinary navigation incident into an international fracas," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo, also chief presidential legal counsel, said the Philippine government remains firm in invoking its "non-negotiable" sovereignty in the international community.
"They (critics) hope to succeed in getting the approbation of the nation on a misguided theory that the Administration is pursuing a foreign policy of subservience to China, a belief that is both wrong and unacceptable," he said.
Panelo also dismissed Senator Panfilo Lacson's recent remarks where he was quoted as saying that Panelo is speaking like a defense counsel for China.
The Palace official said that as a lawyer, he has been trained to dissect a situation, arrive at an intelligent and rational study of the whys and wherefores of a subject of an inquiry.
"The perception that my pointing out of certain circumstances surrounding the Reed Bank incident previously unknown to us, creates the impression that I’m acting as China’s counsel, is sheer non sequitur, as well as a shallow analysis of my examination of the incident," he said.
Panelo said both the Philippines and China must ascertain the truth of the incident and proceed to put the conflict to rest.
"We maintain our stand that regardless of the nature of the allision, we condemn the uncivilized and inhuman act of abandoning the Filipino fishermen, thereby putting them into the precipice of extinction after their vessel submerged. There must be accountability and compensation," he said.
About midnight of June 9, a Chinese vessel reportedly hit and abandoned an anchored Filipino fishing boat with 22 fishermen on board near the Recto Bank in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila denied the abandonment, saying the Chinese captain tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen “but was afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072962
The Recto (Reed) Bank incident is being used by critics of the administration to show their pretended nationalism, Malacañang said Friday.
"The Reed Bank incident is being dressed with misplaced emotionalism and pretended nationalism by those who are bent on (politicizing) an otherwise ordinary navigation incident into an international fracas," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
Panelo, also chief presidential legal counsel, said the Philippine government remains firm in invoking its "non-negotiable" sovereignty in the international community.
"They (critics) hope to succeed in getting the approbation of the nation on a misguided theory that the Administration is pursuing a foreign policy of subservience to China, a belief that is both wrong and unacceptable," he said.
Panelo also dismissed Senator Panfilo Lacson's recent remarks where he was quoted as saying that Panelo is speaking like a defense counsel for China.
The Palace official said that as a lawyer, he has been trained to dissect a situation, arrive at an intelligent and rational study of the whys and wherefores of a subject of an inquiry.
"The perception that my pointing out of certain circumstances surrounding the Reed Bank incident previously unknown to us, creates the impression that I’m acting as China’s counsel, is sheer non sequitur, as well as a shallow analysis of my examination of the incident," he said.
Panelo said both the Philippines and China must ascertain the truth of the incident and proceed to put the conflict to rest.
"We maintain our stand that regardless of the nature of the allision, we condemn the uncivilized and inhuman act of abandoning the Filipino fishermen, thereby putting them into the precipice of extinction after their vessel submerged. There must be accountability and compensation," he said.
About midnight of June 9, a Chinese vessel reportedly hit and abandoned an anchored Filipino fishing boat with 22 fishermen on board near the Recto Bank in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila denied the abandonment, saying the Chinese captain tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen “but was afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072962
PH using calibrated approach in securing maritime territories
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): PH using calibrated approach in securing maritime territories
DND Undesecretary Cardozo Luna. (Photo courtesy: DND Public Affairs Service)
The Department of National Defense (DND) is pursuing an approach that is "calibrated, comprehensive, and constructive, and one that espouses peace and diplomacy" in securing the country's vast maritime areas, an official said.
This strategy will allow the country to cope with the vulnerability of the Philippines’ maritime security because of its geographical structure and heavy involvement in the growing regionalization and geopolitical conflict in the Indo-Pacific, said DND Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, who represented Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the 146th Maritime Forum held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday.
Since its institutionalization in 1995, the maritime forum hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard remains as a platform for the Maritime League’s “timely, collaborative, and productive” session on the country’s maritime concerns.
Luna also espoused the relevance of multilateralism through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the negotiation of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and strengthening the Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Our country is capitalizing on the strong alliance of the Asean, which consistently espouses regional and multilateral cooperation and discussions,” he noted.
The defense official said this is essential, considering the Philippines' permeable borders and vast maritime domain and competing claims in the West Philippine Sea, which was branded as a top maritime concern.
