From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Mar 19): NPA Leader Nabbed
A ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was arrested in Jaro, Iloilo City last Saturday, the military said yesterday.
Bernabe Tobongbanua, with aliases "Mamay" and "Bimboy," was arrested by combined elements of the military and the police, Capt. Major Ray Tiongson, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a press statement.
Tobongbanua, allegedly a staff for Regional Finance Bureau and Intelligence Officer of Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, was arrested by virtue of warrant of arrest forcmurder case issued by Judge Amular of Branch 21, 6th Regional Trial Court, Tiongson said.
Col. Arnold Quiapo, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade based in Dingle, Iloilo said, "With the arrest of Tubongbanua, the peace and order situation in the island of Panay will be much better. The rule of law must always prevail and we will ensure that justice will be attained by victims of the CPP-NPA and Tubongbanua."
Seized from Tubongbanua were subversive documents of high intelligence value and explosives, Tiongson said.
Major General Jose Mabanta, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army said, "This is an accomplishment of the people of Panay because through their help, we were able to catch Mr. Tubongbanua. Significantly, this will have a great impact on the CPP-NPA leadership here in Panay."
Other appropriate charges will also be filed against Tubongbanua who is also involved in a series of extortion activities especially from the big companies in urbanized areas of in Panay, Tiongson added.
Tubongbanua is also one of the suspects in the torching of a crane in Sigma, Capiz in 2011, and two taxi cabs in Leon, Iloilo in July 2011.
Mabanta stressed that, "This development will add to the leadership crisis which is now happening in the hierarchy of the CPP-NPA. They are now considered a weak organization and with that, we hope to end the insurgency in the whole of Panay."
"We are once again openly reaching out to our long-lost brothers in the CPP-NPA to come down and talk with us especially with the local government leaders because the issues in our society are being addressed through our IPSP Bayanihan and we cannot move on if we keep on fighting. We need to go back to the negotiating table to finally put an end to the insurgency problem of our country," Mabanta added.
http://www.ndb-online.com/031913/local-news/local-news-npa-leader-nabbed
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
NPA rebels kill army spy in Camarines Sur
From Bicol Today (Mar 17): NPA rebels kill army spy in Camarines Sur
City of Naga, Bicol Region – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Camarines Sur admitted the killing of an alleged Army spy on Thursday afternoon at Sangay, Camarines Sur, according to a rebel statement sent to Bicoltoday.com. on Friday, March 15.
The NPA Edumundo Jacob Command (EJC) said it had meted “punishment” to Ferdinand Bantal, a military asset and member of a paramilitary group, in Sitio Odiongan, Turague village, Sangay, this province.
According to the rebel statement, Bantal was involved in the attempted killing of three peasants when they were caught resting in a hut during a military operation by a Special Operation Team in Antipolo village, Iriga City in year 2007. However, the civilians managed to flee.
Rojo Armada, EJC spokesman, said the victim was also involved in harassing and threatening civilians in the mountain areas of Sagnay, Baao, and Iriga City in year 2006, and on rural folks he suspected as “rebel sympathizers.”
The group also claimed the alleged spy had been involved in cattle-rustling and other “criminal activities”.
The rebel statement came from the Edumundo Jacob Command which is based in Rinconada District, commonly known as Camarines Sur’s 5th legislative district with Iriga City as the premier urban area, and 45-minutes drive from City of Naga.
http://bicoltoday.com/?p=9215
City of Naga, Bicol Region – New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Camarines Sur admitted the killing of an alleged Army spy on Thursday afternoon at Sangay, Camarines Sur, according to a rebel statement sent to Bicoltoday.com. on Friday, March 15.
The NPA Edumundo Jacob Command (EJC) said it had meted “punishment” to Ferdinand Bantal, a military asset and member of a paramilitary group, in Sitio Odiongan, Turague village, Sangay, this province.
According to the rebel statement, Bantal was involved in the attempted killing of three peasants when they were caught resting in a hut during a military operation by a Special Operation Team in Antipolo village, Iriga City in year 2007. However, the civilians managed to flee.
Rojo Armada, EJC spokesman, said the victim was also involved in harassing and threatening civilians in the mountain areas of Sagnay, Baao, and Iriga City in year 2006, and on rural folks he suspected as “rebel sympathizers.”
The group also claimed the alleged spy had been involved in cattle-rustling and other “criminal activities”.
The rebel statement came from the Edumundo Jacob Command which is based in Rinconada District, commonly known as Camarines Sur’s 5th legislative district with Iriga City as the premier urban area, and 45-minutes drive from City of Naga.
http://bicoltoday.com/?p=9215
Prov’l peace plan good model: AFP
From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 19): Prov’l peace plan
good model: AFP
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command described the creation of a 5-year Provincial Peace, Integration and Development Unit, which was established by the provincial government, 303rd Infantry Brigade, and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, to help conflict-affected communities in the province, as a “very good model” of the AFP “Bayanihan” campaign.
