N. Samar officials briefed on PAMANA projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): N. Samar officials briefed on PAMANA projects
 

CATARMAN, Northern Samar -- Provincial officials of Northern Samar were briefed on the Mainstreaming Peace and Development in Local Governance Program (MPDLG) component of “Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan” or PAMANA projects in the province on Tuesday.

Officials headed by the new Governor Jun L. Ong of Northern Samar has also been oriented by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) about the previous and ongoing implementation of the OPAPP-funded projects in the province.

Imelda Bonifacio, Samar Area Manager of OPAPP, said the national government has earmarked a huge amount to help address the root causes of insurgency in Samar provinces particularly those conflict-affected areas.

Bonifacio added that Samar Island, to include Ong’s province, which is considered by the government as among the most vulnerable to the rebels, is one of the seven zones covered by the PAMANA program of OPAPP and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

In Northern Samar, there were four municipalities covered by the programs – the towns of Las Navas, San Roque, Silvino Lobos and Lope de Vega.

At the moment, Bonifacio informed that OPAPP has already downloaded around P424.5 million worth of infrastructure projects in Northern Samar under Pillar 3.

The OPAPP official in Samar reported that several million worth of road projects under the 2011 and 2012 PAMANA-OPAPP-DILG funded projects has already been completed and now being utilized by the community folks.

Ongoing road projects, according to Bonifacio, include the construction of 50-meter span bridge in Barangay Cagpanit-an and concreting of a section of the road stretch from Cagpanit-an to Silvino Lobos town.

The worth of the project is said to be around P195.5 million, she said.

Other ongoing projects are the concreting of a section of the Mondragon-Silvino Lubos road network worth P15 million, road network construction of Mondragon-Silvino roads worth P100 million and the P84-M rehabilitation/improvement of Silvino Lubos – Lope de Vega roads.

Started in Northern Samar and Samar in 2011, PAMANA is the national government’s peace and development program framework that seeks to build peaceful and resilient communities, by improving their lives by ensuring that the people benefit from better delivery of basic services.

Bonifacio explained further that a project agreed upon by the provinces’ respective development councils as well as peace and order councils, with participation of civil society groups would be submitted to DILG in the form of Project Proposals for evaluation.

“LGUs with Good Housekeeping Seals are given priority,” Bonifacio added.

When asked on how they will check if funds are spent for their intended purpose, the OPAPP official said: “A project monitoring team set up by the LGU and DILG regularly checks the projects.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543222

Davao region remains counter-insurgency priority

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): Davao region remains counter-insurgency priority

Philippine Army chief Lt. General Noel Coballes affirmed that Davao region remains a priority area in the anti-insurgency campaign in the country.

He said that recent development like the continued activities of the rebels in the area remain a security concern for the government.

Coballes said the status of the region as a venue of the anti-insurgency campaign will change only depending on the assessment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly on the dwindling dissent in the area.

On the abduction of five soldiers who remain in the hands of the rebels in Paquibato District, he said the Army will not negotiate for the freedom of the captives, stressing that the government does not negotiate with terror groups.

However, Coballes said that a negotiation is being pursued by another group for the safe release of the soldiers.

“We remain firm in our policy not to negotiate with terrorists,” he said.

Coballes was in Davao City to listen to the regular meeting of the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board where genuine reforms in the ranks are being pursued based on governance and strong private-public partnership.

The meeting aimed to allow the Army to showcase significant achievements of operational and tactical units relative to the Army Transformation Roadmap and Internal Peace and Security Plan implementation.

It also showcased the disaster response and rehabilitation convergence efforts of Army units and civilian-stakeholders in the area of responsibility of the 10th Infantry Division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543237

AFP, Gawad Kalinga building homes together in Antique village

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): AFP, Gawad Kalinga building homes together in Antique village

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc. (GKCDFI) are joining hands to build houses for homeless families in Barangay Aningalan, San Remegio town here.

A memorandum of understanding was signed Thursday between Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry, and GK Foundation Regional Area Coordinator Vincent Dennis Rivera.

It was followed by the groundbreaking rites witnessed by Brig. Gen. Rolando Jungco, commander of the Civil Relations Service; Col. Crisanto Gutierrez, commander of 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion under the 53rd Engineering Brigade; San Remegio Mayor Glen Cabigunda; and village chief Rosito Alejo.

