8 of 20 suspected Sayyaf members positively identified by witnesses

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 3): 8 of 20 suspected Sayyaf members positively identified by witnesses

The eight suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members are in a huddle with their lawyer and interpreter. They were positively identified by their captive during reinvestigation at the Department of Justice.

Eight out 20 suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members have been positively identified by two of their captives during the reinvestigation conducted Monday at the Department of Justice. Identified were Jumlie Orie, Jul Ahmad Ahadi Julman, Arabi Muin Ladja, Sonny Boy Barahim, Abdulwahab Hamja, Mujibar Alih Aman, Julhasan Jaani and Absar Mangkabang Asim. The two who turned government witnesses were among the six Jehovah’s Witnesses abducted in Patikul, Sulu, on Aug. 20, 2002 by the group of Radulan Sahiron. The husband of one of the captives who turned witness was later beheaded along with Lemuel Bantolo.

The government, through the DOJ moved for a reinvestigation of the case following claims of some of the accused that they had been arbitrarily arrested. The government’s request was granted by Judge Torinio Ilao Jr. of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266. “This is an unusual move for the DOJ but we did it in the interest of justice…There are some people arrested for not committing anything,” Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Peter Ong, Vice-Chair of the DOJ Anti-Terrorism Task Force, said during Monday’s reinvestigation.

Authorities have arrested three persons, one of them, Ahmadsali A. Badron, 40, who is a member of the Reconciliation and Unification of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and a former Commissioner of the Department of Education. The witnesses failed to identify Badron. Badron was arrested last July 28, 2012.  In the case of accused Kumander Black Tungkang, two people were arrested, the DOJ panel of investigators said. A reward money of P3.3 million was being claimed for the arrest of one of the two.

The panel asked each of the 8 suspects to give their side. Aman, whom the victim said was allegedly in charge of Abu Sayyaf’s budget and told to pick one of the captives for him to marry, denied the allegations. Jaani, on the other hand, whom the victim said as one of those who beheaded her husband, maintained that he has nothing to do with the abduction. “It’s not true. I’m an assistant Imam and (former Western Mindanao Command chief) General (Benjamin) Dolorfino can vouch for that,” Jaani said. One of the eight suspects also said he was just a student when the incident took place and one of his witnesses was then Governor Wahab Akbar.

Ong said they will expedite the issuance of the resolution to release those who are wrongfully arrested. “Some of the explanations are really satisfactory for me. We will issue a resolution as soon as possible [but] this is subject to the approval because this case is already in court,” Ong said.  The DOJ reinvestigating panel is composed of Asst. State Prosecutors (ASP) Mary JaneSytat, Josie Christina Dugay, Marmarie Satin-Vivas, and Benito Sales. There are a total of 135 accused in the kidnapping case.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/317327/8-of-20-suspected-sayyaf-members-positively-identified-by-witnesses

AFP wlecomes probe on arrested Abu suspects

From the Philippine Star (Dec 3): AFP wlecomes probe on arrested Abu suspects

The military said it is willing to undergo any reinvestigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the alleged arrest of suspected Abu Sayyaf members, who claimed to be “fall guys”. The DOJ called for the reinvestigation, particularly on the cases against the Abu Sayyaf members tagged in the abduction of the six members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses Church in 2002 in Patikul town, Sulu, where two of the victims were beheaded. Branch 266 Judge Toribio Ilao Jr. of the Pasig Regional Trial Court ordered the reinvestigation of the case following the request of some accused who that were presented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Lt. Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos, AFP public affairs chief, said they are willing to undergo a reinvestigation and will cooperate with other government agencies to look into the allegations.
“Wala naman kaming itinatago,” Burgos added, citing that all those arrested suspects were immediately turned over to the court for proper disposition. The lower court issued the order pending the trial of the suspects, who said they were picked up randomly by members of the intelligence units of the military and tagged them as Abu Sayyaf members. The suspects are currently detained at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. The arresting military personnel have been summoned to appear in the hearing set Monday by the DOJ investigating panel.

Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) officer-in-charge Governor Mujiv Hataman has earlier written the president over the alleged indiscriminate arrest of his constituents in Basilan province by military intelligence and police operatives merely tagging them through aliases as members of the Abu Sayyaf. Hataman cited the arrest of Romy Sumanpil, cousin of Basilan Association of Barangay Council (ABC) chairman Manan Sumanpil last month. Another victim of arrest was the barangay captian of Lantawan, despite being a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu), working with the scout ranger in 2001 and was collared and tagged with an alias of an Abu Sayyaf. The ARMM governor suspected the rush of arrest on suspects might be due to the bounty reward offered by the government.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/03/879507/afp-wlecomes-probe-arrested-abu-suspects

Army seizes bomb in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Star (Dec 3): Army seizes bomb in Maguindanao

Patrolling soldiers deactivated on Sunday a booby trap fashioned from a live fragmentation grenade laid on a farm trail in a hinterland in Talayan, Maguindanao. Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said it was fortunate that none of the combatants of the 33rd Infantry Battalion patrolling in Barangay Matalam in Talayan stepped on the contraption set to trigger the grenade’s explosion.

Asto said barangay officials have asked soldiers in Talayan to continue searching for more unexploded improvised explosive devices and booby traps in their surroundings, frequented by marauding members of the brigand Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Soldiers have defused in the past three months more than 20 roadside bombs and improvised landmines made up of fragmentation grenades and live mortar rounds in areas where BIFF forces operate.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/03/879521/army-seizes-bomb-maguindanao

Clan war involving MILF commander spark anew

From the Philippine Star (Dec 3): Clan war involving MILF commander spark anew

Tension between a big Muslim clan and a marauding group of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Pikit, North Cotabato escalated anew on Monday after rebels set on fire a house located in an area controlled by the other camp. The recurring firefights between the Tayuan family and the group of Commander Kuyu of the MILF’s 105th Base Command started in December 30 last year, according to Inspector Elias Dandan, chief of the Pikit municipal police.

The Tayuans and Kuyu’s group are squabbling for control of strategic patches of lands at the border of Barangay Langayen in Pikit and Dungguan area in Aleosan town, also in North Cotabato. The animosity between the two groups escalated last month when Kuyu and his men reportedly killed a barangay official in Langayen, who was related to the Tayuans. The Tayuans belong to the Moro National Liberation Front.

Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said gunmen believed to be followers of Kuyu, raided a village in Barangay Langayen Sunday and burned down a shanty of a farmer named Barotoy Bukah. Bukah is a follower of the Tayuan family. Asto said officials of the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion, which has jurisdiction over Pikit and surrounding towns, have been trying to convince the feuding groups to reposition away from the disputed areas to enable the joint GPH-MILF ceasefire committee to come in and settle the conflict peacefully.

The government and the MILF, under the July 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities, are to mutually cooperate in addressing peace and security issues besetting potential flashpoint areas in the south. Dandan said tension in villages at the boundary of Barangays Langayen and Dungguan have been high, without any temporary solution in place to stave off the escalation of hostilities between the Tayuans and Kuyu’s group. Three members of a village militia, Kanapia Musa and siblings Eric and Kamir Pasandalan, wounded when Kuyu and his men attacked Barangay Langayen last Thursday. Kuyu and his followers attacked from direction, triggering a 30-minute gunbattle with the combined Tayuans and members of the Langayen community militia that sent dozens of villagers running for their lives.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/03/879529/clan-war-involving-milf-commander-spark-anew

2 Army rangers hurt in Basilan landmine blast

From the Philippine Star (Dec 3): 2 Army rangers hurt in Basilan landmine blast

Two Army rangers were wounded when an improvised bomb, rigged as landmine by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants, exploded Monday in a remote town in Basilan. Wounded in the explosion were identified as Corporal Mark Dandin Gomez and Private First Class John Garde. The victims were immediately provided treatment by US paramedics, who helped conduct the casualty evacuation mission. Gomez was described to be critically injured as both victims were airlifted to the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) inside the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in this city.

