From MindaNews (Mar 22): NPA says attack on T’boli police outpost punitive action vs MNCs
The communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels’attack on a police outpost in T’boli, South Cotabato last Wednesday was intended as a “punitive action” for the presence of multinational companies in the area, a rebel official said Friday.
The attack came a month after the NPA attacked Del Monte Philippines, Inc. in Bukidnon on February 19. In that attack where a security guard was killed, National Democratic Front spokesperson Jorge Madlos said it was a “punitive action” against the MNCs.
“Ka Efren,” spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-Far South Mindanao Region, said members of the NPA Front 73 carried out the offensive.
“That’s a well-carried out plan while the military was busy scouring the mountains for our troops in the boundary of the provinces of South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani. That police outpost was a vulnerable target,” he said in an interview over Bombo Radyo Koronadal.
Around 20 NPA rebels carried out the daring attack noontime Wednesday aboard an Isuzu Elf truck, leaving a member of the Civilian Volunteer Organization wounded.
The NPA spokesperson admitted that one of the communist rebels who attacked the police outpost was killed in the ensuing firefight that lasted for about 15 minutes.
Immediately after the February 19 attack in Bukidnon, Madlos had warned of more attacks if Del Monte and other agribusiness companies do not heed their call for moratorium of expansion of plantations. “If they agree not to expand their areas, we might reconsider the attacks,” he said.
“Ka Efren” said the attack showed that the NPA still has a presence in South Cotabato, contrary to the claims of the military that they have flushed out the communist rebels from the province.
He said the attack was a warning to multinational firms Dole Philippines, Inc. and Sumifru Philippines Corp, which he accused of monopolizing large tracts of lands in the area.
Dole and Sumifru operate pineapple and banana plantations, respectively, in the upper valley portion of South Cotabato that includes the towns of T’boli, Surallah and Banga.
He also said the attack should serve as warning to local politicians, singling out South Cotabato First District Rep. Daisy Avance Fuentes, who is running again for governor.
“Ka Efren” said Fuentes has economic interests with these multinational companies with her trucking services allegedly contracted to them.
In a separate emailed statement issued Friday afternoon, the NPA spokesperson accused Fuentes of actively and directly participating in the implementation of the “devious and anti-people counter-insurgency program Oplan Bayanihan.”
She facilitated the rapid expansion of Dole Philippines and Sumifru in the towns of Banga, Surralah, T’boli and Lake Sebu 12 years ago, he said.
The NPA spokesperson added that “at the expense of the local populace especially the peasant masses,” Fuentes, then Governor, allegedly in collaboration with the 27th Infantry Battalion and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, unleashed “Oplan Purple Heart,” which according to him was the local version of Oplan Bantay Laya, the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ counterinsurgency strategy now replaced with Oplan Bayanihan.
“The NPA in South Cotabato vows to continue carrying its tasks of defending the peasant masses and other poor people of the province against the continuing intrusion and landgrabbing of big local and multinational agri-corporations and mining companies and as well as against the onslaught of Oplan Bayanihan,” he warned.
Sought for comments, Fuentes categorically denied that she had business interests with Dole Philippines and Sumifru.
“The NPA is lying, I don’t have even a single truck rented to those companies,” she told MindaNews in a telephone interview.
She wondered why this issue came out just as the local campaign season is drawing near.
Fuentes said the trucking company identified by the NPA official—Jingle Trucking—is owned by a former subordinate who had since resigned from government service.
But she said her husband used to rent a truck to B-MEG, which sells poultry feeds, in nearby General Santos City.
Fuentes, however, did not deny that she had supported the military and the police in the province when she was still the governor because “that’s my duty to help keep the peace and order in my area.”
These institutions are government agencies and I’m also a part of the government, Fuentes said.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/03/22/npa-says-attack-on-tboli-police-outpost-punitive-action-vs-mncs/
Friday, March 22, 2013
'MILF members active participants in development projects'
From the Philippine Star (Mar 22): 'MILF
members active participants in development projects'
COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have become more willing to participate in the implementation of donor-funded projects in areas that were previously known as "conflict flashpoints".
Abba Kuaman, manager of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP) said MILF members have been participating in various projects in remote areas, working alongside local government units and community folks. The ASFP is the conduit of projects of the World Bank and the Japan International cooperation Agency.
“Even before the crafting of the FAB (Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro) small groups of MILF guerillas have already been coming out to help in the implementation of our `community driven’ projects...,” Kuaman said.
Kuaman, whose office is operating under the ministerial control of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, said MILF members became even more aggressive in participating in the community projects of the ASFP after the signing of the FAB last October 15, 2012.
The FAB, whose four annexes are now being completed by the government and MILF panels, aims to establish a new autonomous political entity, which the rebel group is to lead, replacing the ARMM.
Kuaman said the rebels are helping in projects in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Saidona and Datu Anggal towns.
Experts from World Bank rated as “satisfactory” several times since 2005 the ASFP’s implementation of its projects in the autonomous region, which include post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, small fishing ports and public watercraft berthing facilities, multi-purpose centers and water systems.
JICA also has identical projects being implemented by the ASFP in many areas in the autonomous region.
The projects of ASFP are categorized into three components --- the community development assistance; the strategic regional infrastructure; and the institutional strengthening and governance.
The World Bank has granted the Philippine government an additional $30-million in 2010 to enable the ASFP to continue with its projects for underdeveloped communities.
The ASFP has succeeded in assisting 2, 490 barangays in the ARMM since its inception more than a decade ago.
Most of ASFP’s JICA and World Bank-assisted projects were implemented in areas covered by 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
There are also dozens constructed in known enclaves of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with government on September 2, 1996.
Kuaman said there is “no conflict” between the ASFP projects and those to be implemented under Malacañang’s Sajahatra program, which President Benigno Aquino III launched in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last month.
The Sajahatra project is a convergence of government services to be implemented directly in underdeveloped areas in MILF strongholds.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922784/milf-members-active-participants-development-projects
COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have become more willing to participate in the implementation of donor-funded projects in areas that were previously known as "conflict flashpoints".
Abba Kuaman, manager of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Project (ASFP) said MILF members have been participating in various projects in remote areas, working alongside local government units and community folks. The ASFP is the conduit of projects of the World Bank and the Japan International cooperation Agency.
“Even before the crafting of the FAB (Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro) small groups of MILF guerillas have already been coming out to help in the implementation of our `community driven’ projects...,” Kuaman said.
Kuaman, whose office is operating under the ministerial control of ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman, said MILF members became even more aggressive in participating in the community projects of the ASFP after the signing of the FAB last October 15, 2012.
The FAB, whose four annexes are now being completed by the government and MILF panels, aims to establish a new autonomous political entity, which the rebel group is to lead, replacing the ARMM.
