2 more tagged in PMA cadet's death

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): 2 more tagged in PMA cadet's death



DEADLY WEAPON. Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) regional director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson on Thursday shows the tactical flashlight with a taser, believed to have been used to punish Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio on September 17. The turn-over of gadget has led to the identification of two more suspects who will be charged with violation of the anti-hazing law. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

Police will be filing criminal charges against two more cadets in the maltreatment of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadet fourth class Darwin Dormitorio which led to his death, the chief of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) said on Thursday.

In a press conference at the city police headquarters, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson said Police Col. Allen Rae Co, Baguio police director, will now be filing cases against five persons.

He, however, said they will only reveal the names of the two more suspects, both third class PMA cadets, upon completion of the probe or during the filing of the case on Friday or Monday.

The two cadets are now at the PMA holding area under stockade confinement, separate from the first three suspects, Dickson said.

Dickson said the suspects will be transferred to police custody upon the court’s issuance of a warrant of arrest.

Meanwhile, he said a tactical flashlight with a taser, which might have been used to inflict injuries, has also been turned over by the PMA authorities to the investigating team.

He suspected that the gadget might have been used on Dormitorio when he was left alone after his discharge from the hospital on September 17.

Dormitorio was pronounced dead less than two hours after he was rushed to the PMA Station Hospital around 4 a.m. on September 18.

Dickson said the taser was consistent with the result of the autopsy on Dormitorio's body.

Dickson said the taser could have been sneaked into the barracks since it is not part of the things that cadets are provided with.

"Personal na gamit ito. I think it is not allowed but siguro may mga ingenuity na naiisip, yun, nakakuha sila ng ganito (This is personal stuff. I think this is not allowed but maybe there are those who are using their ingenuity and are thinking things that is why they (PMA administration) found this," he said.

The PNP medico-legal officer earlier said Dormitorio bore injuries on his private part and on his navel area.

Dickson said while they are near in closing the Dormitorio case probe, the possibility of more persons being charged remains high.

The first three suspects who will be charged with the violation of the Anti-Hazing law are Cadet First Class Axl Rey Sanupao, Cadets Third Class Shalimar Imperial and Felix Lumbag. They have also been ordered administratively discharged from the academy.

Dickson assured that they are preparing an airtight case against the suspects.

On the other hand, Co said as early as August 20, Dormitorio was reported to have already sustained injuries, which prompted the PMA administration to investigate the matter.

The investigation led to a PMA’s order on a cadet for a one-year suspension.

“The first time he was hospitalized was on August 20, the PMA already conducted an investigation regarding that matter. As a matter of fact, one of our suspects is already recommended for one-year suspension but before it was enforced, he was declared off-limits to plebes especially to Dormitorio but he violated said provision,” Co said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081585

Marawi siege veteran appointed PMA commandant

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): Marawi siege veteran appointed PMA commandant



Brigadier Gen. Romeo Brawner, the new commandant of the Philippine Military Academy. (PNA file photo)

The Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade will have a new officer-in-charge starting Friday (September 27), after Brigadier General Romeo Brawner has been assigned Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

Brawner, who headed 103IB since December 5, 2018, will replace Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, who resigned following the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio from hazing.

At the height of the Marawi siege in 2017, Brawner was assigned to act as the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He had just graduated then from the United States Army War College.

Brawner, a member of PMA Class 1989, said he received the order to replace Bacarro’s post on September 24.

Deputy Brigade Commander Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, of PMA Class 1990, will take over as officer-in-charge of 103rd IB starting September 27.

Cuerpo has been the brigade’s second-highest official since June 1, 2017.

The 103rd Brigade has jurisdiction over Marawi City and the province of Lanao del Sur excluding the towns of Malabang, Balabagan, Kapatagan, and Picong.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081568

NTF ELCAC exec: Makabayan bloc’s Resolution 374 hypocrisy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): NTF ELCAC exec: Makabayan bloc’s Resolution 374 hypocrisy



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations (PNA File photo)

A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Thursday described as “the height of hypocrisy” House Resolution No. 374 introduced by Gabriela Women’s Party-list and other members of the Makabayan bloc that directs the House Committee on Human Rights and Committee on the Welfare of Children to conduct an investigation on the documented cases of grave child rights violations under the current administration.

"This is the height of Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc's hypocrisy. This is a perfect example of the revolutionary dual tactics and CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) propaganda, which all Filipinos should clearly be able to discern now. This is what the NTF ELCAC and the government have been saying about the duplicity of Jose Maria Sison's stooges in the Kamatayan bloc," Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr. said in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, said he finds it ironic that all the abuses cited in Resolution No. 374 are the same as those being raised by the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) against the CPP and its allies, which include the New People's Army (NPA).

