From the Mindanao Examiner blog (Jul 12): 2 rebels yield in Southern Philippines
Two mid-level members of the communist rebel group New People’s Army have surrendered separately to the military in southern Philippines, officials said Friday.
Officials said Jomar Catalino, a supply officer for the New People’s Army, surrendered in the village of Salvacion in Agusan del Sur’s Trento town, and Jason Salde, a platoon medic, yielded to soldiers in Banlag village on the town of Monkayo in Compostela Valley province.
The two men did not give any statement about their surrender, but the military said “both rebels revealed that being away from their families and hardship in the mountains made them decide to coordinate with the community leaders to facilitate their surrender to the government through the military based in the area.”
In a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner, Lt. Col. Cesar Molina said the surrender was a result of the troops’ peace and development efforts in partnership with the communities.
“The local leaders here and the community itself mediated the surrender of Catalino and Salde. They saw the sincerity of the government in helping resolve the cause of conflict through peaceful means,” Molina said.
Catalino and Salde are expected to receive livelihood aid under the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
At least 125 rebels have already surrendered to the military since early this year, according to the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Just recently, an NPA leader Narciso Ruben, also surrendered to the military in Compostela Valley.
Maj. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the surrender of rebels is evidence of their peaceful efforts in the communities. “Let us continue to work hand in hand in order to achieve peace. We are optimistic that more NPA rebels will lay down their arms and avail of the government's amnesty program,” he said.
The NPA has been waging a secessionist war the past decades.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/2-npa-rebels-yield-in-southern.html
Friday, July 12, 2013
Extended peace talks yield no deal with MILF
From the Daily Tribune (Jul 13): Extended peace talks yield no deal with MILF
Despite an extension of the peace talks earlier sought by the government chief negotiator, Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the negotiations centering on the wealth-sharing annex between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panel and the Government of the Philippines (GRP) panel yesterday again ended without reaching any agreement between the two panels, for the second time in as many days.
The two panels cut off the talks after 5 p.m Friday, without signing any agreement.
MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal described the talks Thursday as “fuitless” and “too rigid.”
Iqbal was also quoted as having said that the MILF will not settle for a 50-50 sharing of the energy resources revenues with the government, insisting on the earlier agreed upon wealth sharing at 75-25, favoring the MILF.
Another extension was again agreed upon by the two parties to be held today in Kuala Lumpur. It is doubted that the MILF will give in to a smaller wealth sharing annex for the MILF “political entity.”
President Aquino resuscitated the near collapse of the peace negotiations with the MILF by sending last Thursday, his spokesman, Edwin Lacierda and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles in Kuala Lumpur, as Aquino’s emissaries.
Apparently, from early reports, their presence hardly made a difference to the MILF peace panel members.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte yesterday also denied that there was a walk out from the negotiating table by the panelists of the MILF.
Reports said the MILF negotiators left the venue of the talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses in a huff. That should describe a walk out.
“I have a clarification. We received word from Kuala Lumpur that the talks are still ongoing between the government and the MILF,” Valte said earlier.
Valte added that the government negotiators had appealed to the MILF panelists for an extension of the negotiations because nothing had been accomplished on the agenda to finalize the crucial annexes.
“According to Chairman Ferrer, the government had requested for an extension of the talks and it is ongoing now, that the other panel allowed. So, we have no update yet. They are still talking as we speak,” Valte said.
Valte said the reason behind the immediate dispatch of Lacierda and Deles to Kuala Lumpur by Aquino was to convey the serious intention of the administration to have a conclusion in the negotiation.
“The presence of both secretaries is a manifestation of the continuing commitment of the President as well as the support of the Cabinet for both panels and for us to fulfill the aspirations of the Framework Agreement.
“It is an affirmation of the support, not just of the peace panel, not just of the OPAPP, but also of the President and his Cabinet,” Valte said.
It didn’t seem that the presence of Lacierda and Deles helped the negotiations to reach an agrrement, or to issue a joint communique at the very least.
Valte neither confirmed nor denied that the peace negotiations had been affected by the violence in Maguindanao where a firefight ensued that resulted in several internally displaced persons who were temporarily given food and shelter by the provincial government of Maguindanao a few days before the Ramadan.
“They had not mentioned about it. But in relation to the operations that were launched by the AFP, (Armed Forces of the Philippines) again that had to stop because of the limited duration and we have the mechanism that will properly address those incidents,” Valte said.
Valte said she had asked Lacierda and Deles about the reported walk out of the MILF.
“I asked Secretary Lacierda and Secretary Deles, who said it was not true that the MILF panel had walked-out. In fact, the meeting yesterday was adjourned properly,” Valte said.
On the matter of wealth sharing, Valte said the government panel is aware of the “bounds of their mandate”.
“I will defer to comment on that for now,” Valte said.
Valte added that Aquino has been updated on what has been going on in Kuala Lumpur.
“I do not want to preempt the talks that are ongoing.
Valte said the instruction of Aquino to Lacierda and Deles was only “to convey really the message that we are firm in our commitment to the peace process” adding that ”I understand that they had the opportunity to meet with some members of the monitoring team, the contact group. I also understand that they had an opportunity to speak to the third party facilitator”.
But as of press time, Deles and Lacierda had not sent news from Kuala Lumpur to Malacañang reporters on the peace process which has again been extended.
Deles said in a text message also early Friday that talks are “still ongoing today.”
Deles described the talks as “tough but no one walked out.”
Another source in KL privy to the talks said the MILF panel left the venue room “hungry and frustrated.”
MILF sources said early Friday morning that they would show up at the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, venue of the talks, at 9 a.m.
The decision to return to the table was apparently made late Thursday night after a member of the government peace panel met with the MILF to convince the latter to attend the Friday session.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/16601-extended-peace-talks-yield-no-deal-with-milf
Despite an extension of the peace talks earlier sought by the government chief negotiator, Miriam Coronel Ferrer, the negotiations centering on the wealth-sharing annex between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) panel and the Government of the Philippines (GRP) panel yesterday again ended without reaching any agreement between the two panels, for the second time in as many days.
The two panels cut off the talks after 5 p.m Friday, without signing any agreement.
MILF peace panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal described the talks Thursday as “fuitless” and “too rigid.”
Iqbal was also quoted as having said that the MILF will not settle for a 50-50 sharing of the energy resources revenues with the government, insisting on the earlier agreed upon wealth sharing at 75-25, favoring the MILF.