These situations have prompted the Philippines to "pursue functional cooperation with China while securing our national territory, sovereignty, and other claimant-countries which we remain faithful in securing our national territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights over our maritime claims and entitlements," he added.
“We need to acknowledge that our country cannot do it alone as maritime security is innately transnational and cross-jurisdictional," Luna said.
He added that the whole-of-nation approach to attain international peace and security and “collaborative and coordinated efforts to safeguard our national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interest" highlight and strengthen inter-agency defense posture for maritime security in light of the global importance of Philippine waters.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072972
The Department of National Defense (DND) is pursuing an approach that is "calibrated, comprehensive, and constructive, and one that espouses peace and diplomacy" in securing the country's vast maritime areas, an official said.
This strategy will allow the country to cope with the vulnerability of the Philippines’ maritime security because of its geographical structure and heavy involvement in the growing regionalization and geopolitical conflict in the Indo-Pacific, said DND Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, who represented Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the 146th Maritime Forum held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City on Thursday.
Since its institutionalization in 1995, the maritime forum hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard remains as a platform for the Maritime League’s “timely, collaborative, and productive” session on the country’s maritime concerns.
Luna also espoused the relevance of multilateralism through the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in the negotiation of the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and strengthening the Trilateral Cooperative Agreement with Malaysia and Indonesia.
“Our country is capitalizing on the strong alliance of the Asean, which consistently espouses regional and multilateral cooperation and discussions,” he noted.
The defense official said this is essential, considering the Philippines' permeable borders and vast maritime domain and competing claims in the West Philippine Sea, which was branded as a top maritime concern.
These situations have prompted the Philippines to "pursue functional cooperation with China while securing our national territory, sovereignty, and other claimant-countries which we remain faithful in securing our national territory, sovereignty, sovereign rights over our maritime claims and entitlements," he added.
“We need to acknowledge that our country cannot do it alone as maritime security is innately transnational and cross-jurisdictional," Luna said.
He added that the whole-of-nation approach to attain international peace and security and “collaborative and coordinated efforts to safeguard our national sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interest" highlight and strengthen inter-agency defense posture for maritime security in light of the global importance of Philippine waters.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072972
Reed Bank incident between 2 private groups, not gov'ts
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Reed Bank incident between 2 private groups, not gov'ts
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez. (Presidential Photo)
The recent Reed Bank incident is between two private groups and will be resolved with the support of the respective governments of the Philippines and China, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said Friday.
Responding to questions on whether the Reed Bank incident should be discussed in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok, Lopez answered it is unlikely.
"Kasi hindi involved 'yung government sa aksidente eh. Dalawang boats ng private fishermen (Because the government is not involved in the accident. It's two boats of private fishermen)," he said.
"Dalawang pribadong sektor yun eh (It's two private sectors). Dalawang (two) fishermen group yun eh. Kung ako ang tatanungin, hindi ko siya mali-link sa government (For me, I can't link it to government). Hindi naman siya Navy ship na bumangga sa fishermen natin (It's not their navy ship which hit our fishermen)," he added.
Lopez called on the public to remain calm as investigations on the incident are still ongoing.
"Huwag natin i-involve ang mga government at tingnan talaga kung ano yung nangyari (Let us not involve our governments and let us see what really happened)," he said.
About midnight of June 9, a Chinese vessel hit and abandoned an anchored Filipino fishing boat with 22 fishermen on board near the Recto Bank in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila denied the abandonment, saying the Chinese captain tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen “but was afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073000
The recent Reed Bank incident is between two private groups and will be resolved with the support of the respective governments of the Philippines and China, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said Friday.
Responding to questions on whether the Reed Bank incident should be discussed in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Bangkok, Lopez answered it is unlikely.
"Kasi hindi involved 'yung government sa aksidente eh. Dalawang boats ng private fishermen (Because the government is not involved in the accident. It's two boats of private fishermen)," he said.
"Dalawang pribadong sektor yun eh (It's two private sectors). Dalawang (two) fishermen group yun eh. Kung ako ang tatanungin, hindi ko siya mali-link sa government (For me, I can't link it to government). Hindi naman siya Navy ship na bumangga sa fishermen natin (It's not their navy ship which hit our fishermen)," he added.