The MOU will cover the implementation by the Army’s 53rd Engineering Brigade of the creation of Site Development Plan and Land Development of Gawad Kalinga Arch Angel Village.

“We can truly feel the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ in this kind of undertaking by helping each other and showing care for our less fortunate fellow countrymen. We in the AFP are always here to help and hope that your noble program will continue to build a better community for the Filipino people,” Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, AFP chief of staff, said in a message read by Sumagaysay.

Gawad Kalinga has been eyeing a housing project for Barangay Aningalan since 2006.

Rivera said “the idea that seems to be impossible has now become a reality.”

“A lot of things have inspired us,” he said, citing the land provided by the municipal government of San Remegio and the support of the AFP.

The housing project will benefit 25 families, including former New People’s Army rebels.

Lt. Col. Aldwine Almase, commander of 82nd Infantry Battalion, said he hopes more organizations will partner with the AFP like the Gawad Kalinga in initiating similar projects that will also benefit former NPA rebels.

The 82nd IB covers the province of Antique and the southern parts of Iloilo Province.

Col. Arnold Quiapo, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, said the project is line with the thrust of the IPSP “Bayanihan” to support the initiatives of the non-government organizations (NGOs), and to partner with the stakeholders especially in the delivery of socio-economic developmental infrastructure projects.

“The people of Antique are peace-loving and they deserve to have a decent and peaceful community,” Quiapo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543250

2 NPA members arrested in El Nido, Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): 2 NPA members arrested in El Nido, Palawan
 

Two brothers who are suspected armed members of the New People's Army (NPA) and responsible for launching an attack in the municipal police station of Roxas in 2012 were arrested Wednesday in El Nido town in northern Palawan.

Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPO) spokesperson Insp. Pearl Marzo identified the two arrested suspects as Melvin Revillas, 27, resident of Taytay, and his elder brother Edwin, 33, resident of El Nido.

She said that after undergoing investigation, the two were presented to court for proper filing of charges and committed to the Palawan Provincial Jail (PPJ).

The Revilla brothers are said to be involved in the attack launched by NPA armed men in December last year at the PNP municipal station in Roxas, where a policeman was killed.

Marzo said they were arrested around 10 a.m. in El Nido.

She added that the arrest of the Revilla brothers has set their hopes anew that the rest of the rebels will be arrested in due time.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543233

DILG monitors bridge project implementation in Zambo Sibugay area occupied by MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): DILG monitors bridge project implementation in Zambo Sibugay area occupied by MILF

The Department of Interior and Local Government-Office of the Project Development Services (DILG-OPDS) is monitoring the implementation of P2.5 million bridge project in a hinterland barangay of Zamboanga Sibugay province that is occupied by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their families.

The inspection of the project is being undertaken by the DILG in coordination with the PAyapa at MAsaganang PAmayaNAn-Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi (PAMANA-ZAMBASULTA) group under area coordinator Vicente Borgonia.

DILG regional information officer Lemuel Mejares said the project is located in Barangay Datu Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, which is about 13 kilometers from the national highway.

Mejares said the steel bridge project is implemented through the “Tulay ng Pangulo (President’s bridge)” program of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The first phase of the project is the construction of the concrete bridge abutment in preparation for the installation of the steel bridge.

Merjares said the bridge project will provide the Muslim community access to the urban centers in the region.

From Tumanggung, the residents can either go to Tungawan town proper and nearby municipalities of R. T. Lim and Ipil, the capital town of Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Once completed, the bridge would help cut down the cost in transporting farm products to the markets. The area is being planted with rubber and abaca.

Barangay Datu Tumanggong is also a recipient of a P10 million-water system project under the Salintubig (Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat) program of the government in 2011.

The area of Datu Tumanggong used to be occupied by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) but most of them have already switched allegiance to the MILF.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543256

U.S. donates $ 17.6M to Benguet's disaster risk reduction program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): U.S. donates $ 17.6M to Benguet's disaster risk reduction program

United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas today met officials of Benguet Province to give America's donation in the amount of US$ 17.6 million for the province's risk disaster reduction program.

The donation for the disaster-prone province was received by Benguet provincial governor Nestor Fongwan -- who personally led massive rescue and retrieval operations during natural calamities which hit the area in the last six years.

The worst happened on October 8, 2008 when torrential rains spawned by Typhoon “Pepeng” which entered the country three times triggered a landslide and buried the entire village of “Little Kibungan” which killed more than 400 residents.