The 104th Army Brigade reported that a platoon of Army rangers under the 13th Scout Ranger Company (SRC) were conducting a route security operation when they hit the improvised bomb at around 7:50 a.m. in Barangay Cabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan town. The military has intensified surgical combat operations to flush out the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf group.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2012/12/03/879549/2-army-rangers-hurt-basilan-landmine-blast

Negrense general, 4 others promoted

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 3): Negrense general, 4 others promoted

Five newly-promoted Army generals, will take their oaths before President Benigno Aquino III at Malacanang today. They are Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, a Negrense, who heads the AFP Western Command; Brigadier Generals Abraham Bagasin, commander of the Army’s elite Scout Ranger Regiment; Rolando Picar, chief of the AFP Finance Center; Roberto Domines, deputy 7th Infantry Division commander; and Jonas Sumagaysay, deputy commander AFP Central Command.

Ardo is from Barangay Paraiso, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, while Bagasin used to serve as commander of the 11th Infantry Battalion; Picar as former 66th Infantry Battalion commander, Domines as former 78th Infantry Battalion commander, while Sumagaysay served as 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, all in Negros Occidental.

Fifty AFP generals, including Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano, AFP Central Command chief, are attending the oath-taking ceremony, that will be held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang today.

After the oathtaking the newly- promoted generals and flag officers will be given honors at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, to be followed by the traditional courtesy call on AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club at the military camp.....

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2012/December/03/topstory5.htm

NOT JUST VFA | House committee wants to monitor SOFA as well

From InterAksyon (Dec 3): NOT JUST VFA | House committee wants to monitor SOFA as well

The foreign affairs committee of the House of Representatives has approved Joint House Resolution No. 37 expanding the scope of the legislative oversight function to cover not just the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US but the Status of Force Agreement with Australia as well. There are several resolutions filed in the House calling for the termination of the VFA on the grounds that the security pact puts the Philippines at a disadvantage.

The VFA allows visits by American forces to conduct joint military exercises and trainings with Philippine forces and is intended to strengthen the bilateral defense partnership under the 1951 RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty. It was concurred by the Philippine Senate on May 27, 1999, giving it the force of a treaty, but is considered a mere executive agreement by the US. The SOFA with Australia, on the other hand, was signed on July 24, 2012 in consonance with a Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperative Defense Activities signed August 22, 1995 in Canberra, Australia.

Anakpawis party-list Representative Rafael Mariano recently filed House Resolution 2888, while Representatives Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez jointly authored House Resolution 2892, both seeking a congressional inquiry into the alleged dumping of toxic waste into Subic Bay by the Malaysian shipping firm, Glenn Defense Marine Philippines. HR 2892 has been referred to the committee on foreign affairs, while HR 2888 was referred to the committee on natural resources and ecology.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/49482/not-just-vfa--house-committee-wants-to-monitor-sofa-as-well

Government troops deactivate booby trap in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Government troops deactivate booby trap in Maguindanao

Soldiers belonging to the 6th Infantry Division on Sunday deactivated a booby trap believed to have been planted by lawless elements in Maguindanao intended for government forces. Col. Prudencio Asto, speaking for the 6th ID, said the booby trap was fashioned from a live fragmentation grenade laid on a trail in the mountains of Talayan, Maguindanao. “It was probably intended for our troops who regularly patrol the area to drive away lawless elements belonging to the renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFF),” Asto told reporters. No one among the elements of the 33rd Infantry Battalion hit the cable that was set to trigger the explosion.