Lopez called on the public to remain calm as investigations on the incident are still ongoing.
"Huwag natin i-involve ang mga government at tingnan talaga kung ano yung nangyari (Let us not involve our governments and let us see what really happened)," he said.
About midnight of June 9, a Chinese vessel hit and abandoned an anchored Filipino fishing boat with 22 fishermen on board near the Recto Bank in the disputed West Philippine Sea.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila denied the abandonment, saying the Chinese captain tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen “but was afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073000
Taguig court convicts man in Marawi siege for illegal firearm
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Taguig court convicts man in Marawi siege for illegal firearm
A Taguig court designated to hear cases related to the Maute Group's takeover of Marawi City two years ago has convicted a man with alleged ties to the Islamic State for illegally possessing a gun.
In a 13-page joint judgment dated May 29 and made available to newsmen Friday, RTC Branch 266 Judge Marivic C. Vitor sentenced Indonesian national Muhammad Ilham Syahputra to a prison term of up to 10 years for illegal possession of firearms, pursuant to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act (RA 10591).
Syahputra was arrested in Barangay Luksa Datu, Marawi City on Nov. 1, 2017 by police operatives who conducted a clearing operation in the area in response to a complaint about an armed man in the area.
During his arrest, the suspect yielded a Caspian pistol SN 475269, a grenade, ammunition and both local and foreign currency in several denominations. He was arraigned on Jan. 18, 2018.
Earlier reports said the suspect was among members of a group that was behind a 2016 suicide bombing in Jakarta that killed eight people.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072973
A Taguig court designated to hear cases related to the Maute Group's takeover of Marawi City two years ago has convicted a man with alleged ties to the Islamic State for illegally possessing a gun.
In a 13-page joint judgment dated May 29 and made available to newsmen Friday, RTC Branch 266 Judge Marivic C. Vitor sentenced Indonesian national Muhammad Ilham Syahputra to a prison term of up to 10 years for illegal possession of firearms, pursuant to Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Act (RA 10591).
Syahputra was arrested in Barangay Luksa Datu, Marawi City on Nov. 1, 2017 by police operatives who conducted a clearing operation in the area in response to a complaint about an armed man in the area.
During his arrest, the suspect yielded a Caspian pistol SN 475269, a grenade, ammunition and both local and foreign currency in several denominations. He was arraigned on Jan. 18, 2018.
Earlier reports said the suspect was among members of a group that was behind a 2016 suicide bombing in Jakarta that killed eight people.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072973
QCPD orders probe on killing of intel cop
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): QCPD orders probe on killing of intel cop
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has formed a task group to probe the killing of a police officer who is a member of the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG).
“I ordered for the immediate creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to look into all the possible angles and establish the motive behind the shooting to death of Sergeant (Fernando) Diamson. Like what we have vowed, we will leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and with this, we believe that we will be able to quickly catch the suspects," said QCPD Director, Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr., in a statement.
Around 8:50 a.m. Friday, Diamson, who was on board his motorcycle, was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding men wearing black helmets in front of Illustrata Residences located along Boni Serrano near corner Benitez St., in Barangay Bagong Lipunan Crame.
The suspects immediately fled towards San Juan City.
The victim's colleague, Senior Master Sergeant Ernesto Buenviaje, 46, who witnessed the incident, reported the incident to the Cubao Police Station (PS 7).
Cursory examination conducted by the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO) disclosed that the victim sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
The case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit for proper disposition.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073004
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has formed a task group to probe the killing of a police officer who is a member of the Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group (PNP-IG).
“I ordered for the immediate creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to look into all the possible angles and establish the motive behind the shooting to death of Sergeant (Fernando) Diamson. Like what we have vowed, we will leave no stone unturned in finding the perpetrators and with this, we believe that we will be able to quickly catch the suspects," said QCPD Director, Brigadier General Joselito Esquivel Jr., in a statement.
Around 8:50 a.m. Friday, Diamson, who was on board his motorcycle, was gunned down by two unidentified motorcycle-riding men wearing black helmets in front of Illustrata Residences located along Boni Serrano near corner Benitez St., in Barangay Bagong Lipunan Crame.