The disaster area in the western part of this wide valley remained as a gaping cut at a side of a mountain and the absence of the remnant of the more than 200 residential buildings which once stood there is a perennial sign of the extent of the calamity.

Thomas said he hopes the contribution would help minimize risk in this area of the country at the same time further strengthen the friendship of the Filipino and American people.

Although Benguet is among the richest province in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) in terms of natural resources, average income of families and presence of industries to generate local employment, Fongwan said the province remains to have deficiencies in the risk reduction during disasters.

Fongwan said the U.S. donation shall be spent in accordance with the purpose and conditions required by the donor, and the amount would redound to the benefit of all the people of Benguet.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543310

Military deploys troops in Zambo’s commercial center

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): Military deploys troops in Zambo’s commercial center

The military’s Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ) has deployed soldiers to patrol the central and commercial district aimed to deter criminalities in this city.

TFZ commander Col. Andrelino Colina said the deployment of these soldiers, which started Wednesday, is aimed to help the police stem the rising tide of criminality even in urban areas.

Previously, TFZ personnel maintain outposts outside a seven-kilometer radius of this city.

This time, Colina said his men will join the police in the conduct of foot patrol in all the city streets.

K-9 units will also be brought along as the soldiers walk on foot around town.

Colina advised the residents not to be frightened by the presence of the soldiers “because they are there to serve the people and protect them.”

Colina’s command is the maneuver unit of the military in this city where the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) based in this city.

Colina said the deployment of the soldiers moving around the city will be a “good deterrent to crimes.”

Meanwhile, the TFZ has also deployed its patrol boats at its newly installed sea stations along the west coast area of this city.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543260

Army seizes rebel camp; soldier wounded

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): Army seizes rebel camp; soldier wounded

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion and 32nd Division Reconnaissance Company overran a camp of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Cansuhi, Barangay Tacpao at Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental Tuesday.

The troops seized the NPA lair after an encounter with 15 rebels while conducting security patrol around 6:40 a.m.

During the gun battle, Private Juvanie Tumpag was slightly hit on his right ear and was brought to a hospital.

Major Ray Tiongson, public affairs officer of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in press statement they believe there were also casualties among the rebels since bloodstains were found in their turf.

Following the 10-minute firefight, the rebels withdrew and abandoned their camp.

Tiongson said the soldiers found in the camp a caliber .357 pistol, a hand grenade, an improvised explosive device (IED) with detonating cord, five NPA flags, training aids and materials, and a backpack containing personal belongings, assorted ammunition, and subversive documents.

The rebel encampment in Sitio Cansuhi also serves as training area of the NPA. It can accommodate 20 to 30 members and has three guard posts and 20 bunkers.

Lt. Col. Wilfredo Isaac, commander of 11th Infantry Battalion, said residents informed them about the presence of the rebels in the area.

“The information about the presence of these lawless elements figured us in an encounter and made the enemy abandon their camp,” he added. “We will continue to pursue these rebels while our ‘Bayanihan’ teams are doing support and developmental activities in the communities.”

Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, acting commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement “the NPA has surely been deprived of a place to train, consolidate and equip.”

“The people themselves have informed us about the location of this encampment. The rebels are threatening the populace and extorting from them,” he added.

Military records show that since January this year, Army troops have discovered eight abandoned NPA camps in Negros Island.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543369

BIFF rebels tried but failed to torch construction equipment in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11): BIFF rebels tried but failed to torch construction equipment in North Cotabato

Despite the observance Ramadhan starting Wednesday, Moro renegade rebels continue their harassment against the Army which earlier declared it ceased hunting down guerillas in Maguindanao.

Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters on Thursday dawn attacked an Army detachment in Midsayap town in North Cotabato, Col. Dickson Hermoso said.

Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said the BIFF tried but failed to blow up construction heavy equipment parked for safekeeping by road contractor in a detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Ulandang at about 5 a.m.

The rebels tried to get closer to the Army base to set on fire the construction equipment but quickly fled when soldiers gave warning shots.

As the BIFF rebels fled, they fired rifle grenades toward the Alpha Company detachment, triggering a brief firefight leaving four rebels wounded, Hermoso said.

The rebels then fled by crossing the Rio Grande de Mindanao toward Datu Piang in Maguindanao.