Navy Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado, AFP Central Command chief, in a dialog with 303rd IB troopers on Saturday in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the main objective of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan is to “win the peace”, through a people-centered security strategy that is founded on broad-based consultations and engagements with key stakeholders.
Abogado also lauded the efforts of the Philippine Army and PNP in Negros Occidental for the formation of the Multi-Sectoral Action Group in La Castellana, whose members are now helping survivors and families of the ambush victims in coping up with trauma.
Eight civilians and a policeman died, and 12 others were injured in an ambush claimed by the New People’s Army in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, Jan. 27.
Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd IB commander, said the creation of PIDU last year aims to sustain its peace building and development efforts, crucial to the resolution of more than 40 years of armed conflict in Negros Occidental.
Lactao said it will not only address security and livelihood needs, but will cause healing and reconciliation towards sustainable peace in Negros Occidental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/19/topstory10.htm
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command described the creation of a 5-year Provincial Peace, Integration and Development Unit, which was established by the provincial government, 303rd Infantry Brigade, and the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, to help conflict-affected communities in the province, as a “very good model” of the AFP “Bayanihan” campaign.
Navy Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado, AFP Central Command chief, in a dialog with 303rd IB troopers on Saturday in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said the main objective of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan is to “win the peace”, through a people-centered security strategy that is founded on broad-based consultations and engagements with key stakeholders.
Abogado also lauded the efforts of the Philippine Army and PNP in Negros Occidental for the formation of the Multi-Sectoral Action Group in La Castellana, whose members are now helping survivors and families of the ambush victims in coping up with trauma.
Eight civilians and a policeman died, and 12 others were injured in an ambush claimed by the New People’s Army in Brgy. Puso, La Castellana, Jan. 27.
Col. Oscar Lactao, 303rd IB commander, said the creation of PIDU last year aims to sustain its peace building and development efforts, crucial to the resolution of more than 40 years of armed conflict in Negros Occidental.
Lactao said it will not only address security and livelihood needs, but will cause healing and reconciliation towards sustainable peace in Negros Occidental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/19/topstory10.htm
Troops clash with rebels, NPA camp seized
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19): Troops clash with rebels, NPA camp seized
VERUELA, Agusan del Sur - Combat forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga region overran a camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) following an encounter with the communist-terrorists in the wake of insurgency operation at the vicinity of Sitio Kawalian, Brgy. Sta. Emelia here on Saturday at 4:45 p.m.
One section of 133rd Regional Public Safety Company led by PInsp Alvin T. Caballes encountered unknown number of rebels under Guerilla Front 3 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee that resulted in 25-minute firefight.
Leftists withdrew to southeast portion. No reported casualty on the government side but still undetermined on the part of adversaries.
Police seized food supplies, subversive documents, uniforms and medicine kits in a camp abandoned by the NPA.
Nearby police stations were conducting checkpoints to intercept the rebels while intelligence monitoring has been intensified to track down their movements.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1701363592594
VERUELA, Agusan del Sur - Combat forces of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga region overran a camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) following an encounter with the communist-terrorists in the wake of insurgency operation at the vicinity of Sitio Kawalian, Brgy. Sta. Emelia here on Saturday at 4:45 p.m.
One section of 133rd Regional Public Safety Company led by PInsp Alvin T. Caballes encountered unknown number of rebels under Guerilla Front 3 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee that resulted in 25-minute firefight.
Leftists withdrew to southeast portion. No reported casualty on the government side but still undetermined on the part of adversaries.
Police seized food supplies, subversive documents, uniforms and medicine kits in a camp abandoned by the NPA.
Nearby police stations were conducting checkpoints to intercept the rebels while intelligence monitoring has been intensified to track down their movements.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1701363592594
Two former rebels to receive P50,000 each
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19): Two former rebels to receive P50,000 each
Two former rebels are about to receive P50,000 each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), according to Imelda Bonifacio of OPAPP.
The two rebels named Edgar and Glenda (not their real names) will be receiving their checks as the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) convenes on Monday, March 25.
The JVAC is a special team of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) that assesses, validates and processes the identity and validity of the former rebels.
The two surrenderees spent years in the movement but realized the futility of their cause they were fighting and decided to return to mainstream society.
“It is difficult to be on the run,” said Glenda, who went into hiding in Manila after deserting the underground movement.
Edgar meanwhile needs to surface as his children need to be educated.
The duo surrendered last year but the processing for the release of their benefits took some time.
Edgar and Glenda bring to 11 the number of former rebels who have availed of the benefits coming from the OPAPP.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221363615449
Two former rebels are about to receive P50,000 each from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), according to Imelda Bonifacio of OPAPP.
The two rebels named Edgar and Glenda (not their real names) will be receiving their checks as the Joint Validation and Authentication Committee (JVAC) convenes on Monday, March 25.
The JVAC is a special team of the Samar Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) that assesses, validates and processes the identity and validity of the former rebels.
The two surrenderees spent years in the movement but realized the futility of their cause they were fighting and decided to return to mainstream society.