The suspects immediately fled towards San Juan City.
The victim's colleague, Senior Master Sergeant Ernesto Buenviaje, 46, who witnessed the incident, reported the incident to the Cubao Police Station (PS 7).
Cursory examination conducted by the Scene of Crime Office (SOCO) disclosed that the victim sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
The case was turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit for proper disposition.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073004
Thursday, June 20, 2019
AFP vice chief-of-staff Mison retires
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): AFP vice chief-of-staff Mison retires
After more than 39 years of service, Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) Vice Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Salvador B. Mison, Jr., formally retired from the military - during a joint change-of-command and retirement ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.
AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, presided the ceremonies, where Mison formally turned his post to former The Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) of the AFP, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr.
“As my primary adviser and collaborator, General Mison Jr. closely worked with me in the administration and management, specifically policy formulation, implementation, and oversight of the overall conduct of AFP operations, as well as AFP capability development objectives,” he said.
“He (Mison) provided effective functional supervision over the major services, unified command, and AFP-wide support and separate units, with skill full employment of a systems approach and improvement of processes in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions in support of our mission accomplishments,” Madrigal added.
Mison, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984, completed a total of 39 years, three months, and five days of active military service. Prior to his retirement, he previously held the following positions: TDCS of the AFP; Commander, Air Education Training and Doctrine Command; Chief of Air Staff, Philippine Air Force (PAF); Inspector General, Headquarters Service Support Group; Deputy Commander, 1st Air Division; Wing Commander, 220th Airlift Wing; and flew as an Instructor Pilot.
He also served as a member of the PAF Education and Training Board, member of the PAF Board of Senior Officers, and Vice Chairman of the PAF Military Pilot Training selection board.
Mison was also a recipient of various awards, decorations, and commendations, including the PAF Gold Wings, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star, Award of the Chief of Staff, Commendation Medal and Ribbon, Military Merit Medal, Silver Wing Medal, Presidential Citation Badge, and numerous letters of commendations, plaques of appreciation, and merits.
He has a reputation for being a forthright disciplinarian with a sense of duty and responsibility that few in the organization can match.
During the ceremony, Mison was presented with the Philippine Legion of Honor Award with the Degree of Commander for meritorious and exceptional service rendered to the country and the Filipino people.
The event also saw the first ever recital of the “Pagpupugay sa Kawal Pilipino” (Salute to Filipino Soldier), a narrative performance giving due honor to retiring soldiers, by Major Aristides Galang, Jr.
Meanwhile the new AFP Vice Chief-of-Staff, Collado is an accomplished Navy officer.
He previously commanded four Navy ships, including BRP Ang Pangulo, and held various sensitive staff and leadership positions in the Philippine Fleet. He is known in the Navy to be an experienced, no-nonsense, but down-to-earth, diligent team player whose attention to detail inspires peers and subordinates to accomplish their tasks with distinction.
These are the attributes he brought with him to the General Headquarters.
Collado's perspectives, as a sea-going Navy Officer, compliment that of Madrigal (who is an Army officer) and that of Mison (from the Air Force) to complete the views from the lens of the three AFP Major services in many respects of command, leadership, and management of the AFP.
“I am confident that the newly posted vice chief of staff, Vice Admiral Collado Jr., will be able to deliver as expected being the former deputy chief of staff," Madrigal said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072944
After more than 39 years of service, Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) Vice Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Salvador B. Mison, Jr., formally retired from the military - during a joint change-of-command and retirement ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.
AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, presided the ceremonies, where Mison formally turned his post to former The Deputy Chief of Staff (TDCS) of the AFP, Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado Jr.
“As my primary adviser and collaborator, General Mison Jr. closely worked with me in the administration and management, specifically policy formulation, implementation, and oversight of the overall conduct of AFP operations, as well as AFP capability development objectives,” he said.
“He (Mison) provided effective functional supervision over the major services, unified command, and AFP-wide support and separate units, with skill full employment of a systems approach and improvement of processes in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions in support of our mission accomplishments,” Madrigal added.
