Soldier killed, 2 hurt in Sulu blast

From ABS-CBN (Jul 27): Soldier killed, 2 hurt in Sulu blast

A soldier was killed and two others injured when an improvised explosive device accidentally exploded in Barangay Tiptipon, Panglima Estino, Sulu on Saturday.

Initial reports said Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD) team responded to the scene after receiving a call that a bomb was planted in the vicinity of a village chief's home identified as Alawi Jaijali.

The bomb exploded when the team was inspecting it, resulting to the death of a soldier.

The injured soldiers, meanwhile, were immediately airlifted to the nearest hospital.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/27/13/soldier-killed-2-hurt-sulu-blast

BRP Ramon Alcaraz docks at Guam naval base

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): BRP Ramon Alcaraz docks at Guam naval base
 
BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter in the Philippine Navy, has safely docked at Guam's naval base around 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

This was disclosed by PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic.

The Filipino frigate entered Guam waters around 2:00 a.m.

Upon docking, the officers and crew were given a warm welcome by the Filipino-American community in the area.

Posts on the vessel's Facebook page showed Philippine officials led by Consul General Bayani Mangibin welcoming the vessel's crew.

One of the photos showed the vessel's men and women standing in formation upon arrival at Pier Mike Naval Base in Guam.

Capt. Ernesto Baldovino and the officers and crew members of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz were commended in a certificate signed by Speaker Judith Won Pat, committee on rules acting chairperson Thomas Ada, legislative secretary Tina Rose Barnes, and sponsor Dennis Rodriguez Jr.

Baldovino also presented a token of appreciation to Mangibin for the warm welcome.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=548652

AFP inaugurates world's longest peace mural

From the  Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): AFP inaugurates world's longest peace mural
 
The Armed Forces of the Philippines Saturday formally inaugurated what could be the world’s longest peace mural along EDSA Saturday morning.

The activity kicked off with the "Bayanihan" Peace Mural Tour composed of bikers, runners, and a motorcade parade around the 3.7 kilometer stretch of the walls of Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This was followed by a ceremonial painting ceremony of the word Kapayapaan by representatives of the different stakeholders for peace along the camp’s wall on White Plains Avenue symbolizing the completion of the mural.

Soon after, the mural was officially inaugurated by the unveiling of a marker where the painting of the walls began last May 26.

Dubbed “Lakbay Para sa Kapayapaan sa EDSA,” the mural project spans 3,770 meters along EDSA, White Plains Avenue, and Col. Bonny Serrano Avenue in Quezon City.

It is a joint project between the AFP, Metro Manila Development Authority, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Asia America Initiative and Dolphins Love Freedom Network.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista was joined by Assistant Secretary Jennifer Oreta of OPAPP, AG Sano of DLF, and Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman of AAI, among others.

Speaking on the four decade long insurgency and the increasing clamor for internal peace and security, Bautista said that the solution on the armed conflict lies in the Filipino practice of :Bayanihan".

“This project is about breaking barriers that prevent us from moving forward. I was convinced of this when I saw soldiers painting alongside children of rebels,” AG Sano said during the inauguration.

“We saw art as a good venue to create better understanding and mainstreaming of the promotion of peace. This is a portrait of the Filipino’s aspiration for peace,” Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=548682

32nd Infantry Battalion starts reorganizational training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): 32nd Infantry Battalion starts reorganizational training
  
The 32nd Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division, formally started its reorganizational training Friday.

This took place at 1st Infantry Division headquarters in Kuta Cesar Sang-an in Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur.

According to Lt. Col. Alex R. Rillera, the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and Training, the 32nd Infantry Battalion will undergo retraining as part of the Implementation Plan Pagsasanay Alpha of the Philippine Army which runs up to Sept. 27.

The training aims to develop the combat fighting skills and knowledge of the soldiers.

"We will also refurbish their mobility equipment and at the same time strengthen their operational readiness towards excellent mission accomplishment," he added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad Jr., the Acting Commander of 1st Infantry Division, welcomed and commended the accomplishments of 32nd Infantry Battalion in its long years of deployment.

“Our core competencies, as soldiers, is fighting wars and battles, because that is what we are trained for. And we need to hone that competency so that we are always on the upper hand to protect our people and defend the integrity and sovereignty of our country against threats,” he added.

Trinidad also emphasized the objectives of the organizational training which he summed at under the acronym “TRAIN”: Total Unit Readiness, Responsiveness or Responsibility as a unit and as individual soldier, Acquisition of knowledge and skills, Imbibe the culture of professionalism, discipline and excellence, and Nurture the spirit of service and people oriented individual soldier and unit.

