GPH peace panel chair downplays speculations on Mindanao peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): GPH peace panel chair downplays speculations on Mindanao peace process

The chair of the government peace panel talking peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Tuesday dismissed speculations regarding the postponement of the scheduled 37th exploratory talks on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"In fact, we will have our meeting with the members of the Transition Commission," Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, chief government negotiator told DXMS Radyo Bida here via her mobile phone Tuesday.

She said there was nothing wrong with the rescheduling of the talks since both sides remained focused on the completion of the annexes of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB). The meeting with Transition Commission is scheduled next month.

"There is nothing to worry about, we are on tract and we remained focused,” Ferrer said, responding to reports that spread through text messages that the postponement, the first under President Aquino's term is sending a message that should worry the Bangsamoro.

Ferrer said while the formal talks did not push through as scheduled on Monday, an executive meeting between members of the two panels was held during which vital issues on the peace process was discussed.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), said both sides also discussed the composition of the third party monitoring team, and the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP), and the first ever formal meeting of TransCom members next month.

Also discussed during the executive meeting was the proposed terms of reference for the Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

President Aquino's peace adviser Teresita Deles said the GPH and MILF panels also agreed to meet in the second week of April 2013 for the 37th round of Formal Peace Talks.

President Benigno Aquino III earlier asked for the postponement of the supposed March 25-27 peace talks in Malaysia.

“The President has requested that the 37th round of formal exploratory talks that was originally scheduled to begin March 25, be reset to April. The President deems it necessary to have more time for review and consultations on the draft annexes,” OPPAP’s statement said.

Ferrer said she relayed the President's request for the re-scheduling of the talks to the MILF peace panel and Malaysian facilitator during Monday’s executive meeting in Malaysia.

Simultaneous with the supposed holding of the 37th exploratory talks was the conduct of a series of peace rallies by Mindanao peace advocates in Pikit, North Cotabato, Cotabato City and Marawi City.

Malaysia, a member of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), had been helping the peace process as third party facilitator since 2003.

Aside from hosting the formal talks, Malaysia also had been sending peace monitors and leads the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

According to Ferrer, the President is within his self-imposed projection that a peace deal is signed in March or April.

Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and incoming chair of the Transition Commission, has said the 37th round of formal peace negotiations should have been the last and it will be followed by the signing of the accord.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=510821

Phil. Army's disaster response beefed up

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Phil. Army's disaster response beefed up

The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7ID), Philippine Army has recently conducted a two-day Disaster Rescue and Relief Operations Squad Challenge in this military camp to enhance its capabilities in responding to calamities.

Fourteen teams from the field units of the 7ID participated in the two-day activities that include knot tying, bandaging, water rescue, basic life support, emergency rescue transfer and rubber boat handling.

Troops that participated were from the 702nd Infantry Brigade, 703rd Infantry Brigade, 3rd Infantry Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion, 81st Infantry Battalion, 56th Infantry Battalion, 24th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, 70th Infantry Battalion, 1st Regional Community Defense Group, 71st Division Reconnaissance Company, 72nd Division Reconnaissance Company, 73rd Reconnaissance Company and 7th Disaster Relief Unit.

Major General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. 7ID commander, said the event was organized to test the ability of the soldiers as a team while in the actual performance of their duties and at the same time, prepare them during natural calamities and disasters.

Catapang said the event also aims in promoting teamwork, discipline and alertness among the members of the participating teams.

“We are now facing a new kind of war that is 'climate change' and through this activity we could now assess how prepared our units are in facing disasters and calamities," he said.

He also said that the 7ID will continue to train soldiers on disaster rescue and relief operation to be more effective in delivering humanitarian assistance and disaster response to those who are in need.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=510834

Soldiers, cops lead 'Bikers for Peace' rally in Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Soldiers, cops lead 'Bikers for Peace' rally in Quezon

Quezon cops and soldiers from the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) teamed up for the “bike run, motorcade and peace rally” organized by the multi-sectoral and civil society groups on Palm Sunday morning here.