"Resolution No. 374 cites UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) and other provisions on the protection of children, exploitation of IPs, and closure of their schools. It identified alleged violations committed in 1989. Ironically, the abuses they cited are the same complaints the IPs have now against the CPP, except for the alleged bombings. But why use these incidents in 1989 to vilify the current administration? This is clearly very cheap propaganda," he added.

He also scored Gabriela, Kaparatan, Bayan Muna, Kabataan, National Union of Peoples' Lawyers and other front organizations of the CPP for doing nothing on the issues being raised against them, including the abuses committed by the communist rebels against the IPs.

Parlade cited as an example the resolution filed by the Makabayan bloc in April this year calling for an investigation into the Salugpungan schools which the AFP complied with and expressed willingness, to tell the truth.

"(In) April this year, the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc also filed a resolution calling for an investigation on Salugpungan schools. The AFP obliged and went to all three scheduled community consultations in Davao Oriental, Surigao, and Bukidnon. The Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc never showed up and even denied being informed of the public consultation. Of course, the reason was that the truth will expose them," he added.

Inaction on missing students

He added that another example of CPP inaction on complaints raised against them and their allies in the case of the missing students who were reportedly recruited by communist rebel front organizations and afterward deployed to the NPA ranks.

"For several weeks now, many parents have been crying to Anakbayan, LFS (League of Filipino Students) and Kabataan for the return of their young children who have been recruited into the ranks of the CPP-NPA. The case of the missing Alicia Lucena and her recruited schoolmates – Lorevie Caalaman, Trishia Antoniano, Louvaine Espina, Ghemarie Labsan, Queenilyn Gorneo, and Lloyd Lopez – are documented cases of minor children exploited, brainwashed, and radicalized to serve the purpose of the armed struggle. There are 8,735 children, aged 13-16, recruited by Anakbayan and some eventually into the NPA, and they have managed to present only two in a press conference," Parlade added.

He added that Resolution No. 374 is also ironic for condemning the use of armed children in conflicts as Salugpungan schools continue to churn out child warriors.

"ALCADEV, TRIPFSS, CLANS, MISFI, etc are all CPP-fronts and learning centers that convert young children to be NPA child warriors. Some of them went to the UN in Geneva this month to bravely tell the story. Does Kamatayan (Makabayan) really think the people are that stupid not to decipher facts from propaganda?" he added.

Parlade also cited the case of NPA rebel Alexa Pacalda who only wanted to surrender and have a chance for a better life but can't due to the fact that her surrender will greatly damage the CPP-NPA.

TRAINING WITH COMMUNISTS. Alexandrea “Alexa” Pacalda (middle) is seen undergoing weapons training with the New People's Army, in this undated photo recovered from communist rebels in an encounter with military troops in Quezon Province. Pacalde, 24, surrendered to authorities in General Luna town, Quezon on Sept. 14. (Contributed photo)

"There is this case of Alexa (Alexandrea) Pacalda who wanted to surrender, so she will have a new lease at life. But the CPP-NPA won’t let her because she will surely damage the NPA. But how desperate can Karapatan and NUPL be? After being allowed to see the condition of the surrenderer, these fake human rights defenders, in bad faith, convinced Alexa to recant her statement with a video surreptitiously taken with Alexa now saying she was maltreated and was forced to sign documents," he added.

With this development, he said, how can these two organizations claim to be defenders of the vulnerable and oppressed sectors as they themselves tricked Alexa into recanting her statement, opening to charges as mandated by the law.

"Now Alexa faces numerous non-bailable charges and the CPP cries foul about government harassment. NUPL and Karapatan are happy the girl obliged to their wishes but look who is suffering in jail?" Parlade said.

Glaring Reds duplicity

Despite putting Alexa into more trouble, he said CPP-NPA front organizations continue to profit from her misery by describing her a human rights worker even with pictures showing the minor handling firearms.

"Are these the kind of organizations who are sincere in achieving justice and peace in the land? Now they claim Alexa is a human rights defender, too? What with all those pictures of Alexa doing training and maneuver with NPAs, with her AK47? What with all those pieces of evidence captured from her?" he added.

Parlade said these progressive organizations continue to peddle lies in the international fora to destroy the image of the country.

"How can they lie in our face about the exploitation of our IPs when the IP-victims of their atrocities are themselves out there in the open, risking their lives to tell the world the truth? How can they talk of abuse of these people, when these IPs, former rebels like Asenad Bago, are the very people talking of how they were trained as NPA at the age of 5, raped, and molested by the CPP-NPA in their Salugpungan schools? What about the plight of Datu Nestor Apas and Datu James Binayao?" he said.

