From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 16): Soldiers given ‘blinded’ order
Troop aid requested 30 minutes before clash
The Army was “blinded” into sending a platoon of special forces as “augmentation force” for a checkpoint operation in Atimonan, Quezon where 13 people were riddled with bullets last January 6, a ranking Army officer said on Tuesday.
The source said a police officer in the checkpoint operation obtained troop support by telephone 30 minutes before the encounter. He said Col. Hansel Marantan talked to Col. Monico Abang, commander of the Army Special Forces, who sent a 25-man platoon in full battle gear “as augmentation for peace and internal security operations against private armed groups.” “Somehow, we (special forces) were blinded by that request,” the officer said. “I think the negotiation for the deployment of Special Forces troops transpired minutes before the shootout as alleged.” He said the Army never received such kind of request in the past and “even if we did, it will take days before it is approved.”
The troops arrived on board a military truck and took positions in the checkpoint. They brought to 65 the total force of military and police, which included 25 from the intelligence office of Calabarzon and 15 policemen from Atimonan and Pagbilao police stations. Shots rang out when two sports utility vehicles arrived at the checkpoint. Among the casualties were a senior police officer and army intelligence operatives.
The National Bureau of Investigation, which took over all physical evidence gathered by scene of the crime operative as official prober, said they were at a loss for words in describing the killings. Neither “rubout” nor shootout was used by the NBI to describe the killings, but the word “ambush” was ruled out. The officer said other than the soldiers in camouflage uniforms, only the Atimonan police chief was in uniform, which was highly irregular for a police checkpoint.
Maj. Gen. Alamn Luga, commander of the Southern Luzon Command, has ordered the 25 soldiers, inclduding Col. Abang and two other officers, restricted to barracks pending investigation of the case, according to Col Generoso Bolina, the Southern Luzon Command spokesman. “In effect, they are not allowed to go on operations, home leave or vacation until the issue is resolved,” Bolina said. He said initial investigations by SOLCOM indicate the Special Forces troops merely responded to a call for assistance by the local police.
“They were told that a group of heavily armed men and gun-for-hire suspects and drug lords were proceeding to the area and their help was urgently needed,” Bolina said. He said among those killed, Vic Siman, an alleged jueteng operator, and Tirso Lontok, a suspected communist rebel, were not in the SOLCOM’s order of battle.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas sacked Chief Supt. James Melad, director of the Police Regional Office in Region Four, for his alleged refusal to cooperate with investigators from the NBI. Also removed from their posts were members of the Provincial Public Safety Company and the Batangas Provincial Intelligence Group, who were allegedly involved in the killing last Monday of Fernando Morales, a close associate of Siman. “There will be no sacred cows. Sorry, but the government cannot be used as a tool to hide the truth from our people,” Roxas said.
He said Marantan, who was wounded in the encounter, refused to submit to investigators, declining to answer questions, and would not allow them to inspect his wounds and kept the slugs recovered in the shootings. “I advise Supt. Marantan to submit to investigators from the PNP or NBI. It’s not good for a man in your situation not to submit to a transparent process so we get to the whole truth in this incident,” Roxas said. Ronald Pidlaoan, Marantan’s physician, said the police officer was wounded in his left forearm, left leg and right knee.
In Malacanang, presidential deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte said President Aquino “has conveyed his assurances that we are serious in getting to the bottom of his incident.”
She said the government would throw the book on Marantan, who was wounded in the encounter and was reported to have declined to submit to a check-up on the wounds he sustained.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/01/16/soldiers-given-blinded-order/
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
MNLF asks Abu Sayyaf to free foreign hostages
From Malaya (Jan 16): MNLF asks Abu Sayyaf to free foreign hostages
THE Moro National Liberation Front yesterday said it has sent emissaries to negotiate the release of foreign and Filipino hostages being held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen on southern Jolo island. Authorities believe the captives include a Dutch and a Swiss citizen who were abducted in February last year while bird watching in nearby Tawi Tawi province. Abu Sayyaf gunmen are also believed to be holding a Japanese treasure hunter and a Jordanian TV journalist together with two Filipino crewmen who reportedly traveled to Abu Sayyaf encampments in Sulu to interview the militants in June but failed to return.
MNLF commander Khabir Malik said the MNLF move was not aimed at bolstering the candidacy of its chairman, Nur Misuari, who is running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “We have long planned this but we could not coordinate well and muster the force we’ll need so these violators will listen to us,” he said. Malik said his group took the step after its commanders decided in a recent meeting to help the government, military and police clean up the image of Sulu, a poor, predominantly Muslim region that is a stronghold of Moro insurgents.
He said his group sent about 10 commanders Monday to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo in Sulu province to convince the extremist group’s leaders to release all their captives. Malik waited with hundreds of armed rebels in Sulu’s Patikul town for word from the emissaries, who he said were given three days to negotiate. He refused to say what the MNLF would do if the Abu Sayyaf militants do not free the captives. “We’re resorting to peaceful discussions and God’s wisdom to ask them to turn over their hostages to us,” Malik told The Associated Press by cellphone from Patikul. “If they won’t agree, we’ll leave to God whatever will happen.”
The MNLF has denied any links with the Abu Sayyaf, but the military and police have long suspected some rebels provide refuge and other support to the extremists. Some fighters from the two groups are related by blood, security officials say. Sulu’s image has been tarnished by high-profile kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, bombings and deadly attacks blamed on the Abu Sayyaf, especially in the early 2000s. Although US-backed Philippine military offensives have considerably weakened the Abu Sayyaf, an estimated 300-plus extremists in Sulu and nearby islands remain a national security concern.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, said Malik informed him of the MNLF plan to negotiate the freedom of the hostages. Sulu police forces were on standby but would not get involved in the rebel initiative, he said. Malik said the MNLF emissaries would attempt to meet with Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed militant, and other Abu Sayyaf commanders. Washington has offered a $1 million reward for the capture or killing of Sahiron, who has been accused of many terrorist acts.
The MNLF signed a peace agreement with government in 1996 but the pact did not lead to the disarming of the rebels who returned to their communities with their firearms. The group later split into different factions with Misuari’s group retaining hundreds of fighters and accusing the government of reneging on commitments to provide political and economic concessions under the accord. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a larger insurgent group with broke off from Malik’s group in 1978, is currently engaged in Malaysian-brokered peace talks with the Philippine government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/21857-mnlf-asks-abu-sayyaf-to-free-foreign-hostages
THE Moro National Liberation Front yesterday said it has sent emissaries to negotiate the release of foreign and Filipino hostages being held by Abu Sayyaf gunmen on southern Jolo island. Authorities believe the captives include a Dutch and a Swiss citizen who were abducted in February last year while bird watching in nearby Tawi Tawi province. Abu Sayyaf gunmen are also believed to be holding a Japanese treasure hunter and a Jordanian TV journalist together with two Filipino crewmen who reportedly traveled to Abu Sayyaf encampments in Sulu to interview the militants in June but failed to return.
MNLF commander Khabir Malik said the MNLF move was not aimed at bolstering the candidacy of its chairman, Nur Misuari, who is running for governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. “We have long planned this but we could not coordinate well and muster the force we’ll need so these violators will listen to us,” he said. Malik said his group took the step after its commanders decided in a recent meeting to help the government, military and police clean up the image of Sulu, a poor, predominantly Muslim region that is a stronghold of Moro insurgents.