Kuaman said the rebels are helping in projects in Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Piang, Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano, Datu Saidona and Datu Anggal towns.
Maguindanao is a known bastion of the MILF, whose main enclave, Camp
Darapanan, is located in Sultan Kudarat town in the first district of the
province.
Experts from World Bank rated as “satisfactory” several times since 2005 the ASFP’s implementation of its projects in the autonomous region, which include post-harvest facilities, farm-to-market roads, small fishing ports and public watercraft berthing facilities, multi-purpose centers and water systems.
JICA also has identical projects being implemented by the ASFP in many areas in the autonomous region.
The projects of ASFP are categorized into three components --- the community development assistance; the strategic regional infrastructure; and the institutional strengthening and governance.
The World Bank has granted the Philippine government an additional $30-million in 2010 to enable the ASFP to continue with its projects for underdeveloped communities.
The ASFP has succeeded in assisting 2, 490 barangays in the ARMM since its inception more than a decade ago.
Most of ASFP’s JICA and World Bank-assisted projects were implemented in areas covered by 1997 Agreement on General Cessation of Hostilities between the government and the MILF.
There are also dozens constructed in known enclaves of the Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace pact with government on September 2, 1996.
Kuaman said there is “no conflict” between the ASFP projects and those to be implemented under Malacañang’s Sajahatra program, which President Benigno Aquino III launched in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last month.
The Sajahatra project is a convergence of government services to be implemented directly in underdeveloped areas in MILF strongholds.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922784/milf-members-active-participants-development-projects
Source: Captive Aussie expected to be released anytime soon
From the Philippine Star (Mar 22): Source:
Captive Aussie expected to be released anytime soon
Australian intelligence security service personnel were interfering and directing the Philippine security forces to avoid making public the release of its kidnapped compatriot who is expected to be freed in Basilan “anytime soon,” a senior government security official said.
The source, who was not allowed to make public statement but has been working closely in securing Warren Richard Rodwell, said “the release was already eminent late Thursday afternoon.”
“For what reason why there was no release that happened, that’s what we are trying to find out because the mediator was already inside and presumably to fetch the victim,” the highly placed source added.
The source added that a huey chopper was requested by the Australian security service personnel through the United States military based here to airlift the victim once freed to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
However, the Australian security service personnel were dictating the military and police not to make public the release.
“Obviously, the Australian security service is already dictating the job of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police). If they want to take the lead role then it is violation to the Philippine charter,” the Philippine security official said.
The incursion of the Australian security service was not the first as there were also squabbles between them and the local police and military intelligence units in the early stage of resolving the release of Rodwell.
As of press time, negotiation for the safe release of Rodwell has been ongoing, Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman of Westmincom said.
“We are hopeful that anytime soon Rodwell will be freed. This is due to the new development taking place,” Gregorio said.
However. Gregorio said they were not privy and could not elaborate any specific development on the efforts on the ground.
He, however, assured the local media will be alerted to cover the arrival once the release of the kidnap victim is successful.
Rodwell, now 54 year old, was forcibly taken by six to seven gunmen from his home in Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Upper Pangi in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay last Dec. 5, 2011.
The source disclosed that the family of Rodwell personally approached the negotiator to deal with the kidnappers as the kidnapping crisis has been dragging for more than 16 months.
The source added that the ‘mediator’ is known to by the kidnappers as he has peacefully worked for the release of the hostages of the previous kidnapping incidents without bloodshed.
Another security official said there were indications that the kidnappers have agreed on the $1 million-dollar ransom out from their original $2 million-dollar demand in exchange for the release of the victim.
Reports indicated that Rodwell has been kept by the suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the mountains of Tipo-Tipo town.
The source, however, said Rodwell could not afford such huge amount attesting the victim was indeed poor.
“The victim, before he was abducted, was only taking rice congee or porridge with pandesal as his usual meal which sometime caused his quarrel with his Filipino wife,” the security official said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922781/source-captive-aussie-expected-be-released-anytime-soon
Australian intelligence security service personnel were interfering and directing the Philippine security forces to avoid making public the release of its kidnapped compatriot who is expected to be freed in Basilan “anytime soon,” a senior government security official said.
The source, who was not allowed to make public statement but has been working closely in securing Warren Richard Rodwell, said “the release was already eminent late Thursday afternoon.”
“For what reason why there was no release that happened, that’s what we are trying to find out because the mediator was already inside and presumably to fetch the victim,” the highly placed source added.
The source added that a huey chopper was requested by the Australian security service personnel through the United States military based here to airlift the victim once freed to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
However, the Australian security service personnel were dictating the military and police not to make public the release.
“Obviously, the Australian security service is already dictating the job of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the PNP (Philippine National Police). If they want to take the lead role then it is violation to the Philippine charter,” the Philippine security official said.
The incursion of the Australian security service was not the first as there were also squabbles between them and the local police and military intelligence units in the early stage of resolving the release of Rodwell.
As of press time, negotiation for the safe release of Rodwell has been ongoing, Col. Rodrigo Gregorio, spokesman of Westmincom said.
“We are hopeful that anytime soon Rodwell will be freed. This is due to the new development taking place,” Gregorio said.
However. Gregorio said they were not privy and could not elaborate any specific development on the efforts on the ground.
He, however, assured the local media will be alerted to cover the arrival once the release of the kidnap victim is successful.
Rodwell, now 54 year old, was forcibly taken by six to seven gunmen from his home in Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Upper Pangi in Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay last Dec. 5, 2011.
The source disclosed that the family of Rodwell personally approached the negotiator to deal with the kidnappers as the kidnapping crisis has been dragging for more than 16 months.
The source added that the ‘mediator’ is known to by the kidnappers as he has peacefully worked for the release of the hostages of the previous kidnapping incidents without bloodshed.
Another security official said there were indications that the kidnappers have agreed on the $1 million-dollar ransom out from their original $2 million-dollar demand in exchange for the release of the victim.
Reports indicated that Rodwell has been kept by the suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the mountains of Tipo-Tipo town.
The source, however, said Rodwell could not afford such huge amount attesting the victim was indeed poor.
“The victim, before he was abducted, was only taking rice congee or porridge with pandesal as his usual meal which sometime caused his quarrel with his Filipino wife,” the security official said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922781/source-captive-aussie-expected-be-released-anytime-soon
Communist rebels surrender, want to be AFP soldiers instead
From the Philippine Star (Mar 22): Communist
rebels surrender, want to be AFP soldiers instead
Three armed-to-the-teeth New People's Army rebels from Mt. Province and Kalinga gave up to authorities recently and soon might be becoming government troopers when integrated to the Philippine Army.
This hints that more and more rebels are going down the hills and leaving the communist movement, the military said, and are dreaming to become soldiers instead.