“It is difficult to be on the run,” said Glenda, who went into hiding in Manila after deserting the underground movement.
Edgar meanwhile needs to surface as his children need to be educated.
The duo surrendered last year but the processing for the release of their benefits took some time.
Edgar and Glenda bring to 11 the number of former rebels who have availed of the benefits coming from the OPAPP.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1221363615449
Youth should realize significance of Liberation of Panay, says Army official
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19): Youth should realize significance of Liberation of Panay, says Army official
The younger generation should be encouraged to know by heart the struggles and the gallantry of Filipino soldiers against the Japanese soldiers leading to the liberation of Panay on March 18, 1945.
“Our soldiers offered their lives, at ang ating tinatamong kalayaan ngayon ay utang na loob natin sa ating mga ninuno lalo na ng ating mga beterano,” Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, Battalion Commander of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army said in a PIA interview.
LtC. Almase said that it is important for everyone to know the history of the country, how it struggled against foreign aggressors, and how it emerged as a nation.
Almase hopes that the commemoration of the Liberation of Panay observed March 18 of every year, will help imbibe the spirit of nationalism in the youth and likewise instilling values such as loyalty to the country.
The remaining veterans, their relatives, and various government officials observed the 68th anniversary of the Liberation of Panay at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro, Iloilo City.
March 18 of every year was declared a special non-working holiday by virtue of former President Corazon Aquino’s Proclamation No. 430 or "An Act Declaring March 18 of every year as Victory Day in the Islands of Panay and Romblon including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas" issued in 1989.
As stipulated in Proclamation No. 430, March 18 is of great historical and sentimental significance to both the veterans and the people of Panay and Romblon because it was the day when the Panay Guerilla Forces launched the final assault on the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=921363673517
The younger generation should be encouraged to know by heart the struggles and the gallantry of Filipino soldiers against the Japanese soldiers leading to the liberation of Panay on March 18, 1945.
“Our soldiers offered their lives, at ang ating tinatamong kalayaan ngayon ay utang na loob natin sa ating mga ninuno lalo na ng ating mga beterano,” Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, Battalion Commander of the 82nd Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army said in a PIA interview.
LtC. Almase said that it is important for everyone to know the history of the country, how it struggled against foreign aggressors, and how it emerged as a nation.
Almase hopes that the commemoration of the Liberation of Panay observed March 18 of every year, will help imbibe the spirit of nationalism in the youth and likewise instilling values such as loyalty to the country.
The remaining veterans, their relatives, and various government officials observed the 68th anniversary of the Liberation of Panay at the Balantang Memorial Cemetery National Shrine in Jaro, Iloilo City.
March 18 of every year was declared a special non-working holiday by virtue of former President Corazon Aquino’s Proclamation No. 430 or "An Act Declaring March 18 of every year as Victory Day in the Islands of Panay and Romblon including the cities of Iloilo and Roxas" issued in 1989.
As stipulated in Proclamation No. 430, March 18 is of great historical and sentimental significance to both the veterans and the people of Panay and Romblon because it was the day when the Panay Guerilla Forces launched the final assault on the Japanese Imperial Armed Forces.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=921363673517
Army sustains leadership training for the youth
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19): Army sustains leadership training for the youth
The Army based in the province claims that its youth leadership training has effectively shielded the sector from falling into the trap of the communist movement in the area.
Army 501st Brigade Commander Col. Roger Salvador explained that through leadership trainings, the youth are provided proper values and outlook on community involvement making them productive and reliable sector.
"This way, our youth could discern what teachings are positive and what are destructive to the community where they live shielding them from the false ideology of communist elements," Salvador said.
Since youth training has become the Army’s regular program, here, the Command has developed its own pool of trainors and speakers as answer to regular requests from barangays.
This summer, the Army has set another youth camp in Kalinga with the theme,'Kabataan, nasa kamay mo ang pagbabago'. This is open to all interested youths.
This Army program has already produced several youth leaders from in-school and out of school youths in the province, Salvador claimed.
Aside from producing future leaders in the community, trained youth have become active advocates on environmental protection and against illegal activities.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=181362967753
The Army based in the province claims that its youth leadership training has effectively shielded the sector from falling into the trap of the communist movement in the area.
Army 501st Brigade Commander Col. Roger Salvador explained that through leadership trainings, the youth are provided proper values and outlook on community involvement making them productive and reliable sector.
"This way, our youth could discern what teachings are positive and what are destructive to the community where they live shielding them from the false ideology of communist elements," Salvador said.
Since youth training has become the Army’s regular program, here, the Command has developed its own pool of trainors and speakers as answer to regular requests from barangays.
This summer, the Army has set another youth camp in Kalinga with the theme,'Kabataan, nasa kamay mo ang pagbabago'. This is open to all interested youths.
This Army program has already produced several youth leaders from in-school and out of school youths in the province, Salvador claimed.
