900 families remain in Pikit evacuation centers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): 900 families remain in Pikit evacuation centers

Over 900 families who fled from the towns of Pikit and Aleosan in North Cotabato after fighting between government forces and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) broke out over the weekend still remain at the evacuation centers here.

Tahira Kalantongan, Pikit municipal disaster risk reduction and management officer (MDRRMO), said these families came from Barangays Pagangen and Tubac in Aleosan town, and sitios Habitat at Kadingilan in Barangay Lagundi in Pikit.

Kalantongan said despite the authorities’ signal for the evacuees to return to their homes, still, they chose to stay at the evacuation centers.

The municipal social welfare and office has conducted relief operations to the affected families.

Kalantongan, however, admitted if tension as a result of the armed fighting continues, the Pikit local government unit could no longer afford to provide assistance to the evacuees.

Only last week, the Sangguniang Bayan here had declared the town under state of calamity due to recent flash floods.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=554504

Zamboanga Del Sur mayor intercepted by NPAs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): Zamboanga Del Sur mayor intercepted by NPAs

The mayor of Pitogo town, Zamboanga Del Sur and his companions were intercepted and disarmed by New People's Army (NPA) rebels while passing through Barangay Mati, San Miguel Tuesday morning

Capt. Jefferson Somera, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said that the incident took place around 6:40 a.m.

He identified the official as Richard Garban, incumbent Pitogo town mayor.

Somera said that Garban has one police escort and three other civilian companions when their vehicle was stopped by 20 heavily-armed members of the NPAs clad in "PNP-Special Action Force uniforms".

He added that the rebels took the two M-16 automatic rifles and two .45 caliber pistols carried by Garban's party.

Somera said that the rebels did not harm Garban and his companions and freed them a short time later.

Pursuit operations are now being conducted by the 53rd Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the 1st Infantry Division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=554377

Misuari/MNLF: Video -- Few of the Weapons seen at the Independence Declaration (almost)

Posted to the Facebook page of Nur P. Misuari (Jul 29): Video: Few of the Weapons seen at the Independence Declaration (almost)



Di' kaw muga? Ilan lang yan sa nakita namin kanina — at Lampaki, Indanan, Sulu.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201209593737779

Misuari/MNLF: Video -- MNLF forces troops fully-armed to the MNLF Gathering Jul 25-29

Posted to the Facebook page of Nur P. Misuari (Jul 29): Video: MNLF forces troops fully-armed to the MNLF Gathering Jul 25-29

MNLF arrives at Lampaki July 29, including Gagandilan Maas Gafur who was purportedly "killed" in Sabah. Kasabay ng troups ni Gagandilan Maas Gafur ang Chief of Staff Khabir Malik. Subalit dahil sa konteng aberya sa Bilaan, naantala ang grupo ni Khabir Malik ng dalawang oras. More or less 3000 ang mga de-armas na nagsidalo sa "almost" Independence Day ng MNLF sa Lampaki, Indanan, Sulu kahapon. — at Lampaki, Indanan, Sulu.

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10201213403313016

Misuari did not declare independence--Roxas

From the  Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): Misuari did not declare independence--Roxas
 
Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II on Tuesday denied reports that Moro National Liberation Front Chairman Nur Misuari has declared independence during recent MNLF gatherings in Mindanao.

Roxas said that the government is monitoring the recent activities of Misuari and MNLF and there was not a time when the MNLF leader declared independence.

”I don’t think he did that...he did not say that he’s declaring (independence)...we have recording, he did not say that,” said Roxas.

Misuari during the past weeks held separate meetings with MNLF leaders and supporters in Zamboanga and Sulu, triggering talks that his group is severing ties with the national government.

Roxas, however, said that Misuari criticized the ongoing negotiations between the administration of President Benigno Simeo Aquino III and the Moro Islamic Liberation (MILF) but did not declare independence.

”We followed the announcement...and there was no time that he mentioned declaration of independence or separation. He criticized the peace talks, he cited the difference of the Bangsamoro process with the MILF and the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) of the MNLF. But there was no declaration of independence,” said Roxas.

The MNLF, then led by Misuari as chairman, signed a final peace agreement with the Philippine government in 1996 then under the administration of President Fidel Ramos. Misuari also served as the first governor of ARMM as a result of the peace pact.

Presently, the Aquino administration is talking peace with the MILF under the leadership of Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. In fact, the negotiations are now on the final stages following the signing last year of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) in Malacanang.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=554373

PHL-US negotiations on increased US troops not yet a done deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13): PHL-US negotiations on increased US troops not yet a done deal

The negotiations between the Philippines and United States for an increased U.S. military presence in the country is not yet a done deal, a Palace official said on Tuesday.

"This is not [a done deal]. That's why they have to sit and discuss. Kung mapapansin ninyo, yung modality lagi ang nababanggit ni Defense Secretary [Voltaire Gazmin] kasi 'yun talaga ang dapat pag-usapan. We're after a high impact and high value exercises that will benefit both sides," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said.