Another extension was again agreed upon by the two parties to be held today in Kuala Lumpur. It is doubted that the MILF will give in to a smaller wealth sharing annex for the MILF “political entity.”
President Aquino resuscitated the near collapse of the peace negotiations with the MILF by sending last Thursday, his spokesman, Edwin Lacierda and Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Deles in Kuala Lumpur, as Aquino’s emissaries.
Apparently, from early reports, their presence hardly made a difference to the MILF peace panel members.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte yesterday also denied that there was a walk out from the negotiating table by the panelists of the MILF.
Reports said the MILF negotiators left the venue of the talks at the Palace of the Golden Horses in a huff. That should describe a walk out.
“I have a clarification. We received word from Kuala Lumpur that the talks are still ongoing between the government and the MILF,” Valte said earlier.
Valte added that the government negotiators had appealed to the MILF panelists for an extension of the negotiations because nothing had been accomplished on the agenda to finalize the crucial annexes.
“According to Chairman Ferrer, the government had requested for an extension of the talks and it is ongoing now, that the other panel allowed. So, we have no update yet. They are still talking as we speak,” Valte said.
Valte said the reason behind the immediate dispatch of Lacierda and Deles to Kuala Lumpur by Aquino was to convey the serious intention of the administration to have a conclusion in the negotiation.
“The presence of both secretaries is a manifestation of the continuing commitment of the President as well as the support of the Cabinet for both panels and for us to fulfill the aspirations of the Framework Agreement.
“It is an affirmation of the support, not just of the peace panel, not just of the OPAPP, but also of the President and his Cabinet,” Valte said.
It didn’t seem that the presence of Lacierda and Deles helped the negotiations to reach an agrrement, or to issue a joint communique at the very least.
Valte neither confirmed nor denied that the peace negotiations had been affected by the violence in Maguindanao where a firefight ensued that resulted in several internally displaced persons who were temporarily given food and shelter by the provincial government of Maguindanao a few days before the Ramadan.
“They had not mentioned about it. But in relation to the operations that were launched by the AFP, (Armed Forces of the Philippines) again that had to stop because of the limited duration and we have the mechanism that will properly address those incidents,” Valte said.
Valte said she had asked Lacierda and Deles about the reported walk out of the MILF.
“I asked Secretary Lacierda and Secretary Deles, who said it was not true that the MILF panel had walked-out. In fact, the meeting yesterday was adjourned properly,” Valte said.
On the matter of wealth sharing, Valte said the government panel is aware of the “bounds of their mandate”.
“I will defer to comment on that for now,” Valte said.
Valte added that Aquino has been updated on what has been going on in Kuala Lumpur.
“I do not want to preempt the talks that are ongoing.
Valte said the instruction of Aquino to Lacierda and Deles was only “to convey really the message that we are firm in our commitment to the peace process” adding that ”I understand that they had the opportunity to meet with some members of the monitoring team, the contact group. I also understand that they had an opportunity to speak to the third party facilitator”.
But as of press time, Deles and Lacierda had not sent news from Kuala Lumpur to Malacañang reporters on the peace process which has again been extended.
Deles said in a text message also early Friday that talks are “still ongoing today.”
Deles described the talks as “tough but no one walked out.”
Another source in KL privy to the talks said the MILF panel left the venue room “hungry and frustrated.”
MILF sources said early Friday morning that they would show up at the State Room of the Palace of the Golden Horses in Kuala Lumpur, venue of the talks, at 9 a.m.
The decision to return to the table was apparently made late Thursday night after a member of the government peace panel met with the MILF to convince the latter to attend the Friday session.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/16601-extended-peace-talks-yield-no-deal-with-milf
Sulu Sultan says more Filipinos forced to leave Sabah
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 11): Sulu Sultan says more Filipinos forced to leave Sabah
Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and followers in Sabah including those who have alleged links to him, continue to suffer atrocities in the hands of Malaysian security forces, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
Abraham Idjirani, the Sulu Sultanate’s spokesman and secretary-general, said the Malaysian government has not stopped committing atrocities against the Filipino residents in Sabah even after the sultanate has filed a formal complaint for human rights violations before the United Nations last week.
“The Malaysian government did not stop from rounding up and deporting Filipinos in Sabah, that is why we included these incidents in our complaint filed before the United Nations,” Idjirani said.
“Nasaan ang pagka-Muslim nila? They continue to violate the rights of Filipinos in Sabah without respite, even when it’s already Ramadan,” the sultanate official pointed out, adding that the Malaysian government has kept this under wraps to avoid international attention.
Idjirani said the sultanate received this information from the men of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, the leader of the 166-strong Royal Security Forces (RSF) still in Sabah.
Under Malaysia’s Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act of 2012 (SOSMA), Idjirani said local law enforcement units could arrest and detain anyone on mere suspicion of working with terrorists and lawless elements.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/11/sulu-sultan-says-more-filipinos-forced-to-leave-sabah/
Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III and followers in Sabah including those who have alleged links to him, continue to suffer atrocities in the hands of Malaysian security forces, a spokesman said on Wednesday.
Abraham Idjirani, the Sulu Sultanate’s spokesman and secretary-general, said the Malaysian government has not stopped committing atrocities against the Filipino residents in Sabah even after the sultanate has filed a formal complaint for human rights violations before the United Nations last week.
“The Malaysian government did not stop from rounding up and deporting Filipinos in Sabah, that is why we included these incidents in our complaint filed before the United Nations,” Idjirani said.
“Nasaan ang pagka-Muslim nila? They continue to violate the rights of Filipinos in Sabah without respite, even when it’s already Ramadan,” the sultanate official pointed out, adding that the Malaysian government has kept this under wraps to avoid international attention.
Idjirani said the sultanate received this information from the men of Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, the leader of the 166-strong Royal Security Forces (RSF) still in Sabah.
Under Malaysia’s Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act of 2012 (SOSMA), Idjirani said local law enforcement units could arrest and detain anyone on mere suspicion of working with terrorists and lawless elements.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/11/sulu-sultan-says-more-filipinos-forced-to-leave-sabah/
Photo: US Ambassador Harry Thomas
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 12): Photo: US Ambassador Harry Thomas
US Ambassador Harry Thomas joins the native dance of school children from Wangal Elementary School during the USAID turnover of disaster-mitigation funds. DAVID CHAN
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/12/us-ambassador-harry-thomas/
US Ambassador Harry Thomas joins the native dance of school children from Wangal Elementary School during the USAID turnover of disaster-mitigation funds. DAVID CHAN
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/12/us-ambassador-harry-thomas/
Wescom: Chinese ships stay put in Ayungin
From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 12): Wescom: Chinese ships stay put in Ayungin
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Command that covers the West Philippine Sea, on Thursday confirmed the presence of Chinese ships and fishing boats in Ayungin Reef, a maritime area which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) town offPalawan .