Themed “Gusto Ko Po Kapayapaan, Itigil Na ang Karahasan” by lead organizer Bantay Bantay Foundation Incorporated (BBFI) headed by Dr. Ben Caralde, the “Bikers for Peace” run kicked off in front of the Sariaya town hall.

Quezon Police Provincial Office (QPPO) provincial director officer-in-charge Police Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos and the SOLCOM chief Major General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo enjoined their uniformed personnel to join the bikers for peace.

Police Chief Inspector Elmar Sillador, chief of Quezon’s Police Community Relations Branch and Sariaya police station chief Police Supt. Vilmor Manzano simultaneously cued the start of the bike run with 179 registered bikers.

Participation of bikers from other Quezon towns was facilitated by Lopez chief of police Supt. Arsenio Bantayan; Police Chief Inspector (PCI) Robert Enverga who heads the Quezon police provincial logistics and resource development branch (PLRDB) and Sariaya’s deputy police chief PCI Arvin De Asis also joined the bikers from different towns of Quezon province.

Reverend Father Rey Vera officiated the Palm Sunday mass followed by the floral offering and wreath-laying rites by various sectors at the “Bantayog ng Mga Biktima ng Karahasan.”

Aside from the non-government organizations, PNP officials offered wreaths led by Police Director Manuel Barcena, director for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) of Eastern Mindanao (EM); Police Chief Supt. Leonardo Ingking, Deputy DIPO-EM and Police Senior Supt Nestor Quinsay Jr., deputy of the Police Community Relations Group (PCRG) and Police Supt. Renato Alba, Quezon Police deputy provincial director for administration (DPDA).

Brigadier General Rolando Jungco, Commander Civil Relation Group (CSG); Colonel Generoso Bolina, Solcom-U7 and Colonel Alex Capina, Brigade Commander 201ST brigade led the military brass for the wreath-laying.

Atty. Raymond Avin Mendoza, Human Rights Officer for Region 4A also attended the peace event.

In his remarks at the program, Dr. Ben Caralde urged everyone to work together to attain long term peace and discouraged persons from joining insurgent groups.

More than a thousand people attended the program as they listened to the testimonies of the victims of violence inflicted by the rebel groups.

Col. Generoso Bolina stressed the military’s focus on community development programs on health services, education and environmental protection and enjoined every citizen’s effort for peace.

Eastern Mindanao police operations director Manuel Barcena said “Magtulungan tayo (Let's help each other) and let’s talk” which calls for dialogue, peace talks and endeavor for lasting peace.

Lead organizers and officials later released dozens of white doves to symbolize a violence-free Quezon province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=510888

Navy, civic group strengthen disaster response

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): Navy, civic group strengthen disaster response

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) has signed a memorandum of agreement with the Disaster Emergencies Land Traffic Assistance Communicators Philippines Inc. (Deltacom) seeking to strengthen their disaster response operations in Northern Luzon.

Commodore Nodolfo V. Tejada, NFNL commander, said the agreement is a significant step towards the realization of Navy's aspiration to provide responsive, competent and excellent service to the people.

Under the agreement, the NFNL will provide ground mobility to lift personnel and cargo anywhere within its designated area of responsibility, make available appropriate training area to Deltacom members at no cost and provide personnel to participate in disaster response-related activities for civic action.

On the other hand, Deltacom vowed to offer radio communications assistance and feed information with dispatch to the NFNL.

The group will relay information coming from its members in the provinces of Ilocos, Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Viscaya, Tarlac and Zambales.

Tejada said the partnership between NFNL and Deltacom could speed up disaster response operations in Northern Luzon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=510912

DND chief: Sabah row getting harder to resolve

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26): DND chief: Sabah row getting harder to resolve

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin Tuesday said the fighting in Sabah will prove difficult to resolve as it now has turned into a "low intensity" one between followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and Malaysian security forces.

“(Looking for one man) is like looking for fish in water,” he added.

Malaysian authorities are using 12 battalions of soldiers -- around 7,200 troops in all -- to locate and arrest Datu Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram.

“(But the military condition is) low intensity conflict. It’s like when you have only water as support, it would be very, very difficult to locate the fish,” Gazmin said.

Since Feb. 9, Kiram and his followers have been ensconced in Sabah, a 150-minute boat ride from Sulu.

