From the Philippine Information Agency (May 9): 2 NPAs apprehended in Magallanes encounter
Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were captured recently following an encounter on May 1 at Barangay Siuton, Magallanes town this province.
Colonel Teody T. Toribio, commanding officer of the 31st Infantry Battalion, said that his soldiers under Captain Christopher Santander encountered 10 NPAs while on combat patrol in the forested area of the same place.
“The 10-minutes firefight did not bring any harm to our soldiers while we recovered three M16 rifles, a landmine, and subversive documents,” said Col. Toribio.
Toribio disclosed that they received reports from concerned citizens that NPA groups will be conducting extortion to some political candidates in Magallanes prompting them to conduct combat operation.
Santander, meanwhile, narrated that during the firefight, they have heard voices shouting for surrender, and that he immediately ordered his men for ceasefire.
“They were laying face down on the ground with their firearms by their side when they were captured”, described Santander.
The two captured rebels were identified as Judy Torres a.k.a. Ka Rolly, 33 years old, a resident of Brgy Dolos, Bulan, Sorsogon; and Jomar Gracilla, 19 years old, resident of Brgy Pili, Magallanes, Sorsogon. The two belong to the NPA's Front Committee 80 in Sorsogon. “Both of them were not hurt and were treated well at the headquarters of the 31IB in Brgy Rangas in Juban, Sorsogon,” said Santander.
Colonel Joselito Kakilala, Commander of 903rd Brigade, lauded the quick response of the soldiers to the reports of the civilians. He also praised the soldiers involved in the operation for their professional conduct in the observance of the Rules of Engagement and Human Rights.
The encounter was the second to happen within the span of three days in Bicol. On April 29, 2013, soldiers of the 83IB in Catanduanes have also encountered 10 NPA rebels in San Andres town that yielded an M16 rifle and leaving one soldier wounded.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=801367475990
Thursday, May 9, 2013
1 Cafgu killed, 2 soldiers wounded by rebels while on election duty in CamSur
From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): 1 Cafgu killed, 2 soldiers wounded by
rebels while on election duty in CamSur
A militiaman was killed and two soldiers were wounded when 20 suspected New People’s Army rebels attacked their group at around 4:15 a.m. Thursday in the remotevillage of Agao-ao in Ragay, Camarines Sur.
The victims were part of a group of seven soldiers and five members of the Citizens Auxiliary Forces Geographical Units (Cafgu) under the 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) that were on election duty in the village.
Lt. Col. Michael Buhat, 49IB commanding officer, believed that the rebel side also suffered casualties as bloodstains were scattered at the enemies’ position and withdrawal route.
“The soldiers were dispatched toBarangay
Agao-ao Elementary
School
The casualties were still in the area as of press time and combat medics were attending to the wounded.
Buhat said the two soldiers are now in stable condition.
“A Humvee field ambulance is on its way for casualty evacuation while the Philippine Air Force has been alerted for possible air evacuation if needed,” he said.
“At present, we are giving priority to the well-being of our wounded soldiers and to the bereaved family of the dead Cafgu,” he added.
Buhat did not identify the victims as their respective families have yet to be informed.
He said additional troops were sent in the area for pursuit and clearing operation.
Col. Richard Q Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, meanwhile said, “In the wake of the incident, we will continue to provide security to ensure that the people could freely and safely exercise their right to vote and deter the rebels from conducting atrocities as elections near.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=524194
A militiaman was killed and two soldiers were wounded when 20 suspected New People’s Army rebels attacked their group at around 4:15 a.m. Thursday in the remote
The victims were part of a group of seven soldiers and five members of the Citizens Auxiliary Forces Geographical Units (Cafgu) under the 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) that were on election duty in the village.
Lt. Col. Michael Buhat, 49IB commanding officer, believed that the rebel side also suffered casualties as bloodstains were scattered at the enemies’ position and withdrawal route.
“The soldiers were dispatched to
The casualties were still in the area as of press time and combat medics were attending to the wounded.
Buhat said the two soldiers are now in stable condition.
“A Humvee field ambulance is on its way for casualty evacuation while the Philippine Air Force has been alerted for possible air evacuation if needed,” he said.
“At present, we are giving priority to the well-being of our wounded soldiers and to the bereaved family of the dead Cafgu,” he added.
Buhat did not identify the victims as their respective families have yet to be informed.
He said additional troops were sent in the area for pursuit and clearing operation.