The 32nd Infantry Battalion had its last retraining sometime in 1998 and since then, the unit became one of the fightingest units in the Army.

The unit successful internal peace and security initiatives significantly contributed to the improved socio-economic development in the island of Basilan for the past four years.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=548686

DSWD to improve Kalahi-CIDSS program in Zambo Peninsula

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): DSWD to improve Kalahi-CIDSS program in Zambo Peninsula
 
The Dept. of Social Welfare and Development will strengthen its projects under its Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan–Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) here in Zamboanga Peninsula.

DSWD Regional Director Zenaida Arevalo said the Kalahi-CIDSS, funded by the World Bank, was recently chosen from among over 40 international candidates for the Development Impact Honors Awards by the United States Treasury Department.

The DSWD will be transforming the program into what will be called the “National Community Driven Development Program,” according to Arevalo.

“This award re-echoes how the communities have succeeded in realizing their most pressing needs. We are very optimistic that the continuous implementation of Kalahi-CIDSS, now the NCDPP, will reap more development, especially for the poor families,” Arevalo said.

Melanie Sison, National Social Marketing Officer of the project, said that the Development Impact Awards “recognizes the different projects supported by multilateral development banks all over the world.”

Sision said the entries from the different countries all over the world were based on criteria such as the quality of the results, focus on the primary sectors, innovations used, and risk mitigation strategies utilized.

Kalahi-CIDSS Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer Rodolfo Nillosguin, Jr. reported that the program is being implemented in 33 towns here in Zamboanga Peninsula.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=548728

PHL, Japan agree to strengthen maritime cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): PHL, Japan agree to strengthen maritime cooperation

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed on Saturday to strengthen bilateral maritime cooperation, describing it as "a pillar of their strategic partnership."

In a statement released after the bilateral meeting in Malacanang, the presidential palace, Aquino said that he and Abe reviewed the security challenges that confront both nations.

Aquino thanked the Japanese government for helping enhance the capacity of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) by building multi- role vessels and by providing communications systems for their use.

Aquino also expressed gratitude for Japan's continuous support to the peace process between his government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, and for extending assistance in critical areas, such as infrastructure development, transportation, connectivity, and disaster preparedness and response.

Aquino said he looked forward to the Commemorative Summit in Tokyo in December for the 40th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship Cooperation.

Abe, in a separate statement, announced four initiatives for the Philippines, including joint development of the economy, promote maritime cooperation, strengthening assistance to southern Philippines, and strong promotion of people to people exchanges.

He confirmed Japan's assistance to the PCG by providing loan for the acquisition of 10 coast guard vessels.

He also presented to Aquino a very accurate topographical map of Mindanao which he said could be beneficial in developing the area.

Abe arrived in Manila Friday night for a two-day official visit, the final stop of his three-nation southeast Asian tour which also took him to Malaysia and Singapore.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=548685

MNLF accuses MILF of attacking civilians in North Cotabato triggering more evacuation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27): MNLF accuses MILF of attacking civilians in North Cotabato triggering more evacuation
 
Marauding Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerillas on Saturday fired at a group of farmers attempting to return to their sub-villages in Barangay Manubuan here triggering more evacuation of Moro people, officials here said.

The municipal disaster risk reduction management council of Matalam reported that close to 100 families from at least six villages have been affected by the conflict between MILF and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members which the Army said was triggered by a long standing land dispute.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylo Talinio-Mendoza have repeatedly appealed to leaders of both the MILF and MNLF to settle their differences peacefully as recent events were counter productive and resulted in the displacement of Muslims in North Cotabato.

Mendoza, after presiding over the provincial peace and order council, said she was saddened by the turn of events since the conflict can be settled through dialogues and not through their firearms.

Noah Sabel, speaking for the MILF in North Cotabato, claimed that more than 150,000 hectares of agricultural land owned by members of the MILF was occupied by the MNLF after it signed a peace deal with the government in 1996.

But Dima Ambel, MNLF head for North Cotabato, stressed the area has been legally owned by members of the MNLF and has been recognized by the Philippine government after the signing of the 1996 peace agreement.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, speaking for the 602nd Infantry Army brigade, said the conflict in Barangay Manubuan which is located at the border of Matalam in North Cotabato and Kidapawan City, was an off shot of previous MILF-MNLF skirmishes in Barangay Marbel, also in this town last May.

Kida Leguaman, 43, a resident of Barangay Manubuan, said the conflict did not only displaced residents but caused the suspension of classes in Barangay Manubuan and nearby villages because the schools were used as evacuation sites.