He said his group sent about 10 commanders Monday to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo in Sulu province to convince the extremist group’s leaders to release all their captives. Malik waited with hundreds of armed rebels in Sulu’s Patikul town for word from the emissaries, who he said were given three days to negotiate. He refused to say what the MNLF would do if the Abu Sayyaf militants do not free the captives. “We’re resorting to peaceful discussions and God’s wisdom to ask them to turn over their hostages to us,” Malik told The Associated Press by cellphone from Patikul. “If they won’t agree, we’ll leave to God whatever will happen.”
The MNLF has denied any links with the Abu Sayyaf, but the military and police have long suspected some rebels provide refuge and other support to the extremists. Some fighters from the two groups are related by blood, security officials say. Sulu’s image has been tarnished by high-profile kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, bombings and deadly attacks blamed on the Abu Sayyaf, especially in the early 2000s. Although US-backed Philippine military offensives have considerably weakened the Abu Sayyaf, an estimated 300-plus extremists in Sulu and nearby islands remain a national security concern.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police chief, said Malik informed him of the MNLF plan to negotiate the freedom of the hostages. Sulu police forces were on standby but would not get involved in the rebel initiative, he said. Malik said the MNLF emissaries would attempt to meet with Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed militant, and other Abu Sayyaf commanders. Washington has offered a $1 million reward for the capture or killing of Sahiron, who has been accused of many terrorist acts.
The MNLF signed a peace agreement with government in 1996 but the pact did not lead to the disarming of the rebels who returned to their communities with their firearms. The group later split into different factions with Misuari’s group retaining hundreds of fighters and accusing the government of reneging on commitments to provide political and economic concessions under the accord. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a larger insurgent group with broke off from Malik’s group in 1978, is currently engaged in Malaysian-brokered peace talks with the Philippine government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/21857-mnlf-asks-abu-sayyaf-to-free-foreign-hostages
AFP reports 9 NPA ceasefire violations
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 16): AFP reports 9 NPA ceasefire violations
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) committed at least nine violations of the holiday ceasefire agreement with the government, which officially ended midnight Tuesday, resulting in the killing of at least three people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported yesterday. AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said the military recorded three ceasefire violations by the NPA in Southern Luzon areas and six in Eastern Mindanao. “The suspension of offensive operations will end midnight (Tuesday) and based on the reports from the field we have recorded nine violations of the ceasefire by the NPA,” Burgos said. He said the military committed no violation of the truce.
“Although the extended holiday ceasefire arrangement has expired today, the AFP will continue to hope for a longer and more permanent peace to be observed not only during holidays or times of disaster,” Burgos said. “We hope that the rebels will altogether abandon the armed violence that has caused suffering to rural communities and indigenous peoples, destroyed infrastructures and hampered the growth of our nation,” he added. The military initially declared a Yuletide truce with the NPA from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3 and it was extended to Jan. 15 in compliance to the agreement of the government and National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panels in The Hague. The NPA’s own ceasefire lasted from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/9229-afp-reports-9-npa-ceasefire-violations
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) committed at least nine violations of the holiday ceasefire agreement with the government, which officially ended midnight Tuesday, resulting in the killing of at least three people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported yesterday. AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. said the military recorded three ceasefire violations by the NPA in Southern Luzon areas and six in Eastern Mindanao. “The suspension of offensive operations will end midnight (Tuesday) and based on the reports from the field we have recorded nine violations of the ceasefire by the NPA,” Burgos said. He said the military committed no violation of the truce.
“Although the extended holiday ceasefire arrangement has expired today, the AFP will continue to hope for a longer and more permanent peace to be observed not only during holidays or times of disaster,” Burgos said. “We hope that the rebels will altogether abandon the armed violence that has caused suffering to rural communities and indigenous peoples, destroyed infrastructures and hampered the growth of our nation,” he added. The military initially declared a Yuletide truce with the NPA from Dec. 15 to Jan. 3 and it was extended to Jan. 15 in compliance to the agreement of the government and National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panels in The Hague. The NPA’s own ceasefire lasted from Dec. 20 to Jan. 15.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/9229-afp-reports-9-npa-ceasefire-violations
RPA plotting slay of Negros congressional bet, NBI agents, claims lawyer
From InterAksyon (Jan 16): RPA plotting slay of Negros congressional bet, NBI agents, claims lawyer
File photo shows commanders of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army attending a dialogue at Negros Occidental police headquarters (Julius Mariveles, InterAksyon.com)
A lawyer claimed here that a congressional candidate in Negros Occidental and at least three agents of the National Bureau of Investigation are targets for assassination by the Revolutionary Proletarian Army, which recently signed a peace pact with the government. Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesman of the family of murdered judge Henry Arles, made the disclosure after RPA member Eddie Fortunado, a suspect in the crime, posted the P80,000 bail for his provisional liberty. The RPA broke away from the New People’s Army in the early 1990s.
It is described in the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as “a former rebel group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000” and “is set to transform into an unarmed, socio-economic organization with the signing of a closure agreement.”
Britanico said the most “serious repercussion” of Fortunado and “his cohorts being on the loose again is that it emboldens the bandits to intensify their efforts to eliminate the persons whom they and their masterminds would like the public to believe have persecuted them.” In fact, there was a plan to ambush Arles’ son, Philip, in the villages of Tampalon and Tapi located between the town of Ilog, where the judge was killed, and the city of Kabankalan last January 10, and the deployment of teams to kill three agents of the NBI’s sub-regional office based here, Britanico claimed. The supposed ambush was aborted, however, because of the presence of Philip’s supporters and a military unit in the area, Britanico said.
Philip is running in the sixth congressional district against Representative Mercedes Alvarez, daughter of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, Jr. and sister of Ilog Mayor John Paul, both accused by the NBI as principal suspects in the judge’s murder.
Hit squads
Britanico also claimed that the suspects out on bail have become a part of two hit squads tasked to kill Arles and the NBI agents. The first team, assigned to the sixth district, is supposedly tasked to go after Philip and includes suspects Jessie Gedacan Daguia and Alejandro Castillo Capunong -- both also out on bail -- while the second team is based in Bacolod and will go after NBI agents Modesto Cajita, Cyrus Aluzan and Jose Henry Arellano.
‘For the money’
Philip Arles told InterAksyon he received a text message from a “reliable source” about the alleged January 10 attempt on him. The source, he said, tipped them off several times when he was in Tampalon, an area where Rustom Puro, RPA commander in southern Negros, is based. It was thwarted, however, because “our security was in place” and there was a military unit that was incidentally in the area.
The younger Arles said the attempt on his life could be motivated by revenge since “the accused and the masterminds want to get back at us” although, just like in the case of his father, the suspects are allegedly “still doing it for the money.” “Political gains are secondary, they really want to get back at us,” he said. Philip added that the January 10 incident was not the first time he had been subjected to threats and harassments since “it had already been happening since the charges were filed against those whom we believe are responsible for the death of our father.” “We think that they could not simply accept that someone dared to stand up against them despite the numerous abuses they have committed in the sixth district.”
Surveillance, harassment
Arellano, one of the agents reportedly targeted for assassination, told InterAksyon that the surveillance and harassment against him “is nothing new” and can only be considered as “part of my job.” The latest incident, he said, was on January 12, when four motorcycle-riding men went to his residence in a subdivision in Estefania village here and asked neighbors about him.