Their demand for recognition has triggered severe fighting early March which led to the death of 63 of his followers and displaced 3,879.

Gazmin said the DND has not received any report that the Raja Muda has left Sabah and is now in the Philippines.

Gazmin added: “Remember the Raja Muda has been there for quite some time and he’s been moving in and out of Malaysia so he knows the terrain, he has a lot of relatives.

"Once upon a time, he was an officer of a barangay so he knows the area.”

The DND chief added Philippine security authorities don't see Raja Muda bringing the violence to Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=510812

Medical-Dental outreach marks Army Day in Mati, DavOr

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): Medical-Dental outreach marks Army Day in Mati, DavOr

Soldiers and volunteer doctors served 914 patients during a medical-dental reach-out activity in commemoration of the 116th Philippine Army founding anniversary in Sitio Sudlon, Barangay Central, Mati City, Davao Oriental, Friday, March 22.

Captain Reginaldo Celada, civil-military operations officer of the 701st Infantry Brigade said residents availed of services ranging from regular medical and dental consultations, circumcision, feeding program and bloodletting.

He said the activity was part of the Peace and Development Outreach Program of the Philippine Army and its continuing effort to bring the government closer to the people through the delivery of basic health services with the support of the Davao Oriental Provincial Health Office, doctors and dentists from the St Camellius Hospital, Municipal Health Office of San Isidro and the Philippine Red Cross.

“We we able to accommodate 563 patients for medical consultation, 90 patients for tooth extraction, 42 boys circumcised, 200 children for the feeding program and 19 civilian residents and soldiers donating blood,” Celada said.

Abdias Subingsubing, purok leader of Sudlon lauded the soldiers, doctors and volunteers for the delivery of basic medical services.

He also thanked the soldiers for maintaining peace and order in the barangay.

Colonel Paterno Morales, deputy brigade commander of the 701st Brigade cited the cooperation of the residents to the success of the peace and development program.

He also thanked the assistance of the provincial and municipal health offices in addressing the health needs of residents in the area.

“The success of the activity is a convergence effort of the different stakeholders in delivering basic services to the people of Davao Oriental,” Morales said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381364176830

AFP brands NPA harassment as act to gain public sympathy

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26): AFP brands NPA harassment as act to gain public sympathy

The military believed that the latest harassment carried out allegedly by the communist rebels 5:30 am Monday, March 25 in Barangay Magangit, New Bataan, Compostela Valley was a desperate move to get the support of the residents back to the rebel movement.

Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commanding officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said the rebels only wanted to show that they are still active in the area.

He said that instead of winning public sympathy, the rebels instill fear among the residents.

Obligado said the rebels also failed to attract the attention of the soldiers despite conducting a checkpoint and firing at their positions so they set off their improvised landmine.

He said soldiers have been ordered to defend their positions first before responding to enemy movement.

Obligado said that under these circumstances soldiers must maneuver on foot and not to use the four-wheel vehicle.

“Concerned citizens reported the presence of rebels blocking and laying an improvised landmine along the road. When the troops did not immediately react to the checkpoint, they fired upon Magangit Patrol Base to force the troops to go after them. When they failed to lure in the troops, they just detonated the improvised explosive instead of retrieving it,” he said.

Obligado said the rebels put the lives of residents to danger even with their presence, by luring the soldiers into a firefight and the laying and exploding of an improvised landmine on the road used by the people.

Lt. Colonel Michael Logico, commanding officer of the 66 Infantry Battalion said the rebels positioned themselves in front of a school, the most populated area in the barangay.

He said it was the call of the soldiers not to react immediately in order not to endanger the lives of the residents.

“The safety of the populace is the primary consideration by our troops in every operation,” Logico said.

He said that though the rebels did not hold hostage, they caused fear among the innocent civilians.

Residents reported that the rebels laid an improvised landmine along the road going to Maragusan.