The fighting erupted Sunday in the village of Manubuan, this town.

"It is very hard of us to be evicted because were are observing fasting," Leguaman said.

"As we were heading to our sitio to check on our valuables and soon to be harvested crops, we were fired upon by our brothers in the MILF," Leguaman said.

“MILF forces attacked the village where unarmed MNLF members were to harvest farm products,” Ambel added.

According to Melecio Openaldo, barangay chairperson of Manubuan, the displaced families refused to return home no matter how local officials would explain to them that fighting had stopped.

“They are in a difficult situation at an evacuation center in nearby Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City and refused to return home until normalcy resumes,” he said.

Portions of the highway between Matalam and Kidapawan City has been cleared with soldiers providing highway security.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=548699

Blast in Cagayan de Oro kills 8

From Rappler (Jul 27): Blast in Cagayan de Oro kills 8



CDO EXPLOSION. At least 6 were killed and 37 injured after a homemade bomb exploded in Cagayan de Oro City. Photo EPA/Bobby Lagsa

Cagayan De Oro City was rocked by an explosion late Friday night, at around 11:10 pm, July 26. It killed at least 8 and injured 48 others, police, local officials, and a physicians' group said Saturday.

Earlier reports listed 6 casualties, but Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) vice president Dr Tony Leachon said in a text message quoting president Dr Precy Caguiao that the number of fatalities had risen to 8, "including 3 doctors."

The explosion occurred between Candy's Café and Kyla's Bistro at the Rosario Arcade, a strip of al fresco restaurants at the Limketkai Center.

Most of the victims were doctors and pharmaceutical salesmen who had just attended a national convention of lung-disease specialists at the nearby the Grand Caprice hotel, also at the Limketkai center, said the city police chief, Senior Supt Graciano Mijares.

This was confirmed by the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP), which is under the PCP, in a July 27 12 noon report.

 

Three of the victims died on the site, while the others died in hospitals.

Three of the casualties – Emmanuel Falafox from Davao, Anthony Canete, and Ryan Estoese – were connected with Sandoz Pharma Phil Corp.

The military's 4th Infantry Division identified Misamis Oriental Provincial Board member Roldan Lagbas as one of the casualties.

Two more victims were pronounced dead at the Northern Mindanao Medical Center and the Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, respectively.

 

Another casualty, a physician, died at the Capitol University Medical Center (CUMC).
Injured victims were brought to the Polymedic Velez Hospital, Polymedic Plaza Hospital, and the CUMC.

"This is one of the busiest areas of Cagayan de Oro.... Somebody left a bomb on a chair at the bistro," Mijares told reporters.

 

An improvised explosive device (IED) was placed on a black monoblock chair and concealed in a black bag, police investigators said.

 

Mijares declined to speculate on the motive for the bombing, saying an investigation was under way. No angle or motive has been determined.

 

Cagayan de Oro is located on the main southern island of Mindanao, which has been blighted by a decades-old rebellion by elements of the large Muslim minority.

 

Witnesses described horrific scenes, with the top of the head of one victim blown off and the torso of another hanging limply on a chair as police sifted through the debris for evidence.

 

There have been various incidents of bomb threats in the region in the past but these were rare in Cagayan de Oro.

 

 

CDO EXPLOSION. At least 8 are killed and 48 are injured after a homemade bomb explodes in Cagayan de Oro City. Photo EPA/Bobby Lagsa

 

 

48 wounded, investigation ongoing

 

Local businessman Noel Arcenas, who owns an electronics shop at the shopping complex where the restaurant is located, said at least 100 people were inside the popular establishment when the explosion occurred.

 

"I felt then heard the blast," said Arcenas, who added he was standing about 15 meters (49 feet) away.

 

"I looked around and saw this ball of white smoke. People were running away bloodied and survivors were dragging at least 7 or 8 people away from the blast site."

 

The powerful explosion broke glass panels, upturned tables and chairs, and damaged cars parked up to 30 meters away, reporters at the scene said.

 

Investigators collected metal fragments and a piece of a 9-volt battery. A sketch of a suspect has been made based on descriptions by witnesses.

 

The police have recovered all evidence and kept them in custody. A hot pursuit operation is being conducted, as suspects have been identified through CCTV video footage.

 

Local Government Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II flew to Cagayan de Oro but was irked when he saw the crime scene all cleaned up. Roxas pointed out that the crime scene where the Ozamis gang leaders were killed has not been cleaned up to this day.

 

'Hard to speculate'

 

Malacañang condemned the attack.