He said he and his family had already relocated since these incidents became more frequent starting last year, when the murder charges were filed by the NBI. Arellano is one of the witnesses presented by the NBI in the hearings of RTC Branch 42 Judge Fernando Elumba on the petition for the writ of amparo filed by the family of Fortunado.
‘Weaving fancy tales’
But RPA spokesman Victorino Sumulong denied the claims of Britanico and called them as “conjured stories” as he chided the lawyer for “continually coming up with fanciful tales.” Sumulong told InterAksyon that they want to stop commenting about the murder of Arles. “We want the judicial process to take its course and see if the accused are indeed guilty of the charges against them,” although he pointed out that the inclusion of their members is based on a “trumped up case in the first place.” RPA national commander Stephen Paduano, who uses the nom de guerre Carapali Luwalhati, declined to comment on the accusations of Britanico.
‘Servant to a wealthy master’
Britanico claimed Fortunado’s posting of bail has revealed a lot. “That’s not surprising; not only that it is a matter of right, but a matter of means as well,” Britanico said in a text message to reporters after as he pointed out that Fortunado’s posting of bail showed he “has good funding … being a servant to a wealthy master is obvious in this case.” Britanico, who is the brother-in-law of Arles, said the bail is not a small amount for an ordinary person, especially for Fortunado who has been unemployed for the last six months.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52798/rpa-plotting-slay-of-negros-congressional-bet-nbi-agents-claims-lawyer
File photo shows commanders of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army attending a dialogue at Negros Occidental police headquarters (Julius Mariveles, InterAksyon.com)
A lawyer claimed here that a congressional candidate in Negros Occidental and at least three agents of the National Bureau of Investigation are targets for assassination by the Revolutionary Proletarian Army, which recently signed a peace pact with the government. Lawyer Frank Britanico, spokesman of the family of murdered judge Henry Arles, made the disclosure after RPA member Eddie Fortunado, a suspect in the crime, posted the P80,000 bail for his provisional liberty. The RPA broke away from the New People’s Army in the early 1990s.
It is described in the website of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process as “a former rebel group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000” and “is set to transform into an unarmed, socio-economic organization with the signing of a closure agreement.”
Britanico said the most “serious repercussion” of Fortunado and “his cohorts being on the loose again is that it emboldens the bandits to intensify their efforts to eliminate the persons whom they and their masterminds would like the public to believe have persecuted them.” In fact, there was a plan to ambush Arles’ son, Philip, in the villages of Tampalon and Tapi located between the town of Ilog, where the judge was killed, and the city of Kabankalan last January 10, and the deployment of teams to kill three agents of the NBI’s sub-regional office based here, Britanico claimed. The supposed ambush was aborted, however, because of the presence of Philip’s supporters and a military unit in the area, Britanico said.
Philip is running in the sixth congressional district against Representative Mercedes Alvarez, daughter of Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez, Jr. and sister of Ilog Mayor John Paul, both accused by the NBI as principal suspects in the judge’s murder.
Hit squads
Britanico also claimed that the suspects out on bail have become a part of two hit squads tasked to kill Arles and the NBI agents. The first team, assigned to the sixth district, is supposedly tasked to go after Philip and includes suspects Jessie Gedacan Daguia and Alejandro Castillo Capunong -- both also out on bail -- while the second team is based in Bacolod and will go after NBI agents Modesto Cajita, Cyrus Aluzan and Jose Henry Arellano.
‘For the money’
Philip Arles told InterAksyon he received a text message from a “reliable source” about the alleged January 10 attempt on him. The source, he said, tipped them off several times when he was in Tampalon, an area where Rustom Puro, RPA commander in southern Negros, is based. It was thwarted, however, because “our security was in place” and there was a military unit that was incidentally in the area.
The younger Arles said the attempt on his life could be motivated by revenge since “the accused and the masterminds want to get back at us” although, just like in the case of his father, the suspects are allegedly “still doing it for the money.” “Political gains are secondary, they really want to get back at us,” he said. Philip added that the January 10 incident was not the first time he had been subjected to threats and harassments since “it had already been happening since the charges were filed against those whom we believe are responsible for the death of our father.” “We think that they could not simply accept that someone dared to stand up against them despite the numerous abuses they have committed in the sixth district.”
Surveillance, harassment
Arellano, one of the agents reportedly targeted for assassination, told InterAksyon that the surveillance and harassment against him “is nothing new” and can only be considered as “part of my job.” The latest incident, he said, was on January 12, when four motorcycle-riding men went to his residence in a subdivision in Estefania village here and asked neighbors about him.
He said he and his family had already relocated since these incidents became more frequent starting last year, when the murder charges were filed by the NBI. Arellano is one of the witnesses presented by the NBI in the hearings of RTC Branch 42 Judge Fernando Elumba on the petition for the writ of amparo filed by the family of Fortunado.
‘Weaving fancy tales’
But RPA spokesman Victorino Sumulong denied the claims of Britanico and called them as “conjured stories” as he chided the lawyer for “continually coming up with fanciful tales.” Sumulong told InterAksyon that they want to stop commenting about the murder of Arles. “We want the judicial process to take its course and see if the accused are indeed guilty of the charges against them,” although he pointed out that the inclusion of their members is based on a “trumped up case in the first place.” RPA national commander Stephen Paduano, who uses the nom de guerre Carapali Luwalhati, declined to comment on the accusations of Britanico.
‘Servant to a wealthy master’
Britanico claimed Fortunado’s posting of bail has revealed a lot. “That’s not surprising; not only that it is a matter of right, but a matter of means as well,” Britanico said in a text message to reporters after as he pointed out that Fortunado’s posting of bail showed he “has good funding … being a servant to a wealthy master is obvious in this case.” Britanico, who is the brother-in-law of Arles, said the bail is not a small amount for an ordinary person, especially for Fortunado who has been unemployed for the last six months.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52798/rpa-plotting-slay-of-negros-congressional-bet-nbi-agents-claims-lawyer
New AFP chief vows to 'serve the people,' fulfill military's mandate
From InterAksyon (Jan 16): New AFP chief vows to 'serve the people,' fulfill military's mandate
Army chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday thanked President Benigno Aquino III for choosing him to head the Armed Forces of the Philippines and vowed to “serve the people” and fulfill the military’s mandate. "I am humbled by my selection as the AFP chief of staff," Bautista said in a brief emailed statement. "I can only repay this trust and confidence by devoting the remaining days of my career in the service to our people and the performance of the AFP's mandate."
On Tuesay, Malacanang announced Bautista's appointment as the 44th AFP chief of staff, replacing General Jessie Dellosa, who is retiring. He will be taking over in ceremonies held at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.
A member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, Bautista is credited for being the architect of Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the government’s counterinsurgency program. In a separate statement, the AFP rallied behind its new chief. "Being the chief architect of IPSP Bayanihan and now at the helm of the AFP, we are highly optimistic that he would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for our country," said AFP spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52800/new-afp-chief-vows-to-serve-the-people-fulfill-militarys-mandate
Army chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday thanked President Benigno Aquino III for choosing him to head the Armed Forces of the Philippines and vowed to “serve the people” and fulfill the military’s mandate. "I am humbled by my selection as the AFP chief of staff," Bautista said in a brief emailed statement. "I can only repay this trust and confidence by devoting the remaining days of my career in the service to our people and the performance of the AFP's mandate."