 Government forces with the help of village officials continue to search for unexploded bombs the villages in Talayan left following fighting between BIFF and government soldiers in four Maguindanao towns. Since August, at least 15 road side bombs have been deactivated by government forces believed to be designed for soldiers. Portions of the Cotabato-Gen. Santos Highway remained passable during day time while commuters were discouraged to travel at night time, Asto said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=476516

2 die, 3 hurt when Moro warring clans clash in Pikit

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): 2 die, 3 hurt when Moro warring clans clash in Pikit

PIKIT, North Cotabato - Two persons were killed and three were wounded when firefight between two Muslim clans erupted in interior villages of this town Sunday, police said. Peaceful efforts are underway to settle the misunderstanding which police described as "rido" (family feud). Senior Insp. Elias Dandan, police chief of Pikit town in North Cotabato, said efforts are underway to settle the dispute peacefully. “It was a long time dispute over political boundaries between families in Langayen and Dungguan, both in Pikit,” Dandan said.

 Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said involved in the dispute were Commander Kuyo of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 105th Base Command and Tayuan family. He identified the wounded as Kanapia Musa, 42, Eric Pasandalan, 19 and Kamir Pasandalan, 23, all followers of Commander Kuyo. The two fatalities from the side of Tayuan family remained unidentified. Asto said on Sunday dawn, followers of Commander Kuyo harassed the village of Langayen where the Tayuan family resides. The Tayuan family retaliated and engaged the attackers in a two-hour firefight that left two killed on Tayuan side.

Asto said the conflict was triggered by the killing last month of Commander Kuyo’s younger brother whom the MILF field official blamed on the Tayuan family. Dandan and Asto said both sides are claiming ownership of a large patch of lands in the borders of Barangays Dungguan and Langayen. Dandan said the local government of Pikit has set a settlement meeting between warring groups who both expressed willingness to show up to end bloodshed. At least 30 families who are related to the warring groups have fled to safer grounds.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=476515

9ID renews commitment to human rights

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): 9ID renews commitment to human rights

The Philippine Army 9th Infantry (Spear) Division joined the Bicolano and the whole nation in the celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week which started on Monday. The Spear Troopers took their oath, "Panunumpa sa Karapatang Pantao," led by Colonel Felix J Castro Jr, the 9ID Assistant Division Commander and Human Rights Officer as they promise to uphold human rights. “We are here to show our support to the National Human Rights Consciousness Week celebration in order for our voices to be heard and be counted,”

Major General Romeo V. Calizo, Commander of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division said.  With the theme: “My voice counts in ending impunity: I work for Human Rights based governance,” Calizo said the 9ID banks on the combined efforts of its partner agencies and organizations to attain freedom --- free from fear and subjugation; free to pursue every endeavor within the bounds of laws without trampling on the rights of others. "The 9ID is guided by the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” and adhere to the Human Rights-International Humanitarian Law-Rule of Law (HR-IHL-ROL). "We ensure that the multi-stakeholder approach and paradigm shift to a people-centered approach be fully integrated in 9ID’s operations," he explained. “We are prepared to continue playing our part in the Philippine government’s goals of safeguarding the "life, liberty and property" of the Bicolanos,” M/Gen Calizo said.

He said the New People's Army (NPA) remained a threat in Bicol Region. "In the guise of fighting for a “people-oriented” ideology, they wreak havoc in our society and violate the people’s rights in the process," he added. “We are well aware that despite our efforts, some Bicolanos have been misled to believe the worst about the 9ID,” said Col. Felix J. Castro Jr., the 9ID Human Rights officer. In order to recover from all the damages caused by the negative acts of the NPA, the 9ID decided to equalize their violence by developing our ranks as protectors of HR-IHL. “We ensure that our troops refrain from committing violations. We also make sure that any personnel proven beyond doubt to have committed human rights infractions would be dealt with accordingly. We do not tolerate disrespect to human rights,” Castro said.