The communists, he said, have grown callous and insensitive through the years hence, their skillful use of propaganda.

"How is this CPP propaganda happening at all? We will tell you why. 50 years of duplicity and lying have made them too callous to even think about whether more lies will matter or not," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081600

PNP-AKG nabs Mindanao’s third most wanted person

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): PNP-AKG nabs Mindanao’s third most wanted person



CAPTURED. PNP-AKG policemen subject NasIrin Baladji to booking procedures after his arrest in Zamboanga Sibugay on Wednesday (Sept. 25, 2019). Baladji is wanted for the kidnapping of three persons, including a Jordanian journalist in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of PNP-AKG)

Authorities arrested the third most wanted person in Mindanao who is allegedly behind the kidnapping of three persons, including a Jordanian national, in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine National Police-Anti Kidnapping Group (AKG) on Thursday said.

AKG Director, Col. Jonnel Estomo identified the suspect as Nasirin Baladji alias Zaed, an Islamic preacher and a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Baladji was arrested on Wednesday, after six months of surveillance, in his house at Purok C Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay by virtue of an arrest warrant for kidnapping with ransom issued by Zamboanga Sibugay Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 31 Judge Vicente Dela Plaza.

Baladji was involved in the kidnapping of Rolando Del Torchio in Dipolog City on Oct 7, 2015; Elmer Romoc on Aug. 5, 2015 in Dipolog City and Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani in Jolo, Sulu on June 12, 2012.

“The PNP-AKG launched a manhunt operation in an intensified effort against all kidnappers with warrant of arrest,” said Estomo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081516

Alleged terrorist gets 40-year jail term for illegal arms raps

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): Alleged terrorist gets 40-year jail term for illegal arms raps

Quezon City court on Wednesday sentenced an alleged member of the Maute terror group, which laid siege to Marawi City two years ago, to 40 years imprisonment for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

In a 25-page decision, Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 92 Judge Eleuterio Bathan found Unday Macadato a.k.a. Solaiman Omar guilty of the crime.

Macadato was arrested in his house in Manalo St., Cubao, Quezon City by elements of the Regional Police Intelligence Operations Unit, National Capital Region Police Office (RPIOU-NCRPO) on May 7, 2018.

Authorities seized from Macadato a Colt pistol, a black Isis flag and an M26A1 hand grenade.

Macadato, who claimed to be a sidewalk vendor, initially denied the accusations and claimed that he could not speak Tagalog but had relatives in Cubao and Fairview.

In the course of the trial, the defense could not produce the said relatives, however, which the court noted could have testified that he was a law-abiding citizen.

"Denial is inherently a weak defense which cannot outweigh positive testimony. As between a categorical statement that has the earmarks of truth on the one hand and bare denial, on the other, the former is generally held to prevail," the court ruled.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081527

2 military officers to head PMA in acting capacity

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): 2 military officers to head PMA in acting capacity



PMA ACTING HEADS. Newly-installed AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said Rear Admiral Allan Cusi will be appointed as acting PMA Superintendent next week while Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner will be appointed as acting Corps of Cadets Commandant, in his first press conference in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday (Sept. 26, 2019). Cusi will replace Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista while Brawner is taking over the post of Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, who both resigned in the wake of the maltreatment incident that led to the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

Newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement on Thursday said two military officers will head the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in acting capacity.

In his first press conference as AFP chief in Camp Aguinaldo, Clement said Rear Admiral Allan Cusi will be appointed as acting PMA Superintendent next week while Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner will be appointed as acting Corps of Cadets Commandant.

"As far as the updates on the current issue of the PMA is concerned, first and foremost let me announce that we will be, this afternoon, we will be installing Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner as the acting commandant of (the Corps of) Cadets of the PMA and next week, we will be installing Rear Admiral Allan Cusi as the acting superintendent of PMA," Clement said.

Cusi will replace Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista while Brawner is taking over the post of Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, who both resigned in the wake of the maltreatment incident that led to the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio last Sept. 18 and hospitalization of three other cadets early this week.

"The focus here actually is to make sure that we will be able to continue and make sure that whatever systems and policies that has to be revised will actually be reviewed," he further stressed.

When asked on whether there are new cases of maltreatment, Clement declined to comment on the matter for now.