On Tuesay, Malacanang announced Bautista's appointment as the 44th AFP chief of staff, replacing General Jessie Dellosa, who is retiring. He will be taking over in ceremonies held at Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday.
A member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981, Bautista is credited for being the architect of Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, the government’s counterinsurgency program. In a separate statement, the AFP rallied behind its new chief. "Being the chief architect of IPSP Bayanihan and now at the helm of the AFP, we are highly optimistic that he would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for our country," said AFP spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/52800/new-afp-chief-vows-to-serve-the-people-fulfill-militarys-mandate
Army troops gird for war on climate change
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15): Army troops gird for war on climate
change
FORT MAGSAYSAY, PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija (PNA) -- The country’s biggest army training camp is girding for a more formidable enemy which some call the “mother of all wars,” -- climate change. Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry (“Kaugnay”) Division, said the army’s new approach is combating the more deadly enemy, the climate change, wherein the collateral damage of which was most evident in the devastation caused by typhoons and floods that claimed over 10,000 lives in Mindanao last year and in Luzon a couple of years ago.
Drawing parallel from the recent fatalities and the 30,000 deaths that resulted in the war waged against insurgency problem, Catapang said the latter figure could even be surpassed unless the country delved more seriously on combating the impact of climate change. The new role for the Army takes on a new light, considering the responsibility for fighting the New People’s Army in areas declared insurgency-free has been turned over to the respective peace and order councils in Central Luzon and the Ilocos.
Noting the “role of the soldier as the protector of the people,” Catapang said, “then it is appropriate to engage them in helping the people against the impact of climate change.” He also said the soldiers during “peace-time” would be a big asset in their new role as their services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In this connection, Catapang challenged the leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the NPA to join hands with the military in combating climate change, which to him poses a grave concern to mankind and their “common enemy.” How may the military and the NPA serve a common front in this present day problem? Simply by joining together in saving lives, building disaster-proof schools that can be converted to evacuation centers, and conduct joint activities to help the victims of this deadlier war, he added.
Catapang said the 7ID’s Disaster Response unit and Disaster Response teams has been mobilized during the onslaught of typhoon “Helen” and southwest monsoon in August last year and during the devastation wrought by typhoon Pablo” in Mindanao on Dec 3, last year wherein 793 army personnel, 60 military trucks and 13 rescue units extended relief assistance to 67,464 families or 337,320 individuals as well as rescue transportation assistance.
The 7ID’s organic units that provided assistance relief and rescue operations in the Mindanao area were comprised of one brigade and three infantry units - 701 Infantry Brigade, 69th Infantry 71st Infantry Brigade, and 84th Infantry Brigade. They were placed under operational control of the 10th Infantry Division, and are currently involved in disaster, rescue and relief operations in the Davao Region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487537
FORT MAGSAYSAY, PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija (PNA) -- The country’s biggest army training camp is girding for a more formidable enemy which some call the “mother of all wars,” -- climate change. Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th Infantry (“Kaugnay”) Division, said the army’s new approach is combating the more deadly enemy, the climate change, wherein the collateral damage of which was most evident in the devastation caused by typhoons and floods that claimed over 10,000 lives in Mindanao last year and in Luzon a couple of years ago.
Drawing parallel from the recent fatalities and the 30,000 deaths that resulted in the war waged against insurgency problem, Catapang said the latter figure could even be surpassed unless the country delved more seriously on combating the impact of climate change. The new role for the Army takes on a new light, considering the responsibility for fighting the New People’s Army in areas declared insurgency-free has been turned over to the respective peace and order councils in Central Luzon and the Ilocos.
Noting the “role of the soldier as the protector of the people,” Catapang said, “then it is appropriate to engage them in helping the people against the impact of climate change.” He also said the soldiers during “peace-time” would be a big asset in their new role as their services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In this connection, Catapang challenged the leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines, and the NPA to join hands with the military in combating climate change, which to him poses a grave concern to mankind and their “common enemy.” How may the military and the NPA serve a common front in this present day problem? Simply by joining together in saving lives, building disaster-proof schools that can be converted to evacuation centers, and conduct joint activities to help the victims of this deadlier war, he added.
Catapang said the 7ID’s Disaster Response unit and Disaster Response teams has been mobilized during the onslaught of typhoon “Helen” and southwest monsoon in August last year and during the devastation wrought by typhoon Pablo” in Mindanao on Dec 3, last year wherein 793 army personnel, 60 military trucks and 13 rescue units extended relief assistance to 67,464 families or 337,320 individuals as well as rescue transportation assistance.
The 7ID’s organic units that provided assistance relief and rescue operations in the Mindanao area were comprised of one brigade and three infantry units - 701 Infantry Brigade, 69th Infantry 71st Infantry Brigade, and 84th Infantry Brigade. They were placed under operational control of the 10th Infantry Division, and are currently involved in disaster, rescue and relief operations in the Davao Region.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487537
Military lauds appointment of Bautista as next AFP chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15): Military lauds appointment of Bautista
as next AFP chief
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Tuesday announced it is welcoming the appointment of Army commander Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista as the AFP's 44th chief-of-staff. "We are confident that Lt.Gen. Bautista would be able to continue the current programs, initiatives and reforms being undertaken in the AFP for the fulfillment of the goals of the Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan' and the accomplishment of its constitutional mandate," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
Bautista will replace outgoing AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa, scheduled to retire Jan. 20 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Turnover ceremonies will be held Jan. 17 at AFP headquarters in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "Lt.Gen. Bautista's appointment comes very timely as the implementation of the IPSP 'Bayanihan' shifts to high gear on its 3rd year of implementation. He was then the AFP deputy chief of staff for operations (J-3) in mid-2010 when he spearheaded the crafting of the IPSP Bayanihan in partnership with all the stakeholders," Burgos pointed out.
And Bautista, being the chief architect of IPSP "Bayanihan," the military spokesperson said the AFP is highly optimistic the new chief-of-staff would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for in the country.
Bautista is the son of Brig. General Teodulfo Bautista, who was killed by Moro National Liberation Front rebels who reportedly wanted to talk peace in Sulu in 1977. An Army camp in the province is named after the elder Bautista.
The younger Bautista is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981. Bautista is also a graduate of the Joint & Combined Warfighting Course at the Joint Forces Staff College, Virginia, USA; the Grade II Staff and Tactics Course in New Zealand; as well as a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
He also commanded the 3rd Infantry Division. Bautista also distinguished himself as commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade. Other field command duties are: commander 24th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; Commander of the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment; and Platoon Leader in the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. These assignments exposed him to various operational areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
"We are also optimistic that with his leadership, our modernization and capability upgrade program will further take a momentous step forward in our intent to achieve a minimum credible defense posture," Burgos concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487552
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Tuesday announced it is welcoming the appointment of Army commander Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista as the AFP's 44th chief-of-staff. "We are confident that Lt.Gen. Bautista would be able to continue the current programs, initiatives and reforms being undertaken in the AFP for the fulfillment of the goals of the Internal Peace and Security Plan 'Bayanihan' and the accomplishment of its constitutional mandate," AFP spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
Bautista will replace outgoing AFP chief Gen. Jessie Dellosa, scheduled to retire Jan. 20 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. Turnover ceremonies will be held Jan. 17 at AFP headquarters in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "Lt.Gen. Bautista's appointment comes very timely as the implementation of the IPSP 'Bayanihan' shifts to high gear on its 3rd year of implementation. He was then the AFP deputy chief of staff for operations (J-3) in mid-2010 when he spearheaded the crafting of the IPSP Bayanihan in partnership with all the stakeholders," Burgos pointed out.