An ocular inspection by the Army showed that the marauding Moro rebels brought in plastic containers with gasoline and dried coconut trunks as starter.

"They attempted to set on fire a bulldozer, payloader, cement mixer and other construction equipment used in road concreting of Midsayap-Datu Piang highway," Hermoso told reporters.

"We are sad they did it despite the observance of fasting month," he added.

Hermoso said all military units in Central Mindanao remain on full alert due to threats of retaliations from the BIFF for its heavy losses in skirmishes with the Army last week in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543392

Allegations of human rights violations declining – AFP

From Rappler (Jul 11): Allegations of human rights violations declining – AFP



DECLINED: AFP claims allegations of human rights abuses have continuously gone down. Screenshot of AFP presentation

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) claimed allegations of mission-related human rights violations have been continuously declining since 2010, when President Benigno Aquino III assumed power.

AFP's figures show it posted 7 allegations of human rights violations in the first semester of 2013. It is lower than the 22 cases reported during the same period in 2012.

There were 37 cases and 51 cases in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

“There are a total of 164 human rights violations since 2010, including cases that are personal in nature. Out of these, 47 were resolved and were submitted for listing in the Commission on Human Rights, while 117 are pending resolution or for further investigation,” AFP said in a statement.

AFP credited the decline to the implementation of the IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan.

“Recent developments in the national effort to address human rights violations in the country also prove that the government is serious in stopping abuses," the AFP statement said.

“The AFP Human Rights Office’s efforts in inculcating the principles of Human Rights, International Humanitarian Laws, and the Rule of Law among soldiers are also ongoing through various trainings, workshops, advocacy campaigns, and information dissemination held at all levelsl of military organization," it added.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/33506-military-human-rights-violations-declining

No deal in KL - MILF

From Rappler (Jul 11): No deal in KL - MILF



TOUGH ROAD AHEAD. Despite their smiles, it's a tough road ahead for the government and the MILF. Photo from OPAPP

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (4th Update) - "Too rigid." "Fruitless talk."

With these words, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal on Thursday, July 11, said the 38th round of talks with government ended without any agreement.

The entire MILF panel left the negotiating table shortly past 5pm Thursday without signing any documents with the government. In fact, the MILF peace panel members left the venue of the talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses in a huff.

The government wants to extend the talks until tomorrow in an effort to arrive at a compromise on how to share the wealth between the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity and the central government.

But Iqbal said the MILF did not give any commitment to return to the negotiating table tomorrow.

"GPH is too rigid as if their mandate is cast in stone," Iqbal told Rappler in a text message after he left the venue. "There is limited chance we return."

In an ambush interview, government peace panel head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer admitted, after a closed-door caucus with her team, that "Yes, we're still trying."

An agreement on wealth sharing would have been a breakthrough in the peace process, since this is tied to power sharing, one of the two remaining items on the agenda.

The visit of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda apparently didn't help move the negotiations. Asked about whether President Benigno Aquino III"s message - as relayed by Lacierda to both sides - had any impact on the talks, Iqbal said: "Don't know. I'm out already, resting. 4 days engaged in fruitless talk."

Lacierda refused to comment.

Asked whether there is still hope for a breakthrough, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles, who arrived at the venue Thursday with Lacierda, said there still is as long as both sides are in a mode of problem-solving.

"Of course, it's been a long day, it's been a tough week," Deles said. "I'm still hoping that both sides desire more that we are able to move forward than not. And that when the two sides are in that mode, then I can not but hope that we will, in fact, be able to push it forward."

Both parties resumed their stalled talks on Monday, July 8, and were looking forward to signing a crucial agreement on wealth sharing between the national government and the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity.

Talks on this issue were already postponed twice, given the complex issues involved.

They could not agree on the details of sharing revenues from taxes, block grants and natural resources. The government refused to sign any documents twice – in March and April – even after an initial draft was completed in February. At the time, the government said it needed more time to conduct due dilligence.

Contentious points

In negotiating for wealth-sharing arrangements, the MILF has stressed from the start that what should be granted to the Bangsamoro must not be less than what the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) presently enjoys.

In his opening statement, Iqbal called on both parties to "find a political solution that is above the current ARMM and below independence."

Calculating the formula on how wealth will be shared between the national government and the Bangsamoro regional government varies depending on revenue sources such as taxes, block grants and natural resources.