"I will not want to deal on specific numbers of as of this time but 'yung nako-confirm lang natin is yung (so far, what we have confirmed are) the three cadets right now in V. Luna (now the AFP Medical Center), including the one in St. Luke's (Medical Center) in Global City (Taguig) that have been initially diagnosed as maltreatment cases," he added.

All of these three cadets are now in stable condition.

Clement also said inspections of all PMA fourth class cadets for possible maltreatment injuries are now ongoing upon orders from Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

"But let me just emphasize that the incident of Cadet Dormitorio and the three cadets is not an institutional incident, it is not a Cadet Corps wide incident that involves all our fourth class members, we are looking at this an isolated incident and hopefully we can address possible future violations of policies in as far as maltreatment is concerned," the AFP chief added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081548

ASEAN, China complete first draft of COC in South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): ASEAN, China complete first draft of COC in South China Sea

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Wednesday reported that the first draft of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) has been completed.

The Filipino top diplomat at a speaking engagement in the Asia Society Policy Institute bared that China has "softened its insistence on controversial provisions" excluding external military presence in the strategic waters.

"We've completed the first draft. That objectionable provisions excluding the Western military presence... they're not holding on to that anymore," he said during a dialogue with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in the US.

Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. (Photo courtesy of Asia Society Policy Institute)
Locsin said the chief executive himself asked the state parties to rush the negotiations and the talks "went smoothly after".

Earlier reports, citing a draft document between China and the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member-states, said Beijing proposed the creation of a notification mechanism on military activities whenever necessary.

Although the reported text did not specifically mention "Western" military, the said provision sought the exclusion of countries outside the region "unless the parties concerned are notified beforehand and express no objection."

Locsin did not mention what steps will be taken next following the concluded first draft of the COC.

"The first draft is really just the first draft, we won't know what it's like. I do know that many countries like Vietnam, even Singapore will take very strong exception to anything that would remove a counterbalancing military presence in the region, they're very careful about that," he said.

For the Secretary, the outcome of the COC's first draft is a development in the "soon to be effective code of conduct within three years" as it is "shorn of anything objectionable to Western interest".

Legally binding

Prof. Julian Ku, senior associate dean at the Hofstra University School of Law, for his part, believes a legally-binding COC is important to reflect the parties' commitment to its text.

"In general, (making it) legally binding is an important signal of how serious a country takes this commitment," he told reporters during the Reporting on Maritime Issues seminar hosted by the United Embassy in Manila on Wednesday.

"In law, we do have a way of interpretation, if it's not legally-binding then interpretation may say 'well it's not relevant because it's not legally-binding'. If I'm a country worried about the commitment of the other country, I would want it to be legally-binding," he noted.

While the document is not designed to resolve the issues on fishing rights and overlapping territorial claims of China and some claimant states, Ku underscored its significance in preventing outright conflict in the South China Sea.

"It will not actually resolve what drives the disputes, which is fishing rights, etc. The COC is intended mostly to try to manage the disputes by saying 'we agree that we have a dispute but we all agree not to use force,'" he said.

Be vigilant

Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, on the other hand, urged ASEAN states to ensure that the COC will not supplant the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) dispute settlement mechanism.

Carpio is part of the Philippine delegation that led the arbitration case against China.

"The code of conduct is only to manage the disputes so that there would be no shooting wars, there would be no skirmishes, (so that) everybody will behave properly," he said in the same seminar.

"We should be careful because if we fall into the trap, we have to settle the merits of the dispute in accordance with the code of conduct and China has a veto power, it's not arbitration, we need the consent of China so we must be very careful that the code of conduct will not supplant the dispute settlement mechanism because that is the best dispute settlement mechanism in the world, proof is we won against China, a nuclear-armed power," he stressed.

Carpio also questioned the three-year timeline of the COC conclusion, timed to conclude before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term.

"China has said before, we will sign the COC at the proper time when the time is right. When will the time be right for China? They said three years from now during the term of President Duterte. My take, China needs to reclaim one area: Scarborough Shoal," he said.

Carpio told reporters that China has tried to reclaim the Scarborough Shoal but failed to do so.

"We all know they have a plan and they may do that before the end of the term of President Duterte because that is the time they will also sign the COC after they finished the reclamation, they will say, 'Let's sign the COC, nobody builds anything anymore,' everything will freeze and that will legitimize what they've created: the artificial islands," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081464

AFP services hold live-fire exercises in Tarlac

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26, 2019): AFP services hold live-fire exercises in Tarlac

Joint components of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) in Capas, Tarlac, as part of its ongoing multi-service exercise "DAGIT-PA", Wednesday.