Col. Richard Q Lagrana, commander of the 902nd Infantry Brigade, meanwhile said, “In the wake of the incident, we will continue to provide security to ensure that the people could freely and safely exercise their right to vote and deter the rebels from conducting atrocities as elections near.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=524194
Two army soldiers killed, six seriously wounded in Kalinga ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (May 9): Two army soldiers killed, six seriously wounded in Kalinga ambush
The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) based here confirmed late afternoon Thursday the death of two soldiers and critical wounding of six others in a 9:30 a.m. ambush staged by a band of armed men in Sitio Patiking, Barangay Bagumbayan,Tabuk City in Kalinga
Province
PROCOR public information officer Police Senior Superintendent Dave Limmong identified the killed soldiers as Corporal Wilfredo Bacacao, a native of Lubuagan, Kalinga, and Corporal Allen Pattaguan, a native ofCagayan Province
The ambushed soldiers belong to the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army serving theprovince
of Kalinga
The six soldiers wounded were identified as: TSGT Herminigildo Vergara, Tsgt Constante Alupante, Tsgt Rico Delacuesta, SSgt. Michael Adducul, Sgt. Wayne Aguinaldo and Pfc. Delfin Goyagoy.
They remain at a hospital in that province for medical treatment, but doctors said that one of them in critical condition might be airlifted to Cauayan, Isabela any time from now.
They were escorting the "Air 21", a company contracted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deliver 28 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to Lubuagan, Kalinga which will be used in the May 13 mid-term elections.
Army colonel Roger Salvador, commanding officer of the ambushed soldiers, said Bacacao and Pattaguan were critically wounded in the ambush, and together with their comrades in arms exchanged fires with the armed band believed to belong to the New People's Army (NPA) if only to protect the Air 21 personnel.
Kalinga provincial election supervisor Dexter Cawis said the Comelec is now studying whether to place the 3,119.7-square kilometerKalinga Province
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=524265
The Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) based here confirmed late afternoon Thursday the death of two soldiers and critical wounding of six others in a 9:30 a.m. ambush staged by a band of armed men in Sitio Patiking, Barangay Bagumbayan,
PROCOR public information officer Police Senior Superintendent Dave Limmong identified the killed soldiers as Corporal Wilfredo Bacacao, a native of Lubuagan, Kalinga, and Corporal Allen Pattaguan, a native of
The ambushed soldiers belong to the 17th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army serving the
The six soldiers wounded were identified as: TSGT Herminigildo Vergara, Tsgt Constante Alupante, Tsgt Rico Delacuesta, SSgt. Michael Adducul, Sgt. Wayne Aguinaldo and Pfc. Delfin Goyagoy.
They remain at a hospital in that province for medical treatment, but doctors said that one of them in critical condition might be airlifted to Cauayan, Isabela any time from now.
They were escorting the "Air 21", a company contracted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to deliver 28 precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to Lubuagan, Kalinga which will be used in the May 13 mid-term elections.
Army colonel Roger Salvador, commanding officer of the ambushed soldiers, said Bacacao and Pattaguan were critically wounded in the ambush, and together with their comrades in arms exchanged fires with the armed band believed to belong to the New People's Army (NPA) if only to protect the Air 21 personnel.
Kalinga provincial election supervisor Dexter Cawis said the Comelec is now studying whether to place the 3,119.7-square kilometer
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=524265
PN denies involvement in shooting of Taiwanese fisherman
From the Philippine News Agency (May 10): PN denies involvement in shooting of
Taiwanese fisherman
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it has no involvement in the incident wherein a Taiwanese fisherman was shot and killed off the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last Thursday.
"The PN denies any involvement in, much as it were saddened by, the news about an incident where a Taiwanese fisherman was reportedly shot and the wound led to his death," Navy spokesperson for the WPS issues Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
He added that all vessels assigned to Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), which has jurisdiction over the WPS, are in port or inSubic ,
Zambales or Sual, Pangasinan at the time of the alleged shooting.
(Per the daily operational report of NFNL chief Commodore Nodolfo Tejada) On 10: 30 p.m. May 9, all Navy vessels under his command are in port or inSubic , Zambales or Sual, Pangasinan," Arevalo
stressed.
He added that the PN is now conducting its own verification of the incident.
Taiwan
The slain fisherman was identified as Hung Shih-cheng, 65.
The Taiwanese boat "Kuang Ta Hsing No. 28" was some 170 nautical miles off the southern coast ofTaiwan
Aside from an apology,Taiwan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=524458
The Philippine Navy (PN) on Friday announced that it has no involvement in the incident wherein a Taiwanese fisherman was shot and killed off the West Philippine Sea (WPS) last Thursday.
"The PN denies any involvement in, much as it were saddened by, the news about an incident where a Taiwanese fisherman was reportedly shot and the wound led to his death," Navy spokesperson for the WPS issues Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
He added that all vessels assigned to Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL), which has jurisdiction over the WPS, are in port or in
(Per the daily operational report of NFNL chief Commodore Nodolfo Tejada) On 10: 30 p.m. May 9, all Navy vessels under his command are in port or in
He added that the PN is now conducting its own verification of the incident.
The slain fisherman was identified as Hung Shih-cheng, 65.
The Taiwanese boat "Kuang Ta Hsing No. 28" was some 170 nautical miles off the southern coast of
Aside from an apology,
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=524458
Three dead in rebel attack ahead of vote
From Business World (May 9): Three dead in rebel attack ahead of vote
COMMUNIST GUERRILLAS killed three members of security forces yesterday and wounded eight others in attacks ahead of final preparations for next week’s elections, officials said.