And Bautista, being the chief architect of IPSP "Bayanihan," the military spokesperson said the AFP is highly optimistic the new chief-of-staff would be able to lead and enable the organization to make vital progress and significant development which will help the organization and its partner agencies and stakeholders to achieve the shared goals of a just and lasting peace for in the country.
Bautista is the son of Brig. General Teodulfo Bautista, who was killed by Moro National Liberation Front rebels who reportedly wanted to talk peace in Sulu in 1977. An Army camp in the province is named after the elder Bautista.
The younger Bautista is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1981. Bautista is also a graduate of the Joint & Combined Warfighting Course at the Joint Forces Staff College, Virginia, USA; the Grade II Staff and Tactics Course in New Zealand; as well as a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
He also commanded the 3rd Infantry Division. Bautista also distinguished himself as commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade. Other field command duties are: commander 24th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division; Commander of the 7th Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment; and Platoon Leader in the 26th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division. These assignments exposed him to various operational areas in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
"We are also optimistic that with his leadership, our modernization and capability upgrade program will further take a momentous step forward in our intent to achieve a minimum credible defense posture," Burgos concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487552
Statement of Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte on the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15): Statement of Deputy Presidential
Spokesperson Abigail Valte on the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T.
Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines effective January 20, 2013. He will be replacing General Jessie D. Dellosa who is set to retire.
Lt. Gen. Bautista is currently Commanding General of the Philippine Army and prior to his appointment had served as Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Dimalupig” Class of 1981, he completed his Masters in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
We thank outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Dellosa for having served the country and our uniformed personnel with exemplary dedication and commitment. We look forward to the stint of the incoming AFP Chief of Staff in continuing the reforms set in motion by the President and implemented by his predecessors in advancing the interests of our soldiers and the enhancement of the defense capabilities of our country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487553
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Lieutenant General Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines effective January 20, 2013. He will be replacing General Jessie D. Dellosa who is set to retire.
Lt. Gen. Bautista is currently Commanding General of the Philippine Army and prior to his appointment had served as Commander of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army. A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Dimalupig” Class of 1981, he completed his Masters in Public Administration at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
We thank outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Dellosa for having served the country and our uniformed personnel with exemplary dedication and commitment. We look forward to the stint of the incoming AFP Chief of Staff in continuing the reforms set in motion by the President and implemented by his predecessors in advancing the interests of our soldiers and the enhancement of the defense capabilities of our country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487553
Palace announces appointment of Bautista as AFP chief of staff
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15): Palace announces appointment of Bautista as AFP chief of staff
Malacanang Tuesday announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines effective Jan. 20, 2013. Bautista replaces Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa who is set to retire this month.A graduate of the Philippine Military
Academy’s "Dimalupig" Class of 1981, Bautista completed his Masters in Public
Administration at the University of the Philippines, Diliman.
"We thank outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Dellosa for having served the country
and our uniformed personnel with exemplary dedication and commitment," said
Valte.
"We look forward to the stint of the incoming AFP Chief of Staff in
continuing the reforms set in motion by the President and implemented by his
predecessors in advancing the interests of our soldiers and the enhancement of
the defense capabilities of our country," she added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487559
Malacanang Tuesday announced the appointment of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines effective Jan. 20, 2013. Bautista replaces Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa who is set to retire this month.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=487559
Monday, January 14, 2013
Muslim rebels seek release of hostages held by Abu Sayyaf extremists in Philippines
From the Associated Press (Jan 14): Muslim rebels seek release of hostages held by Abu Sayyaf extremists in Philippines
Armed members of Moro (National) Liberation Front, a Muslim rebel group which signed a 1996 peace pact with the Philippine Government arrive at Patikul township, on the volatile island of Jolo in southern Philippines Monday Jan. 14, 2013 to seek the release of foreign and Filipino hostages long held by al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen in mountain jungle lairs of the extremists on southern Jolo island. MNLF commander Khabir Malik said his group sent about 10 armed commanders to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on island to convince the extremist group's leaders to safely release all their captives. (AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan)
A Muslim rebel group which signed a 1996 peace pact with the Philippine government said it sent emissaries on Monday to negotiate the release of foreign and Filipino hostages being held by al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen on southern Jolo island. Moro National Liberation Front commander Khabir Malik said his group sent about 10 commanders to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo in Sulu province to convince the extremist group's leaders to release all their captives. Malik waited with hundreds of armed rebels in Sulu's Patikul town for word from the emissaries, who he said were given three days to negotiate.
He refused to say what the MNLF would do if the Abu Sayyaf militants do not free the captives, who police say include a Jordanian journalist and two European bird watchers. "We're resorting to peaceful discussions and God's wisdom to ask them to turn over their hostages to us," Malik told The Associated Press by cellphone from Patikul. "If they won't agree, we'll leave to God whatever will happen."
Malik said his group took the step after its commanders decided in a recent meeting to help the government, military and police clean up the image of Sulu, a poor, predominantly Muslim region 950 kilometres (590 miles) south of Manila that is a stronghold of the Moro insurgents. The MNLF has denied any links with the Abu Sayyaf, but the military and police have long suspected some rebels provide refuge and other support to the extremists. Some fighters from the two groups are related by blood, security officials say.
Sulu's image has been tarnished by high-profile kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, bombings and deadly attacks blamed on the Abu Sayyaf, especially in the early 2000s. Although U.S.-backed Philippine military offensives have considerably weakened the Abu Sayyaf, an estimated 300-plus extremists in Sulu and nearby islands remain a national security concern.
Malik said the MNLF move was not aimed at bolstering the candidacy of its chairman, Nur Misuari, who is running for governor of a five-province Muslim autonomous region in the south in elections on May 13. The rebels, he said, would not pay the ransom demanded by the Abu Sayyaf for the captives' freedom. "We have long planned this but we could not co-ordinate well and muster the force we'll need so these violators will listen to us," Malik said.
Malik's group signed an autonomy deal with the government in 1996 but the pact did not lead to the disarming of the rebels, who returned to their communities with their firearms. The group later split into different factions with Misuari's group retaining hundreds of fighters and accusing the government of reneging on commitments to provide political and economic concessions under the accord.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a larger insurgent group with broke off from Malik's group in 1978, is currently engaged in Malaysian-brokered peace talks with the Philippine government.
Sulu provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra said Malik informed him of the MNLF plan to negotiate the freedom of the hostages. Sulu police forces were on standby but would not get involved in the rebel initiative, he said.
Malik said the MNLF emissaries would attempt to meet with Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed militant, and other Abu Sayyaf commanders. Washington has offered a $1 million reward for the capture or killing of Sahiron, who has been accused of many terrorist acts.