There are many other remaining issues but sources said one of the most contentious ones has something to do with the proportion on how to divide profits from natural resources.

In ARMM, the government splits profits from natural resources 50-50. For other local government units, the ratio is 60-40, in favor of the national government.

Sources told Rappler the government wants a 50-50 wealth-sharing arrangement for revenues from fossil fuels, gas and oil. It was also the baseline agreed upon by Aquino and MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during their impromptu meeting in Tokyo in 2011.

"But it was clear the President said we will start 'from' 50-50," a ranking leader of the MILF said. "He did not say we will stay at 50-50."

The MILF, for its part, is pushing for a 75-25 share on natural resources – in favor of the Bangsamoro – arguing that to achieve true fiscal autonomy, the final peace pact must present solutions greater than what the ARMM already enjoys. Aquino himself has tagged the ARMM as a "failed experiment."

But it was not only a matter of agreeing on a ratio. One of the key factors that was also considered in the discussions was the fact that no one had any exact figures on the amount of the "natural resources" being negotiated on.

"It's all speculative," government peace panel member Senen Bacani said in an earlier interview with Rappler, since no extensive explorations in the area have been conducted yet. Bacani is one of the panel members directly involved in discussions on the wealth-sharing annex.

Race against time

Both parties are under pressure to arrive at an agreement on this annex as they are racing against time, given the difficult transition to the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity —which involves legislating a new law and holding a plebiscite after. President Aquino and the MILF want all this to happen under his term.

But Iqbal already dropped hints it was going to be difficult. In his opening statement on Monday, he said: "I know that the road ahead of the current peace talks is still full of humps and bumps. But these should not cause the failure of these talks."

READ: Peace pact should shake up the status quo

Breakaway troops launched a series of attacks in central Mindanao days before the resumption of the talks, showing their opposition to the peace process.

The talks aim to end nearly 4 decades of Muslim rebellion in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/33531-no-deal-peace-talks-milf

Firearms, Explosives Recovered from an NPA-Army Clash

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jul 11): Firearms, Explosives Recovered from an NPA-Army Clash



Recovered: Five (5) NPA flags and one (1) backpack with subversive documents.

Several firearms, explosives and subversive documents were recovered after the NPA rebels fled from a clash with the Bayanihan Team of army soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. The encounter happened 6:40am yesterday at Sitio Cansuhi, Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

According to 2Lt Jomart Jess Poquiz, Acting Civil Military Operations Officer of the 11th IB, the troops were conducting regular security patrol in the area when some residents informed them of the presence of armed NPAs at the nearby creek. While investigating the information, they were fired upon by more or less 15 NPAs, which started the exchange of fire from both sides. After three (3) minutes, the NPAs withdrew while the government troops pursued them. Recovered at the encounter site were one (1) caliber 357 pistol, one (1) hand grenade, one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED) with detonating cord, five (5) NPA flags and one (1) backpack with subversive documents.

Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, Commander of 11th IB, the Philippine Army will not be deterred by the attempts to disrupt its genuine peace and development activities. He also expressed deep gratitude to the civilian populace in Barangays Tacpao and Binobohan for their support especially in informing the troops on the whereabouts of the lawless armed groups in their area. He said, this pouring of civilian support could be attributed to the sincere effort of 11IB Bayanihan Teams that were deployed last year in Guihulngan, including Tacpao and Binobohan. Isaac also urged all stakeholders, especially the populace in the remote barangays to join hands in the spirit of "Bayanihan" to attain peace and usher in development for our respective communities.

http://ndb-online.com/071113/local-news/local-news-firearms-explosives-recovered-npa-army-clash

Soldiers recover explosives, NPA items at encounter site

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 11): Soldiers recover explosives, NPA items at encounter site

Soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion recovered guns and explosives after an encounter with suspected New People's Army rebels in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said Army soldiers were conducting security patrol, when residents informed them about the presence of armed rebels in a creek in Sitio Cansuhi, Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City.

Isaac said that when they approached the place, the soldiers were fired at by about 15 rebels, and this led to about three minutes of running gun-battle.

The fleeing rebels left behind one hand grenade, an improvised explosive device with a detonating cord, a 357 caliber magnum revolver, five CPP-NPA flags, and a backpack containing subversive documents.

No casualty was reported on both sides.