But he said that based on their monitoring, the number of Chinese vessels vary every day.
“Pabago-bago. Minsa isa, minsan tatlo, minsan dalawa. It’s very dynamic,” Guerrero said.
(The number of ships change from time to time. Sometimes there are three ships, sometimes two. It’s very dynamic).
Aside from Ayungin Reef, Chinese fishermen, escorted by Chinese Maritime vessels, have also continued their acitivities at Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) in Zambales, which is located 184 nautical miles, or within the country’s 200-nautical mile, exclusive economic zone.
Earlier, highly-placed military sources said a Chinese Navy ship with bow No. 83 remained in the area.
Owners of fishing boats and fishermen near the reef also disputed a newspaper story that cited sources claiming that Ayungin had been cleared of Chinese ships.
Guerrero said Marine troops stationed in Ayungin continue their monitoring activity on the movements of the Chinese Navy and fishing boats in the area.
“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. Rest assured that we will not leave Ayungin,” he said.
He said that the crew of the Chinese ships had remained in their boats and had not shown any threatening action against the Marine troops in Ayungin.
“They (Chinese) are not taking over, they are just monitoring. Actually, at the same time they are coming (near) 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.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/12/wescom-chinese-ships-stay-put-in-ayungin/
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the Western Command that covers the West Philippine Sea, on Thursday confirmed the presence of Chinese ships and fishing boats in Ayungin Reef, a maritime area which is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) town off
But he said that based on their monitoring, the number of Chinese vessels vary every day.
“Pabago-bago. Minsa isa, minsan tatlo, minsan dalawa. It’s very dynamic,” Guerrero said.
(The number of ships change from time to time. Sometimes there are three ships, sometimes two. It’s very dynamic).
Aside from Ayungin Reef, Chinese fishermen, escorted by Chinese Maritime vessels, have also continued their acitivities at Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) in Zambales, which is located 184 nautical miles, or within the country’s 200-nautical mile, exclusive economic zone.
Earlier, highly-placed military sources said a Chinese Navy ship with bow No. 83 remained in the area.
Owners of fishing boats and fishermen near the reef also disputed a newspaper story that cited sources claiming that Ayungin had been cleared of Chinese ships.
Guerrero said Marine troops stationed in Ayungin continue their monitoring activity on the movements of the Chinese Navy and fishing boats in the area.
“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. Rest assured that we will not leave Ayungin,” he said.
He said that the crew of the Chinese ships had remained in their boats and had not shown any threatening action against the Marine troops in Ayungin.
“They (Chinese) are not taking over, they are just monitoring. Actually, at the same time they are coming (near) 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.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/07/12/wescom-chinese-ships-stay-put-in-ayungin/
28 Rebels’ Underground Informants Surrender
From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jul 12): 28 Rebels’ Underground Informants Surrender
The army has successfully dismantled the rebel mass structure in Negros Oriental as 28 residents who serve as underground informants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have given up on Friday to the troops of Bayanihan Team under 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, led by its commander LtC Marion Sison.
After realizing the futility of supporting the armed struggle and the hostility of keeping the NPAs to their shelter, 28 Party Branch Members and Peoples Militia were awakened from the deceptive insinuations on opinionated issues that brought the Solid Mass Organization or MASSO in Brgy Mantiquil Siaton, Negros Oriental.
Nine (9) members of Sangay sa Partido sa Localidad (SPL) led by Rosalie Nama alias POPS and nineteen (19) members of Yunit Militia (YM) of Lubos na Asosasyong Masa (LAM)/Solid Mass Association under Diosdado Nama alias DONDI returned to the folds of the law by turning themselves in to the troops of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, of the 302nd Brigade led by Brig Ge. Francisco Patrimonio.
"The surrender of 28 personalities who were utilized for chores from being underground informants to sometimes, instant and untrained fill up fighters for the NPAs was brought about by the proper information delivered by the Bayanihan Troops from issues previously exploited by the terror groups.
They admittedly decided to turn their backs after realizing they have been fed with lies by the NPA Leadership," according to Ltc Sison. We treated them as victims. Indeed these mass surrender of the entire community previously apsulated by the broken Communist ideologies is a gateway to a wider opportunity for its constituents, especially the youth," Sison added.
Anent this, Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, Acting 3ID Commander said, "The people of Negros are happy to welcome their long lost brothers and sisters who have returned to the mocratic fold. This is a welcome development in the province of Negros Oriental where people have longed for a lasting peace. Let us help each other in the spirit of Bayanihan to end the menace of insurgency and move forward towards development in the countryside."
Sumagaysay also said, the snowball of surrenders can be also attributed to social pressure generated by the civil society organizations, the local officials and other stakeholders who have been persistent in calling for peace coupled with sustained combat operations in the region.
Meanwhile, for the first semester, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reports, a total of 62 regular members of the NPA have already surrendered and live normally in the mainstream society. This number includes 26 rebels who are members of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (KR-P), 33 from Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) and 3 from Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral-Bisayas (KR-SB). The numbers does not count NPA members who have been monitored to have left the movement for the period.
This year’s 1st semester surrenderee is up by 18 or 40% compared to 1st semester last year where 44 NPA rebels have laid down their arms and returned to mainstream society and chose to live peacefully.
"We expect more rebels to surrender in the coming days because we know that they are already tired of the futile armed struggle and wanted to go down and abandon the armed violence," according to Sumagaysay.
"The CPP-NPA is losing the support of the populace while their ranks continue to go back to the democratic folds and start a lawful and peaceful life.
The continued Bayanihan in Western Visayas is a successful effort of the people who longed for lasting peace in this part of the country. Your Army in Western Visayas remains committed in performing its mandated task of protecting the people.
Together with other government security forces, "we will intensify our combat operations in the region. We will likewise continue our efforts working hand in hand with the local government units, the local government agencies, the civil society organizations and the local populace to end the threats of violence of insurgency and bring peace, stability and development in this part of the country," Sumagaysay disclosed.
http://ndb-online.com/071213/news/local-news-28-rebels%E2%80%99-underground-informants-surrender
The army has successfully dismantled the rebel mass structure in Negros Oriental as 28 residents who serve as underground informants of the New People’s Army (NPA) have given up on Friday to the troops of Bayanihan Team under 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, led by its commander LtC Marion Sison.