Authorities believe the captives include a Dutch and a Swiss citizen who were abducted in February while bird watching in nearby Tawi Tawi province. Abu Sayyaf gunmen are also believed to be holding a Japanese treasure hunter and a Jordanian TV journalist together with two Filipino crew who reportedly travelled to Abu Sayyaf encampments in Sulu to interview the militants in June but failed to return.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Muslim+rebels+seek+release+foreign+hostages+held+Sayyaf/7816026/story.html
Armed members of Moro (National) Liberation Front, a Muslim rebel group which signed a 1996 peace pact with the Philippine Government arrive at Patikul township, on the volatile island of Jolo in southern Philippines Monday Jan. 14, 2013 to seek the release of foreign and Filipino hostages long held by al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen in mountain jungle lairs of the extremists on southern Jolo island. MNLF commander Khabir Malik said his group sent about 10 armed commanders to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on island to convince the extremist group's leaders to safely release all their captives. (AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan)
A Muslim rebel group which signed a 1996 peace pact with the Philippine government said it sent emissaries on Monday to negotiate the release of foreign and Filipino hostages being held by al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen on southern Jolo island. Moro National Liberation Front commander Khabir Malik said his group sent about 10 commanders to the jungle hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf on Jolo in Sulu province to convince the extremist group's leaders to release all their captives. Malik waited with hundreds of armed rebels in Sulu's Patikul town for word from the emissaries, who he said were given three days to negotiate.
He refused to say what the MNLF would do if the Abu Sayyaf militants do not free the captives, who police say include a Jordanian journalist and two European bird watchers. "We're resorting to peaceful discussions and God's wisdom to ask them to turn over their hostages to us," Malik told The Associated Press by cellphone from Patikul. "If they won't agree, we'll leave to God whatever will happen."
Malik said his group took the step after its commanders decided in a recent meeting to help the government, military and police clean up the image of Sulu, a poor, predominantly Muslim region 950 kilometres (590 miles) south of Manila that is a stronghold of the Moro insurgents. The MNLF has denied any links with the Abu Sayyaf, but the military and police have long suspected some rebels provide refuge and other support to the extremists. Some fighters from the two groups are related by blood, security officials say.
Sulu's image has been tarnished by high-profile kidnappings for ransom, beheadings, bombings and deadly attacks blamed on the Abu Sayyaf, especially in the early 2000s. Although U.S.-backed Philippine military offensives have considerably weakened the Abu Sayyaf, an estimated 300-plus extremists in Sulu and nearby islands remain a national security concern.
Malik said the MNLF move was not aimed at bolstering the candidacy of its chairman, Nur Misuari, who is running for governor of a five-province Muslim autonomous region in the south in elections on May 13. The rebels, he said, would not pay the ransom demanded by the Abu Sayyaf for the captives' freedom. "We have long planned this but we could not co-ordinate well and muster the force we'll need so these violators will listen to us," Malik said.
Malik's group signed an autonomy deal with the government in 1996 but the pact did not lead to the disarming of the rebels, who returned to their communities with their firearms. The group later split into different factions with Misuari's group retaining hundreds of fighters and accusing the government of reneging on commitments to provide political and economic concessions under the accord.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a larger insurgent group with broke off from Malik's group in 1978, is currently engaged in Malaysian-brokered peace talks with the Philippine government.
Sulu provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra said Malik informed him of the MNLF plan to negotiate the freedom of the hostages. Sulu police forces were on standby but would not get involved in the rebel initiative, he said.
Malik said the MNLF emissaries would attempt to meet with Radulan Sahiron, a one-armed militant, and other Abu Sayyaf commanders. Washington has offered a $1 million reward for the capture or killing of Sahiron, who has been accused of many terrorist acts.
Authorities believe the captives include a Dutch and a Swiss citizen who were abducted in February while bird watching in nearby Tawi Tawi province. Abu Sayyaf gunmen are also believed to be holding a Japanese treasure hunter and a Jordanian TV journalist together with two Filipino crew who reportedly travelled to Abu Sayyaf encampments in Sulu to interview the militants in June but failed to return.
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Muslim+rebels+seek+release+foreign+hostages+held+Sayyaf/7816026/story.html
Lawyer vows JI man's wife will face trail
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 14): Lawyer vows JI man's wife will face trail
THE counsel for the wife of a slain Malaysian national, who was tagged as member of the international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, assured on Monday his client would appear before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) proceedings next month. Annabelle Nieva Lee of Sorsogon earlier pleaded not guilty to the illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions or explosives charges filed against her on the arraignment last Friday before Judge George E. Omelio of the RTC Branch 14. The accused is scheduled to appear again before the court on February 14, 2013 for the pre–trial. Lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna, counsel of the accused, told Sun.Star Davao that attending the court proceedings is assured especially because his client pleaded not guilty.
"She (Lee) will appear again before the court. She believed that she is innocent, and since she pleaded not guilty that means she is willing to prove herself that she has nothing to do with the crime earlier charged against her," Tesiorna said. Aside that Lee believed she is innocent, Tesiorna also issued the statement because his client is under the custody of the Naval Intelligence and Security Group (NISG) and this cannot be cannot be rescued by any terrorist group should there indeed be any.
Senior Superintendent Ronald M. dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the authorities here will do everything to protect the people and maintain the peace in order in Davao City. "Mag-rambol sa mi (with the terrorist group) una nila makuha si Lee (They'll have to go through the authorities first before they can rescue the woman)," dela Rosa said, adding that whether the court will allow Lee to post bail, she cannot just leave here. Tesiorna said they would file a petition for bail for the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against the accused next week.
Lee was arrested last December 14, 2012 after her husband, Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar, was shot dead by authorities along Camus St., in Davao City. The City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to charge Lee based on the evidence presented by the authorities. Recovered from the possession of the accused was the improvised explosive device made from 60mm mortar. Authorities also recovered mobile phones and other "explosive materials" from the accused.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/01/14/lawyer-vows-ji-mans-wife-will-face-trail-262934
THE counsel for the wife of a slain Malaysian national, who was tagged as member of the international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, assured on Monday his client would appear before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) proceedings next month. Annabelle Nieva Lee of Sorsogon earlier pleaded not guilty to the illegal possession of firearms, ammunitions or explosives charges filed against her on the arraignment last Friday before Judge George E. Omelio of the RTC Branch 14. The accused is scheduled to appear again before the court on February 14, 2013 for the pre–trial. Lawyer Ben Joseph Tesiorna, counsel of the accused, told Sun.Star Davao that attending the court proceedings is assured especially because his client pleaded not guilty.
"She (Lee) will appear again before the court. She believed that she is innocent, and since she pleaded not guilty that means she is willing to prove herself that she has nothing to do with the crime earlier charged against her," Tesiorna said. Aside that Lee believed she is innocent, Tesiorna also issued the statement because his client is under the custody of the Naval Intelligence and Security Group (NISG) and this cannot be cannot be rescued by any terrorist group should there indeed be any.
Senior Superintendent Ronald M. dela Rosa, chief of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), said the authorities here will do everything to protect the people and maintain the peace in order in Davao City. "Mag-rambol sa mi (with the terrorist group) una nila makuha si Lee (They'll have to go through the authorities first before they can rescue the woman)," dela Rosa said, adding that whether the court will allow Lee to post bail, she cannot just leave here. Tesiorna said they would file a petition for bail for the illegal possession of firearms and explosives charges filed against the accused next week.