Aside from producing future leaders in the community, trained youth have become active advocates on environmental protection and against illegal activities.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=181362967753
PAMANA infra projects benefit MNLF areas
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19): PAMANA infra projects benefit MNLF areas
Several infrastructure projects implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program in the different recipient-barangays within and outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have already been completed, benefiting the so-called “MNLF areas.”
Director Enrico dela Torre told a group of government information officers attending the three-day workshop on communicating the gains of PAMANA held here at the Pinnacle Hotel starting March 18-21 that the infrastructure projects ranges from farm-to-market roads, bridges, postharvest facilities, water supply systems to health centers.
Others have been constructed in “peace and development communities” (PDCs), the places where the camps of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were situated prior to the signing of the peace agreement between the MNLF and the government in 1996, he added.
Dela Torre also said the PAMANA-PDC projects have been implemented through a multi-stakeholder scheme in which the community people are the ones identifying the infrastructure to be constructed in coordination with the implementing agencies and a “third party,” which comes from a non-government organization, that would certify the veracity of the project.
With the implementation of PAMANA-PDC, dela Torre observed that the community people are now actively involved in seeking government’s assistance/projects that would answer their needs.
The provinces which received PAMANA-PDC projects are Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao of ARMM, Zambonga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay of Region 9, Lanao del Norte of Region 10, Davao del Sur of Region 11, and North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani of Region 12.
PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs) as spelled out in President Aquino’s five priority programs which include the attainment of “just, inclusive and lasting peace” among others.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1431363654096
Several infrastructure projects implemented under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program in the different recipient-barangays within and outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have already been completed, benefiting the so-called “MNLF areas.”
Director Enrico dela Torre told a group of government information officers attending the three-day workshop on communicating the gains of PAMANA held here at the Pinnacle Hotel starting March 18-21 that the infrastructure projects ranges from farm-to-market roads, bridges, postharvest facilities, water supply systems to health centers.
Others have been constructed in “peace and development communities” (PDCs), the places where the camps of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) were situated prior to the signing of the peace agreement between the MNLF and the government in 1996, he added.
Dela Torre also said the PAMANA-PDC projects have been implemented through a multi-stakeholder scheme in which the community people are the ones identifying the infrastructure to be constructed in coordination with the implementing agencies and a “third party,” which comes from a non-government organization, that would certify the veracity of the project.
With the implementation of PAMANA-PDC, dela Torre observed that the community people are now actively involved in seeking government’s assistance/projects that would answer their needs.
The provinces which received PAMANA-PDC projects are Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Maguindanao of ARMM, Zambonga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay of Region 9, Lanao del Norte of Region 10, Davao del Sur of Region 11, and North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani of Region 12.
PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development framework to respond and strengthen peace building, reconstruction, and development in conflict-affected areas (CAAs) as spelled out in President Aquino’s five priority programs which include the attainment of “just, inclusive and lasting peace” among others.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1431363654096
Top army official lauds local peace initiatives
From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Mar 19): Top army official lauds local peace initiatives
VICE Admiral Edgar Abogado, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command, lauded the efforts of the army and police in Negros Occidental and encouraged everyone to continue with the very good initiatives.
Abogado visited the Brown Eagle Troopers at Headquarters 303rd Infantry Brigade on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia.
Colonel Oscar Lactao, Commander of 303rd Brigade, welcomed Abogado in traditional military arrival honors together with the Brigade staff and commanding officers of the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Negros Occidental.
In his talk with the men and women of the Brigade, Vice Admiral Abogado emphasized on the AFP’s ‘Winning the Peace’ strategy in the conduct of internal peace and security operations (IPSO).
He then presided a Command Conference, where he was provided with a briefing on the security operations being conducted in the province, the preparations for the May 2013 Elections, and an update on the multi-sectoral initiatives for the victims and families of the recent ambush-massacre of civilians in La Castellana that was perpetrated by the NPA.
He cited the organization of the Provincial Peace, Integration and Development Unit (ProPIDU) which undertakes the 5-Year Peace and Development Project (5YPDP) and the latest formation of the Multi-Sectoral Action Group (MSAG) in La Castellana as very good models of “Bayanihan”, an approach that is currently being undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The primary objective of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan is to ‘Win the Peace’ through a people-centered security strategy that is founded on broad-based consultations and engagements with key stakeholders.
Beyond its goal of diminishing the armed capability of the NPAs and other treat groups through its focused military operations, the 303rd Brigade will continue to support and assist the local government, line government agencies and non-government organizations in working together for a just, humane and compassionate society by addressing the social, economic and political concerns of the people and communities in the province of Negros Occidental.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/03/19/top-army-official-lauds-local-peace-initiatives-273693
VICE Admiral Edgar Abogado, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command, lauded the efforts of the army and police in Negros Occidental and encouraged everyone to continue with the very good initiatives.
Abogado visited the Brown Eagle Troopers at Headquarters 303rd Infantry Brigade on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in Barangay Minoyan, Murcia.