After realizing the futility of supporting the armed struggle and the hostility of keeping the NPAs to their shelter, 28 Party Branch Members and Peoples Militia were awakened from the deceptive insinuations on opinionated issues that brought the Solid Mass Organization or MASSO in Brgy Mantiquil Siaton, Negros Oriental.
Nine (9) members of Sangay sa Partido sa Localidad (SPL) led by Rosalie Nama alias POPS and nineteen (19) members of Yunit Militia (YM) of Lubos na Asosasyong Masa (LAM)/Solid Mass Association under Diosdado Nama alias DONDI returned to the folds of the law by turning themselves in to the troops of 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion, of the 302nd Brigade led by Brig Ge. Francisco Patrimonio.
"The surrender of 28 personalities who were utilized for chores from being underground informants to sometimes, instant and untrained fill up fighters for the NPAs was brought about by the proper information delivered by the Bayanihan Troops from issues previously exploited by the terror groups.
They admittedly decided to turn their backs after realizing they have been fed with lies by the NPA Leadership," according to Ltc Sison. We treated them as victims. Indeed these mass surrender of the entire community previously apsulated by the broken Communist ideologies is a gateway to a wider opportunity for its constituents, especially the youth," Sison added.
Anent this, Brig. Gen. Jonas Sumagaysay, Acting 3ID Commander said, "The people of Negros are happy to welcome their long lost brothers and sisters who have returned to the mocratic fold. This is a welcome development in the province of Negros Oriental where people have longed for a lasting peace. Let us help each other in the spirit of Bayanihan to end the menace of insurgency and move forward towards development in the countryside."
Sumagaysay also said, the snowball of surrenders can be also attributed to social pressure generated by the civil society organizations, the local officials and other stakeholders who have been persistent in calling for peace coupled with sustained combat operations in the region.
Meanwhile, for the first semester, the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division reports, a total of 62 regular members of the NPA have already surrendered and live normally in the mainstream society. This number includes 26 rebels who are members of Komiteng Rehiyonal-Panay (KR-P), 33 from Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) and 3 from Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral-Bisayas (KR-SB). The numbers does not count NPA members who have been monitored to have left the movement for the period.
This year’s 1st semester surrenderee is up by 18 or 40% compared to 1st semester last year where 44 NPA rebels have laid down their arms and returned to mainstream society and chose to live peacefully.
"We expect more rebels to surrender in the coming days because we know that they are already tired of the futile armed struggle and wanted to go down and abandon the armed violence," according to Sumagaysay.
"The CPP-NPA is losing the support of the populace while their ranks continue to go back to the democratic folds and start a lawful and peaceful life.
The continued Bayanihan in Western Visayas is a successful effort of the people who longed for lasting peace in this part of the country. Your Army in Western Visayas remains committed in performing its mandated task of protecting the people.
Together with other government security forces, "we will intensify our combat operations in the region. We will likewise continue our efforts working hand in hand with the local government units, the local government agencies, the civil society organizations and the local populace to end the threats of violence of insurgency and bring peace, stability and development in this part of the country," Sumagaysay disclosed.
http://ndb-online.com/071213/news/local-news-28-rebels%E2%80%99-underground-informants-surrender
Army deactivates BIFF roadside bombs in North Cotabato
From the Philippine Star (Jul 12): Army deactivates BIFF roadside bombs in North Cotabato
NORTH Cotabato, Philippines - Army bomb experts promptly deactivated on Thursday powerful roadside bombs laid by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters near an Army detachment that the bandits tried to take over on Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Henry Narciso, police chief of Midsayap town in the first district of the province, said the home-made explosives were fashioned from live anti-tank rockets rigged with trip wires.
The bombs were planted along a farm-to-market road connecting Barangay Ulandang in Midsayap to the town market where farmers sell their products.
Some 80 BIFF bandits attacked on Wednesday night a detachment of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion not far from where the roadside bombs were planted.
Although outnumbered, soldiers manning the detachment managed to drive away the bandits with their assault rifles and 40mm shoulder-fire grenades.
Narciso said members of the same group could have returned hours after they escaped and, under cover of pitch darkness, laid the explosives on the road.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the 40th Infantry Battalion, which has jurisdiction over Midsayap and Aleosan town, also in North Cotabato, has tightly been monitoring all interior barangays vulnerable to BIFF attacks.
Midsayap and Aleosan are located along the 220,000 hectare Liguasan Marsh, a known haven of Moro extremist factions and criminal gangs.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/12/964678/army-deactivates-biff-roadside-bombs-north-cotabato
NORTH Cotabato, Philippines - Army bomb experts promptly deactivated on Thursday powerful roadside bombs laid by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters near an Army detachment that the bandits tried to take over on Wednesday.
Senior Inspector Henry Narciso, police chief of Midsayap town in the first district of the province, said the home-made explosives were fashioned from live anti-tank rockets rigged with trip wires.
The bombs were planted along a farm-to-market road connecting Barangay Ulandang in Midsayap to the town market where farmers sell their products.
Some 80 BIFF bandits attacked on Wednesday night a detachment of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion not far from where the roadside bombs were planted.
Although outnumbered, soldiers manning the detachment managed to drive away the bandits with their assault rifles and 40mm shoulder-fire grenades.
Narciso said members of the same group could have returned hours after they escaped and, under cover of pitch darkness, laid the explosives on the road.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the 40th Infantry Battalion, which has jurisdiction over Midsayap and Aleosan town, also in North Cotabato, has tightly been monitoring all interior barangays vulnerable to BIFF attacks.
Midsayap and Aleosan are located along the 220,000 hectare Liguasan Marsh, a known haven of Moro extremist factions and criminal gangs.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/12/964678/army-deactivates-biff-roadside-bombs-north-cotabato
150 indigent patients treated in military medical mission
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): 150 indigent patients treated in military medical mission
At least 150 indigent patients benefited from a medical mission of the 302nd Infantry Brigade with the assistance of the Department of Health (DOH) and Zamboaguita local government unit (LGU) early this week.
The mission is in line with the military's community development efforts.
Belated reports from Capt. Cresencio Gargar, 302nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said the medical and dental mission was conducted at theCalango Elementary School
Gargar said that this community development mission was themed “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan.”
The indigent residents provided with free dental and medical services were from Barangay Calango.