Isaac lauded the Tacpao and Binobohan barangay residents for the support they extended to them that led to the encounter.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/July/11/negor3.htm

Al-Barka massacre case now closed as AFP chief OKs penalties set by court martial

From InterAksyon (Jul 11): Al-Barka massacre case now closed as AFP chief OKs penalties set by court martial

The Al-Barka massacre where 19 members of the Army Special Forces were killed and 14 others seriously injured by Moro rebels in October 2011 is now deemed a closed case, after the approval of sanctions handed down by a court martial on two of four officers that it tried.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has approved the decision of the court martial imposing the punishment of “50 files down and no command responsibility for 6 months” on Col. Aminkandra Undug.

Undug was commander of the Special Forces Regiment when the government troops were attacked while trying to serve warrants on wanted elements in an area controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Abu Sayyaf  Group.

Earlier in January, the court martial found him guilty on one of the 3 Articles of War charged against him.

Another officer,  Lt. Col. Leonardo Pena, former commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion, was found guilty Wednesday for violation of AW 97 (Disorders and Neglect to the Prejudice of Good Order and Military Discipline). He was punished “200 files down and stripped of command responsibility for two years,” meaning he cannot be promoted until 200 men in rank below him get promoted.

Col. Alexander Macario, former commander of the Special Joint Task Force-Basilan, and Lt. Col. Orlando Edralin, former commandant of the Special Forces School, were originally included in the charges but were  cleared.

Macario is Inspector General (IG) of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division and Edralin is deputy camp commander in Awang, Maguindanao.

The controversial mission that led to the bloodbath had more than 8 soldiers deployed to serve warrants on suspected criminals in Barangay Cambug, Al-Barka, Basilan.

There, they were attacked by 300 armed men from the 114th Base Command of the MILF and some elements from the Abu Sayyaf.

The officers were tried by a court martial as investigation indicated errors in deploying the soldiers and lapses in preparation.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66104/al-barka-massacre-case-now-closed-as-afp-chief-oks-penalties-set-by-court-martial

Chinese present at Ayungin, both sides on wait-and-see mode - Wescom chief

From InterAksyon (Jul 11): Chinese present at Ayungin, both sides on wait-and-see mode - Wescom chief

It’s confirmed: Chinese ships and fishing boats are very much present on Ayungin Reef, a maritime area that is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) town off Palawan.

The confirmation comes from Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Command (Wescom) that has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

 The number of boats and government ships varies every day, however, based on the Wescom monitoring, Guerrero said Thursday.

“Pabago-bago. Minsan isa, minsan tatlo, minsan dalawa [It varies. Sometimes you see one, sometimes three, sometimes two]. It’s very dynamic,” Guerrero said.

Reliable military sources said earlier a Chinese Navy ship with bow No. 83 was still in the area with several fishing boats, contrary to a newspaper report claiming Ayungin had been cleared of Chinese ships.

Throughout this time, Guerrero said, Marine troops stationed in Ayungin continued monitoring the movements of the Chinese Navy and fishing boats in the area.

Ayungin is deemed strategic by both sides, and it is near where the Armed Forces of the Philippines deliberately grounded its derelict BRP Sierra Madre a few years ago to block passage of foreign intruders. China recently demanded that Manila take out the ship—used as a garrison of sorts by a Marine contingent---because, it claimed, it owned the entire maritime territory.

Despite the continuous surveillance by either side, however, Guerrero indicated both Chinese and Philippine forces were acting prudently: “As far as the Wescom is concerned we are continuously monitoring our good friends in that area with what is available with my command, and we provide the reports to the national leadership for their appreciation.”

But, he quickly added, “rest assured that we will not leave Ayungin,” affirming a determined Philippine stand on the matter.

Still, he said the Chinese had not shown any overt sign that could be deemed hostile to the Marine troops at Ayungin.“They (Chinese) are not taking over, they are just monitoring. Actually, at the same time they are coming to our detachment. So we are protecting our respective outposts…There is no overt action from both sides. We will maintain our detachment in that area,” Guerrero said.

“We’re doing our best to protect our territory. Our outpost is properly manned and we are continuously monitoring the activities of other nations in that area. There is no [disruption] of our resupply activities,” he added. He was apparently referring to earlier reports that Chinese ships tried to block the small resupply boats that ferried the things needed by the Marines in the garrison.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/66127/chinese-present-at-ayungin-both-sides-on-wait-and-see-mode---wescom-chief