Colonel Oscar Lactao, Commander of 303rd Brigade, welcomed Abogado in traditional military arrival honors together with the Brigade staff and commanding officers of the AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) units in Negros Occidental.
In his talk with the men and women of the Brigade, Vice Admiral Abogado emphasized on the AFP’s ‘Winning the Peace’ strategy in the conduct of internal peace and security operations (IPSO).
He then presided a Command Conference, where he was provided with a briefing on the security operations being conducted in the province, the preparations for the May 2013 Elections, and an update on the multi-sectoral initiatives for the victims and families of the recent ambush-massacre of civilians in La Castellana that was perpetrated by the NPA.
He cited the organization of the Provincial Peace, Integration and Development Unit (ProPIDU) which undertakes the 5-Year Peace and Development Project (5YPDP) and the latest formation of the Multi-Sectoral Action Group (MSAG) in La Castellana as very good models of “Bayanihan”, an approach that is currently being undertaken by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The primary objective of the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan is to ‘Win the Peace’ through a people-centered security strategy that is founded on broad-based consultations and engagements with key stakeholders.
Beyond its goal of diminishing the armed capability of the NPAs and other treat groups through its focused military operations, the 303rd Brigade will continue to support and assist the local government, line government agencies and non-government organizations in working together for a just, humane and compassionate society by addressing the social, economic and political concerns of the people and communities in the province of Negros Occidental.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/03/19/top-army-official-lauds-local-peace-initiatives-273693
Rebels seize 2 cops, teacher in Compostela Valley
From the Sun Star-Davao (Mar 18): Rebels seize 2 cops, teacher in Compostela Valley
Suspected communist rebels abducted Monday two police officers and a teacher, and set off an improvised landmine in Anislagan village in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Logico, commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion, identified the victims as PO3 Ruben Nojapa and PO1 Randy Masambong, both assigned at Nabunturan Provincial Police Station, and Romel Sumbilon, a high school teacher and resident of Albanya subdivision in Nabunturan.
Colonel Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Brigade, said the victims were abducted around 6 a.m. at a checkpoint set up by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) who disguised as government soldiers at Purok 1 in Anislagan.
But Logico added that Sumbilon was later released while Masambong managed to escape. The two victims are now undergoing stress debriefing.
Nojapa is still held captive by the abductors.
Logico said their troops and the personnel of the Nabunturan police immediately conducted a pursuit operation following the reported abduction, prompting the rebels belonging to NPA's Front Committee 27 to detonate an improvised landmine in Cabadianan village around 8 a.m.
He said no casualty was reported on the government troops. The rebels fled to the hinterland frontier of Nabunturan and Mawab towns.
De Leon said the move of the communist rebels was a coward act and violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
"It is clearly written on the law that there must be a distinction between combatants and non-combatants wherein non-combatants must not be subjected to military actions at all times," de Leon said.
Logico said they are now conducting manhunt operation against the rebels.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/03/18/rebels-seize-2-cops-teacher-compostela-valley-273592
Suspected communist rebels abducted Monday two police officers and a teacher, and set off an improvised landmine in Anislagan village in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Logico, commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion, identified the victims as PO3 Ruben Nojapa and PO1 Randy Masambong, both assigned at Nabunturan Provincial Police Station, and Romel Sumbilon, a high school teacher and resident of Albanya subdivision in Nabunturan.
Colonel Angelito de Leon, commander of the 1001st Brigade, said the victims were abducted around 6 a.m. at a checkpoint set up by suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) who disguised as government soldiers at Purok 1 in Anislagan.
But Logico added that Sumbilon was later released while Masambong managed to escape. The two victims are now undergoing stress debriefing.
Nojapa is still held captive by the abductors.
Logico said their troops and the personnel of the Nabunturan police immediately conducted a pursuit operation following the reported abduction, prompting the rebels belonging to NPA's Front Committee 27 to detonate an improvised landmine in Cabadianan village around 8 a.m.
He said no casualty was reported on the government troops. The rebels fled to the hinterland frontier of Nabunturan and Mawab towns.
De Leon said the move of the communist rebels was a coward act and violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
"It is clearly written on the law that there must be a distinction between combatants and non-combatants wherein non-combatants must not be subjected to military actions at all times," de Leon said.
Logico said they are now conducting manhunt operation against the rebels.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/03/18/rebels-seize-2-cops-teacher-compostela-valley-273592
Malaysia goes for the ‘kill,’ sends more military forces to hunt Sulu Sultanate members
From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 19): Malaysia goes for the ‘kill,’ sends more military forces to hunt Sulu Sultanate
members
Malaysia has deployed more armoured vehicles and combat helicopters, including naval boats to Sabah in an effort to flush out dozens of remaining followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram who have been fighting security forces on the oil-rich island being claimed by both sides.
About a dozen armoured personnel vehicles arrived in the town of Lahad Datu to support ground troops hunting down at least 50 members of the Sultanate of Sulu headed by Raja Muda Agbimuddin, the sultan’s younger brother.