They also said that the rebels held a bus and ordered all passengers to alight before burning the tires of the vehicle.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=2381364270384

NPA shoots civilians in MisOr, 1 NPA dies in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): NPA shoots civilians in MisOr, 1 NPA dies in Bukidnon

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- The New People’s Army (NPA) shot a civilian at Sitio Sidlakan, Barangay Bangbang, Medina, Misamis Oriental at 8:45 a.m., March 24.
Said incident followed after the rebels harassed the Command Post of Army's Bravo Company, 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion in the area.

The wounded civilian is a certain Virgilio Legazpi, of legal age, poultry owner, and fondly called “Tatay Beloy” by the residents. Tatay Beloy went out of his hut with his step-daughter heading towards their poultry house to attend to some farm chores when the armed rebels fired upon them hitting the victim in his stomach.

The troops responded to aid the two civilians in an aim to extricate them from the rebels volume of fire but the latter continuously fired upon to these unarmed and innocent civilians. After the continuous effort to repel the enemy fires, the encounter ended.

Tatay Beloy was given first aid by his daughter using medical items from the Combat Life Saver kit of the troops. He was then evacuated to Bagong Lipunan Hospital in Gingoog City for immediate medical treatment with the help of the Local Government Unit of Medina.

Tatay Beloy was out of danger as of this writing.

Meanwhile, another encounter ensued between the rebels and the troops from 5th Scout Ranger Company, 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion, Special Operations Command operationally controlled by 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade at Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City at 11:35 before noon last Sunday.

The exchange of fire lasted for 15 minutes. After which, the troops searched the encounter site and found one dead body of a rebel (name still unknown) and one M14 rifle. The rebels fled unconcerned of their dead comrade who was left in the place of incident.

The troops turned-over the body to the local officials of the Barangay Dalwangan, Malaybalay City for proper disposition.

Colonel Francisco Pabayo INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade said, “We are saddened by the actions of these rebels of targeting unarmed civilians, they are becoming more desperate that they will consider almost killing civilians as retaliation to their failed attack against the military post. I challenge these rebels that, if they are really concerned to the people as they always claimed, spare them because these civilians cannot defend themselves on their own.”

Lieutenant Colonel Eugenio Julio C Osias IV, 4ID Spokesperson said “These rebels continue to loss the support of the people who already realized that these NPAs are mere criminals who take pride of launching atrocities unmindful of hurting civilians. I also felt sorry for the family of the rebel who died in the said encounter. This incident should not have happened if only these rebels heed the peaceful offer of the government for a meaningful reconciliation.”

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461364130537

91 new soldiers join army force

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 26): 91 new soldiers join army force

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City -- Ninety-one male candidate soldiers successfully completed the prescribed requirements of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 302-12.

The graduation ceremony was held yesterday at the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Grandstand at 4:00 p.m.

Most of the members of the class came from several provinces in Region 10 and 13. They passed both the physical and academic aspect of the training.

They all hurdled the six-month basic soldiery training which transformed them to discipline soldiers. They were trained on tactics and enriched technically to satisfy the basic requirement for a soldier who can perform his task as a member of the army.

The 4th Division Training Unit (4DTU) headed by Lt. Col. Jose Emmanuel L. Mariano (INF) GSC PA administered the training of the new soldiers. They were taught on basic military knowledge and skills, jungle warfare, mountaineering operations, the core values of the army, rule of law, human rights and international humanitarian laws. 

Maj. Gen. Nestor A. Añonuevo, 4ID commander, congratulated the members of CSC CL-302-12 for successfully completing the course. He also congratulated and thanked the parents who painstakingly supported their sons from the application process until the day of their graduation.

He said the support of the family to a soldier will give them the strength to overcome all the challenges of this noble profession, the separation, the loneliness, the physical and mental demand.

“Make your family and country proud, treasure your service by making your every action contribute towards attaining peace for the people,” Añonuevo said.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461364280040

Bantay Bayanihan launched in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): Bantay Bayanihan launched in Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Mar 25 (PIA) -- The civil society group in Basilan launched recently the Bantay Bayanihan (BB) to ensure the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is being implemented in accordance with its guidelines.

Miriam L. Suacito, executive director of Nagdilaab Foundation said, “The IPSP signifies the intent of the AFP to draw support and increase involvement of multi-stakeholders in all levels in addressing peace and security concerns.”