 

"We deplore this act of violence at this meeting of professionals, the Philippine College of Physicians, whose mission in life is to bring about healing," Aquino spokesman Herminio Coloma told reporters in Manila.

 

"We will have to look into the matter and ensure there will be no future breaches of security."

 

In a statement, Red Cross chairman Richard Gordon called the blast an "act of inhumanity" in "one of the most progressive and competitive cities in the country."

A volunteer for Gordon's 2013 senatorial campaign was also among the casualties.

 

"We strongly condemn the assault to civil society with collateral damage to PCCP (Philippine College of Chest Physicians) and strongly appeal for the Government to investigate and to set guidelines for these unfortunate events to be avoided in the future," the physicians' group said.

 

"The Department of Health, through Secretary Enrique Ona, and the Board of the Philippine College of Physicians are extending support and medical assistance to the victims. We call for sobriety and pray for peace for our country. Thank you," it said.

Cagayan de Oro mayor Oscar Moreno said 2 people were still in critical condition at around noon Saturday. Four blast victims were still in the hospital but in a stable condition.

 

"Doctors have been attending to them and we hope their situation will stabilize soon," Moreno said.

 

Asked who he thought was responsible for the attack, he said: "It's hard to speculate at this time."

 

A Special Investigation Task Group was created to handle the case. Checkpoints have been set up in nearby provinces as well.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/34905-blast-cagayan-de-oro

Bomb kills 6, wounds 28 in CDO’s LimKetKai’s arcade

From MindaNews (Jul 27): Bomb kills 6, wounds 28 in CDO’s LimKetKai’s arcade

A bomb explosion ripped through a row of upscale restaurants at the LimKetKai Rosario arcade, a popular bar strip here, killing six persons and injuring 28 others on Friday night, officials said.

Among those who died was Misamis Oriental provincial board member Roldan Lagbas, 44, a first termer who won his seat under the Padayon Pilipino banner in the last May elections.

The rest of the fatalities were medical representatives and guests of pharmaceutical firm Novartis Sandoz who were here to attend the national midyear convention of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians at the Grand Caprice Restaurant at the LimKetKai compound.

Senior Supt. Graciano Mijares, city police chief, identified the fatalities as Emmanuel Falafox, the company district manager and a resident of Zamboanga City; Antony Cañete, a resident of Iligan City; Ryan Estose, a resident of Mega Heights in Barangay Gusa, this city; and Antonio Paredes, also a resident of this city.

Mijares said a guest of the medical representatives, Dr. Erwin Malanay, also died.

 

Police said the bomb believed to be an improvised explosive device or (IED) exploded around 11:10 p.m., sending shrapnel ripping through the two adjoining restaurants, Candy’s and Big Flat Bread.

Mijares said the explosive was placed on the table of medical representatives who were partying at Kyla’s restobar after sessions of the PCCP convention for the day ended.

(The PCCP decided to abruptly end the convention, supposed to end this evening, sources say.) The explosion killed three of the medical representatives on the spot.

He said 28 persons were wounded and rushed to various hospitals in Cagayan de Oro.
Mijares said Lagbas, who was sitting at a table at Candy’s only five meters away, was hit by shrapnel.

Misamis Oriental Vice Governor Jose Marie “Joey” Pelaez said Lagbas was hit at the back of his head and died an hour later at the Cagayan de Oro Medical Center.

The police’s Scene-of-the-Crime (SOCO) investigators found shrapnel as far as 50 meters away. A shrapnel was found lodged at the Pancake House, more than 36 meters away across the street from the blast site.

Leoncio Co, a senior manager of the LimKetKai group of companies, said he was entertaining a guest at the Big Flat Bread when the bomb exploded.

Co said the three restaurants – Kyla’s, Candy’s and Big Flat Bread – were full of people partying because it was a Friday night. He estimated there were at least 300 people sitting in the open spaces outside the restaurants.

“It sounded like an explosion of an electric transformer but I can feel the shockwave passing through my ears. My back was turned towards Kyla’s at that time,” Co narrated.

Co said he knew immediately that a bomb exploded behind him as he and his guest were drinking beer.

“I remembered asking my guest if he was hit and I stood up, touching my body with my hands to see if I was hit,” Co said.

When he looked around, Co said there was already pandemonium as guests, many of them bloodied, ran to get away from the blast site.

Co said he immediately called the security guards of the shopping mall and organized them to bring the wounded to the hospital.