The group intruded Sabah in February to exert claim over the island, citing historical and legal claims, but Malaysia rejected this and launched a massive assault on about 200 of the sultan’s men following a deadline for them to surrender peacefully.
The assault by Malaysian jets and ground artilleries left at least 62 intruders dead, but the fighting between the two groups also killed and wounded 18 Malaysian policemen and soldiers.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad also said that people living in houses on stilts in Sabah should be relocated immediately because they could be exposed to threats from external aggressors. But many of those living in the settlement there are Filipino Muslims from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
He said the settlement complicates security matters in the area. “We need to move them, but we need to find land for them and we need to identify among them who are our citizens, those who are foreign citizens and those who do not have a certificate of identity,” he said in a report by the Malaysian news agency Bernama.
The former, but influential politician, earlier urged Malaysia to stop paying “cession money” to the Sultanate of Sulu because of the intrusion of its armed followers. But the Sultanate of Sulu considers the payment as rental money for Sabah.
Malaysia is still paying cession money to the Sultanate of Sulu although it lays claim on the Sabah, a gift given by Brunei to the Sultan of Sulu for helping quell a rebellion in 1658.
Malaysia arrested more than 300 Filipinos who are suspected of supporting or aiding Raja Muda Agbimuddin’s group under a strict anti-terrorism law. Just recently, three more men, who were acting suspiciously, had been detained in Kampung Sim-Sim in Sandakan after villagers phoned the police about the trio.
Their identities were not immediately known, but one of them allegedly has links with a detained Jemaah Islamiya militant Yazid Sufaat.
More than 2,000 Filipino Muslims have returned to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces after fleeing Sabah for fear they would be arrested in a massive crackdown launched by Malaysian on illegal immigrants and Filipino communities on the island.
Many Indonesian workers and immigrants also fled Sabah and Jakarta has deployed an armed naval flotilla to guard its border with Malaysia and the Philippines, and to ferry its citizens affected by the hostilities between Malaysian security forces and the Sultanate of Sulu.
Sabah, just several nautical miles off Tawi-Tawi, is home to about 2.3 million Malaysians and 889,000 non-Malaysians, based on its 2010 population survey.
Both Manila and Kuala Lumpur suspect that some group in the Philippines and Malaysia is financing Sultan Jamalul to destabilize the two countries ahead of its own elections this year. But the ailing 74-year old leader denied all accusations about this.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/malaysia-heads-for-kill-sends-more.html
Malaysia has deployed more armoured vehicles and combat helicopters, including naval boats to Sabah in an effort to flush out dozens of remaining followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram who have been fighting security forces on the oil-rich island being claimed by both sides.
About a dozen armoured personnel vehicles arrived in the town of Lahad Datu to support ground troops hunting down at least 50 members of the Sultanate of Sulu headed by Raja Muda Agbimuddin, the sultan’s younger brother.
The group intruded Sabah in February to exert claim over the island, citing historical and legal claims, but Malaysia rejected this and launched a massive assault on about 200 of the sultan’s men following a deadline for them to surrender peacefully.
The assault by Malaysian jets and ground artilleries left at least 62 intruders dead, but the fighting between the two groups also killed and wounded 18 Malaysian policemen and soldiers.
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad also said that people living in houses on stilts in Sabah should be relocated immediately because they could be exposed to threats from external aggressors. But many of those living in the settlement there are Filipino Muslims from Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
He said the settlement complicates security matters in the area. “We need to move them, but we need to find land for them and we need to identify among them who are our citizens, those who are foreign citizens and those who do not have a certificate of identity,” he said in a report by the Malaysian news agency Bernama.
The former, but influential politician, earlier urged Malaysia to stop paying “cession money” to the Sultanate of Sulu because of the intrusion of its armed followers. But the Sultanate of Sulu considers the payment as rental money for Sabah.
Malaysia is still paying cession money to the Sultanate of Sulu although it lays claim on the Sabah, a gift given by Brunei to the Sultan of Sulu for helping quell a rebellion in 1658.
Malaysia arrested more than 300 Filipinos who are suspected of supporting or aiding Raja Muda Agbimuddin’s group under a strict anti-terrorism law. Just recently, three more men, who were acting suspiciously, had been detained in Kampung Sim-Sim in Sandakan after villagers phoned the police about the trio.
Their identities were not immediately known, but one of them allegedly has links with a detained Jemaah Islamiya militant Yazid Sufaat.
More than 2,000 Filipino Muslims have returned to Sulu and Tawi-Tawi provinces after fleeing Sabah for fear they would be arrested in a massive crackdown launched by Malaysian on illegal immigrants and Filipino communities on the island.
Many Indonesian workers and immigrants also fled Sabah and Jakarta has deployed an armed naval flotilla to guard its border with Malaysia and the Philippines, and to ferry its citizens affected by the hostilities between Malaysian security forces and the Sultanate of Sulu.
Sabah, just several nautical miles off Tawi-Tawi, is home to about 2.3 million Malaysians and 889,000 non-Malaysians, based on its 2010 population survey.