The IPSP is the security sector’s commitment to attaining quality and progressive life for the Filipino people as a partner in peace and development.

“In Basilan, the IPSP partners had been doing efforts toward realizing the intended goal, which is lasting peace and development through the collaborative efforts of civil society, government line agencies and security sector,” Suacito stressed.

The conveners of the oversight group in Basilan, decided to launch the BB last March 5 during the duration of the Pakaradjaan Festival, were the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. and the Bapesda (Basilan Advocates for Peace, Environment, and Sustainable Development Association).

Ribi Daño, representative of the national secretariat said, "The BB is a civil-society-led oversight body that will monitor the implementation of IPSP. It is an initiative that aims to create an oversight body over the armed forces, including defense and security policies (strategic, tactical and operational levels).”

The BB is envisioned to be a dialogue space that brings together civil society organizations, the academe, civilian government units (whose services have direct bearing on conflict formation and peace building), and the AFP.

“There’s a national secretariat that serves as the working group on security sector reform, a research unit under the Department of Political Science of Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU),” Daño said.

She added the secretariat serves as the communication channel and liaison between and among chapters from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Also, it serves as the agenda-setter during national meetings of the group.

“The nature of engagement is constructive, but critical in the sense that we are an oversight; we have a tool for monitoring the assessment of the implementation of the IPSP, but at the same time constructive because we know that we are part of the solution. We criticize but at the same time we give recommendation,” she explained.

She also revealed that an annual assessment will be held this coming June to present the results of the assessment matrix crafted by the Bantay Bayanihan to the civil society organizations.

The security sector reform research unit of AdMU is expected to publish its results and findings, have a book launch, and do some policy recommendations to legislators.

“Bantay Bayanihan is already an institutional partnership between the CSOs and the AFP,” Daño further said.

As to the impression about Basilan, she said “When one is not from Basilan, the impression is that the place is dangerous and that one should have to coordinate his movements with the authorities. But surprisingly it’s just like Batangas, just like I am having a vacation here,” she observed, noting further that the CSOs in Basilan are very passionate about fighting for peace and development in the province.

Regional convener, Dr. Grace Rebollos of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) presented the concept of the Bantay Bayanihan. The security sectors—the AFP and the police—also presented their security strategies and programs in winning peace in the province.

104th Brigade Commander Col. Carlito Galvez said “the military is studying the dynamics of the different areas where it operates as basis for their strategic approach in addressing security concerns in the area.

He also observed that “the people of Basilan are already saying NO to war and are thirsting for development projects.”

He said that security concerns should be resolved in as peaceful way as possible with the support of the peace and order councils in the area.

Security Sector Reform means transforming the security sector/system, which includes all the actors, their roles, responsibilities and actions—working together to manage and operate the system in a manner that is more consistent with democratic norms and sound principles of good governance, and thus contributes to a well-functioning security framework.

The groups that form the security sector are: the armed forces, the police, Intelligence, Border Management Services, and the supporting institutions—oversight bodies such as Congress, justice and penal systems, non-statutory security forces and civil society groups.

A core objective of Security Sector Reform is to reform the security sector institutions so that they are transparent, respectful of the rule of law and human rights, and accountable to democratic civilian authority, such as the parliament and the justice system. Hence, it is an important component of peace-building, democratization, and development.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421364029917

41st Infantry Battalion adjudged as 5ID's Best Battalion 2012

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 25): 41st Infantry Battalion adjudged as 5ID's Best Battalion 2012

LICUAN-BAAY, Abra -- The 41st Infantry (Partner for Peace) Battalion based in Sitio Baquero, in this town, is adjudged the 5th Infantry Division’s(5ID) Best Battalion for Calendar 2012 in the evaluation conducted by the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, based in Upi Gamu, Isabela last March 4.

Lt.Col. Danilo R. Domingo, the Commanding Officer of 41st IB, received the plaque of recognition from Maj. Gen. Joel P. Ibanez, Commander of 5th ID, during the Monday flag raising ceremony at the division headquarters last week.