Mijares said they could not yet determine the motive of the bombing nor the type of explosive device.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/07/27/bomb-kills-6-wounds-28-in-cdos-limketkais-arcade/

Japan says ties with PH important, confirms plan to provide loan-funded 10 patrol vessels

From InterAksyon (Jul 27): Japan says ties with PH important, confirms plan to provide loan-funded 10 patrol vessels



Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Benigno Aquino III shake hands as they hold bilateral talks Saturday morning in Malacanang. Among others, Tokyo confirmed its readiness to provide Manila with yen loan-funded 10 coast guard ships to boost its maritime capacity, as the two allies discussed a common concern: China's muscle-flexing in Asian waters. MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU

Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe unveiled a plan at a meeting Saturday with Philippine President Benigno Aquino III to provide Manila with 10 coast guard patrol ships through a yen loan to help it counter an increasingly assertive China.

In a bid to help achieve peace on Mindanao, where the Philippines' largest Muslim rebel group is in conflict with the government, Abe also spelled out a new package of official development assistance aimed at building schools and clinics, and developing personnel for an autonomous political entity to be established.

"Relations between Japan and the Philippines are rooted in their long-term friendly history and exchanges," Abe told a joint news conference with Aquino after their summit in Manila, pledging to further strengthen bilateral ties through new Japanese assistance.

The Japanese government is placing more importance on its relationship with the Philippines, and is committed to boost its maritime security and capabilities, Mr. Abe stressed.

 

As both countries share the common problem of dealing with China’s muscle-flexing in the South and East China Seas, Tokyo now has a very strong interest in its relationship with Manila, the Japanese Prime Minister said on Saturday. 

 

Abe met with President Aquino on Saturday morning at Malacanang Palace to discuss four areas of cooperation including the plan to boost maritime cooperation.

 

After a closed-door bilateral meeting which took less than an hour, Mr. Aquino said in his statement that both countries have “pledged to cooperate in advancing a common advocacy for responsible action from international players” by “upholding the rule of law”.

 

Common advocacy: responsible action amid sea rows

 

Aquino added, "The Prime Minister and I agreed to strengthen maritime cooperation, which is a pillar of our strategic relationship."

 

The President added: “We reviewed the security challenges that confront our nations, and pledged to cooperate in advancing our common advocacy for responsible action from international players. We believe that can be done by upholding the rule of law in international affairs, and by finding just and peaceful solutions to our territorial disputes and maritime concerns—so that we may create a secure and stable environment that leads to our collective progress.” 

 

For his part, Abe conveyed Tokyo's commitment to continue to assist the Philippines in capacity building.

 

Abe’s two-day visit came as tensions rose between China and Japan after Chinese vessels were for the first time seen intruding into Japanese waters in the disputed area of the East China Sea, where they are both claiming a chain of islands that Japan calls Senkakus and China, Diaoyus. The report from Japan came just two days after Beijing unveiled its integrated coast guard that combines the assets and functions of four services, resulting in more ships being armed, and ready to conduct more maritime patrols. 

 

The Philippines also has an ongoing territorial dispute with China which it says continues to intrude in its waters, even harvesting natural resources. 

 

However, the Philippines has very little capability to protect its maritime territory.

 

10 patrol vessels from Japan

 

“The Philippine Coast Guard and I have announced that we will provide ten patrol vessels by Yen loan,” Abe confirmed, although he did not specify when the 10 multirole response vessels will be turned over to Manila.

 

On Friday, Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said that the loan request of the Philippines is still “under consideration”.

 

No intimidation

 

Japan also vowed there will be no intimidation in resolving the territorial dispute with China.

From the conversation he had with US Vice President Joe Biden, Abe said both of them agreed that the right tack is to continue to “contribute peace in the region”.

Resolving the matter is not through “intimidation but by rule of law,” Abe said. 

Aside from strengthening maritime cooperation, Japan and the Philippines agreed to develop both their economies’ vitality, strengthen assistance for the Mindanao peace process, and strongly promote people-to-people exchange.

 

“I continue to place high expectations on the President to arrive at a decision to adopt the Japanese system for Digital Terrestrial Television, and we agreed to promote cooperation in terms of transportation infrastructure in Metro Manila,” he said.

 

Aquino said he welcomed the technical assistance provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in developing a Transport Roadmap Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas.

 

On the Mindanao peace process, Abe said both Japan and the Philippines have created a very accurate and leading-edge topographical mapping of Mindanao.

 

Both countries have agreed to promote tourism in addition to the relaxation of visa requirements starting July, by, among others, expanding the Civil Aviation relationship between Japan and the Philippines by increasing the number of scheduled flights.

Meanwhile, Aquino said he looks forward to the commemorative summit in Tokyo this December, the 40th year of friendship between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan.