The ambushes brought to 60 the number of people dead in violence linked to the May 13 vote, where politicians are contesting more than 300 seats in parliament and thousands of local executive posts.
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a government convoy that was delivering election equipment to a mountainous area near the northern city of Tabuk, killing two soldiers, their unit commander Col. Roger Salvador told AFP.
"They did not manage to get any of the [voting] machines, but the escorts got hit," Mr. Salvador told AFP, referring to scanners that would be used to tally votes at nearly 37,000 polling precincts.
The ambush also left six other military escorts wounded, said Sr. Supt. Froilan Perez, police chief in Kalinga province of which Tabuk is the capital.
Mr. Perez said the scanners have to be delivered to polling centers for final testing ahead of Monday’s balloting, in which more than 52 million Filipinos are qualified to vote.
None of the civilian election workers in the convoy were hurt, the police official added.
NPA rebels ambushed a second convoy delivering ballot scanners near the eastern town of Ragay at dawn, killing a member of a local militia force trained by the military, said local army commander Lt. Col. Michael Buhat.
Two soldiers who were also part of the security team escorting the convoy were wounded, he added.
The military has said the NPA is using the elections to raise millions of dollars by extorting money from candidates. Those who refuse to pay up are attacked, officials say.
Last week, the government said its peace talks with the communists had collapsed and a target of ending the insurgency by 2016 was impossible to achieve.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Three-dead-in-rebel-attack-ahead-of-vote&id=70012
COMMUNIST GUERRILLAS killed three members of security forces yesterday and wounded eight others in attacks ahead of final preparations for next week’s elections, officials said.
The ambushes brought to 60 the number of people dead in violence linked to the May 13 vote, where politicians are contesting more than 300 seats in parliament and thousands of local executive posts.
New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ambushed a government convoy that was delivering election equipment to a mountainous area near the northern city of Tabuk, killing two soldiers, their unit commander Col. Roger Salvador told AFP.
"They did not manage to get any of the [voting] machines, but the escorts got hit," Mr. Salvador told AFP, referring to scanners that would be used to tally votes at nearly 37,000 polling precincts.
The ambush also left six other military escorts wounded, said Sr. Supt. Froilan Perez, police chief in Kalinga province of which Tabuk is the capital.
Mr. Perez said the scanners have to be delivered to polling centers for final testing ahead of Monday’s balloting, in which more than 52 million Filipinos are qualified to vote.
None of the civilian election workers in the convoy were hurt, the police official added.
NPA rebels ambushed a second convoy delivering ballot scanners near the eastern town of Ragay at dawn, killing a member of a local militia force trained by the military, said local army commander Lt. Col. Michael Buhat.
Two soldiers who were also part of the security team escorting the convoy were wounded, he added.
The military has said the NPA is using the elections to raise millions of dollars by extorting money from candidates. Those who refuse to pay up are attacked, officials say.
Last week, the government said its peace talks with the communists had collapsed and a target of ending the insurgency by 2016 was impossible to achieve.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Three-dead-in-rebel-attack-ahead-of-vote&id=70012
Chinese ‘fishermen’ rope off, install metal structures on Ayungin Reef
From the Business Mirror (May 9): Chinese ‘fishermen’ rope off, install metal structures on Ayungin Reef
CREWMEN of Chinese fishing boats that entered the Ayungin Reef on the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) in Palawan have allegedly been unloading big ropes and metal structures.
“There are five to eight Chinese fishing boats that entered and are conducting surveys inside our Ayungin Reef. Our latest report is that the Chinese were unloading big ropes and planting metal structures on our reef,” a military officer who spoke in condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak on the matter said.
The intrusion was happening as the military leadership was on their second day of a “battle staff” meeting in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr., Armed Forces spokesman, did not confirm or deny the intrusion and illegal activities of the Chinese on Ayungin Reef.
The reported activities of the intruders were happening amid calls by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on China not to fish on Philippine waters.
The KIG is composed of the islands of Pagasa, Likas, Parola, Lawak, Kota, Patag and Panta, and three reefs called Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin. The islands and reefs have been constituted as the Municipality of Kalayaan in Palawan.
The center of KIG’s political power is in Pagasa, which has less than 400 civilian inhabitants. The island has a dilapidated airstrip.
The town is headed by Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon.
Another source said the real intention of the fleet of fishermen sent by China to the Spratly Islands for a “40-day mission” is to fish as there was a “fishing ban” currently imposed by China on the northern part of the South China Sea.
“Since there is a fishing ban on the northern part of the South China Sea they have to go southward, to the Spratly Islands, to fish,” the source said.
Aside from the Philippines and China, other claimants of the Spratly Islands are Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia.
The intrusion of the reported 40 Chinese fishing boats into the Spratly Islands is the same strategy China was using in its territorial dispute against Japan.