Giving up with their high-powered firearms and ammunitions, the NPA rebels who came from Mt. Province and Kalinga were named by Col. Loreto Magundayao, spokesperson of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army as Menard Cadap Habit alias Ka Mena, Abraham Caoili Anhibey alias Ka Abe or Max and and Pableto Habinia alias Ka Junjun.
Habit and Anhibey gave up with their two M16 assault rifles to the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion last February in Bontoc, Mt. Province while Habinia surrendered to the 5th CMO battalion with his two M16 rifles, one (1) cal. 30 Springfield (Japanese rifle), one (1) cal. 5.56 homemade rifle and one (1) cal.38 revolver.
Magundayao said he personally fetched Habinia in upper Kalinga and turned him over to the Kalinga based 501st Infantry Brigade at Tabuk City.
Habit, 22, and a native of Barangay Monamon Nortein Bauko, Mt. Province was a courier of the Communist Party of the Philippines- NPA’s Kilusang Larangan Guerilla (KLG) Marco while Anhibey, 26, single, was a 2nd year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student at the Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao when recruited to become a full time member and a contact/courier of the NPA in Bauko and Sabangan, both of Mt Province and the tri-boundaries of Ifugao, Mt. Province and Benguet.
Habinia, according to Magundayao was “in a lie-low status” to the CPP-NPA but was serving as courier or “pasabilis” and recruiter of the NPA-Kalinga. He was reportedly with the underground movement from 1984 to 1988.
The trio opted to give up on the communist movement, Magundayao said, because they wanted to avail the AFP Transitional Integration Program for them to be integrated into the Regular Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Respecting this, Magundayao said, “they will have to undergo the integration process of the AFP.”
The trio reportedly said “staying in the underground movement with causeless ideology had destroyed their future and ruined their peaceful lives as law abiding Filipino citizens."
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922808/communist-rebels-surrender-want-be-afp-soldiers-instead
Three armed-to-the-teeth New People's Army rebels from Mt. Province and Kalinga gave up to authorities recently and soon might be becoming government troopers when integrated to the Philippine Army.
This hints that more and more rebels are going down the hills and leaving the communist movement, the military said, and are dreaming to become soldiers instead.
Giving up with their high-powered firearms and ammunitions, the NPA rebels who came from Mt. Province and Kalinga were named by Col. Loreto Magundayao, spokesperson of the Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army as Menard Cadap Habit alias Ka Mena, Abraham Caoili Anhibey alias Ka Abe or Max and and Pableto Habinia alias Ka Junjun.
Habit and Anhibey gave up with their two M16 assault rifles to the Philippine Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion last February in Bontoc, Mt. Province while Habinia surrendered to the 5th CMO battalion with his two M16 rifles, one (1) cal. 30 Springfield (Japanese rifle), one (1) cal. 5.56 homemade rifle and one (1) cal.38 revolver.
Magundayao said he personally fetched Habinia in upper Kalinga and turned him over to the Kalinga based 501st Infantry Brigade at Tabuk City.
Habit, 22, and a native of Barangay Monamon Nortein Bauko, Mt. Province was a courier of the Communist Party of the Philippines- NPA’s Kilusang Larangan Guerilla (KLG) Marco while Anhibey, 26, single, was a 2nd year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student at the Ifugao State University, Lamut, Ifugao when recruited to become a full time member and a contact/courier of the NPA in Bauko and Sabangan, both of Mt Province and the tri-boundaries of Ifugao, Mt. Province and Benguet.
Habinia, according to Magundayao was “in a lie-low status” to the CPP-NPA but was serving as courier or “pasabilis” and recruiter of the NPA-Kalinga. He was reportedly with the underground movement from 1984 to 1988.
The trio opted to give up on the communist movement, Magundayao said, because they wanted to avail the AFP Transitional Integration Program for them to be integrated into the Regular Force, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Respecting this, Magundayao said, “they will have to undergo the integration process of the AFP.”
The trio reportedly said “staying in the underground movement with causeless ideology had destroyed their future and ruined their peaceful lives as law abiding Filipino citizens."
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/03/22/922808/communist-rebels-surrender-want-be-afp-soldiers-instead
Number of NPA Rebs in Negros Continue to Dwindle
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Mar 22): Number of NPA Rebs in Negros Continue to Dwindle
Col. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Brigade here said that the number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental continue to dwindle.
Lactao issued this statement yesterday, March 21, 2013 after another group of about 15 NPA rebels availed of the livelihood program of the provincial government.
The 15 NPA rebels received livelihood assistance from Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in his office yesterday morning.
Lactao said that from a strength of about 350, the NPA rebels are down to about 200 armed cadres.
He said this is an indication that more NPA rebels no longer subscribe to armed struggle as a means to effect change in society.
The recent group of surrenderees brought to at least a hundred the NPA rebels who returned to the mainstream of society.
Lactao further called on the NPA rebels who are still in the countryside to join their former comrades to lead a new life with the livelihood programs being extended by the provincial government.
http://www.ndb-online.com/032213/local-news/local-news-number-npa-rebs-negros-continue-dwindle
Col. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Brigade here said that the number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental continue to dwindle.
Lactao issued this statement yesterday, March 21, 2013 after another group of about 15 NPA rebels availed of the livelihood program of the provincial government.
The 15 NPA rebels received livelihood assistance from Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., in his office yesterday morning.
Lactao said that from a strength of about 350, the NPA rebels are down to about 200 armed cadres.
He said this is an indication that more NPA rebels no longer subscribe to armed struggle as a means to effect change in society.
The recent group of surrenderees brought to at least a hundred the NPA rebels who returned to the mainstream of society.
Lactao further called on the NPA rebels who are still in the countryside to join their former comrades to lead a new life with the livelihood programs being extended by the provincial government.
http://www.ndb-online.com/032213/local-news/local-news-number-npa-rebs-negros-continue-dwindle
15 Former Rebels Get Capitol Aid
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Mar 22): 15 Former Rebels Get Capitol Aid
Fifteen former rebels (FR) received a total of P149,000 worth of livelihood projects from the Negros Occidental provincial government during turnover ceremony at the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the distribution of the projects that included cash incentives of P5,000 each, free-range chickens, piglets, feeds, and veterinary medicines.
Marañon welcomed the FRs to the mainstream society and told them that the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.
He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.
All FRs will also be enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP), the governor said.
The FRs thanked the governor and the Philippine Army for giving them a chance to live a normal life.
The FRs were presented by 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Oscar Lactao. Also present were provincial veterinarian Renante Decena, Provincial Planning and Development coordinator Marlin Sanogal, and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda.
Lactao said since the implementation of the military’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Oplan Bayanihan in 2011, there are now a total of 99 FRs in Negros Occidental who went back to the fold of the law.
In 2011, there were at least 350 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental, but now, because of the active Oplan Bayanihan of the military, the rebels number only to 220, Lactao said.