 

"The relationship between Japan and ASEAN serves as a cornerstone of harmony and dialogue in our part of the world," he said.

 

Abe visited Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines to boost cooperation with its neighbours and monitor China’s actions beyond the East China Sea, whose territories are both being claimed by Beijing and Tokyo.

 

“With my visit to Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines, I intend to receive the strategic diplomacy not only to Japan’s national interest but also regional and global peace and prosperity,” Abe said in his opening statement during a press conference on Saturday.

 

He sees that the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation is an important “partner for stability and prosperity of Asia Pacific region to which attached priority from vast perspective of economic growth and security”.

 

“All three leaders that I met during my visit indicated stronger expectation for the Japanese economy to revitalize, embracing the vitality of Asia and for Japan to play a more active role within this region,” he said.

 

“We agreed to strengthen wide ranging cooperation with the countries with whom we share fundamental values such as the rule of law and human rights,” he added.

 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67327/japan-says-ties-with-ph-important-confirms-plan-to-provide-loan-funded-10-patrol-vessels

7 dead, 41 hurt in Cagayan de Oro blast

From InterAksyon (Jul 27): 7 dead, 41 hurt in Cagayan de Oro blast

Seven persons, including a provincial board member of Misamis Oriental and a doctor, were killed and 41 others wounded in an explosion outside a bar in Cagayan de Oro City late Friday night.

The blast, which happened around 11:30 p.m., ripped through the crowd outside Kyla's Bistro at Rosario Arcade, within the compound of Limketkai mall, killing Provincial Board member Rolden Lagbas, Dr. Erwin Malanay, a product manager of Boehringer Ingelheim Philippines, Anthony Cañete, 35, Ryan Palapac, 34, Emmanuel Palapac,34, and Antonio Paredez, 44, all representatives of drug firms.

Late Saturday morning, another medical company representative, Reynaldo Daupan of UAP Unilab, became the seventh fatality.

Many of the wounded were also representatives of pharmaceutical companies.

The Philippine Medical Association condemned the “dastardly act of violence against our people,” which it said happened as more than a thousand members of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, gathered in Cagayan de Oro for their conventions.

The bar where the blast happened was the venue for a fellowship night to kick of the conventions.

Following is a list of the injured provided by various sources.

Polymedic Medical Plaza

1. Marciano Agustine
2. Camile Manuta, 23
3. Jasmine Faith Lagora,17
4. Tristan Jay Ambe, 31
5. Fredelyn Plurog, 23
6. Jandre Aguilar
7. Ritchie Fernandez
8. Lemuel William Lee
9. MaryLyn Maglicayan
10. Michelle Mangaline
11. Dr. Bautista, Rainvel

Cagayan de Oro Medical Center

1. Coz Julito, outpatient
2. Raymond Escover
3. Cherry Escover, outpatient
4. Jesse Evangelio, outpatient 
5. Anna Lucio 
6. Albana, Ailka 
7. Karen Francis Mazon 
8. Maria Cresilda Tan
9. Noel Villegas
10. Melgasar Balasi
11. Gina Remson
12. Felipe Micayabas
13. Alma Agdo
14. Rodelio Robles

Capitol University Medical Center

1. Serafin Kho
2. Guilbert Espiritu
3. Juvine Dinggal
4. Seragan Jaboc
5. Jenifer Cuizon
6. Joey Guita
7. Rowelyn Bacsarza
8. Pheny Egango

 Northern Mindanao Medical Center

1. Lilibeth Paredez 43
2. G.J. Kahoy, 23
3. Marne Tamayo, 24
4. Security guard Dante Aguinaldo, 35
5. Security guard Regie Butok, 20
6. Clint Dacer, 30
7. Maria Alcordo, 43
8. Maricel Acosta, 43

The SunStar network said Lagbas, 44, comes from a prominent political family and had just begun serving his first term of office. One brother is also a provincial board member while another is mayor of Kinoguitan town.

Chief Superintendent Catalino Rodriguez, Northern Mindanao regional police director, said witnesses saw a man enter the bar with a backpack, which he left on a chair by the entrance when he left a few minutes later.

The explosion happened two minutes later.

Local businessman Noel Arcenas, who owns an electronics shop at the shopping complex where the restaurant is located, said at least 100 people were inside the bar when the explosion occurred.

"I felt then heard the blast," said Arcenas, who added he was standing about 15 meters away.

"I looked around and saw this ball of white smoke. People were running away bloodied and survivors were dragging at least seven or eight people away from the blast site."