The mission of the scenario-based CALFEX was to retake the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base from the occupying enemy, "DAGIT-PA" public affairs office chief Capt. Rhyan Batchar said.

Joint Army, Air Force, and Marine forces utilized their ground maneuver, artillery, mortars, and air elements to successfully carry out the complex live-fire event.

During the exercise, aircraft from the Philippine Air Force's 15th Strike Wing and 5th Fighter Wing provided air cover and attacked enemy artillery to soften their bunkers.

Meanwhile, joint army and marine artillery and mortars delivered indirect fire support to ground troops to destroy the remaining enemy forces.

“The CALFEX underscores the importance of interoperability among our ground and air assets during combined combat operations. It also tested our service members’ maneuver warfare skills and fortified their capabilities in fighting together,” Commodore Adeluis Bordado, AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command head, and "DAGIT-PA" Exercise Director, said in a statement.

Joint exercises such as CALFEX seek to develop a high level of readiness and responsiveness among soldiers.

It also enhances the relationship between the services by enabling troops to work together towards accomplishing a common goal.

The CALFEX was part of a broader series of joint interoperability events under AFP Joint Exercise (AJEX) DAGIT-PA 03-2019 which was launched last September 16.

It involved more than 1,500 soldiers from all major services in events such as Air/Maritime Interdiction, Airfield Retake, Military Operations in Urban Terrain, and Amphibious Operations.

"DAGIT-PA" which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” aims to enhance interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army. It also employed services and expertise from Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group, and Reservists.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081489

Editorial: Is the Islamic State Gaining Ground in Southeast Asia?

Posted to the World Politics Review (Sep 25, 2019): Editorial: Is the Islamic State Gaining Ground in Southeast Asia?

It’s been six months since the Islamic State lost the last slice of its territory in Iraq and Syria, where it once controlled a land mass roughly the size of the United Kingdom. This loss dealt a serious blow to the terrorist group, but not a fatal one. As many different counterterrorism analysts have written, ISIS continues to spread its message and gather adherents who carry out attacks in its name across the globe.

One area where a metastasizing ISIS could seek to establish a greater foothold is Southeast Asia. In recent years, a number of countries in this diverse region, including the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, have had to confront militant Islamist insurgencies to varying degrees, and a number of ISIS-inspired attacks have taken place in the region this year.

For this week’s interview on Trend Lines, WPR’s Elliot Waldman is joined by Zachary Abuza, a professor of national security strategy at the National War College in Washington, to discuss the Islamic State’s encroachment into Southeast Asia. Zach is a leading authority on Southeast Asian politics and security issues, and he recently co-authored an article in Foreign Affairs entitled “The Islamic State Meets Southeast Asia.”

If you like what you hear on Trend Lines and what you’ve read on WPR, you can sign up for our free newsletter to get our uncompromising analysis delivered straight to your inbox. The newsletter offers a free preview article every day of the week, plus three more complimentary articles in our weekly roundup every Friday.

https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/podcast/28216/is-the-islamic-state-gaining-ground-in-southeast-asia

NPA owns ambush in Oriental Mindoro

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 25, 2019): NPA owns ambush in Oriental Mindoro

Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels claimed responsibility for the ambush of policemen in Socorro town, Oriental Mindoro on Tuesday.

Madaay Gasic, spokesperson of the NPA-Lucio de Guzman command operating in the island, said on Wednesday that a unit of Red fighters successfully staged the ambush against the police forces in Barangay Pasi 2 around 7 a.m.

He claimed there were about 12 casualties in the ambush.

However, police reported that only three of their troops were wounded.

Gasic said members of the Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion and Public Maneuver Force Company from the Philippine National Police in

Mimaropa, with soldiers from the Army’s 203rd Infantry Brigade have been conducting continued military operations against the communist guerrillas and local residents.

He said Mindorenos have long been complaining of human rights violations under the police and Army Joint Campaign Plan-Kapanatagan.

On Tuesday, Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado, information officer of the Mimaropa police, said a team from the Pinamalayan police were on their way to Calapan City for a radio program, when their vehicle was hit by an explosion, followed by gunshots.

Wounded in the attack were Chief Master Sergeant Ivan Fortus, Senior Master Sergeant Irene Lazo and Corporal Jessica Ivy Carmona.

They were rushed to the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Hospital for treatment.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1169463/npa-owns-ambush-in-oriental-mindoro

NPAs try to sabotage mass surrender of comrades in Escalante City – police

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 25, 2019): NPAs try to sabotage mass surrender of comrades in Escalante City – police

A ranking police official accused the New People’s Army (NPA) of attempting to sabotage the mass surrender of 2,000 former communist rebels and their supporters in Escalante City in Negros Occidental last week.