Although the poverty level is high, and the number of rebels who are out-of-school youth is also high, the good news is that the number of rebels is decreasing, he said.
"We are improving. We are slowly eradicating the thought that if you are poor, you will become a rebel," Lactao said in Filipino.
Marañon said that in less than three years of his administration, 99 FRs have returned to the fold of the law.
This only means that they believe in our development agenda, their confidence on the government is high, because the 11-point NEGROS FIRST legislative agenda is really for the good of our poor constituents, the governor added.
Marañon said he expects that more FRs will return to the government’s fold soon.
http://www.ndb-online.com/032213/local-news/local-news-15-former-rebels-get-capitol-aid
Fifteen former rebels (FR) received a total of P149,000 worth of livelihood projects from the Negros Occidental provincial government during turnover ceremony at the Provincial Capitol yesterday.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the distribution of the projects that included cash incentives of P5,000 each, free-range chickens, piglets, feeds, and veterinary medicines.
Marañon welcomed the FRs to the mainstream society and told them that the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.
He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.
All FRs will also be enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program (NOCHP), the governor said.
The FRs thanked the governor and the Philippine Army for giving them a chance to live a normal life.
The FRs were presented by 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Col. Oscar Lactao. Also present were provincial veterinarian Renante Decena, Provincial Planning and Development coordinator Marlin Sanogal, and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda.
Lactao said since the implementation of the military’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Oplan Bayanihan in 2011, there are now a total of 99 FRs in Negros Occidental who went back to the fold of the law.
In 2011, there were at least 350 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Negros Occidental, but now, because of the active Oplan Bayanihan of the military, the rebels number only to 220, Lactao said.
Although the poverty level is high, and the number of rebels who are out-of-school youth is also high, the good news is that the number of rebels is decreasing, he said.
"We are improving. We are slowly eradicating the thought that if you are poor, you will become a rebel," Lactao said in Filipino.
Marañon said that in less than three years of his administration, 99 FRs have returned to the fold of the law.
This only means that they believe in our development agenda, their confidence on the government is high, because the 11-point NEGROS FIRST legislative agenda is really for the good of our poor constituents, the governor added.
Marañon said he expects that more FRs will return to the government’s fold soon.
http://www.ndb-online.com/032213/local-news/local-news-15-former-rebels-get-capitol-aid
More rebel returnees get aid
From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 22): More
rebel returnees get aid
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. distributed P149,338.75 in livelihood projects and financial assistance to 15 former rebels at the Governor’s Office in Bacolod City yesterday.
The governor said since he assumed his post, 99 rebels have returned to the fold of the law in Negros Occidental amid growing confidence in the government.
Col. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, who presented the rebels to the governor, said that, in 2011, there were 320 New People’s Army rebels operating in Negros Occidental but are now down to about 220.
The 15 former rebels yesterday received 400 free range chickens worth P20,000, 15 piglets worth P33,000, three bags of hog grower feeds valued at P3,600, three bags of chick booster mash worth P5,400, 15 pairs of plastic feeder and water container, veterinary drugs worth P4,940, T-shirts, caps and umbrellas worth P5,700, and cash incentives of P5,000 each.
Marañon welcomed the former rebels back to mainstream society and told them the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.
He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.
All returnees will also be enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program of the provincial government, he added.
The former rebels thanked the governor and Lactao for giving them the chance to live normal lives.
Also present at the turnover of assistance were Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena, Planning and Development Coordinator Marlin Sanogal, and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/22/topstory4.htm
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. distributed P149,338.75 in livelihood projects and financial assistance to 15 former rebels at the Governor’s Office in Bacolod City yesterday.
The governor said since he assumed his post, 99 rebels have returned to the fold of the law in Negros Occidental amid growing confidence in the government.
Col. Oscar Lactao, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, who presented the rebels to the governor, said that, in 2011, there were 320 New People’s Army rebels operating in Negros Occidental but are now down to about 220.
The 15 former rebels yesterday received 400 free range chickens worth P20,000, 15 piglets worth P33,000, three bags of hog grower feeds valued at P3,600, three bags of chick booster mash worth P5,400, 15 pairs of plastic feeder and water container, veterinary drugs worth P4,940, T-shirts, caps and umbrellas worth P5,700, and cash incentives of P5,000 each.
Marañon welcomed the former rebels back to mainstream society and told them the provincial government is always ready to assist them in their livelihood projects.
He also advised them to prioritize the education of their children because that is the best way to combat poverty.
All returnees will also be enrolled in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program of the provincial government, he added.
The former rebels thanked the governor and Lactao for giving them the chance to live normal lives.
Also present at the turnover of assistance were Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Renante Decena, Planning and Development Coordinator Marlin Sanogal, and Binalbagan Mayor Emmanuel Aranda.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/22/topstory4.htm
Suspected rebels burn 2 backhoes in Davao City
From InterAksyon (Mar 22): Suspected rebels burn 2 backhoes in Davao City
Two suspected communist rebels entered the compound of a construction company in Davao City and torched two backhoes Thursday night, police said.
Davao police chief Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa said the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, arrived at the Jameetrix Construction Company, owned by Allan Zamora, in front of the cockpit along the Diversion Road in Barangay Panacan, Buhanginan district around 7:45 p.m.
“Nagulantang na lamang itong si Leonardo Ondaloc, caretaker, na natutulog noon sa loob ng backhoe nang mangamoy krudo ang paligid. ‘Yun pala binibuhusan na ng krudo kaya nagkumahog siyang bumaba. Nagpakilala ang dalawa sa kanya na NPA (The caretaker, Leonardo Ondaloc, who was lseeping in a backhoe, was surprised when he smelled crude oil. He quickly went down when he realized that the oil was being poured on the equipment. The two introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army),” Dela Rosa said.
He said the arson was triggered by Zamora to pay the so-called “revolutionary tax” demanded by the rebels.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57726/suspected-rebels-burn-2-backhoes-in-davao-city
Two suspected communist rebels entered the compound of a construction company in Davao City and torched two backhoes Thursday night, police said.
Davao police chief Senior Superintendent Ronald dela Rosa said the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle, arrived at the Jameetrix Construction Company, owned by Allan Zamora, in front of the cockpit along the Diversion Road in Barangay Panacan, Buhanginan district around 7:45 p.m.
“Nagulantang na lamang itong si Leonardo Ondaloc, caretaker, na natutulog noon sa loob ng backhoe nang mangamoy krudo ang paligid. ‘Yun pala binibuhusan na ng krudo kaya nagkumahog siyang bumaba. Nagpakilala ang dalawa sa kanya na NPA (The caretaker, Leonardo Ondaloc, who was lseeping in a backhoe, was surprised when he smelled crude oil. He quickly went down when he realized that the oil was being poured on the equipment. The two introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army),” Dela Rosa said.