In his message, Ibanez exhorted Domingo to take another extra effort to meet the challenges to sustain the gains of the unit. The 41st IB covers 13 of the 27 municipalities of Abra, where the unit successfully accomplished triad operations with its strengthened personnel and logistics administration.

The implementation of the Internal Peace Security Plan (IPSP) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines dubbed as Bayanihan, had gained popular support to the 41st IB from the local chief executives, and stakeholders working together toward peace security and development.

The contribution of the officers and men of the 41st IB as individual troopers had contributed to the unit’s outstanding performance that they have been recognized since 2011.

In his acceptance message, Domingo said the recognition serves as a continuing inspiration for all his troopers to continue doing even better and be of service to the Abrenians, to God and their country.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=111364111295

Army rejects NDF ceasefire offer for release of captured ComVal cop

From GMA News (Mar 25): Army rejects NDF ceasefire offer for release of captured ComVal cop

The Army has turned down a request from the National Democratic Front to cease offensive military operations to pave the way for the safe release of a police officer captured by the New People's Army on March 18.

In a statement issued Sunday night, NDF Southern Mindanao Chapter spokesperson Rubi del Mundo said the NDF has ordered the release of PO3 Ruben Nojapa Jr. of the Nabuntaran municipal police station in Compostela Valley on "purely humanitarian grounds."

"The release decision was based on purely humanitarian grounds in the wake of the appeal made by Nojapa’s family and peace advocates that have expressed support for a negotiated settlement within the bounds of international humanitarian law," del Mundo said.

According to a report on Davao Today, Nojapa's wife appealed to the NPA to release her husband.

The statement also enjoined the Army and "the US-Aquino regime’s provincial police force" to cease offensive military operations so that Nojapa can be released, a request which was rejected on Monday by the Army's 10th Infantry Division.

"We will not. If they want to release him, they can just simply release him and leave him anywhere [to] find his way [home]," said 10th ID commander Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo.

He also claimed that the rebels have been intensifying extortion activities in the past months, including the intimidation of candidates to collect "permit to campaign" and "permit to win" fees.

"Sad to say, they are doing a lot of intimidation, threats of extortion, including on the candidates…We cannot just allow them to do those things," he added.

Davao Today quoted Compostela Valley police chief Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan as saying a suspension of offensive police operations "is decided by the headquarters."

It also quoted Maj. Jake Obligado, chief of the 10th ID’s Civil-Military Operations, as saying last Thursday that they will not declare a suspension of offensive military operations. Obligado was quoted in the Thursday interview as saying the military "will not negotiate with the terrorists."

The NDF, which called Nojapa a prisoner of war in its statement, claimed the NPA "arrested" him on March 18 at a checkpoint in Barangay Mainit in Nabunturan. According to a report on the Mindanao Examiner, Nojapa's companion, SPO2 Randy Masambo, managed to escape.

Del Mundo said Nojapa, 50, is "well," with NPA medics administering his anti-hypertensive drugs and monitoring his blood pressure.

Del Mundo also said the NPA investigated Nojapa and found "no sufficient evidence" to prosecute him for "serious crimes ... against the Filipino people and the revolutionary movement."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/300911/news/regions/army-rejects-ndf-ceasefire-offer-for-release-of-captured-comval-cop

‘NPA strength down 75 percent in NegOr'

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 25): ‘NPA strength down 75 percent in NegOr'

The armed strength of the New People's Army in southern Negros Oriental, that allegedly reached its peak of 93 red fighters in 2010, has been reported by the 302 nd Infantry Brigade to have been reduced to 28 fighters as of December last year, posting a reduction by about 75 percent.

Col. Francisco Patrimonio, 302 nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the NPA in southern Negros Oriental is diminishing and losing its grasp on its mass base.

Patrimonio said the latest encounter between 79 th Infantry Battalion soldiers, led by 1Lt. Mark Anthony Calamba, and about 15 NPA fighters in Sitio Malangsa, Brgy. Mantiquil, Siaton, Negros Oriental, was a product of information from residents in the area.

Army soldiers were approaching an abandoned house near the encounter site, when they were fired at by rebels, triggering a running gunbattle, Capt. Cresencio Gargar, 302 nd Infantry Brigade Civil Military Operations officer, said.