Photo via Aaron Recuenco

Brig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, director of the Western Visayas regional police, said the attempt of the local communist rebels to sabotage the mass surrender and oath-taking of former communist rebels and their supporters was confirmed by eight arrested suspected communist rebels in Escalante City two days before the event.

“Their plan is to inflict harm on some of those who surrendered and make a propaganda out of it. If they succeeded, this may have been used to scare their fellow rebels to surrender,” said Pamuspusan.

Negros Island is considered as one of the remaining major operational areas of the NPA in the country.

On September 20, the government held the mass surrender and oath-taking of communist rebels and their supporters in various parts of the province.

But two days before, a joint police and military operatives arrested eight armed men who were on board a van in Barangay Balintawak in Escalante City.

Arrested were Joel Guillero, 40; Clint Mangayon, 20; Buenvenido Ducay, 55; Aiza Gamao, 32; Jonathan Alcosiva; 21; and a 17-year old minor all from Escalante City; and Kenneth Serondo, 19; and Leon Charito, 60 who are both from the town of Toboso.

Seized from them were six .45 caliber pistols loaded with magazines and ammunitions; one .38 caliber revolver with ammunitions; one KG9 sub-machine pistol with ammunitions; improvised dynamites and bombs and propaganda materials.

Pamuspusan said criminal charges were already filed against them.

“Based on the investigation and analysis of the confiscated firearms and explosives, the arrested suspects are planning to create a scenario to disrupt the holding of mass oath of allegiance of their former members and supporters and accuse the state forces as the one responsible of the incident and eventually use it as a propaganda against the government,” said Pamuspusan.

The government, it was recalled, has shifted to localized peace talks after the peace negotiations with the communist rebels via the National Democratic Front of the Philippines bogged down anew.

This resulted in the surrender of hundreds of communist rebels and their supporters in the past months, and the escalation of attacks of communist rebels.

On Tuesday, suspected communist rebels ambushed a police vehicle in Oriental Mindoro and resulted in the wounding of three cops, two of them are policewomen.

Police Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, deputy chief for Operations of the PNP, said the localized peace talks is essential in end local communist armed conflict in the timeframe set by President Duterte.

“We are optimistic that the whole of nation approach is truly the effective medicine that will cure the illness of 50 years of insurgency that our country has been suffering”, said Gamboa who was present in a press briefing about the arrest of the communist rebels.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/09/25/npas-try-to-sabotage-mass-surrender-of-comrades-in-escalante-city-police/

3 suspected NPA rebels surrender in Oro

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Sep 25, 2019): 3 suspected NPA rebels surrender in Oro

AT LEAST three suspected members of Militia ng Bayan (MB) of the New People’s Army (NPA) have turned themselves in to authorities in Tignapoloan, Cagayan de Oro City, Tuesday.

Police said the former rebels will be social development packages under the government’s Enhances Comprehensive Integration Program (E-Clip).

The program provides benefits and opportunities to former NPA rebels who decided to return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life.

Members of Police Station 8 in Lumbia conducted internal security operation and facilitate the surrender of the former NPA members.

Police declined to identify the rebels for security considerations.

The former NPA fighters turned over a Garand rifle with 15 rounds live ammo and two magazines; a Carbine Rifle with 20 rounds live ammo and two magazine; two rifle grenade; a caliber 45 pistol and a hand grenade.

City police director Colonel Henry Dampal lauded the efforts of his men which led to the surrender of the NPA members.

Dampal calls on other NPA combatants to abandon the armed struggle and surrender as the government prepared assistance for their fresh start.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1824843

US, Philippine air drills take lofty aim at China

Posted to the Asia Times (Sep 25, 2019): US, Philippine air drills take lofty aim at China (By Richard Javad Heydarian)

A Philippine Marine after fast-roping out of an MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at Basa Air Field, January 22, 2016. Photo: US Marine Corps via Twitter

Unprecedented joint airborne exercises dropped troops from the sky in simulated rapid deployment to the South China Sea

American and Philippine armed forces held their first ever combined airborne operations on September 22, a show of joint force that will have sent a strong signal to China amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.

The Cesar Basa Air Base, where the historic joint exercises were staged, has been partially opened to Americans under the recently implemented Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). Significantly, the facility is close to the Philippine-claimed Scarborough Shoal, which China seized and occupied after a weeks-long standoff with the Philippines in 2012.

Security analysts see China’s occupation of the feature as crucial to its eventual ability to establish an Aerial Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) over the sea. The US and Philippines are long-time mutual defense treaty allies but Washington did not intervene in defense of the Philippines’ claim during the 2012 showdown.