The powerful explosion broke glass panels, upturned tables and chairs, and damaged cars parked up to 30 meters away, reporters at the scene said.

Investigators have still to determine the type of explosive used in the attack.

Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar Moreno told ABS-CBN television network that at least two of the wounded were in critical condition.

"Doctors have been attending to them and we hope their situation will stabilise soon," Moreno told the station.

Asked who he thought was responsible for the attack, he said: "It's hard to speculate at this time."

Police have been placed on full alert and the region sealed off to prevent the suspects from fleeing.

PMA president Dr. Leo Olarte, in a statement, said many members of the Philippine Dental Association were also in the city for another activity.

He urged authorities, particularly Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, to “decisively act” on the incident and warned that the World Medical Association is now having second thoughts on holding its convention in the country, scheduled before the end of the year.

“Our colleagues from the World Medical Association are asking us if it is still safe to send their members to the Philippines,” Olarte said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67302/6-dead-28-hurt-in-cagayan-de-oro-blast---reports

Peace advisers warn public vs false text messages creating tension with Moro rebels

From InterAksyon (Jul 27): Peace advisers warn public vs false text messages creating tension with Moro rebels

Government peace advisers Saturday warned the public against malicious text messages peddling lies about a supposed plan by Moro rebels to declare independence to protest government’s supposed move to completely scuttle the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front.

Undersecretary Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process said such false messages are apparently meant to sow fear and derail the peace situation in Mindanao, where the government this month finished a sticky annex on wealth sharing and revenue generation with the bigger rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Lorena appealed to people not to impulsively forward text messages. “We urge the public to be critical against false information. We also call for sobriety as our government, both national and local, are carefully handling the peace and security in Mindanao."

He added, "It is best to seek out information from reliable sources and understand the context before making conclusions. We rely on the public to guard the process."

According to the text messages, certain factions of the MNLF are convening shortly to declare independence and to protest the perceived move by the government to close its doors to the1996 Final Peace Agreement as it forges a new comprehensive agreement with the MILF.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, in a text advisory through the Philippine Information Agency’s Region IX office, advised her constituents “to be careful in forwarding text messages from unverified sources as some unscrupulous individuals are circulating false information to cause undue alarm to the general public.”

Climaco said the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the local government are exerting all efforts to maintain normalcy, peace, and security in the city. “No curfew has been imposed. Classes remain normal in all levels in the City.”

In a statement on Friday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles clarified the status of the Tripartite Implementation Review of the GPH-MNLF 1996 Final Peace Agreement. While the government’s position is that “it was time to bring the tripartite review process to a proper completion,” the “government will continue to engage relevant parties of the MNLF, through the existing mechanism, to find a just and comprehensive political solution for the issue of the Southern Philippines,” explained Deles.

The tripartite review, a joint review process, has been going on for six years, and “had already established consensus points and some joint mechanisms and actions particularly between MNLF representatives and the ARMM regional government,” she said.

Deles stressed that “from the start, what the GPH proposed to complete was the review process, not the closure of the peace process nor the abrogation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement,” she emphasized.

The Philippines government had been talking to the MNLF since 2007 on the review of the implementation of the 1996 FPA forged between the MNLF and the Ramos government. The tripartite review was deemed necessary in order to address concern that the government’s subsequent negotiations with the MILF, after the MNLF rebels were reintegrated into the mainstream, might have the effect of nullifying some of the key agreements with the MNLF.

The review is not a peace negotiation, and is being facilitated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, specifically its Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP headed by Indonesia, which helped the Ramos government forge the FPA in 1996.  The current negotiations with the MILF are mainly brokered by Malaysia.

As facilitator to the 1996 FPA review process, Indonesia through Minister for Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa had advised the GPH to exercise patience despite occasional provocation, as he reiterated Indonesia's continuing support for the Mindanao peace process.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67329/peace-advisers-warn-public-vs-false-text-messages-creating-tension-with-moro-rebels

Philippine rebels continue to recruit minors

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 26): Philippine rebels continue to recruit minors



Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

The Philippine military has condemned the continued recruitment of minors by the communist rebel group New People’s Army and use them as combatants in fighting the democratic government.

Lt. Gen Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the NPA has been arming their young recruits and forcing them to fight security forces.

“This is a clear violation of the CARHRIHL, arming and forcing children to become rebels. Exploiting the youth’s innocence to become criminals is even tantamount to violation of RA 7610 which provides children with special protection against exploitation,” he said.

Cruz was referring to the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, the first substantive agreement by the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, signed in 1998 in The Hague.

He said their data showed that many of the NPA rebels who surrendered to the military were teenagers.