The firefight lasted for almost five minutes, and the rebels withdrew in separate directions. No casualty was reported on the government side. Empty shells and kitchen utensils were found at the encounter site.

Patrimonio said the latest encounter will continue to put the NPA rebels on the run, further exhaust and force them to abandon the armed struggle.

Before the encounter, seven rebels who surrendered to the 11 th Infantry Battalion were given financial assistance by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, through the efforts of its commander, Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac.

Patrimonio attributed the decrease in strength of the NPA in southern Negros Oriental to their sustained combat operations and deployment of Bayanihan teams in conflict-affected communities.

The teams are immersed in conflict-affected barangays and helping facilitate the resolution of primary issues usually exploited by the NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/March/25/negor1.htm

Communist rebels terrorize towns in Compostela

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 26): Communist rebels terrorize towns in Compostela Valley

TAGUM CITY—Communist rebels launched near simultaneous attacks against government troops in several towns in Compostela Valley on Monday, police and army officials said.

The incidents happened in Maco, New Bataan and Mabini municipalities but did not cause any casualties, Senior Superintendent Camilo Cascolan, Compostela Valley police chief, said.

At least 30 New People’s Army rebels conducted a checkpoint along the Nabunturan-Maragusan road in Magangit village, New Bataan town past 5 a.m., and flagged down motorists according to Lieutenant Vilma Mojado of the army’s 1001st Infantry Brigade.

Mojado said the rebels also burned the tires of a packed passenger bus.

“The rebels also tried to lure government troops into a trap by assaulting the Army patrol base in the village. They planted landmines along the troops’ possible route,” she said, adding that the rebels detonated a bomb before taking cover.

At about the same time the incident in New Bataan was unfolding, NPA rebels also strafed the detachment of the 1001st Infantry Brigade in Sitio (sub-village) Quarry, in Mapaang village in Maco town, said Cascolan.

He said another group of NPA gunmen also harassed the outpost of the 72nd IB in Cabuyoan village in Mabini town around 5:30 a.m.

No casualties had been reported in all of the attacks, which the NPA carried out amid an earlier call by their leaders for a halt to military operations in the province, supposedly to speed up the release of P03 Ruben Nojapa, whom the communist insurgents had abducted on March 18.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/379971/communist-rebels-terrorize-towns-in-compostela-valley

Aussie man to help catch his kidnappers

From World News Australia (Mar 26): Aussie man to help catch his kidnappers

Australian man Warren Rodwell has begun providing crucial information that is hoped will see his kidnappers brought to justice.

Australian man Warren Rodwell, who spent 15 months in the hands of Islamic terrorists in the southern Philippines, has begun providing crucial information that is hoped will see his kidnappers brought to justice.

Mr Rodwell, who was released in the early hours of Saturday morning, was on Tuesday continuing his recuperation in Manila with his Australian sister and brother at his side.

His harrowing ordeal has left him emaciated and very weak.

But it's understood he has already begun debriefing security authorities in an effort to help them hunt down the jihadists that kidnapped him from his home on the island of Mindanao, in the southern Philippines in December 2011.

While he was moved around to various jungle hideouts during his time in the clutches of members of the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf group, it is believed the former soldier will be able to provide vital clues that could help in the man hunt.

The head of the Philippine police's anti-kidnapping unit, Renato Gumban, said that Mr Rodwell would provide an "intelligence debriefing".

He was expected to remain in Manila for at least another week to rest and undergo medical treatment, Senior Superintendent Gumban added.

Australia also stood willing to assist in the investigation, if asked by local authorities.

"We look forward to a speedy investigation and prosecution of those involved in Mr Rodwell's kidnapping," a spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in Manila on Tuesday.

He said that Mr Rodwell needed time "to recover and adjust in privacy".

"The decision on Mr Rodwell's return to Australia is a matter for him."

Mr Rodwell was released on Saturday after his kidnappers accepted a ransom payment of about $A94,000.

They had initially threatened to kill him unless a $US2 million ($A1.93 million) ransom was paid.

http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/1750470/Aussie-to-help-catch-his-kidnappers