He said the arson was triggered by Zamora to pay the so-called “revolutionary tax” demanded by the rebels.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57726/suspected-rebels-burn-2-backhoes-in-davao-city
Communist rebel with P400,000 bounty nabbed
From InterAksyon (Mar 22): Communist rebel with P400,000 bounty nabbed
An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) with a P400,000 reward was arrested in Kalinga province, the Philippine National Police said Friday.
Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera police director, said Jovencie Baluga alias Edgar, 46, alleged member of the Militia ng Bayan of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (Guerrilla Front) BAGGAS of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Command was arrested by joint personnel of the Balbalan Municipal Police Station, the 21st Infantry Battalion and the Regional Intelligence Unit.
The arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Marcelino Wacas of Branch 25, Tabuk City for double murder and multiple frustrated murder.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57741/communist-rebel-with-p400000-bounty-nabbed
An alleged member of the New People's Army (NPA) with a P400,000 reward was arrested in Kalinga province, the Philippine National Police said Friday.
Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera police director, said Jovencie Baluga alias Edgar, 46, alleged member of the Militia ng Bayan of the Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (Guerrilla Front) BAGGAS of the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Command was arrested by joint personnel of the Balbalan Municipal Police Station, the 21st Infantry Battalion and the Regional Intelligence Unit.
The arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Marcelino Wacas of Branch 25, Tabuk City for double murder and multiple frustrated murder.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/57741/communist-rebel-with-p400000-bounty-nabbed
Malaysia grants PH access to detainees
From Rappler (Mar 22): Malaysia grants PH access to detainees
For the first time,Malaysia finally gave the Philippines access to the more than 100
Filipinos detained in Sabah , in particular the 8 Filipinos
facing terrorism charges over the bloody standoff.
"We want to give consular assistance to our people there. That's why we have been insisting toMalaysia
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been seeking access to the detained Filipinos for more than two weeks now. It had sent at least 4 notes verbale toMalaysia
On Thursday, 8 Filipinos who were among the about 200 followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who sailed to Sabah in February, faced the High Court. One of the accused, Holland Kalbi, claimed he was paid by someone to participate in the standoff.
Hernandez said they will assess the assistance to be provided to the detained Filipinos once the government gets direct access to them.
"We have not had any access to these eight. So when we are able to have access to them then we will be able to find out their conditions, health conditions, including the assistance that they will be needing from the Philippine government," Hernandez said.
As of Tuesday, March 20, a total of 107 Filipinos have been arrested underMalaysia
At least 62 have been killed due to the conflict, according to Bernama.
Malaysian authorities launched a crackdown on Kiram's followers after the firefight erupted, displacing some Filipinos in Lahad Datu, Saganak and Semporna. As of Tuesday, at least 3,568 people have fled Sabah and evacuated to thePhilippines
http://www.rappler.com/nation/24391-malaysia-grants-consular-access-to-8-detained-pinoys
For the first time,
"We want to give consular assistance to our people there. That's why we have been insisting to
The Department of Foreign Affairs has been seeking access to the detained Filipinos for more than two weeks now. It had sent at least 4 notes verbale to
On Thursday, 8 Filipinos who were among the about 200 followers of Sultan Jamalul Kiram III who sailed to Sabah in February, faced the High Court. One of the accused, Holland Kalbi, claimed he was paid by someone to participate in the standoff.
Hernandez said they will assess the assistance to be provided to the detained Filipinos once the government gets direct access to them.
"We have not had any access to these eight. So when we are able to have access to them then we will be able to find out their conditions, health conditions, including the assistance that they will be needing from the Philippine government," Hernandez said.
As of Tuesday, March 20, a total of 107 Filipinos have been arrested under
At least 62 have been killed due to the conflict, according to Bernama.
Malaysian authorities launched a crackdown on Kiram's followers after the firefight erupted, displacing some Filipinos in Lahad Datu, Saganak and Semporna. As of Tuesday, at least 3,568 people have fled Sabah and evacuated to the
2 Magdalo troops jailed after spurning pardon
From Rappler (Mar 22): 2 Magdalo troops jailed after spurning pardon
Two former Philippine soldiers who took part in a failed coup in 2003 were sentenced on Friday, March 22, to long prison terms, officials said, after both spurned President Benigno Aquino III's offer of pardon.
Ex-army first lieutenants Lawrence San Juan and Rex Bolo were found guilty of the crime of coup d'etat and both ordered to serve a maximum of 12 years in jail, court official Maria Rhodora Peralta told AFP.
"The judge found them guilty as participants of the coup, not as coup leaders," she said.
The duo were among several hundred mutineers who seized a hotel in Manila's financial district in 2003 in a failed bid by a group of junior officers to force Aquino's predecessor Gloria Arroyo to resign over alleged corruption.
Arroyo crushed the revolt, the first of 3 mounted against her during the nearly 10 years she spent in power, and later pardoned some of the participants.
She is now detained at a military hospital while on trial for allegedly plundering $8.8 million from state lottery funds during her years in office from 2001 to 2010.
Aquino, who came to power in 2010 after promising to fight corruption, granted amnesty that same year to all officers and soldiers who had risen up against Arroyo.
However San Juan and Bolo, on trial at the time, both rejected the new president's offer and chose to have their names cleared through the civilian court, military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos told AFP.
"They were both offered (amnesty), but they refused it," Burgos said, adding that they were the only two to reject the pardon.
Both men had been expelled from military service, like the officers who joined the revolts and later accepted the amnesty offer, said Burgos.
San Juan and Bola are currently out on bail, said Peralta, the court official.
Regional trial court judge Andres Soriano also ruled that both men may re-apply for bail if they planned to appeal the verdict, Peralta added.
Among those pardoned and freed from prison during Aquino's amnesty was former naval officer Antonio Trillanes IV, who had won a seat in the Senate in 2007 while campaigning from his military prison cell.
Senator Trillanes is now a close political ally of the President.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/24403-2-magdalo-soldiers-jailed-after-spurning-pardon
Two former Philippine soldiers who took part in a failed coup in 2003 were sentenced on Friday, March 22, to long prison terms, officials said, after both spurned President Benigno Aquino III's offer of pardon.
Ex-army first lieutenants Lawrence San Juan and Rex Bolo were found guilty of the crime of coup d'etat and both ordered to serve a maximum of 12 years in jail, court official Maria Rhodora Peralta told AFP.
"The judge found them guilty as participants of the coup, not as coup leaders," she said.
The duo were among several hundred mutineers who seized a hotel in Manila's financial district in 2003 in a failed bid by a group of junior officers to force Aquino's predecessor Gloria Arroyo to resign over alleged corruption.
Arroyo crushed the revolt, the first of 3 mounted against her during the nearly 10 years she spent in power, and later pardoned some of the participants.