Lee was arrested last December 14, 2012 after her husband, Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar, was shot dead by authorities along Camus St., in Davao City. The City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to charge Lee based on the evidence presented by the authorities. Recovered from the possession of the accused was the improvised explosive device made from 60mm mortar. Authorities also recovered mobile phones and other "explosive materials" from the accused.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/01/14/lawyer-vows-ji-mans-wife-will-face-trail-262934
Tulawie wants to be detained in Davao
From the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 14): Tulawie wants to be detained in Davao
THE camp of Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie, a human rights activist who was accused to be behind a bombing incident in Sulu in 2009, requested the court to detain him in Davao City despite the junking of earlier motions to hold the hearings here. Branch 19 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Manila has upheld its recent order issued in October last year transferring the trial of Tulawie's case in Manila for various reasons.
Lawyer May Ann Arnado of the Mindanao People Caucus (MPC) and one of the legal counsels of Tulawie in Davao City said they are hopeful that the court this time will hear their side and allow Tulawie to be detained in Davao City Jail, where he is presently detained for several months now.
One of the main complainants against Tulawie is Sulu Governnor Abdusakur Tan, who was the one who requested the Supreme Court (SC) to transfer the case trial venue from Davao City to Manila. Tan cited several reasons for his motion to transfer the trial venue, which was granted by SC in October of last year, one of these reasons is that Davao City is not a neutral place to try Tulawie since various human rights activists are very active in the city and this might affect the case.
Arnado said they wanted Tulawie to be detained in Davao City while the case is being heard in Manila primarily for security reasons since Tulawie's family received direct threats. Tulawie, he said, is also not safe once he will be permanently detailed in Manila.
The first hearing for Tulawie's case is set on January 25, just a few days away but the court is yet to decide on their pending motion. "We are exhausting all the available remedy to be able to secure him (Tulawie) and protect his safety," Arnado said Monday.
In the meantime, pending the decision from the court for the defense's motion to detain Tulawie here, Arnado said they will coordinate with various groups and with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for the safe transfer of Tulawie to Manila for his first trial. For Tulawie's trial in Manila, several progressive lawyers have already signified to volunteer to be part of tulawie's legal team Manila. "This is a sensitive case and we already had enough threats that is why we cannot put his safety in jeopardy," Arnado said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/01/14/tulawie-wants-be-detained-davao-262935
THE camp of Temogen "Cocoy" Tulawie, a human rights activist who was accused to be behind a bombing incident in Sulu in 2009, requested the court to detain him in Davao City despite the junking of earlier motions to hold the hearings here. Branch 19 of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Manila has upheld its recent order issued in October last year transferring the trial of Tulawie's case in Manila for various reasons.
Lawyer May Ann Arnado of the Mindanao People Caucus (MPC) and one of the legal counsels of Tulawie in Davao City said they are hopeful that the court this time will hear their side and allow Tulawie to be detained in Davao City Jail, where he is presently detained for several months now.
One of the main complainants against Tulawie is Sulu Governnor Abdusakur Tan, who was the one who requested the Supreme Court (SC) to transfer the case trial venue from Davao City to Manila. Tan cited several reasons for his motion to transfer the trial venue, which was granted by SC in October of last year, one of these reasons is that Davao City is not a neutral place to try Tulawie since various human rights activists are very active in the city and this might affect the case.
Arnado said they wanted Tulawie to be detained in Davao City while the case is being heard in Manila primarily for security reasons since Tulawie's family received direct threats. Tulawie, he said, is also not safe once he will be permanently detailed in Manila.
The first hearing for Tulawie's case is set on January 25, just a few days away but the court is yet to decide on their pending motion. "We are exhausting all the available remedy to be able to secure him (Tulawie) and protect his safety," Arnado said Monday.
In the meantime, pending the decision from the court for the defense's motion to detain Tulawie here, Arnado said they will coordinate with various groups and with the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) for the safe transfer of Tulawie to Manila for his first trial. For Tulawie's trial in Manila, several progressive lawyers have already signified to volunteer to be part of tulawie's legal team Manila. "This is a sensitive case and we already had enough threats that is why we cannot put his safety in jeopardy," Arnado said.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/01/14/tulawie-wants-be-detained-davao-262935
Army preparing for war on other front: Climate change
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 15): Army preparing for war on other front: Climate change
Soldiers of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division are gearing up to face an enemy “more deadly” than insurgents, according to Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th ID based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City. “We are psyching our soldiers for another kind of campaign, another front, which is more deadly. I am referring to the impact of climate change, like strong typhoons and flooding,” Catapang said. Describing the powerful typhoons that devastated Mindanao last year and Luzon two years ago, Catapang said “the typhoons and floods claimed more than 10,000 lives. If (this) continues, the number of fatalities (could) surpass the 30,000 deaths in the insurgency problem.”
The Army officer said the responsibility for fighting the New People’s Army (NPA) in areas declared insurgency-free had been turned over to the respective peace and order councils in Central Luzon and the Ilocos. “If the role of the soldier is as the protector of the people, then it is appropriate to engage them in helping the people against the impact of climate change,” Catapang said. He said the soldiers would be a big asset in their new role as their services are available 24 hours a day.
Equipment
“We are now requesting for the procurement of disaster-response equipment that our soldiers can use in times of calamity,” Catapang said, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would join a summit on climate change this year. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, he said, had asked the Army to determine at this summit the specific actions that soldiers could take whenever typhoons hit the country. Catapang also challenged the leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA to join the military in fighting climate change, which he described as their “common enemy.”
Exceeded duties
“We are now fighting a new war which is deadlier. We must join together in saving lives, building disaster-proof schools that can be converted to evacuation centers, and (engage in) other activities to help the victims of this more deadly war,” he said. In Baguio City on Saturday, outgoing AFP chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa noted that Filipino soldiers “have remarkably exceeded their duties” as the AFP confronts new problems generated by climate change and a shrinking world economy.
Aside from combat assignments, soldiers are also tasked to rescue victims of calamities because extreme weather has rendered most of the country vulnerable to disasters, he said in a speech at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he was honored with a testimonial parade ahead of his retirement on Jan. 20. Dellosa graduated in 1979 as a member of PMA “Matapat” Class.
Dellosa said he was leaving the military at the crossroads of peace because the impending resolution to the Bangsamoro conflict ended the cycle of violence he once experienced as a young lieutenant during martial law. He added that progress made in negotiating peace with secessionist groups and communist rebels meant that future military officers from the PMA “have every reason to look to the future with vigor and dynamism.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/340599/army-preparing-for-war-on-other-front-climate-change
Soldiers of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division are gearing up to face an enemy “more deadly” than insurgents, according to Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., commander of the 7th ID based in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City. “We are psyching our soldiers for another kind of campaign, another front, which is more deadly. I am referring to the impact of climate change, like strong typhoons and flooding,” Catapang said. Describing the powerful typhoons that devastated Mindanao last year and Luzon two years ago, Catapang said “the typhoons and floods claimed more than 10,000 lives. If (this) continues, the number of fatalities (could) surpass the 30,000 deaths in the insurgency problem.”