Mison, a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984, completed a total of 39 years, three months, and five days of active military service. Prior to his retirement, he previously held the following positions: TDCS of the AFP; Commander, Air Education Training and Doctrine Command; Chief of Air Staff, Philippine Air Force (PAF); Inspector General, Headquarters Service Support Group; Deputy Commander, 1st Air Division; Wing Commander, 220th Airlift Wing; and flew as an Instructor Pilot.
He also served as a member of the PAF Education and Training Board, member of the PAF Board of Senior Officers, and Vice Chairman of the PAF Military Pilot Training selection board.
Mison was also a recipient of various awards, decorations, and commendations, including the PAF Gold Wings, Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star, Award of the Chief of Staff, Commendation Medal and Ribbon, Military Merit Medal, Silver Wing Medal, Presidential Citation Badge, and numerous letters of commendations, plaques of appreciation, and merits.
He has a reputation for being a forthright disciplinarian with a sense of duty and responsibility that few in the organization can match.
During the ceremony, Mison was presented with the Philippine Legion of Honor Award with the Degree of Commander for meritorious and exceptional service rendered to the country and the Filipino people.
The event also saw the first ever recital of the “Pagpupugay sa Kawal Pilipino” (Salute to Filipino Soldier), a narrative performance giving due honor to retiring soldiers, by Major Aristides Galang, Jr.
Meanwhile the new AFP Vice Chief-of-Staff, Collado is an accomplished Navy officer.
He previously commanded four Navy ships, including BRP Ang Pangulo, and held various sensitive staff and leadership positions in the Philippine Fleet. He is known in the Navy to be an experienced, no-nonsense, but down-to-earth, diligent team player whose attention to detail inspires peers and subordinates to accomplish their tasks with distinction.
These are the attributes he brought with him to the General Headquarters.
Collado's perspectives, as a sea-going Navy Officer, compliment that of Madrigal (who is an Army officer) and that of Mison (from the Air Force) to complete the views from the lens of the three AFP Major services in many respects of command, leadership, and management of the AFP.
“I am confident that the newly posted vice chief of staff, Vice Admiral Collado Jr., will be able to deliver as expected being the former deputy chief of staff," Madrigal said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072944
Alberto visits PH Army reserve training school
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2019): Alberto visits PH Army reserve training school
Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs
With military reserve units being eyed to play a larger role in the country's defense, the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) Training School at Camp Region De Dios, Tanza, Cavite showcased its war-fighting facilities and capability to Philippine Army (PA) head, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto Thursday.
"The Army Reserve Component is a significant sector in nation building, thus we recognize their contributions alongside our regular forces in promoting peace and development. They are our silent partners in ensuring that we have a pool of volunteers who will respond especially in national emergencies," Alberto said.
Also, the event was part of a three-day Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) forum which aims to set a standard and monitoring system for the proper implementation of all reservists and retirees affairs training, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Friday.
Students, pre-deployment trainee students, drillmaster training students and ARESCOM personnel took part in the demonstration.
ARESCOM personnel also showed how mortars are used as well as its other firearms, all-terrain vehicles and how to drive and operate it.
Zagala said the training school provides a base expansion for the regular force in the event of war, invasion, and rebellion and renders humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during calamities.
It also assists in socio-economic development initiatives, including protection to government facilities and vital installations.
ARESCOM has also extended its training to public and private organizations that ought to train its members on disaster response and security operations. It even serves as a venue for team-building activities that promotes discipline, service, and unity.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072940
With military reserve units being eyed to play a larger role in the country's defense, the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) Training School at Camp Region De Dios, Tanza, Cavite showcased its war-fighting facilities and capability to Philippine Army (PA) head, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto Thursday.
"The Army Reserve Component is a significant sector in nation building, thus we recognize their contributions alongside our regular forces in promoting peace and development. They are our silent partners in ensuring that we have a pool of volunteers who will respond especially in national emergencies," Alberto said.
Also, the event was part of a three-day Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) forum which aims to set a standard and monitoring system for the proper implementation of all reservists and retirees affairs training, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Friday.
Students, pre-deployment trainee students, drillmaster training students and ARESCOM personnel took part in the demonstration.
ARESCOM personnel also showed how mortars are used as well as its other firearms, all-terrain vehicles and how to drive and operate it.
Zagala said the training school provides a base expansion for the regular force in the event of war, invasion, and rebellion and renders humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during calamities.