Just recently, the Japan government reported about the intrusion of 100 Chinese fishing boats on one of the disputed islands that overwhelmed the former’s Coast Guard.
China became more aggressive against the Philippines over the Spratly Islands issue after the latter brought the case for arbitration before the United Nations.
On Wednesday Tutaan said the military leadership is closely monitoring the situation as the Western Command (Westcom) and its naval unit, the Naval Forces West Command (Navforwest), have been alerted on the situation.
The Westcom is headed by Maj. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.
“[The command has to] intensify its [patrol] and monitoring to verify the truthfulness of the reports,” he said.
Tutaan refused to give details about what transpired in the meeting, especially on the deployment of air and naval assets.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, Navy spokesman for issues and concerns involving the West Philippine Sea, said the Navy has a “contingency plan” in case the reported flotilla of Chinese fishing vessels will intrude Philippine territorial waters.
“As of now, it’s too early to comment on what to do if they will enter Philippine territory as that remains to be a contingency [plan] as of the moment. The guidance of higher headquarters is clear: to continue to be vigilant, monitor and report any unusual incidents in the area, which includes intrusions and other illegal activities like fishing on our maritime domain. The Navy being a force provider will act as directed by higher headquarters,” said Arevalo.
Last March this newspaper broke the news about some ships with Chinese markings that were monitored to have entered KIG and reportedly dumped construction materials in one of the islands near the oil-rich Recto Bank. Malacañang confirmed the report but said it was a Chinese fishing vessel.
Last month suspected Chinese fighter jets entered Philippine air space in KIG. The incident was confirmed by authorities but said the aircraft were “unidentified.”
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
No 'pabaon' under my watch says new AFP auditor
From the Philippine Star (May 6): No 'pabaon' under my watch says new AFP auditor
The new auditor of the military on Monday assured the public that there would be no "pabaon" or illegal conversion of funds during his watch.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr., chief of the Armed Forces Office of the Internal Auditor, said he would make sure that the military’s resources are used properly.
“We have to look into it so that we can determine if they (resources) are in the right track or if they’re performing well in line with the security sector reform,” Tutaan said.
He added that the objective is to ensure the “judicious and prudent use of resources.”
Tutaan, who is also the spokesman of the military, said his office would conduct surprise audits when necessary.
“Other audits will be undertaken on special cases,” he said.
Tutaan said there would be no sacred cows in his drive to look into the transactions of military offices.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) image has been tainted with corruption after former military budget officer George Rabusa had claimed in 2011 that some generals got huge sums upon retirement.
He said the giving of send-off money or “pabaon” to top officials is part of a tradition.
Military funds intended for other purposes were reportedly converted to cash gifts for ranking officials.
During the height of the controversy, survey firm Pulse Asia released a survey which showed that almost half of Filipinos view the AFP as an institution where corruption is most prevalent.
The AFP has repeatedly claimed that reforms have been undertaken to insulate its financial and procurement systems from irregularities.
Among the measures that have been suggested to address fund misuse are the signing of a military logistics support and ordering agreement; using purchase card to avoid carrying too much cash and improving the AFP disposal program for unserviceable equipment and reimbursable fund operations.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/06/939061/no-pabaon-under-my-watch-says-new-afp-auditor
The new auditor of the military on Monday assured the public that there would be no "pabaon" or illegal conversion of funds during his watch.
Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr., chief of the Armed Forces Office of the Internal Auditor, said he would make sure that the military’s resources are used properly.
“We have to look into it so that we can determine if they (resources) are in the right track or if they’re performing well in line with the security sector reform,” Tutaan said.
He added that the objective is to ensure the “judicious and prudent use of resources.”
Tutaan, who is also the spokesman of the military, said his office would conduct surprise audits when necessary.
“Other audits will be undertaken on special cases,” he said.
Tutaan said there would be no sacred cows in his drive to look into the transactions of military offices.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) image has been tainted with corruption after former military budget officer George Rabusa had claimed in 2011 that some generals got huge sums upon retirement.
He said the giving of send-off money or “pabaon” to top officials is part of a tradition.
Military funds intended for other purposes were reportedly converted to cash gifts for ranking officials.
During the height of the controversy, survey firm Pulse Asia released a survey which showed that almost half of Filipinos view the AFP as an institution where corruption is most prevalent.
The AFP has repeatedly claimed that reforms have been undertaken to insulate its financial and procurement systems from irregularities.
Among the measures that have been suggested to address fund misuse are the signing of a military logistics support and ordering agreement; using purchase card to avoid carrying too much cash and improving the AFP disposal program for unserviceable equipment and reimbursable fund operations.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/06/939061/no-pabaon-under-my-watch-says-new-afp-auditor
Tiamzons, not Joma, now in charge of CPP
From the Manila Standard Today (May 7): Tiamzons, not Joma, now in charge of CPP
Govt may drop party founder from peace talks
The government said on Monday that it may drop Ultrech-based communist leaders Jose Maria Sison and Luis Jalandoni when it resumes the peace talks with the communists.
Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said that based on intelligence reports from within the communist movement, Sison and Jalandoni were no longer in charge of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army, and it is actually the husband-and-wife tandem of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon who are calling the shots.
“Who is in charge? Well, intelligence reports say that the Tiamzon spouses are in charge,” Padilla said during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday.
Padilla added that this was one of the reasons why the government is studying whether it would still involve Sison in the talks in the future through another platform and framework.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said there were new “dynamics” within the communist movement that suggested that it was futile talking to its founding chairman who has been in The Netherlands under a self-imposed exile.
“The report is that there are dynamics and there are things that are happening with the movement now. How this eventually settles itself, we don’t know,” Deles said.
“One of the things that we have that has really come forward in the consultations is the need to examine and assess who we are talking to and therefore this [whether to still talk to Sison or not] is a question that will certainly be seriously studied,” she added.
Based on Sison’s autobiographical work called The Philippine Revolution he and Tiamzon were members of the CPP’s Political Bureau, the party’s executive panel, in 1989. Tiamzon was also “politburo’s” acting chairman in 1987.
The other members of the Politburo in 1989 were Tiamzon’s wife, Wilma Austria, Ricardo Reyes and Romulo Kintanar.
However, Sison and Tiamzon drifted apart in the succeeding years, when he supported the moves within the rebel movement to participate in legislative elections, with Tiamzon choosing to maintain the party’s vision of relying on armed struggle.
Military sources also said Sison and Tiamzon backed opposing camps in 2010 when Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo ran for a seat in the House but.
Tuazon reportedly “celebrated” Ocampo’s defeat because it was an expensive exercise that was unpopular with those who espoused armed struggle, according to the military.
The Tiamzon couple have been described as more aggressive than Sison.
Former presidential peace adviser Avelino Razon Jr. had warned that with the Tiamzon couple at the helm, a “regime of violence is at hand.”
National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said the Tiamzon couple may have gained the upperhand because the NPA ground commanders respected them over the years for their decision to stay and continue the CPP’s armed struggle in the country.
“The general belief is that those based in the Philippines are exercising leadership. It is strange for a leader to be out of the country, and that is how the Tiamzon couple is able to exercise effective leadership,” Garcia said in a phone interview.
Little is known about the Tiamzon couple, except that Benito was an urban poor scholar who graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Sociology.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/07/tiamzons-not-joma-now-in-charge-of-cpp/
Govt may drop party founder from peace talks
The government said on Monday that it may drop Ultrech-based communist leaders Jose Maria Sison and Luis Jalandoni when it resumes the peace talks with the communists.
Government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said that based on intelligence reports from within the communist movement, Sison and Jalandoni were no longer in charge of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army, and it is actually the husband-and-wife tandem of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon who are calling the shots.
“Who is in charge? Well, intelligence reports say that the Tiamzon spouses are in charge,” Padilla said during a forum hosted by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Monday.
Padilla added that this was one of the reasons why the government is studying whether it would still involve Sison in the talks in the future through another platform and framework.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said there were new “dynamics” within the communist movement that suggested that it was futile talking to its founding chairman who has been in The Netherlands under a self-imposed exile.
“The report is that there are dynamics and there are things that are happening with the movement now. How this eventually settles itself, we don’t know,” Deles said.
“One of the things that we have that has really come forward in the consultations is the need to examine and assess who we are talking to and therefore this [whether to still talk to Sison or not] is a question that will certainly be seriously studied,” she added.
Based on Sison’s autobiographical work called The Philippine Revolution he and Tiamzon were members of the CPP’s Political Bureau, the party’s executive panel, in 1989. Tiamzon was also “politburo’s” acting chairman in 1987.
The other members of the Politburo in 1989 were Tiamzon’s wife, Wilma Austria, Ricardo Reyes and Romulo Kintanar.
However, Sison and Tiamzon drifted apart in the succeeding years, when he supported the moves within the rebel movement to participate in legislative elections, with Tiamzon choosing to maintain the party’s vision of relying on armed struggle.
Military sources also said Sison and Tiamzon backed opposing camps in 2010 when Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo ran for a seat in the House but.
Tuazon reportedly “celebrated” Ocampo’s defeat because it was an expensive exercise that was unpopular with those who espoused armed struggle, according to the military.
The Tiamzon couple have been described as more aggressive than Sison.
Former presidential peace adviser Avelino Razon Jr. had warned that with the Tiamzon couple at the helm, a “regime of violence is at hand.”
National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia said the Tiamzon couple may have gained the upperhand because the NPA ground commanders respected them over the years for their decision to stay and continue the CPP’s armed struggle in the country.
“The general belief is that those based in the Philippines are exercising leadership. It is strange for a leader to be out of the country, and that is how the Tiamzon couple is able to exercise effective leadership,” Garcia said in a phone interview.