“The military’s participation in the Medical Committee Development Mission MEDCAP in partnership with various stakeholders is part of our continuing efforts in delivering basic health services to the less privileged residents especially in the conflict affected areas in the Brigade’s area of responsibility," Gargar said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543535
At least 150 indigent patients benefited from a medical mission of the 302nd Infantry Brigade with the assistance of the Department of Health (DOH) and Zamboaguita local government unit (LGU) early this week.
The mission is in line with the military's community development efforts.
Belated reports from Capt. Cresencio Gargar, 302nd Infantry Brigade spokesperson, said the medical and dental mission was conducted at the
Gargar said that this community development mission was themed “Gutom at Malnutrisyon, Sama-sama Nating Wakasan.”
The indigent residents provided with free dental and medical services were from Barangay Calango.
“The military’s participation in the Medical Committee Development Mission MEDCAP in partnership with various stakeholders is part of our continuing efforts in delivering basic health services to the less privileged residents especially in the conflict affected areas in the Brigade’s area of responsibility," Gargar said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543535
Still no sign of missing pilots, downed OV-10 after 19 days
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Still no sign of missing pilots, downed OV-10 after 19 days
Despite 19 days of intense search for the missing pilots and the downed OV-10 "Bronco" attack plane, the Western Command on Friday announced that it has yet to make a positive sighting of missing crewmen and the crashed plane.
"Results are still negative," Western Command spokesperson 1st Lt. Cheryl Tindog said.
Despite this, search efforts will continue until the two pilots and the downed aircraft are found, she added.
Authorities have remained hopeful that Major Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Trust Nacion might have survived the crash.
The two were on a night proficiency flight when their aircraft crashed during the night of June 23.
Last July 6, a fisherman identified as 32-year-old Ludivir P. Nunez reported recovering a flight helmet offSombrero
Island
"He found the helmet floating more or less two nautical miles offSombrero Island
Tindog earlier said that they are requesting the return of the Shell Philippines vessel Lara-5 which is equipped with a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) to help in the ongoing search.
The ship and its ROV arrived off the suspected crash site some five nautical miles away from the Puerto Princesa airport last July 4 and immediately conducted a search but located nothing.
It was forced to left on the night of July 5 to perform a company mission off Malampaya.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543540
Despite 19 days of intense search for the missing pilots and the downed OV-10 "Bronco" attack plane, the Western Command on Friday announced that it has yet to make a positive sighting of missing crewmen and the crashed plane.
"Results are still negative," Western Command spokesperson 1st Lt. Cheryl Tindog said.
Despite this, search efforts will continue until the two pilots and the downed aircraft are found, she added.
Authorities have remained hopeful that Major Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Trust Nacion might have survived the crash.
The two were on a night proficiency flight when their aircraft crashed during the night of June 23.
Last July 6, a fisherman identified as 32-year-old Ludivir P. Nunez reported recovering a flight helmet off
"He found the helmet floating more or less two nautical miles off
Tindog earlier said that they are requesting the return of the Shell Philippines vessel Lara-5 which is equipped with a remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) to help in the ongoing search.
The ship and its ROV arrived off the suspected crash site some five nautical miles away from the Puerto Princesa airport last July 4 and immediately conducted a search but located nothing.
It was forced to left on the night of July 5 to perform a company mission off Malampaya.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543540
200 Army personnel participate in bloodletting for dengue patients
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): 200 Army personnel participate in bloodletting for dengue patients
Around 200 personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) on Friday participated in the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Rizal Chapter's bloodletting event inFort Bonifacio ,
Taguig City
Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Army spokesperson, said the bloodletting activity is part of their celebration of World Blood Donors Month.
Major Efren V. Abayari, PA headquarters and headquarters Support Group civil military officer said, the Army decided to partner with the PRC to ensure the continuous supply in the blood bank particularly at this time when high dengue cases are recorded nationwide.
A total of 200 military personnel from various Army units participated in the event.
Red Cross medical technologist Melanie Mercurio said that vouchers equivalent to 10 percent of total blood donations will be given to the PA as an incentive.
Army personnel can use these vouchers to avail free blood bags in cases of emergency within a six-month period.
She added that one person can make a difference by donating up to 450-cc of blood depending on standard physical and medical qualifications.
A bag of blood can be divided to at least three components in separate satellite bags: solid component or the packed red blood cells; platelets that expire after five days; and fresh frozen plasma which can last up to a year.
More sophisticated laboratories can extract up to five components from one blood bag. PRC facilities, however, can only extract three. Nonetheless, one person’s donation is enough to save three lives or more.
Mercurio added that donating blood is beneficial to health because it helps replenish the body’s blood supply and can even help prevent acne.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543562
Around 200 personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) on Friday participated in the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Rizal Chapter's bloodletting event in
Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Army spokesperson, said the bloodletting activity is part of their celebration of World Blood Donors Month.
Major Efren V. Abayari, PA headquarters and headquarters Support Group civil military officer said, the Army decided to partner with the PRC to ensure the continuous supply in the blood bank particularly at this time when high dengue cases are recorded nationwide.
A total of 200 military personnel from various Army units participated in the event.
Red Cross medical technologist Melanie Mercurio said that vouchers equivalent to 10 percent of total blood donations will be given to the PA as an incentive.
Army personnel can use these vouchers to avail free blood bags in cases of emergency within a six-month period.
She added that one person can make a difference by donating up to 450-cc of blood depending on standard physical and medical qualifications.
A bag of blood can be divided to at least three components in separate satellite bags: solid component or the packed red blood cells; platelets that expire after five days; and fresh frozen plasma which can last up to a year.
More sophisticated laboratories can extract up to five components from one blood bag. PRC facilities, however, can only extract three. Nonetheless, one person’s donation is enough to save three lives or more.
Mercurio added that donating blood is beneficial to health because it helps replenish the body’s blood supply and can even help prevent acne.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=543562
Police, Army foil bombing attempt in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Police, Army foil bombing attempt in North Cotabato
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- Authorities prevented what could have been a bloody Thursday when they discovered a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected Moro renegade guerrillas at a roadside in a remote village here.
The IED was defused by police and Army bomb experts Thursday morning, according to Chief Inspector Henry Narciso, Midsayap police chief.
The discovery of the bomb came after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attempted and failed to overrun an Army detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Ulandang here hours earlier.
Narciso said the IED was planted at a road side a few meters away from the Charlie Company detachment of 40th IB in Sitio Tampat, Barangay Ulandan where construction heavy equipment were parked for safekeeping.