The 9ID has elevated its Human Rights Office with the designation of the Assistant Division Commander to head the office in order to give it a stronger personality. "Its functions shall include, but shall not be limited, to advocacy on HR-IHL-ROL, monitoring of HR-IHL cases, and advising the Commander on matters pertaining to HR-IHL-ROL," Castro said. "It shall also have supervisory functions over all HR cases being acted upon by concerned subordinate units/offices. It shall also have the power to conduct investigation on HR cases as a fact-finding office," he added. The 9ID’s renewed adherence in the protection and promotion of HR-IHL was relatively seen as the number of HR cases filed against our soldiers significantly dropped from 12 as of 2011 to just one this year.

Among the initiatives to the implementation of the IPSP “Bayanihan” in 2010, was giving more emphasis on HR-IHL-ROL in the curricula of all trainings, seminars of officers and enlisted personnel, and also in its Troop Information and Education (TI&E) sessions at the 9th Division Training Unit. This was also replicated the lower units of the Command. “However, despite our continued efforts, we cannot ultimately fight the abuses against human rights without the help, cooperation and commitment of every one.We reaffirm today our commitment because we believe that Human Rights protection is the responsibility of all,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=476654

Military units in Pablo-affected areas to help in disaster prevention measures -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Military units in Pablo-affected areas to help in disaster prevention measures -- AFP

The Armed Forces Monday said all military units and personnel stationed in regions on the path of Typhoon Pablo will assist local disaster response outfits in their possible rescue and relief missions. "All units in the areas affected by Pablo are ordered to support local disaster management units in possible rescue and relief missions," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. said. He said such moves are standard for the military, considering the AFP has a support role in the government's disaster prevention and response mission......

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=476662

Signal No. 3 over Surigao Sur, 6 others

From Rappler (Dec 3): Signal No. 3 over Surigao Sur, 6 others

The state weather bureau on Monday morning, December 3, raised Storm Warning Signal No. 3 over 7 areas, including Surigao del Sur, over which Typhoon Pablo is expected to make landfall.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Signal No. 3 over 7 areas. This means winds of 101 to 185 km/h will batter the following:

• Surigao del Sur
• Surigao del Norte
• Siargao
• Dinagat
• Agusan del Norte
• Agusan del Sur
• Davao Oriental

Signal No. 2, which indicates 61 to 100 km/h winds, is meanwhile hoisted over the following:

• Southern Leyte and Bohol
• Camiguin
• Misamis Oriental
• Bukidnon
• Davao del Norte
• Compostela Valley

The state weather bureau also raised Signal No. 1 over the following areas, which will likely experience 30 to 60 km/h winds due to Pablo:

• Cuyo Island
• Eastern Samar
• Western Samar
• Leyte
• Biliran
• Aklan
• Capiz
• Antique
• Iloilo
• Guimaras
• Negros Occidental
• Negros Oriental
• Cebu
• Siquijor
• Zamboanga del Norte
• Zamboanga del Sur
• Zamboanga Sibugay
• Lanao del Norte
• Lanao del Sur
• Davao del Sur
• North Cotabato
• Maguindanao

In its 11 am update, PAGASA said Pablo maintained its strength with maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h and gusts of up to 210 km/h. It was located 510 km southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.

Typhoon 'Pablo': 11 am update: http://www.scribd.com/doc/115270999/Typhoon-Pablo-11-am-update

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/weather-alert/17163-signal-no-3-over-surigao,-5-others

Sulu summit to tackle peace process, framework accord with MILF

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 3): Sulu summit to tackle peace process, framework accord with MILF

Sulu province is hosting the first-ever Mindanao Leaders' Summit and will tackle the Mindanao peace process and the Framework Agreement signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Thousands of Muslims are expected to attend the summit which would be held today in Patikul town. The Framework Agreement, which was signed in October, would pave the way for the creation of Bangsamoro region.

The new political entity would replace the Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao which comprises the provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan. A referendum would also be held in other provinces where there are large Muslim communities to ask if residents wanted to be part of the Bangsamoro region. "Sinusuportahan natin ang peace process ng ating Pangulo kaya nga may summit tayo dito sa Sulu upang ipaalam sa publiko ang kahalagahan nitong peace talks at ng Framework Agreement. Sinusuportahan namin mga governors sa ARMM ang kapayapaan," (We are supporting the peace process and that's why we are holding this summit so our people will know more about the government peace talks with the MILF and the importance of the Framework Agreement.)," Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.