Both Manila and Kuala Lumpur suspect that some group in the Philippines and Malaysia is financing Sultan Jamalul to destabilize the two countries ahead of its own elections this year. But the ailing 74-year old leader denied all accusations about this.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/03/malaysia-heads-for-kill-sends-more.html
Abduction of cop in Davao to warn candidates to pay permit to campaign - Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19): Abduction of cop in Davao to warn
candidates to pay permit to campaign - Army
A top military official here has described the abduction of a police officer by elements of the New People’s Army in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Monday morning as a form of “threat” for candidates to pay “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” to the rebel group.
“They are doing that so as national and local candidates campaigning in remote areas would now be afraid to campaign there. They will be forced now to pay,” said Col. Leopoldo Galon, commander of the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Galon told members of the Tri-Media Organization for Peace and Development (TROPA) in a press conference Tuesday morning at Machika Restaurant that candidates should not be cowed by the communist rebels’ “old antics” and should ask for security from us and the local police during their campaign sorties in remote barangays.
He said that Army forces are now closely coordinating with the local police to conduct pursuit operation to rescue PO3 Ruben Nojapa from the hands of his captors.
Nojapa was with fellow policeman, PO1 Randy Masambong and high school teacher Romel Sumbilon when they were reportedly snatched in a checkpoint at Purok 1, Barangay Anislagan in Nabunturan,Compostela Valley
But Masambong managed to escape while Sumbilon was released later after undergoing stress debriefing at a rebel camp.
On Tuesday morning, the NPA’s Front Committee 27 issued a statement with an admission that Nojapa is now in their custody and that he was reportedly taken for his alleged military abuses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=508536
A top military official here has described the abduction of a police officer by elements of the New People’s Army in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Monday morning as a form of “threat” for candidates to pay “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” to the rebel group.
“They are doing that so as national and local candidates campaigning in remote areas would now be afraid to campaign there. They will be forced now to pay,” said Col. Leopoldo Galon, commander of the 5th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Galon told members of the Tri-Media Organization for Peace and Development (TROPA) in a press conference Tuesday morning at Machika Restaurant that candidates should not be cowed by the communist rebels’ “old antics” and should ask for security from us and the local police during their campaign sorties in remote barangays.
He said that Army forces are now closely coordinating with the local police to conduct pursuit operation to rescue PO3 Ruben Nojapa from the hands of his captors.
Nojapa was with fellow policeman, PO1 Randy Masambong and high school teacher Romel Sumbilon when they were reportedly snatched in a checkpoint at Purok 1, Barangay Anislagan in Nabunturan,
But Masambong managed to escape while Sumbilon was released later after undergoing stress debriefing at a rebel camp.
On Tuesday morning, the NPA’s Front Committee 27 issued a statement with an admission that Nojapa is now in their custody and that he was reportedly taken for his alleged military abuses.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=508536
Security Forces And Sulu Terrorists Clashed Four Times Yesterday - Sabah Police Chief
From the Philippine News Agency/Bernama (Mar 19): Security Forces And Sulu Terrorists
Clashed Four Times Yesterday - Sabah Police Chief
Security forces flushing out Sulu terrorists in the Tanjung Batu area near here clashed with the enemy on four occasions yesterday, it was revealed, Tuesday.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said no one was injured in the clashes which took place between 8.05 am and 5 pm.
He also said that security forces yesterday arrested three individuals inSandakan
These people would be charged in court soon, he told a news conference also attended by Army First Division commander Maj Gen Datuk Ahmad Zaki Mokhtar, at the Felda Sahabat 16 operations command near here.
Hamza said the security forces were expected to complete today their mopping-up exercise and hunt for what is believed to be fewer than 50 terrorists in Tanjung Batu.
The government launched the "Ops Daulat" offensive against the Sulu terrorists on March 5 after they killed eight policemen in Lahad Datu and Semporna on March 1 and 2.
The terrorists, who had holed up in Kampung Tanduo near Lahad Datu since Feb 12, had also killed a soldier during the offensive. One soldier was killed in a road accident. Sixty-two of the terrorists have been killed so far by the security forces.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zaki said the security forces were also using 12 Adnan-type armoured cars with chain wheels to facilitate movement in all types of terrain.
A total of 241 people had also been detained for having entered the red zone of the security operations and for various other offences.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=508469
Security forces flushing out Sulu terrorists in the Tanjung Batu area near here clashed with the enemy on four occasions yesterday, it was revealed, Tuesday.
Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said no one was injured in the clashes which took place between 8.05 am and 5 pm.
He also said that security forces yesterday arrested three individuals in
These people would be charged in court soon, he told a news conference also attended by Army First Division commander Maj Gen Datuk Ahmad Zaki Mokhtar, at the Felda Sahabat 16 operations command near here.
Hamza said the security forces were expected to complete today their mopping-up exercise and hunt for what is believed to be fewer than 50 terrorists in Tanjung Batu.