It also assists in socio-economic development initiatives, including protection to government facilities and vital installations.
ARESCOM has also extended its training to public and private organizations that ought to train its members on disaster response and security operations. It even serves as a venue for team-building activities that promotes discipline, service, and unity.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072940
PRO-9 steps up surveillance vs foreign terrorists
From the Philippine Star (Jun 20, 2019):
PRO-9 steps up surveillance vs foreign terrorists
Police have stepped up surveillance in the region in response to the arrest in Zamboanga City of a Pakistani man with alleged links to Dawlah Islamiyah.
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, director of Police Regional Office 9, has directed local police to work with other law enforcement agencies to track down foreign terrorists who may be in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Police Maj. Helen Galvez, regional spokesperson said.
Quidilla also commended the regional police intelligence division for assisting the Bureau of Immigration in the arrest of Waqar Ahmad earlier this month. Ahmad had been working at his uncle's appliance center along Alejo Alvarez Street.
Ahmad was initially arrested for being an undocumented foreigner, which is a violation of immigration law. He has been turned over to the bureau's central office in Manila.
Ahmed's arrest was announced Tuesday after he had gone through "tactical interrogation". The BI said Ahmad admitted to an alleged link with Dawlah Islamiyah, which is also known as the Maute local terror group.
According to intelligence reports, Ahmad was reportedly planning to meet with the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan to conduct suicide bombings.
The military has said the meeting might not have pushed through because the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan are already in hiding due to constant military operations.
Ahmad will be deported and will not be allowed to return to the country.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/06/20/1928101/pro-9-steps-surveillance-vs-foreign-terrorists
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, director of Police Regional Office 9, has directed local police to work with other law enforcement agencies to track down foreign terrorists who may be in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Police Maj. Helen Galvez, regional spokesperson said.
Quidilla also commended the regional police intelligence division for assisting the Bureau of Immigration in the arrest of Waqar Ahmad earlier this month. Ahmad had been working at his uncle's appliance center along Alejo Alvarez Street.
Ahmad was initially arrested for being an undocumented foreigner, which is a violation of immigration law. He has been turned over to the bureau's central office in Manila.
Ahmed's arrest was announced Tuesday after he had gone through "tactical interrogation". The BI said Ahmad admitted to an alleged link with Dawlah Islamiyah, which is also known as the Maute local terror group.
According to intelligence reports, Ahmad was reportedly planning to meet with the Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan to conduct suicide bombings.
The military has said the meeting might not have pushed through because the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan are already in hiding due to constant military operations.
Ahmad will be deported and will not be allowed to return to the country.
Abus snatch, kill retired gov’t employee in Sulu
From the Philippine Star (Jun 21, 2019): Abus snatch, kill retired gov’t employee in Sulu
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed a retired government employee they seized in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.
The bandits also reportedly ransacked the house of Kirah Tiblan in Sitio Lingon Gitung, Barangay Igasan before setting it on fire.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division commander, said soldiers of the 13th Special Forces Company recovered the body of Tiblan 100 meters away from his house.
He said a man identified only as Edwin, who was also snatched by the bandits, was released and is now under the custody of the 6th Special Forces Battalion.
Pabayo said the bandits were reportedly wearing military uniforms and speaking in Tagalog when they went to the house of the victims.
Probers are eyeing a personal grudge as the motive for the killing of Tiblan, whom the bandits suspect as a military informant.
Pabayo said pursuit operations for the bandits are ongoing.
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits killed a retired government employee they seized in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.
The bandits also reportedly ransacked the house of Kirah Tiblan in Sitio Lingon Gitung, Barangay Igasan before setting it on fire.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division commander, said soldiers of the 13th Special Forces Company recovered the body of Tiblan 100 meters away from his house.
He said a man identified only as Edwin, who was also snatched by the bandits, was released and is now under the custody of the 6th Special Forces Battalion.
Pabayo said the bandits were reportedly wearing military uniforms and speaking in Tagalog when they went to the house of the victims.
Probers are eyeing a personal grudge as the motive for the killing of Tiblan, whom the bandits suspect as a military informant.
Pabayo said pursuit operations for the bandits are ongoing.
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