He said the IED was fashioned from two 60-mm mortars with cellphone as trigger mechanism.
The IED in Barangay Ulandang was similar to the IED that the BIFF planted underneathMagaslong
Bridge
Narciso said police bomb experts also found an improvised landmine made of live ammunition of M-79 grenade.
”If a vehicle would step on it, it will explode,” Narciso said, hinting it could be intended for police or military vehicles that would respond to BIFF harassment.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the planting of IED in Barangay Ulandang and the earlier harassment were part of retaliatory attacks by BIFF to avenge the death of its members during the weekend Army offensives.
Hermoso said the Army is saddened by the atrocities of BIFF which were carried out during this fasting month of Ramadhan.
Ramadhan started Wednesday and will last until August 8.
At the start of Ramadhan, the Army called off its offensive against the BIFF in deference to religious activities.
Following the foiled bombing attempt, police and Army authorities in Midsayap have been placed on heightened alert.
Narciso called on the civilians, whatever their religious or political affiliations, to help police in preventing bombings and other destabilization by any armed group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543521
MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato -- Authorities prevented what could have been a bloody Thursday when they discovered a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) planted by suspected Moro renegade guerrillas at a roadside in a remote village here.
The IED was defused by police and Army bomb experts Thursday morning, according to Chief Inspector Henry Narciso, Midsayap police chief.
The discovery of the bomb came after the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attempted and failed to overrun an Army detachment of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Ulandang here hours earlier.
Narciso said the IED was planted at a road side a few meters away from the Charlie Company detachment of 40th IB in Sitio Tampat, Barangay Ulandan where construction heavy equipment were parked for safekeeping.
He said the IED was fashioned from two 60-mm mortars with cellphone as trigger mechanism.
The IED in Barangay Ulandang was similar to the IED that the BIFF planted underneath
Narciso said police bomb experts also found an improvised landmine made of live ammunition of M-79 grenade.
”If a vehicle would step on it, it will explode,” Narciso said, hinting it could be intended for police or military vehicles that would respond to BIFF harassment.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the planting of IED in Barangay Ulandang and the earlier harassment were part of retaliatory attacks by BIFF to avenge the death of its members during the weekend Army offensives.
Hermoso said the Army is saddened by the atrocities of BIFF which were carried out during this fasting month of Ramadhan.
Ramadhan started Wednesday and will last until August 8.
At the start of Ramadhan, the Army called off its offensive against the BIFF in deference to religious activities.
Following the foiled bombing attempt, police and Army authorities in Midsayap have been placed on heightened alert.
Narciso called on the civilians, whatever their religious or political affiliations, to help police in preventing bombings and other destabilization by any armed group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543521
Militiamen repulse NPA rebels' attack in North Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Militiamen repulse NPA rebels' attack in North Cotabato
TULUNAN,North Cotabato -- Communist rebels tried but failed to overrun two detachments of soldiers and
paramilitary forces in a remote village here on Thursday.
Chief Inspector Ronnie Cordero, Tulunan police director, said on Friday that although outnumbered, members of the civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) engaged the attackers in a 15-minute firefight until the rebels fled.
No casualty was reported on both sides.
Cordero said the New People's Army (NPA) rebels first attacked the detachment in Barangay Lampagang and, as they fled, fired at militiamen manning another detachment in Barangay New Tuburan, an adjoining village where farmers are busy with the current harvest time.
It was during this season that the NPAs are extorting money from farmers here, a highly agricultural town inNorth Cotabato .
The attack came after the military here announced that NPAs operating at the foot of the country's highest peak --Mt.
Apo , sent extortion letters from
businessmen in Kidapawan City and North Cotabato .
First Lieutenant Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the 57th Infantry Battalion, said the NPAs have been mulcting from traders inNorth
Cotabato .
The letter received by an unidentified trader contained "solicitations" from the NPA Command inMt. Apo
But Sema said it is not solicitation if the solicitor imposes fixed monthly amount from the trader.
"That is clear and simple extortion accompanied by threats of violence if demands are not met," he said, adding that the 57th IB have provided security personnel to traders who received demand letter from the NPA.
He said traders should not give in to the NPA mulcting activities "because it will become a cycle."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543558
TULUNAN,
Chief Inspector Ronnie Cordero, Tulunan police director, said on Friday that although outnumbered, members of the civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) engaged the attackers in a 15-minute firefight until the rebels fled.
No casualty was reported on both sides.
Cordero said the New People's Army (NPA) rebels first attacked the detachment in Barangay Lampagang and, as they fled, fired at militiamen manning another detachment in Barangay New Tuburan, an adjoining village where farmers are busy with the current harvest time.
It was during this season that the NPAs are extorting money from farmers here, a highly agricultural town in
The attack came after the military here announced that NPAs operating at the foot of the country's highest peak --
First Lieutenant Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the 57th Infantry Battalion, said the NPAs have been mulcting from traders in
The letter received by an unidentified trader contained "solicitations" from the NPA Command in
But Sema said it is not solicitation if the solicitor imposes fixed monthly amount from the trader.
"That is clear and simple extortion accompanied by threats of violence if demands are not met," he said, adding that the 57th IB have provided security personnel to traders who received demand letter from the NPA.
He said traders should not give in to the NPA mulcting activities "because it will become a cycle."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=543558
Finish insurgency, AFP chief tells commanders
From Rappler (Jul 12): Finish insurgency, AFP chief tells commanders
COMMAND CONFERENCE: The Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista reminded commanders of their goal to end the insurgency by 2016, saying it's time for the military to focus on external defense and other tasks.
“We have a sense of urgency now to conclude our internal security issues. We need to focus on emerging issues — as I mentioned, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and climate change,” Bautista told reporters on Thursday, July 11, after a command conference to assess military operations from January to June.
“We are addressing so many issues — internal security, territorial defense, and climate change. It is now the typhoon season. We will have more calamities. We will respond to that,” Bautista added.
Manila is caught in a row with Beijing over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), a territorial dispute that is putting tremendous pressure on the military, whose resources and personnel are deployed to fight local wars.
Under the IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan, the AFP aims to “conclude” by 2016 internal security threats from the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN), Abu Sayyaf Group, rogue MNLF elements, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF).
"We should have reduced the capabilities of internal security threats," Bautista said. He maintained they are on track in meeting the 2016 deadline.
The communist New People's Army (NPA) has launched a series of spectacular attacks this year, the latest of which was an ambush of policemen undergoing training in Baguio City.
Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front, the umbrella organization of the NPA, also bogged down, raising fears of a deteriorating peace and order situation in the countryside.
On Thursday, hopes of a breakthrough in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front dimmed after the failure of both sides to hammer out an agreement on wealth sharing.
NPA still biggest threat
AFP public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala identified the NPA as the "biggest threat to our country's peace and security."
The NPA has been waging Asia's longest running insurgency. Bautista puts the current number of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), to "more than 4,000," majority of them based in Eastern Mindanao.
Zagala identifed the January ambush in La Castellana in Negros Occidental and the April ambush of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona as among the "atrocities" of the NPA this year.
WATCH The ambush in La Castellana and READ Senator's mom hurt, 2 dead in NPA ambush
Sustained momentum?
But as the AFP noted increased activities from the NPA, it claimed it has "sustained its momentum on focused military operations against the NPA in the first semester of 2013."
Bautista said 29 of the country's 81 provinces have been handed over to the local government units — meaning the LGUs now take the lead in local peace and security in their respective areas.
The AFP is aiming to turn over 13 more provinces to the LGUs by the end of the year, Zagala said.
AFP said it also increased "engagements" to 350 in the first semester of 2013 from 312 during the same period last year. The number of apprehended NPAs is also higher from 50 to 99 during the same period.
Even if talks with the NDF are stalled, what the government aims to do is “to make the armed struggle irrelevant" and "for them to abandon the armed struggle," Bautista said.
Bautista acknowledged there is continued recruitment but he said there is a significant number of surrenderees, too.
Bautista said they need more cooperation from the people. “No matter what gains we achieve, [it's weakened] if there are still issues that will agitate people to address the armed struggle. We have to address the issue being exploited by the [rebels],” Bautista said.
Non-hostile MILF
On the other hand, the AFP now considers the MILF a “non-hostile” entity. Not a single encounter has occurred between soldiers and MILF rebels since last year, according to Zagala.
READ: No deal in KL — MILF
"In Mindanao, we are optimistic of the rightful conlucsion of the peace talks," Bautista said.
“We remain vigilant to prevent peace spoilers from derailing thepecae process," he added.
A breakaway command of the MILF ambushed an army truck and attacked an army camp on Saturday, July 6, ahead of the resumption of peace talks. At least 31 Muslim rebels and 5 soldiers were killed in the clashes.
READ: 36 die in clashes ahead of peace talks
As far as the Abu Sayyaf Group is concerned, AFP said 175 were "neutralized" and 26 are now facing charges.
The AFP received a P75-billion military upgrade to help defend the country's maritime territory. It is going to procure, among others, 12 fighter aircraft from South Korea and 2 frigates from a yet to be identified supplier.
READ: P75-B boost for PH Navy to resist 'bullies'
The AFP is also aiming to increase number of personnel "should the budget allow us," said Bautista.
"We have not had any increase in our troops for a long time. [Consider] the magnitude of issues we face right now simultaneously," Bautista said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33523-philippine-military-end-insurgency
COMMAND CONFERENCE: The Armed Forces of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista reminded commanders of their goal to end the insurgency by 2016, saying it's time for the military to focus on external defense and other tasks.
“We have a sense of urgency now to conclude our internal security issues. We need to focus on emerging issues — as I mentioned, territorial disputes in the South China Sea and climate change,” Bautista told reporters on Thursday, July 11, after a command conference to assess military operations from January to June.
“We are addressing so many issues — internal security, territorial defense, and climate change. It is now the typhoon season. We will have more calamities. We will respond to that,” Bautista added.
Manila is caught in a row with Beijing over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), a territorial dispute that is putting tremendous pressure on the military, whose resources and personnel are deployed to fight local wars.
Under the IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Plan) Bayanihan, the AFP aims to “conclude” by 2016 internal security threats from the CPP-NPA-NDF (CNN), Abu Sayyaf Group, rogue MNLF elements, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF).
"We should have reduced the capabilities of internal security threats," Bautista said. He maintained they are on track in meeting the 2016 deadline.
The communist New People's Army (NPA) has launched a series of spectacular attacks this year, the latest of which was an ambush of policemen undergoing training in Baguio City.
Peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front, the umbrella organization of the NPA, also bogged down, raising fears of a deteriorating peace and order situation in the countryside.
On Thursday, hopes of a breakthrough in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front dimmed after the failure of both sides to hammer out an agreement on wealth sharing.
NPA still biggest threat
AFP public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala identified the NPA as the "biggest threat to our country's peace and security."
The NPA has been waging Asia's longest running insurgency. Bautista puts the current number of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), to "more than 4,000," majority of them based in Eastern Mindanao.
Zagala identifed the January ambush in La Castellana in Negros Occidental and the April ambush of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona as among the "atrocities" of the NPA this year.
WATCH The ambush in La Castellana and READ Senator's mom hurt, 2 dead in NPA ambush
Sustained momentum?
But as the AFP noted increased activities from the NPA, it claimed it has "sustained its momentum on focused military operations against the NPA in the first semester of 2013."
Bautista said 29 of the country's 81 provinces have been handed over to the local government units — meaning the LGUs now take the lead in local peace and security in their respective areas.
The AFP is aiming to turn over 13 more provinces to the LGUs by the end of the year, Zagala said.
AFP said it also increased "engagements" to 350 in the first semester of 2013 from 312 during the same period last year. The number of apprehended NPAs is also higher from 50 to 99 during the same period.
Even if talks with the NDF are stalled, what the government aims to do is “to make the armed struggle irrelevant" and "for them to abandon the armed struggle," Bautista said.
Bautista acknowledged there is continued recruitment but he said there is a significant number of surrenderees, too.
Bautista said they need more cooperation from the people. “No matter what gains we achieve, [it's weakened] if there are still issues that will agitate people to address the armed struggle. We have to address the issue being exploited by the [rebels],” Bautista said.
Non-hostile MILF
On the other hand, the AFP now considers the MILF a “non-hostile” entity. Not a single encounter has occurred between soldiers and MILF rebels since last year, according to Zagala.
READ: No deal in KL — MILF
"In Mindanao, we are optimistic of the rightful conlucsion of the peace talks," Bautista said.
“We remain vigilant to prevent peace spoilers from derailing thepecae process," he added.
A breakaway command of the MILF ambushed an army truck and attacked an army camp on Saturday, July 6, ahead of the resumption of peace talks. At least 31 Muslim rebels and 5 soldiers were killed in the clashes.