The government launched the "Ops Daulat" offensive against the Sulu terrorists on March 5 after they killed eight policemen in Lahad Datu and Semporna on March 1 and 2.
The terrorists, who had holed up in Kampung Tanduo near Lahad Datu since Feb 12, had also killed a soldier during the offensive. One soldier was killed in a road accident. Sixty-two of the terrorists have been killed so far by the security forces.
Meanwhile, Ahmad Zaki said the security forces were also using 12 Adnan-type armoured cars with chain wheels to facilitate movement in all types of terrain.
A total of 241 people had also been detained for having entered the red zone of the security operations and for various other offences.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=508469
US, PHL defense cooperation to be boosted in the coming months
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19): US, PHL defense cooperation to be
boosted in the coming months
Expect more cooperation between theUnited
States and the Philippines
This was after US Deputy Secretary Ashton Carter called and visited Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at DND headquarters inCamp Aguinaldo
“Frequent and energized consultations," are also seen for both parties when it comes to defense cooperation.
Both officials also talked about the “central role” of thePhilippines in the region and how to promote and
enhance the existing peace and stability, the US
support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Carter also explained that the re-balancing of US forces is a broad engagement geared towards the promotion of economic stability in the region.
For his part Gazmin thanked Carter and the other US Defense Department officials for their visits to thePhilippines
“The visits are a good way for us to strengthen our personal relationships with the people we usually work with. Both thePhilippines
and the United States will
benefit with our frequent and energized consultations with our US
Carter is a national security expert with a doctorate degree in theoretical physics from theUniversity
of Oxford
Before his most recent government service, Carter headed the International and Global Affairs faculty of the John F. Kennedy School of Government ofHarvard University
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=508534
Expect more cooperation between the
This was after US Deputy Secretary Ashton Carter called and visited Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin at DND headquarters in
“Frequent and energized consultations," are also seen for both parties when it comes to defense cooperation.
Both officials also talked about the “central role” of the
Carter also explained that the re-balancing of US forces is a broad engagement geared towards the promotion of economic stability in the region.
For his part Gazmin thanked Carter and the other US Defense Department officials for their visits to the
“The visits are a good way for us to strengthen our personal relationships with the people we usually work with. Both the
Carter is a national security expert with a doctorate degree in theoretical physics from the
Before his most recent government service, Carter headed the International and Global Affairs faculty of the John F. Kennedy School of Government of
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=508534
CPP: CPP denounces return of US naval toxic ship
From the CPP Website (Mar 19): CPP denounces return of US naval toxic ship
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the return of the USS Emory S. Land, a US submarine tender, which docked last Friday at Subic Bay several months after it was involved in the dumping of toxic waste by a US defense service contractor.
A US defense contractor, the Glenn Defense Marine Asia, was found to have collected two hundred thousand liters of oil and human waste from the USS Emory S. Land in October last year and dumped these off the coast of Subic Bay, well within the Philippine economic zone and fishing grounds.
“Sending back the USS Emory S. Land to Subic is a display by the US of outright contempt for the Filipino people who have long been demanding an end to US military intervention and presence in the Philippines.”
The CPP also said this was “the height of callousness for the US military, considering that the grounding of the USS Guardian at the Tubbataha coral reefs in January remains unresolved,” pointed out the CPP.
“The CPP reiterates the Filipino people’s demand for the abrogation of all unequal military treaties with the US, including the US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, both of which facilitate US military interventionism in the Philippines and trample on Philippine sovereignty.”
“Through these agreements, the US military has virtually been given all-out freedom to make use of Philippine territory for its hegemonist campaign in the Asia-Pacific region, reducing the Philippines to nothing but a US military outpost,” added the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130319_cpp-denounces-return-of-us-naval-toxic-ship
The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the return of the USS Emory S. Land, a US submarine tender, which docked last Friday at Subic Bay several months after it was involved in the dumping of toxic waste by a US defense service contractor.
A US defense contractor, the Glenn Defense Marine Asia, was found to have collected two hundred thousand liters of oil and human waste from the USS Emory S. Land in October last year and dumped these off the coast of Subic Bay, well within the Philippine economic zone and fishing grounds.
“Sending back the USS Emory S. Land to Subic is a display by the US of outright contempt for the Filipino people who have long been demanding an end to US military intervention and presence in the Philippines.”
The CPP also said this was “the height of callousness for the US military, considering that the grounding of the USS Guardian at the Tubbataha coral reefs in January remains unresolved,” pointed out the CPP.
“The CPP reiterates the Filipino people’s demand for the abrogation of all unequal military treaties with the US, including the US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement, both of which facilitate US military interventionism in the Philippines and trample on Philippine sovereignty.”
“Through these agreements, the US military has virtually been given all-out freedom to make use of Philippine territory for its hegemonist campaign in the Asia-Pacific region, reducing the Philippines to nothing but a US military outpost,” added the CPP.
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130319_cpp-denounces-return-of-us-naval-toxic-ship
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