That may change in any future China-Philippine confrontation. The joint air drill comes amid Manila’s rising anxiety over China’s harassment of Philippine supply lines in the Spratly islands and increased deployment of Chinese militia vessels to Philippine-claimed waters.

An estimated 500 soldiers of the Philippine Army’s First Scout Ranger Regiment and Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) and US Army’s 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) participated in the drill, which was jointly overseen by Philippine and US commanding officers.

“This training will enhance our troops’ technical expertise in airborne operations, enabling our combat units to better respond to future contingency operations and other security challenges. Likewise, the combat interoperability with our US counterparts will also be strengthened,” said Philippine Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto.

A Philippine flag flutters as the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) anchors off Manila Bay, June 26, 2018. Photo: AFP/ Ted Aljibe

The military drills, which saw troops jump from multiple US C-130 planes to simulate a rapid and massive deployment of troops to combat zones, focused on urban combat operations as well as maritime and territorial defense.

Airborne operations are specifically designed for resupply and operational support during extensive combat operations, as well as confronting conventional threats which are inaccessible to land and naval forces. US military officials have said US Air Force planes fly over the sea on a daily basis to protect freedom of overflight.

China did not immediately respond to the unprecedented airborne drills. In May, however, China deployed two naval vessels near the site of US-Philippine joint sea exercises which saw the US deploy a coast guard cutter to Philippine waters for the first time in seven years.

This week’s air drills coincided with the release of a new Philippine Department of National Defense (DND) report which accuses China of recently harassing a Philippine resupply mission at the Second Thomas Shoal.

Philippine officials have aired their diplomatic grievances over the perceived harassment of a feature where Manila stations troops. “Of course that’s objectionable. They are just ferrying supplies and food, why block them?” said presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo on September 23.

The disputed land feature, which lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), has been under Manila’s de facto control since the late 1990s, when the Philippine Navy grounded a dilapidated vessel, the BRP Sierra Madre, in the area.

The contested shoal also lies just 37 kilometers from Mischief Reef, a low-tide elevation situated 217 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan.

China has recently transformed Mischief Reef into a massive military complex, with satellite imagery recently revealing the presence of anti-aircraft weapons and a missile defense system. The Philippines maintains a permanent Marines detachment at the Second Thomas Shoal, but China has nonetheless stepped up harassment of Manila’s recent resupply missions.

In 2014, during a months-long Chinese naval blockade of the feature, the Philippines relied on aerial resupply missions as well as American assistance provided by surveillance aircrafts to sustain its military presence at the shoal.

Map: Twitter

Despite improved bilateral relations under the Beijing-friendly Rodrigo Duterte administration, China has stepped up its harassment of Philippine-occupied features, coincident with a rising US commitment to ensure freedom of navigation in the sea.

The US has deployed ships at least 11 times to the South China Sea under US President Donald Trump’s administration. China insists the operations are illegal and violation of its sovereignty; Beijing’s so-called nine-dash line map claims nearly 90% of the sea.

According to the DND report submitted to the Philippine Congress during budget deliberations, a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocked a Philippine resupply mission in the area in May 14. The Chinese ship reportedly moved as close as 1,460 meters to intimidate the incoming Philippine resupply vessels, the report said.

The armed forces’ Western Command, which is in charge of protecting the Philippines’ claims in the South China Sea, reported the presence of a Chinese Coast guard vessel close to the shoal in August.

The DND report also highlighted China’s growing deployment of maritime militia vessels to Philippine waters and occupied islands. In the first half of 2019, the military spotted 22 Chinese militia vessels within Philippine waters, an estimated 300 of which swarmed the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island in the Spratly islands.

The island’s Rancudo Airfield has a 1,300 meter unpaved airstrip that has seen both ends eroded into the sea. China’s pressure is viewed as an attempt to curb ongoing repairs to the runway, which were set to be completed by the end of 2019 but may not be finished because of the harassment.

The US had previously offered assistance to refurbish the strategic airstrip. The Philippine Navy has floated various strategic designs for the island, including the possible construction of a naval base for training its elite Special Warfare Group and Navy Seals.

The Philippine military claims that Chinese militia vessels serve multiple purposes, including surveillance and information- gathering on rival claimant states.

A satellite image of the Fiery Cross Reef in the South China Sea. Photo: Planet Labs

“There is high possibility that Beijing will continue the employment of these vessels, which could be used for asymmetric warfare of sea control and sea denial, such as swarming tactic and ramming of other claimants’ vessels in the area, enabling it to make advancements in the maritime region without causing tension in the area,” the DND report said.