Little is known about the Tiamzon couple, except that Benito was an urban poor scholar who graduated from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Sociology.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/07/tiamzons-not-joma-now-in-charge-of-cpp/
Army, rebels clash in Santa Catalina
From the Visayan Daily Star (May 7): Army, rebels
clash in Santa Catalina
Army soldiers clashed with about 30 suspected members of the New People’s Army in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, yesterday morning.
A team of soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion, led by Cpl. Jesus A. Alamon, were on combat patrol around 9:30 a.m. Monday at Sitio Cadlum in Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina, when they came upon the group of suspected rebels and engaged them in a running gunbattle.
The armed men are believed to be members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas-South East Front operating in the southwestern portions of Negros Oriental.
No casualties were reported from the firefight that lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes after which the suspected rebels withdrew towards the northeast, Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in the adjacent town of Siaton, said.
Recovered items from the encounter site were 113 spent shells of caliber 5.56 M-16, 89 empty shells of caliber 7.62 M-14, 98 pieces of caliber .30 carbine, one compass, one stethoscope, one sphygmomanometer, six paracetamol tablets, four family pictures, three kilos of corn grits, one bottle of cymbush insecticide and an X-ray film result of a certain Sita Dacaldacal.
Sison said his troops were conducting combat patrol to verify a report from civilians on Sunday on the presence of armed men in the area.
He reiterated that, due to pressure on the rebels with the continuous conduct of combat operations, the NPA has apparently failed in its purported goal to campaign for the political candidates the underground movement is supporting in the May 13 polls.
Meanwhile, Sison said, the NPA is likely to take advantage of the upcoming mid-term elections by launching tactical offensives against soft targets, military detachments and vital installations.
He also said he is constantly meeting with the security officers of vital installations in his area to prevent possible attacks by the NPA at the height of the elections.
He said they have been on red alert status since May 1 in preparation for next week’s polls.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/May/07/negor5.htm
Army soldiers clashed with about 30 suspected members of the New People’s Army in Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental, yesterday morning.
A team of soldiers from the 79th Infantry Battalion, led by Cpl. Jesus A. Alamon, were on combat patrol around 9:30 a.m. Monday at Sitio Cadlum in Barangay Nagbalaye, Sta. Catalina, when they came upon the group of suspected rebels and engaged them in a running gunbattle.
The armed men are believed to be members of the NPA’s Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas-South East Front operating in the southwestern portions of Negros Oriental.
No casualties were reported from the firefight that lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes after which the suspected rebels withdrew towards the northeast, Lt. Col. Marion Sison, commander of the 79th Infantry Battalion based in the adjacent town of Siaton, said.
Recovered items from the encounter site were 113 spent shells of caliber 5.56 M-16, 89 empty shells of caliber 7.62 M-14, 98 pieces of caliber .30 carbine, one compass, one stethoscope, one sphygmomanometer, six paracetamol tablets, four family pictures, three kilos of corn grits, one bottle of cymbush insecticide and an X-ray film result of a certain Sita Dacaldacal.
Sison said his troops were conducting combat patrol to verify a report from civilians on Sunday on the presence of armed men in the area.
He reiterated that, due to pressure on the rebels with the continuous conduct of combat operations, the NPA has apparently failed in its purported goal to campaign for the political candidates the underground movement is supporting in the May 13 polls.
Meanwhile, Sison said, the NPA is likely to take advantage of the upcoming mid-term elections by launching tactical offensives against soft targets, military detachments and vital installations.
He also said he is constantly meeting with the security officers of vital installations in his area to prevent possible attacks by the NPA at the height of the elections.
He said they have been on red alert status since May 1 in preparation for next week’s polls.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/May/07/negor5.htm
4 injured in Basilan bombing
From the Philippine Star (May 6): 4 injured in Basilan bombing
Four people were wounded after suspected Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a political meeting in Lamitan City, Basilan.
Chief Inspector Almer Ismael, police commander for Lamitan city, said today that an improvised bomb was hurled into the house of incumbent Lamitan City mayor Roderick Furigay about 10 p.m., local time, Sunday.
Ismael said the suspects, believed to be riding in tandem, hurled the bomb during a meeting among Furigay's supporters. The suspects quickly escaped towards unknown direction.
The bomb exploded and injured at least four civilian supporters but the mayor was unhurt, according to Ismael.
It's not clear yet the motive behind the bombing. But Furigay alleged that this may be part of Abu Sayyaf's extortion activities.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/06/939223/update-4-injured-basilan-bombing
Four people were wounded after suspected Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a political meeting in Lamitan City, Basilan.
Chief Inspector Almer Ismael, police commander for Lamitan city, said today that an improvised bomb was hurled into the house of incumbent Lamitan City mayor Roderick Furigay about 10 p.m., local time, Sunday.
Ismael said the suspects, believed to be riding in tandem, hurled the bomb during a meeting among Furigay's supporters. The suspects quickly escaped towards unknown direction.
The bomb exploded and injured at least four civilian supporters but the mayor was unhurt, according to Ismael.