She is now detained at a military hospital while on trial for allegedly plundering $8.8 million from state lottery funds during her years in office from 2001 to 2010.
Aquino, who came to power in 2010 after promising to fight corruption, granted amnesty that same year to all officers and soldiers who had risen up against Arroyo.
However San Juan and Bolo, on trial at the time, both rejected the new president's offer and chose to have their names cleared through the civilian court, military spokesman Colonel Arnulfo Burgos told AFP.
"They were both offered (amnesty), but they refused it," Burgos said, adding that they were the only two to reject the pardon.
Both men had been expelled from military service, like the officers who joined the revolts and later accepted the amnesty offer, said Burgos.
San Juan and Bola are currently out on bail, said Peralta, the court official.
Regional trial court judge Andres Soriano also ruled that both men may re-apply for bail if they planned to appeal the verdict, Peralta added.
Among those pardoned and freed from prison during Aquino's amnesty was former naval officer Antonio Trillanes IV, who had won a seat in the Senate in 2007 while campaigning from his military prison cell.
Senator Trillanes is now a close political ally of the President.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/24403-2-magdalo-soldiers-jailed-after-spurning-pardon
Tubbataha task force sets 2nd week of April as new timeline for completion of salvage operation
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22): Tubbataha task force sets 2nd week of
April as new timeline for completion of salvage operation
The Task Force Tubbataha (TFT), which leads and manages the ongoing recovery operation of the grounded USS Guardian minesweeper on the South Atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), has set the second week of April as new timeline for the completion of salvaging activities in the area.
Ens. Greanata Jude, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Palawan District, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday that the task force will not be able to meet the March timeline that it has first set to complete the salvage operation due to problems in weather condition in the area in the past.
“If all goes well, by the second week of April, the task force would be able to complete the salvage operation, and then conduct the post-assessment on the damages to the corals in Tubbataha,” Jude told the Philippines News Agency.
Currently, crewmen of Jascon 25 and other salvor vessels by thePhilippines and the U.S.
Cut markers, she explained, will be placed Monday on the bow, the auxiliary machinery room, main machinery room, and the stern to serve as guide of Jascon 25 and the other salvors when they finally commence “structurally cutting” the mine sweeper.
“After the hull, which is the only remaining part of the USS Guardian in the area, has been lifted, the crewmen will begin taking off debris from the area where it got stuck stranded to ensure not a single wreckage is left behind,” Jude explained.
Holes have also been bored on different parts of the hull to be used as channels for cable wires when lifting becomes possible.
She added that as soon as the operation is completed, a major meeting involving all stakeholders will be called by the task force to explain all past activities, and to proceed in the discussion of how the post-assessment will be conducted.
From the Philippine government side, the post-assessment team will be composed of experts from the Tubbataha Protected Areas Management Board (TPAMB), Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), the PCG, and others, whose expertise are required.
Meanwhile, Jude said diving tourism activities in Tubbataha still continue despite the presence of the salvage operation following the imposition of a 500-meter exclusion zone (EZ).
The imposition of the EZ, she furthered, was an agreement made with the TMO to avoid any tourists from being affected by the salvage operation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=509731
The Task Force Tubbataha (TFT), which leads and manages the ongoing recovery operation of the grounded USS Guardian minesweeper on the South Atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), has set the second week of April as new timeline for the completion of salvaging activities in the area.
Ens. Greanata Jude, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Palawan District, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Friday that the task force will not be able to meet the March timeline that it has first set to complete the salvage operation due to problems in weather condition in the area in the past.
“If all goes well, by the second week of April, the task force would be able to complete the salvage operation, and then conduct the post-assessment on the damages to the corals in Tubbataha,” Jude told the Philippines News Agency.
Currently, crewmen of Jascon 25 and other salvor vessels by the
Cut markers, she explained, will be placed Monday on the bow, the auxiliary machinery room, main machinery room, and the stern to serve as guide of Jascon 25 and the other salvors when they finally commence “structurally cutting” the mine sweeper.
“After the hull, which is the only remaining part of the USS Guardian in the area, has been lifted, the crewmen will begin taking off debris from the area where it got stuck stranded to ensure not a single wreckage is left behind,” Jude explained.
Holes have also been bored on different parts of the hull to be used as channels for cable wires when lifting becomes possible.
She added that as soon as the operation is completed, a major meeting involving all stakeholders will be called by the task force to explain all past activities, and to proceed in the discussion of how the post-assessment will be conducted.
From the Philippine government side, the post-assessment team will be composed of experts from the Tubbataha Protected Areas Management Board (TPAMB), Tubbataha Management Office (TMO), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), the PCG, and others, whose expertise are required.
Meanwhile, Jude said diving tourism activities in Tubbataha still continue despite the presence of the salvage operation following the imposition of a 500-meter exclusion zone (EZ).
The imposition of the EZ, she furthered, was an agreement made with the TMO to avoid any tourists from being affected by the salvage operation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=509731
US funding agency visits Negros Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22): US funding agency visits Negros
Oriental
Executive Director Andy Moll of the Millenium Challenge Account Philippines (MCA-P), the office that handles the funds of the Millenium Challenge Corporation, a funding agency created by the United States Congress, visited and inspected the community driven projects of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan and Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) in the Municipality of Mabinay recently.
Kalahi-CIDSS uses a community-driven development (CDD) technology which harnesses the potential of people in the barangay to analyse their own situations, identify problems and issues in their communities and propose small-scale projects.
It is one of the flagship poverty reduction programs of the Philippine Government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and has been internationally recognized as an effective strategy of reducing poverty, said Simeon Remata III of the DSWD Region 7 in a news release.
During the assessment meeting with Mayor Ernie Uy of Mabinay and his staff, Director Moll said that he noticed that the support of the local government unit of Mabinay is strong compared to the areas in other regions he has visited previously. “It is essential that DSWD and LGU, especially the beneficiary communities, have to closely work together as partners of the development process for the poverty reduction program to work – the LGU of Mabinay is a great model to that”, he said. He echoed the 3 major stakeholders of the Kalahi-CIDSS project which involves the social welfare agency, the LGU and the communities.
On the aspect of quality, Director Moll talked about sharing and learning the best practices from different areas. “Development is a continuous process and that there should be constant learning which will strengthen approaches and tactics in our social interventions”, he said.
One of the project sites the group visited earlier that day was Brgy. Samac which has a Water System Level II as community project that costs P6,824,689.00. Said Water System Project is the highest costing Water System Project out of the nine (9) Water System Projects currently being implemented in the province. The Water System project is projected to benefit more than four-hundred fifty (450) households in the barangay.
Samac Brgy. Capt. Ma. Rosario F. Ocay shared during the visit that the operation and maintenance of the water system project has also been deliberated by the community already even before the start of the construction of the community project.
“Part of the sustainability planning of our community project is to plant trees surrounding the reservoir to conserve and generate water”, she said.