“Let us give our youth the chance to grow up while peacefully learning from their youthful experiences and contributing in their own unique ways, as only the young can do, in building a peaceful and progressive Philippines,” Cruz said.

He urged rebels to return to the folds of the law and avail of the government’s livelihood program. “We will work with other stakeholders to ensure your safety and well-being and that of your family,” Cruz said.

Just recently, four NPA rebels, who were recruited in their teens, had surrendered to the 43rd CMO Company led by Lt. Leah Pura in Bukidnon province in northern Mindanao.

Cruz said Pura facilitated the surrender of the rebels - Digo Antian, now 23; Jun- Jun Calimpit, now 25; Robert 18; and Jhen, 15. He said Robert was recruited at age 16 and Jhen when she was 13 years old.

“They brought with them three high-powered firearms with assorted ammunition and magazines to the troops of 43rdCMO Company led by Lieutenant Leah Pura,” he said, adding the four are now undergoing debriefing process and would be included in the military’s Guns for Peace and the Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

“The four said they were deceived by their recruiters that joining the NPA will solve their problem of poverty. All of them further exposed that the NPA capitalized their desire to become soldiers when they were assured that they can hold a gun even without finishing school,” he said.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/philippine-rebels-continue-to-recruit.html

Philippine restaurant bombed, 6 killed

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 27): Philippine restaurant bombed, 6 killed



The facade of Kyla's Bistro in Cagayan de Oro City in this restaurant's Facebook photo taken in 2010.


And the aftermath of the bombing in this photo of Mindanao Daily Newspaper in Cagayan de Oro City. (Text by Mindanao Examiner)

A bomb explosion ripped through a restaurant in the southern Philippines and killing 6 people and wounding as many as 37 others, army officials said Saturday.

Major Rosa Maria Cristina Manuel, of the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the blast occurred before midnight Friday at the Kyla’s Bistro in Lim Ket Kai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

She said the wounded were rushed by authorities to the hospitals as investigation continues into the motive of the attack and who were behind it.

Manuel said the police and military are investigating the explosion and gathering pieces of evidence to determine the type of bomb used in the attack.

“We still don’t know at this time. Authorities are still investigating the blast. Six people are confirmed dead and 37 others wounded,” she told The Manila Times.

The restaurant was full of diners were the blast occurred. It was not immediately known how the bomb managed to slip through the restaurant’s security undetected.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the explosion, but it occurred just as former Moro rebels denounced Manila’s failure to comply with a peace accord signed in 1996 and fresh threats of war in the southern region.

Officials have not named any suspects or group behind the bombing, but Cagayan is one of the peaceful cities in the southern Philippines, although its neighboring provinces in northern Mindanao are known stronghold of communist insurgents.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/philippine-restaurant-bombed-6-killed.html

Salug town, Philippine Army hold community services in Zamboanga Norte

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 27): Salug town, Philippine Army hold community services in Zamboanga Norte

















Medical and community outreach programs in Salug town in Zambonga del Norte province in southern Philippines

Thousands of villagers benefitted from a joint medical mission and community outreach programs in Salug town in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said Saturday.

The programs, which began July 8 last for three weeks and officials said a total of 4,715 patients availed of various medical services; 342 patients in dental services; 149 livestock and other veterinary services; 234 people availed haircut services and 461 others were provided assorted vegetables seeds, including 115 people who availed of civil registrations.

The activities, launched in almost all villages in the town, were headed by Mayor Jeffrey Lim and Lt. Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 10th Infantry Battalion under the 1st Infantry Division.

“The activity aimed to bring basic social services to the depressed and impoverished people in the hinterland and far flung areas which served as sanctuaries of both New People’s Army and lawless elements,” the army said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.

It said the successful endeavor was participated by 101st Infantry Brigade, the 1st Medical Forward Company and 1st Dental Detachment, the 20th Special Forces Company, 6th Special Forces Battalion, the Philippine Air Force Reserve, the local municipal police force and the town’s agencies.

“In the performance of its non-traditional roles, the army, particularly the 10th Infantry Battalion, ceaselessly pushed through its civic actions and developmental projects in tandem with other stakeholders as a means of attaining peace in support to the AFP Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan.”

“The recently concluded activity helps the local government unit and other stakeholders in addressing the socio-economic exploitable issues which are being capitalized by the NPA in motivating, organizing and mobilizing the people to revolt against the duly constituted government. By helping the local governments to address these issues, the AFP will triumph in winning the peace without defeating the enemy through armed combat,” it said.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/07/salug-town-philippine-army-hold.html