It's not clear yet the motive behind the bombing. But Furigay alleged that this may be part of Abu Sayyaf's extortion activities.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/06/939223/update-4-injured-basilan-bombing
Ships sighted off PH-occupied shoal are Chinese spy vessels — sources
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 8): Ships sighted off PH-occupied shoal are Chinese spy vessels — sources
The Western Command is monitoring the presence of two Chinese military surveillance vessels that were reported to be on a stationary position since Tuesday afternoon near the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal in the disputed Spratly’s region.
The two Chinese vessels were identified by other defense sources who asked not to be identified as “maritime surveillance vessels”. They were reported to be in stationary position some six nautical miles west of Ayungin Shoal since Tuesday afternoon.
The source added that the information about the Chinese presence “has been relayed to proper authorities”, including Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Lieutenant Cherry Tindog, Wescom spokesperson, confirmed that the regional military command has received reports about the Chinese vessels but declined to issue additional information concerning the reported intrusion.
Ayungin Shoal, also known internationally as Second Thomas Reef, is one of the reef formations within the six islands with Philippine troops presence and is considered by the country as part of the municipality of Kalayaan.
It is closest to Mischief Reef, which until 1995 was occupied by the Philippines until the Chinese built a fortification in it.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/73921/ships-sighted-off-ph-occupied-shoal-are-chinese-spy-vessels-sources
The Western Command is monitoring the presence of two Chinese military surveillance vessels that were reported to be on a stationary position since Tuesday afternoon near the Philippine-occupied Ayungin Shoal in the disputed Spratly’s region.
The two Chinese vessels were identified by other defense sources who asked not to be identified as “maritime surveillance vessels”. They were reported to be in stationary position some six nautical miles west of Ayungin Shoal since Tuesday afternoon.
The source added that the information about the Chinese presence “has been relayed to proper authorities”, including Malacañang and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Lieutenant Cherry Tindog, Wescom spokesperson, confirmed that the regional military command has received reports about the Chinese vessels but declined to issue additional information concerning the reported intrusion.
Ayungin Shoal, also known internationally as Second Thomas Reef, is one of the reef formations within the six islands with Philippine troops presence and is considered by the country as part of the municipality of Kalayaan.
It is closest to Mischief Reef, which until 1995 was occupied by the Philippines until the Chinese built a fortification in it.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/73921/ships-sighted-off-ph-occupied-shoal-are-chinese-spy-vessels-sources
Intel operative killed in gun attack
From the Philippine Star (May 7): Intel operative killed in gun attack
A military intelligence operative was killed while another was seriously wounded in a gun attack on Monday night by riding in tandem suspects in Jolo, Sulu, police said.
The slain intelligence operative was identified as Corporal Timhar Abdulkasim while his wounded comrade is Master Sergeant Datu Andan Duran.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police director, said the victims were on board their service motorcycle when they were shot at Kakuyagan village about 9:30 p.m.
Investigation disclosed that the victims failed to notice they were tailed by the four suspects riding in tandem on two motorcycles that closed in and shot them several times, killing Abdulkasim on the spot and seriously wounding Duran.
Abdulkasim sustained several gunshot wounds in his body while Duran suffered a gunshot wound from his back which exited through his chest.
The wounded victim was initially rushed to the hospital in Jolo for treatment before he was airlifted by the United States military contracted helicopter for further treatment at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
The military believed the attack on the victims was related to their job and suspected the Abu Sayyaf hit squad as the possible suspects in the gun attack.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/07/939421/intel-operative-killed-gun-attack
A military intelligence operative was killed while another was seriously wounded in a gun attack on Monday night by riding in tandem suspects in Jolo, Sulu, police said.
The slain intelligence operative was identified as Corporal Timhar Abdulkasim while his wounded comrade is Master Sergeant Datu Andan Duran.
Senior Supt. Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police director, said the victims were on board their service motorcycle when they were shot at Kakuyagan village about 9:30 p.m.
Investigation disclosed that the victims failed to notice they were tailed by the four suspects riding in tandem on two motorcycles that closed in and shot them several times, killing Abdulkasim on the spot and seriously wounding Duran.
Abdulkasim sustained several gunshot wounds in his body while Duran suffered a gunshot wound from his back which exited through his chest.
The wounded victim was initially rushed to the hospital in Jolo for treatment before he was airlifted by the United States military contracted helicopter for further treatment at the Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city.
The military believed the attack on the victims was related to their job and suspected the Abu Sayyaf hit squad as the possible suspects in the gun attack.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/07/939421/intel-operative-killed-gun-attack
US troops nearly figure in Basilan encounter
From the Philippine Star (May 8): US troops nearly figure in Basilan encounter
American soldiers were nearby when an encounter broke out between government forces and suspected Abu Sayyaf militants, which left eight dead in Al-Barkah, Basilan last Monday, a senior military official said yesterday.
Filipino soldiers led the US servicemen out of Sitio Pagatawnan, Barangay Magcawa, said Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the Basilan-based 104th Infantry Brigade.