The Army officer said the responsibility for fighting the New People’s Army (NPA) in areas declared insurgency-free had been turned over to the respective peace and order councils in Central Luzon and the Ilocos. “If the role of the soldier is as the protector of the people, then it is appropriate to engage them in helping the people against the impact of climate change,” Catapang said. He said the soldiers would be a big asset in their new role as their services are available 24 hours a day.
Equipment
“We are now requesting for the procurement of disaster-response equipment that our soldiers can use in times of calamity,” Catapang said, adding that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would join a summit on climate change this year. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, he said, had asked the Army to determine at this summit the specific actions that soldiers could take whenever typhoons hit the country. Catapang also challenged the leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the NPA to join the military in fighting climate change, which he described as their “common enemy.”
Exceeded duties
“We are now fighting a new war which is deadlier. We must join together in saving lives, building disaster-proof schools that can be converted to evacuation centers, and (engage in) other activities to help the victims of this more deadly war,” he said. In Baguio City on Saturday, outgoing AFP chief of staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa noted that Filipino soldiers “have remarkably exceeded their duties” as the AFP confronts new problems generated by climate change and a shrinking world economy.
Aside from combat assignments, soldiers are also tasked to rescue victims of calamities because extreme weather has rendered most of the country vulnerable to disasters, he said in a speech at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), where he was honored with a testimonial parade ahead of his retirement on Jan. 20. Dellosa graduated in 1979 as a member of PMA “Matapat” Class.
Dellosa said he was leaving the military at the crossroads of peace because the impending resolution to the Bangsamoro conflict ended the cycle of violence he once experienced as a young lieutenant during martial law. He added that progress made in negotiating peace with secessionist groups and communist rebels meant that future military officers from the PMA “have every reason to look to the future with vigor and dynamism.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/340599/army-preparing-for-war-on-other-front-climate-change
Ramos wishes would-be successor well
From the Philippine Star (Jan 14): Ramos
wishes would-be successor well
Reiterating that he wants to spend more time with his wife and children, outgoing National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos to questions about his resignation. Ramos, who resigned last week, faced defense reporters Monday after giving an orientation to retired general Eduardo del Rosario, his possible successor. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has recommended del Rosario to succeed Ramos but a formal appointment has yet to be made.
Ramos said he wants to spend more time with his wife, who is suffering from diabetes, and his two children. “I believe that my services in the Army for 36 years plus two years at the OCD (Office of Civil Defense) are good enough for the service of the Filipino people,” Ramos said. Ramos was chief of the Army’s elite forces when he retired from the service in 2008. “We are already senior citizens and we are not growing any younger. I want also to devote my time, the remaining days of our lives, the twilight years of our life together as a family,” he added.
Ramos admitted that his children are now aloof towards him since he was away from home most of the time. “As for my wife, I am not a doctor and I cannot heal her but my presence, the togetherness of a family is also important,” Ramos said. Ramos expressed confidence that whoever succeeds him would be able to perform the job.
Ramos refused to confirm that he would be succeeded by del Rosario, who was his junior officer in the Army. He said nothing is final until the president makes a formal appointment. Del Rosario, however, said his visit to NDRRMC was some sort of an “on-the-job training” for him. “I have 17 days to orient myself and undergo my OJT or on the job training and if selected by the president, I’ll be ready to takeover on Feb. 1,” del Rosario said. Del Rosario reported to the NDRRMC at 10 a.m. Monday. He was introduced to local civil defense officials and representatives of some member-agencies of NDRRMC. Del Rosario retired from the military service last November as commander of the Army’s 2nd division based in Tanay. A member of Philippine Military Academy class ’80, del Rosario was the head of Task Force Kailihim, which conducted search operations after the aircraft carrying then Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo crashed off Masbate last August.
Some NDRRMC employees were shedding tears as Ramos was thanking his subordinates and the media for their support. “To whoever will succeed me, let us make maximum participation of the media,” Ramos said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/14/896868/ramos-wishes-would-be-successor-well
Reiterating that he wants to spend more time with his wife and children, outgoing National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director Benito Ramos to questions about his resignation. Ramos, who resigned last week, faced defense reporters Monday after giving an orientation to retired general Eduardo del Rosario, his possible successor. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has recommended del Rosario to succeed Ramos but a formal appointment has yet to be made.
Ramos said he wants to spend more time with his wife, who is suffering from diabetes, and his two children. “I believe that my services in the Army for 36 years plus two years at the OCD (Office of Civil Defense) are good enough for the service of the Filipino people,” Ramos said. Ramos was chief of the Army’s elite forces when he retired from the service in 2008. “We are already senior citizens and we are not growing any younger. I want also to devote my time, the remaining days of our lives, the twilight years of our life together as a family,” he added.
Ramos admitted that his children are now aloof towards him since he was away from home most of the time. “As for my wife, I am not a doctor and I cannot heal her but my presence, the togetherness of a family is also important,” Ramos said. Ramos expressed confidence that whoever succeeds him would be able to perform the job.
Ramos refused to confirm that he would be succeeded by del Rosario, who was his junior officer in the Army. He said nothing is final until the president makes a formal appointment. Del Rosario, however, said his visit to NDRRMC was some sort of an “on-the-job training” for him. “I have 17 days to orient myself and undergo my OJT or on the job training and if selected by the president, I’ll be ready to takeover on Feb. 1,” del Rosario said. Del Rosario reported to the NDRRMC at 10 a.m. Monday. He was introduced to local civil defense officials and representatives of some member-agencies of NDRRMC. Del Rosario retired from the military service last November as commander of the Army’s 2nd division based in Tanay. A member of Philippine Military Academy class ’80, del Rosario was the head of Task Force Kailihim, which conducted search operations after the aircraft carrying then Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo crashed off Masbate last August.
Some NDRRMC employees were shedding tears as Ramos was thanking his subordinates and the media for their support. “To whoever will succeed me, let us make maximum participation of the media,” Ramos said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/01/14/896868/ramos-wishes-would-be-successor-well
Gov't assures equal protection under Bangsamoro
From the Philippine Star (Jan 14): Gov't
assures equal protection under Bangsamoro
The government today assured that all people who will be covered by the new Bangsomoro entity will get equal protection. Chief peace negotiator Miriam Colonel-Ferrer made the assurance following the concerns raised by some groups that insecurity, land issues and political marginalization will worsen under the proposed Bangsamoro. "There will be equal protection for all in the new political entity that will be called the Bangsamoro," said Ferrer. She stressed, however, that apprehensions over insecurity, land issues and political marginalization did not result from the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). "They are part of the unacceptable status quo that we now wish to transform through the peace process," she said. The creation of the Bangsamoro is contained in the FAB that was signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October last year.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/14/896974/govt-assures-equal-protection-under-bangsamoro
The government today assured that all people who will be covered by the new Bangsomoro entity will get equal protection. Chief peace negotiator Miriam Colonel-Ferrer made the assurance following the concerns raised by some groups that insecurity, land issues and political marginalization will worsen under the proposed Bangsamoro. "There will be equal protection for all in the new political entity that will be called the Bangsamoro," said Ferrer. She stressed, however, that apprehensions over insecurity, land issues and political marginalization did not result from the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). "They are part of the unacceptable status quo that we now wish to transform through the peace process," she said. The creation of the Bangsamoro is contained in the FAB that was signed between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in October last year.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/01/14/896974/govt-assures-equal-protection-under-bangsamoro
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