The ARMM governors and top government officials, including members of the civil society groups and nongovernmental organizations and peace advocates are expected to attend the summit, according to Dr Amildasa Annil, of the Movement for Sustainable Good Governance. "This summit is important to all of us and we want the people to understand the peace process and the Framework Agreement, and other issues pertaining to peace, our future and Mindanao in whole," he said in a separate interview. Manila and the MILF continue peace talks in Malaysia - which is brokering the negotiations - and are now centered on power and wealth sharing among other issues.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121203020811

MILF: Murad, Misuari invited to Sulu peace forum

From the MLF Website (Dec 3): Murad, Misuari invited to Sulu peace forum



MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MNLF chairman Nur Misuari are both invited to peace forum sponsored by the Sulu Provincial Government on December 4. The letter was sent on November 28 and was signed by Sulu Governor Abdulsakur Tan. In his letter, Governor Tan said the Provincial Government rejoiced to inform both Chairmen regarding the conduct of a regional Forum on the Framework Agreement in Sulu, which will be graced by elected and other Muslim leaders of the core territories of the Bangsamoro including MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari.

He stressed that he took the liberty to host the event as a testimony of his tremendous support for the peace process and goodwill in insuring the resounding success of the plans, programs and policies that will flow from the Framework Agreement your Front brokered for our people and our homeland. He expressed appreciation if the two leaders could make confirmation of their presence early and convey the assurances of their willingness to graciously comply with any concern in order to insure the honor of your reassuring presence at the said forum as our distinguish observer and special guest for which we shall forever be thankful to you and the Front.

However, as this developed Murad is still outside of the country and his going to Sulu for the forum is most unlikely. After his attendance in the Conference of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Djibouti last month, Murad was also invited to the grace the general assembly of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in Kuala Lumpur last November 28. However, a source in the MILF Central Committee, who requested anonymity, told Luwaran that the MILF leader is sending a five-man delegation, composed of high-level personalities in the Front’s political and military organs.

On the other hand, Nur Misuari, who attended the World Peace Forum sponsored by Muhammadiyah last November 23-25, has not yet said he is attending the Sulu peace forum. The MILF also sent a three-man delegation to that peace forum in Bogor, Indonesia.

http://www.luwaran.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2968:murad-misuari-invited-to-sulu-peace-forum&catid=31:general&Itemid=41

Pentagon to send hundreds of additional spies overseas: report

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Pentagon to send hundreds of additional spies overseas: report

The Pentagon will send hundreds of additional spies overseas as part of an ambitious plan to assemble an espionage network that rivals the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in size, a newspaper report said on Sunday. The five-year project is aimed at transforming the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), which has been dominated in the past decade by the demands of the two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, into a spy service focused on emerging threats and more closely aligned with the CIA and elite military commando units, The Washington Post said in its report.

 Once the DIA expansion is complete, it will have 1,600 "collectors" deployed around the world -- something unprecedented for the agency, said the report. In addition to military attaches and others who do not work undercover, more clandestine operatives will be deployed overseas. They will be trained by the CIA and often work with the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, but they will get their spying assignments from the Department of Defense. "This is a major adjustment for national security," DIA Director Michael Flynn said at a recent conference while outlining the changes. The sharp increase in DIA undercover operatives is part of a far-reaching trend: a convergence of the military and intelligence agencies that has blurred their once-distinct missions, capabilities and even their leadership ranks, according to the report.  The DIA overhaul, combined with the CIA expansion since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, will create a U.S. spy network of unprecedented size. It reflects the Obama administration's affinity for espionage and covert action over conventional force, said the report. Pentagon officials added that sending more DIA operatives overseas will shore up intelligence on subjects that the CIA is not able or willing to pursue.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=476488