Community Facilitator Maria Bermoy assigned in the said barangay said that the community had high participation rates during the barangay assemblies – a factor which helped the community get prioritized for the funding.
“They [community] initially had 92% participation rate in the first barangay assembly, 98 percent during the second assembly, and the preceding assemblies received 100 percent complete attendance of households in Brgy. Samac”, she said.
In the Kalahi-CIDSS Project, barangay assemblies are obliged to have at least 80 percent household participation rates to acquire the most urgent and felt needs of the barangay.
In Negros Oriental, there are currently fifty-six (56) sub-projects scattered in different municipalities being implemented which includes farm-to-market roads, water systems, school-buildings, foot-bridges, day care centres, barangay health stations, drainage and flood controls and even a rain-water harvester in Apo Island, Dauin.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=509872
Executive Director Andy Moll of the Millenium Challenge Account Philippines (MCA-P), the office that handles the funds of the Millenium Challenge Corporation, a funding agency created by the United States Congress, visited and inspected the community driven projects of the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan and Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) in the Municipality of Mabinay recently.
Kalahi-CIDSS uses a community-driven development (CDD) technology which harnesses the potential of people in the barangay to analyse their own situations, identify problems and issues in their communities and propose small-scale projects.
It is one of the flagship poverty reduction programs of the Philippine Government implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and has been internationally recognized as an effective strategy of reducing poverty, said Simeon Remata III of the DSWD Region 7 in a news release.
During the assessment meeting with Mayor Ernie Uy of Mabinay and his staff, Director Moll said that he noticed that the support of the local government unit of Mabinay is strong compared to the areas in other regions he has visited previously. “It is essential that DSWD and LGU, especially the beneficiary communities, have to closely work together as partners of the development process for the poverty reduction program to work – the LGU of Mabinay is a great model to that”, he said. He echoed the 3 major stakeholders of the Kalahi-CIDSS project which involves the social welfare agency, the LGU and the communities.
On the aspect of quality, Director Moll talked about sharing and learning the best practices from different areas. “Development is a continuous process and that there should be constant learning which will strengthen approaches and tactics in our social interventions”, he said.
One of the project sites the group visited earlier that day was Brgy. Samac which has a Water System Level II as community project that costs P6,824,689.00. Said Water System Project is the highest costing Water System Project out of the nine (9) Water System Projects currently being implemented in the province. The Water System project is projected to benefit more than four-hundred fifty (450) households in the barangay.
Samac Brgy. Capt. Ma. Rosario F. Ocay shared during the visit that the operation and maintenance of the water system project has also been deliberated by the community already even before the start of the construction of the community project.
“Part of the sustainability planning of our community project is to plant trees surrounding the reservoir to conserve and generate water”, she said.
Community Facilitator Maria Bermoy assigned in the said barangay said that the community had high participation rates during the barangay assemblies – a factor which helped the community get prioritized for the funding.
“They [community] initially had 92% participation rate in the first barangay assembly, 98 percent during the second assembly, and the preceding assemblies received 100 percent complete attendance of households in Brgy. Samac”, she said.
In the Kalahi-CIDSS Project, barangay assemblies are obliged to have at least 80 percent household participation rates to acquire the most urgent and felt needs of the barangay.
In Negros Oriental, there are currently fifty-six (56) sub-projects scattered in different municipalities being implemented which includes farm-to-market roads, water systems, school-buildings, foot-bridges, day care centres, barangay health stations, drainage and flood controls and even a rain-water harvester in Apo Island, Dauin.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=509872
15 NPAs proved no match to rookie cop in South Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22): 15 NPAs proved no match to rookie cop
in South Cotabato
Courage proved the decisive factor as a rookie cop successfully repelled the attacks of 15 New People's Army (NPA) rebels on a police station in T'Boli,South Cotabato Thursday morning.
The assault took place around 11: 45 a.m.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr., identified the valiant officer as PO1 Roel O. Armercin.
The former was on duty on a sub-station of the T'Boli Municipal Police Station when 15 rebels, armed with AK-47 automatic rifles, hurled a fragmentation grenade at the police facility.
After this initial attack, the rebels forced themselves inside and looted the police precinct, carting away three sets of police uniforms, a .45 caliber pistol, various ATM cards and cash amounting to P1,000.
The rebels also succeeded in damaging the police radio and two shotguns issued to Armecin and another fellow officer.
Despite the superior enemy strength and firepower, Armecin battled it out with the raiders using his own .45 caliber pistol.
“I saw two of the raiders fall down after I hit them with my gun," he added.
At this point, the rebels lobbed three more fragmentation hand grenades and then fled aboard an Isuzu elf truck.
Fortunately, all the three grenades failed to explode.
Witnesses saw at least two of the raiders lying wounded on the floor of the getaway truck.
They also reported seeing at least ten other NPA members who were positioned several hundred meters away, waiting in ambush for the arrival of reinforcing government forces.
“I will be recommending Armecin for meritorious promotion. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us in the PNP,” South Cotabato Provincial Police head Romeo C. Ver said.
“Armecin just graduated from our Handgun Marksmanship Training. His training surely increased his confidence level, that was why he was able to maintain his cool and perform well under great pressure. Truly, Armecin makes the PNP organization proud. Always outnumbered, but never outfought.” Calima added.
The raiders are believed to be members of Front Committee 73 led by Antonio ALBOTRA aliasWarren
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=509736
Courage proved the decisive factor as a rookie cop successfully repelled the attacks of 15 New People's Army (NPA) rebels on a police station in T'Boli,
The assault took place around 11: 45 a.m.
Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr., identified the valiant officer as PO1 Roel O. Armercin.
The former was on duty on a sub-station of the T'Boli Municipal Police Station when 15 rebels, armed with AK-47 automatic rifles, hurled a fragmentation grenade at the police facility.
After this initial attack, the rebels forced themselves inside and looted the police precinct, carting away three sets of police uniforms, a .45 caliber pistol, various ATM cards and cash amounting to P1,000.
The rebels also succeeded in damaging the police radio and two shotguns issued to Armecin and another fellow officer.
Despite the superior enemy strength and firepower, Armecin battled it out with the raiders using his own .45 caliber pistol.
“I saw two of the raiders fall down after I hit them with my gun," he added.
At this point, the rebels lobbed three more fragmentation hand grenades and then fled aboard an Isuzu elf truck.
Fortunately, all the three grenades failed to explode.
Witnesses saw at least two of the raiders lying wounded on the floor of the getaway truck.
They also reported seeing at least ten other NPA members who were positioned several hundred meters away, waiting in ambush for the arrival of reinforcing government forces.
“I will be recommending Armecin for meritorious promotion. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all of us in the PNP,” South Cotabato Provincial Police head Romeo C. Ver said.