“They (US troops) wanted to inspect their sponsored Mincost Project, but when the firing started, we had them withdrawn from the area. No one among them got involved in the fighting,” Galvez said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/08/939535/us-troops-nearly-figure-basilan-encounter
American soldiers were nearby when an encounter broke out between government forces and suspected Abu Sayyaf militants, which left eight dead in Al-Barkah, Basilan last Monday, a senior military official said yesterday.
Filipino soldiers led the US servicemen out of Sitio Pagatawnan, Barangay Magcawa, said Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the Basilan-based 104th Infantry Brigade.
“They (US troops) wanted to inspect their sponsored Mincost Project, but when the firing started, we had them withdrawn from the area. No one among them got involved in the fighting,” Galvez said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/08/939535/us-troops-nearly-figure-basilan-encounter
Sayyaf gunmen release 2 captive laborers in Sulu
From the Philippine Star (May 8): Sayyaf gunmen release 2 captive laborers in Sulu
Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed their two captive laborers unharmed after the latter allegedly paid a ransom in the hinterland of Patikul town, Sulu, according to police Wednesday.
The victims – Awan Usman and Boy Nunung, both laborers of a local construction firm, were freed about 4 p.m Tuesday at Barangay Bauno Bangkal, Patikul town, according to Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police director.
The victims were fetched by an unidentified person on board a motorcycle with no plate number and dropped them along the road crossing near the Jolo fire station.
The two victims were seized last Friday morning by eight Abu Sayyaf gunmen wearing masks at Barangay Latih, Patikul.
The police said they are investigating whether ransom in the form of a “board and lodging” fee was reportedly paid in exchange for the victim's release.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/08/939828/sayyaf-gunmen-release-2-captive-laborers-sulu
Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed their two captive laborers unharmed after the latter allegedly paid a ransom in the hinterland of Patikul town, Sulu, according to police Wednesday.
The victims – Awan Usman and Boy Nunung, both laborers of a local construction firm, were freed about 4 p.m Tuesday at Barangay Bauno Bangkal, Patikul town, according to Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police director.
The victims were fetched by an unidentified person on board a motorcycle with no plate number and dropped them along the road crossing near the Jolo fire station.
The two victims were seized last Friday morning by eight Abu Sayyaf gunmen wearing masks at Barangay Latih, Patikul.
The police said they are investigating whether ransom in the form of a “board and lodging” fee was reportedly paid in exchange for the victim's release.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/08/939828/sayyaf-gunmen-release-2-captive-laborers-sulu
55IB, Phil. Army sets up quick response teams in remote areas of Misamis Occidental
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 7): 55IB, Phil. Army sets up quick response teams in remote areas of Misamis Occidental
The 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), 101 Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, has set up quick response teams (QRT) for deployment in the remote areas of Misamis Occidental.
The deployment will complement that of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province, whose concentration is on the municipalities along the national highways and secondary roads, as well as the coastal areas, Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almaria, Commander of 55IB, said.
“Although our main concern is counter-insurgency, the 55IB is also concerned of making the May 13, 2013 national and local elections safe and orderly,” Almaria said.
He also said they have already coordinated with the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO) and taken the task to provide security to the people living in the boundaries of the province and the Zamboanga provinces, located at the foot of the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP).
Particularly, these municipalities had histories of election-related atrocities and rebel infestation, such as Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Bonifacio, Tudela, Sinacaban and Ozamiz City.
Meanwhile, Almaria assured the residents of the province that they have organized more than 400 members of the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Ground Unit (CAFGU) to serve as augmentation force to close to 300 regular members of 55IB.
On the other hand, Almaria said the 55IB soldiers, along with the members of the CAFGU will be providing security support to the deployment of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), as well as the voters, on election day, on May 13.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451367893108
The 55th Infantry Battalion (55IB), 101 Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army, has set up quick response teams (QRT) for deployment in the remote areas of Misamis Occidental.
The deployment will complement that of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in the province, whose concentration is on the municipalities along the national highways and secondary roads, as well as the coastal areas, Lt. Col. Rommel A. Almaria, Commander of 55IB, said.
“Although our main concern is counter-insurgency, the 55IB is also concerned of making the May 13, 2013 national and local elections safe and orderly,” Almaria said.
He also said they have already coordinated with the Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office (MOPPO) and taken the task to provide security to the people living in the boundaries of the province and the Zamboanga provinces, located at the foot of the Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park (MMRNP).
Particularly, these municipalities had histories of election-related atrocities and rebel infestation, such as Concepcion, Don Victoriano, Bonifacio, Tudela, Sinacaban and Ozamiz City.
Meanwhile, Almaria assured the residents of the province that they have organized more than 400 members of the Civilian Auxiliary Forces Ground Unit (CAFGU) to serve as augmentation force to close to 300 regular members of 55IB.
On the other hand, Almaria said the 55IB soldiers, along with the members of the CAFGU will be providing security support to the deployment of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines, members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), as well as the voters, on election day, on May 13.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1451367893108
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