READ: 36 die in clashes ahead of peace talks
As far as the Abu Sayyaf Group is concerned, AFP said 175 were "neutralized" and 26 are now facing charges.
The AFP received a P75-billion military upgrade to help defend the country's maritime territory. It is going to procure, among others, 12 fighter aircraft from South Korea and 2 frigates from a yet to be identified supplier.
READ: P75-B boost for PH Navy to resist 'bullies'
The AFP is also aiming to increase number of personnel "should the budget allow us," said Bautista.
"We have not had any increase in our troops for a long time. [Consider] the magnitude of issues we face right now simultaneously," Bautista said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33523-philippine-military-end-insurgency
Suspected MNLF members abduct 12 civilians in Basilan
From Rappler (Jul 12): Suspected MNLF members abduct 12 civilians in Basilan
At least 12 residents of Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan, were taken captive by alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Thursday afternoon, July 11.
The military's Western Mindanao Command said the abduction – done by about 50 members led by Commander Hassan alias Addang – transpired in Sitio Kakabigan, Barangay Bohe Baca, at around 4:20 pm.
The military said the group of kidnappers was led by a certain Commander Hassan alias Addang, and identified rido or clan war as the motive for the kidnapping.
The victims were identified as:
The military said the possible motive behind the abduction is revenge of the MNLF members on the abduction of the 3 daughters of MNLF Commander Hassan.
The commander’s daughters –Umma, Kelma, and Pubu, all surnamed Duwalay – were abducted on July 9 at Triangle, Lamitan City, Basilan.
"The sequential abduction including minors is rooted in a 3-decade, long standing rido between the two families," the military said.
The military’s 18th Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Paolo P Perez, has initiated negotiations for the safe release of the victims. Officials of Barangay Bohe Baca in Tipo-Tipo, and of Barangay Cambug in Albarka town are helping out for the safe release of the victims.
Since the start of the year, AFP forces in Basilan, in particular 104th Brigade, has facilitated the peaceful settlement of 18 cases of rido.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33607-mnlf-abduction-basilan-rido
At least 12 residents of Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan, were taken captive by alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Thursday afternoon, July 11.
The military's Western Mindanao Command said the abduction – done by about 50 members led by Commander Hassan alias Addang – transpired in Sitio Kakabigan, Barangay Bohe Baca, at around 4:20 pm.
The military said the group of kidnappers was led by a certain Commander Hassan alias Addang, and identified rido or clan war as the motive for the kidnapping.
The victims were identified as:
- Dalma Ambihal, 50
- Faija Banua, 44
- Hapsa Ambihal, 28
- Kalipa Ambihal, 22
- Alsaima Buddiman, 15
- Satra Banua, 13
- Haide Banua, 9
- Binbin Banua, 9
- Haipa Ambihal, 5
- Pasri Ambihal, 2
- Fathma Buddiman, 5 months
- An unidentified person
The military said the possible motive behind the abduction is revenge of the MNLF members on the abduction of the 3 daughters of MNLF Commander Hassan.
The commander’s daughters –Umma, Kelma, and Pubu, all surnamed Duwalay – were abducted on July 9 at Triangle, Lamitan City, Basilan.
"The sequential abduction including minors is rooted in a 3-decade, long standing rido between the two families," the military said.
The military’s 18th Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Paolo P Perez, has initiated negotiations for the safe release of the victims. Officials of Barangay Bohe Baca in Tipo-Tipo, and of Barangay Cambug in Albarka town are helping out for the safe release of the victims.
Since the start of the year, AFP forces in Basilan, in particular 104th Brigade, has facilitated the peaceful settlement of 18 cases of rido.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33607-mnlf-abduction-basilan-rido
Still no deal: Peace talks extended anew
From Rappler (Jul 12): Still no deal: Peace talks extended anew
Despite extending the talks for one more day, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) failed to arrive at any agreement on Friday, July 12.
Peace panels from both sides left the negotiating table at past 5 pm without signing any annexes needed to complement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro before the final peace pact can be signed.
They will, however, extend the talks for one more day to Saturday, July 13, negotiators from both sides said.
The extensions in this current round of talks are reminiscent of the additional days it took the parties to sign the framework agreement. They also extended the talks for 3 days.
On Friday, the parties could not arrive at a compromise on how to share wealth between the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity and the central government.
An agreement on wealth sharing would have been a breakthrough since its contents are also related to the contents of the two other annexes needed for the comprehensive compact – power-sharing and normalization.
As of posting, it remains unclear whether the peace talks that aim to end 40 years of war in Mindanao would continue.
Talks reached a near breakdown when the panels left the negotiating table on Thursday, July 11 – the supposed last day of the talks – without any deal on the table.
READ: No deal in KL - MILF
But the government managed to persuade the MILF to return for one more day to iron out remaining issues.
READ: MILF returns to negotiating table
Along with the issue of power-sharing, wealth-sharing comprises the heart of the comprehensive compact. Its resolution allows the panels to move further with discussions on the annex on power-sharing as well as normalization, which involves decommissioning and policing.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33626-still-no-deal-peace-talks-extended-anew
Despite extending the talks for one more day, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) failed to arrive at any agreement on Friday, July 12.
Peace panels from both sides left the negotiating table at past 5 pm without signing any annexes needed to complement the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro before the final peace pact can be signed.
They will, however, extend the talks for one more day to Saturday, July 13, negotiators from both sides said.
The extensions in this current round of talks are reminiscent of the additional days it took the parties to sign the framework agreement. They also extended the talks for 3 days.
On Friday, the parties could not arrive at a compromise on how to share wealth between the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity and the central government.
An agreement on wealth sharing would have been a breakthrough since its contents are also related to the contents of the two other annexes needed for the comprehensive compact – power-sharing and normalization.
As of posting, it remains unclear whether the peace talks that aim to end 40 years of war in Mindanao would continue.
Talks reached a near breakdown when the panels left the negotiating table on Thursday, July 11 – the supposed last day of the talks – without any deal on the table.
READ: No deal in KL - MILF
But the government managed to persuade the MILF to return for one more day to iron out remaining issues.
READ: MILF returns to negotiating table
Along with the issue of power-sharing, wealth-sharing comprises the heart of the comprehensive compact. Its resolution allows the panels to move further with discussions on the annex on power-sharing as well as normalization, which involves decommissioning and policing.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/33626-still-no-deal-peace-talks-extended-anew
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