“Armecin just graduated from our Handgun Marksmanship Training. His training surely increased his confidence level, that was why he was able to maintain his cool and perform well under great pressure. Truly, Armecin makes the PNP organization proud. Always outnumbered, but never outfought.” Calima added.
The raiders are believed to be members of Front Committee 73 led by Antonio ALBOTRA alias
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=509736
Aquino says Army has come a long way since its inception 116 years ago
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 22): Aquino says Army has come a long way since its inception 116 years
ago
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the giant strides the Philippine Army has taken to reach its vision of becoming a world-class army saying that what it is now is a far-cry from its humble beginnings more than a century ago.
Keynoting the 116th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army held at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday, the President said that although the PA, created in Tejeros in 1897, did not have the professionalism and training needed by a real “standing army,” the collective desire of the Filipinos then until now remains the same: to gain independence from fear and oppression.
“Kung titingnan ang hanay ng Hukbong Katihan nang itatag ito sa Tejeros noong 1897, hindi po masasabing propesyunal na mga sundalo ang mga kasapi nito. Hindi pa buo ang mekanismo para magsanay at bigyang-kagamitan ang isang tunay na tinaguriang standing army. Hindi pa hinog ang estadong popondo at kikilala sa kanila; bagkus, ang hukbo ay binuo ng mga karaniwang Pilipino—silang mga pinagbigkis ng kolektibong adhikain: Ang kalayaan mula sa pang-aapi, at ang kasarinlan para sa bayang Pilipinas,” the President said.
“Talaga nga pong kay layo na ng ating narating sa loob ng isandaan at labing-anim na taon. Mula sa pagkakapunla bilang isang kilusang militia, ngayon, tunay na propesyunal na ang ating Hukbong Katihan. Mula sa mga sinaunang kagamitang pinondohan mula sa sariling bulsa o kinuha sa mga nadaig na dayuhan, ngayon, nagsisimula na ring maabot ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng isang hukbo na kayang harapin ang mga hamon ng makabagong panahon,” he added.
He said that under the Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, the equipment, training and even housing benefits needed by the personnel of the PA will improve their capabilities to defend thePhilippines
“Nariyan na, halimbawa, ang mga mobility equipment tulad ng mga troop carrier trucks, ang isang dosenang five-ton trucks pambitbit ng inyong mga howitzer, ang bagong Night Fighting System, ang apat na light support watercraft, ang animnapung mga field ambulance na magagamit ninyo hindi lamang sa engkuwentro ngunit pati na rin sa pagtulong sa mga komunidad, at marami pang ibang armas at kagamitang nakamit o malapit nang makamit sa tulong ng AFP Modernization at Capability Upgrade Program,” the President noted.
“Bukod sa mga kagamitang ito, kabilang din po ang hanay ninyo sa sampunglibo at siyamnaraang kasapi ng Hukbong Sandatahan na benepisyaryo ng Phase 1 ng ating AFP/PNP Housing Program, at sa mahigit labing-apat na libo pang benepisyaryo mula sa AFP na nakatala na sa Phase 2 ng programang ito,” he added.
“Lahat po ng ito ay kongkretong kumakatawan sa ating batayang prinsipyo: Ang giting, sakripisyo, at kahandaan ninyong isubo ang sarili sa panganib ay dapat lamang tumbasan ng karampatang kalinga at pagkilala mula sa Estado. Matapos nga po ang maraming pagkakatisod sa nakaraan, dala na rin ng pagkukulang sa pambansang pamamahala, ngayon, kitang-kita na ang pagpapahalaga ng nagkakaisang bayang Pilipinas sa ating Sandatahang Lakas,” the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=509894
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the giant strides the Philippine Army has taken to reach its vision of becoming a world-class army saying that what it is now is a far-cry from its humble beginnings more than a century ago.
Keynoting the 116th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Army held at its headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday, the President said that although the PA, created in Tejeros in 1897, did not have the professionalism and training needed by a real “standing army,” the collective desire of the Filipinos then until now remains the same: to gain independence from fear and oppression.
“Kung titingnan ang hanay ng Hukbong Katihan nang itatag ito sa Tejeros noong 1897, hindi po masasabing propesyunal na mga sundalo ang mga kasapi nito. Hindi pa buo ang mekanismo para magsanay at bigyang-kagamitan ang isang tunay na tinaguriang standing army. Hindi pa hinog ang estadong popondo at kikilala sa kanila; bagkus, ang hukbo ay binuo ng mga karaniwang Pilipino—silang mga pinagbigkis ng kolektibong adhikain: Ang kalayaan mula sa pang-aapi, at ang kasarinlan para sa bayang Pilipinas,” the President said.
“Talaga nga pong kay layo na ng ating narating sa loob ng isandaan at labing-anim na taon. Mula sa pagkakapunla bilang isang kilusang militia, ngayon, tunay na propesyunal na ang ating Hukbong Katihan. Mula sa mga sinaunang kagamitang pinondohan mula sa sariling bulsa o kinuha sa mga nadaig na dayuhan, ngayon, nagsisimula na ring maabot ang pangarap nating magkaroon ng isang hukbo na kayang harapin ang mga hamon ng makabagong panahon,” he added.
He said that under the Armed Force of the Philippines Modernization and Capability Upgrade Program, the equipment, training and even housing benefits needed by the personnel of the PA will improve their capabilities to defend the
“Nariyan na, halimbawa, ang mga mobility equipment tulad ng mga troop carrier trucks, ang isang dosenang five-ton trucks pambitbit ng inyong mga howitzer, ang bagong Night Fighting System, ang apat na light support watercraft, ang animnapung mga field ambulance na magagamit ninyo hindi lamang sa engkuwentro ngunit pati na rin sa pagtulong sa mga komunidad, at marami pang ibang armas at kagamitang nakamit o malapit nang makamit sa tulong ng AFP Modernization at Capability Upgrade Program,” the President noted.
“Bukod sa mga kagamitang ito, kabilang din po ang hanay ninyo sa sampunglibo at siyamnaraang kasapi ng Hukbong Sandatahan na benepisyaryo ng Phase 1 ng ating AFP/PNP Housing Program, at sa mahigit labing-apat na libo pang benepisyaryo mula sa AFP na nakatala na sa Phase 2 ng programang ito,” he added.
“Lahat po ng ito ay kongkretong kumakatawan sa ating batayang prinsipyo: Ang giting, sakripisyo, at kahandaan ninyong isubo ang sarili sa panganib ay dapat lamang tumbasan ng karampatang kalinga at pagkilala mula sa Estado. Matapos nga po ang maraming pagkakatisod sa nakaraan, dala na rin ng pagkukulang sa pambansang pamamahala, ngayon, kitang-kita na ang pagpapahalaga ng nagkakaisang bayang Pilipinas sa ating Sandatahang Lakas,” the President said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=509894
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)