The DND also warned about the “emerging trend” of Chinese warships being deployed to the Sulu-Celebes Sea area, particularly in Balabac Strait and Sibutu Passage in the southern portions of the Philippines, indicating a possible encirclement strategy.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier this year complained about Chinese warships switching off their tracking devices while clandestinely moving through Philippine territorial seas.

The DND has likewise carped about being “persistently monitored” by Chinese warships and vessels in the Batanes Islands in the north, close to Taiwan, which China considers a renegade province and has promised to “reunify” with the mainland by 2020.

Whether the unprecedented US-Philippine joint air exercises will serve as a deterrent and alleviate Chinese pressure in the sea, however, is yet to be seen.

https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/09/article/us-philippine-air-drills-take-lofty-aim-at-china/

CA panel recommends promotion of 29 AFP officers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 25, 2019): CA panel recommends promotion of 29 AFP officers



Officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are present during a Commission on Appointments committee on national defense hearing on the confirmation of their ad interim appointments and nominations on Wednesday, September 25, 2019. (Photo by: Daphne Galvez / INQUIRER.net)

A panel of the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Wednesday recommended for confirmation the ad interim appointments and nominations of 29 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

No one objected to the motion to recommend the appointments and nominations of the following officials during the hearing of the CA committee on national defense headed by Cavite 6th District Rep. Luis “Jon-Jon” Ferrer IV:

Ad interim appointments:

Joselito Ramos to the rank of Major General
Ralph Mamauag to the rank of Brigadier General
Ramiro Manuel Rey to the rank of Lieutenant General
Gregorio Marcelo Azores to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps (Reserve)
Andres Centino to the rank of Major General
Antonio Parlade Sr. to the rank of Major General
Roy Galido to the rank of Brigadier General
Roberto Capulong to the rank of Brigadier General
Aldrin Cuña to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy (Reserve)
Roberto Emmanuel Feliciano to the rank of Colonel, Philippine Navy-Marines (Reserve)
Raymundo Acorda to the rank of Brigadier General
Raul Jesus Caldez to the rank of Brigadier General
Adrian Sanchez Jr. to the rank of Major General

Nominations

Connor Anthony Canlas Sr. to the rank of Major General
Rene Raoul Rommel Honasan to the rank of Brigadier General
Raul Ciño to the rank of Brigadier General
Alberto Carlos to the rank of Rear Admiral
Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. to the rank of Major General
Adriano Perez Jr. to the rank of Major General
Adelius Bordado to the rank of Rear Admiral
Danilo Fuentes Jr. to the rank of Commodore
Ramil Roberto Enriquez to the rank of Rear Admiral
William Ilagan to the rank of Brigadier General

Ad Interim Appointment

Joselito Vital to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps (Reserve)

Nominations

Efren Baluyot to the rank of Brigadier General
Fernando Felipe to the rank of Brigadier General
Royland Orquia to the rank of Brigadier General
Maurito Licudine to the rank of Brigadier General
Joselyn Bandarlipe to the rank of Brigadier General

The panel also approved a motion to waive the appearance and submission of documentary requirements of Ramos.

The panel’s recommendation would then be transmitted for approval at the plenary. /

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1169299/ca-panel-recommends-promotion-of-29-afp-officers

MILF leader, pals elude anti-drug ops in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 25, 2019): MILF leader, pals elude anti-drug ops in North Cotabato

KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO — Anti-narcotics agents seized P90,000 worth of shabu (crystal meth) in a raid at two houses here on Monday supposedly to arrest a number of personalities allegedly involved in illegal drug trade.

Director Naravy Duquiatan, chief of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) Soccsksargen, said targeted for arrest was Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s Unson Baliwan and the couple Paolo and Narcisa Baculodan.

The three fled before the raiding team arrived.

Duquiatan said the operating team that included troops from Kabacan police and the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade served the warrants about 4 a.m. Monday against Baliwan and the Baculodan couple.

Baliwan, also known as Commander Omerta, is an MILF official based in Kabacan.

“(But t)hey fled even before the operating units could reach their homes,” Duquiatan said in a statement.

Seized from the house of Commander Omega were seven sachets of suspected shabu worth P40,800.

Another 45 small sachets of suspected shabu, valued at P47,600, were seized from the house of the Baculodan couple believed to be supplying prohibited drugs in Kabacan and in North Cotabato.

Charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the suspects who remained at large.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1169225/milf-leader-pals-elude-anti-drug-ops-in-north-cotabato