A negotiating panel had been formed to draft a framework agreement for an "increased rotational presence" of U.S. troops amid the increasing territorial dispute with China which claims in its entirety the resource-rich West Philippine Sea and in the wake of the U.S. strategic "pivot to Asia".

The panel would begin discussions on Wednesday, Aug. 14.

The Palace earlier pointed out that the U.S. troops would not only help in "minimum credible defense" to guard Philippine territories but also in humanitarian disaster response operations.

The Palace official said 'national interest' was considered in the plan to open access for more U.S. troops in the country.

Valte also reiterated that the agreement would be within the framework of the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement and Mutual Defense Treaty between the two countries.

Under the VFA, American presence in the country is allowed to temporary stay for joint trainings with the Philippine military.

She also assured that concerned officials would disclose the full details of the negotiations with the US regarding access arrangements.

Several lawmakers have expressed fear the plan would violate the country's Constitution but the Palace assured that the agreement would be done within the parameters of the law.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=554451

Duterte says no to US drones

From Rappler (Aug 13): Duterte says no to US drones



TOUGH MAYOR. In this file photo, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is with soldiers released by the NPA in the hinterlands of Davao City. Photo by Karlos Manlupig/Rappler

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte disclosed that the US government had asked him and his daughter, former mayor Sara Duterte, to use the city as an operating base for its unmanned aerial vehicles in its campaign against terrorism.

"The US government wanted to use the old airport. I refused. I will not allow them to use our airport for them to launch their drones," Duterte said.

Duterte said the US requested to utilize the city’s old airport, which is beside the tactical base of the Philippine Air Force, as its base in Mindanao.

"I do not want it. I do not want trouble and killings," Duterte told Moro men and women in a meeting on Monday, August 12. The last request was made when his daughter Sara was still mayor, Duterte said. Duterte reclaimed his mayoral seat in 2013, succeeding his daughter.

“They will only use it and this would only bring trouble,” Duterte said.

Some sectors have criticized the Philippine government for allowing the US to operate drones in Mindanao against terrorists.

Drone zone?

In a July 6, 2012 New York Times article by Mark Mazzetti, "The Drone Zone," it was alleged that the Philippines is among the countries in the world where the US conducted lethal drone operations – a charge denied by US military officers, Filipino intelligence officials and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

But this was denied by the former US commander of the Joint-Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P), Army Col David Maxwell. “In all my time in the Philippines in between 2001 and 2007, there has never been a Predator or Reaper deployed, and there have been no Hellfire missiles, let alone ‘a barrage of Hellfire missiles,’” Maxwell told Rappler.

READ: What drones? PH not Afghanistan

In the Philippines, drones are used only for surveillance, according to Philippine and US officials.

President Benigno Aquino III himself said last year that a drone strike handled by the Americans may violate the Philippine Constitution. US troops, Mr Aquino said, “are here as advisers. They are here as trainers. They cannot participate in combat operations.”

On Wednesday, August 14, both countries begin formal talks on a new agreement that will allow increased rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines and boost maritime security.

In Davao, officials and residents have been wary of US presence in the region.

On May 16, 2002, an American believed to be special operations agent of the US identified as Michael Meiring suffered from injuries after a bomb exploded in his hotel room in Davao City.

Investigation said the bomb belonged to Meiring who defended himself by saying that he is a treasure hunter.

While being guarded by local police forces in a hospital, Meiring was whisked off by agents from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation and transported him back to the US.

In an article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last 2011, Duterte said he believes that the US is conducting covert operations against Moros in Davao City and Mindanao.

Duterte said he suspected that Meiring and the explosion were connected to the covert operations of the US on the island.

Duterte said the last time the US attempted to convince him about the drones was after the Meiring incident and that the most recent attempt was during Sara’s term. “I will still talk to them but I will still refuse to grant their request,” Duterte said.

Sheena Duazo, spokesperson of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao, praised Duterte for his stand. "We commend and firmly support the decision of the mayor not to allow drone operations in the city. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles/drone is a clear violation of our national sovereignty," Duazo said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/36307-duterte-no-us-drones-davao

Lumads caught in AFP-NPA conflict, says international group

From MindaNews (Aug 13): Lumads caught in AFP-NPA conflict, says international group

Indigenous people in the Philippines are caught in the middle of the conflict between the military and the New People’s Army and could hardly “cope with their repeated dislocations and the accumulated effects of property loss or damage and income decline,” according to a recently published report by the Swiss-based Internal Displacement Monitoring Center (IDMC).

“Caught between the two warring parties, the Lumads are exposed to high levels of violence and are at risk of abuses by both sides,” the IDMC said in its 42-page report titled “Living in the Shadows: Displaced Lumads locked in a Cycle of Poverty” released this month in time for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous People on August 9.

Frederik Kok, IDMC senior country analyst, said in an email to MindaNews that in this year’s occasion, his organization gave special attention to the plights of the Lumads in Mindanao.

The report is the highlight in the IDMC’s website (internal-displacement.org) as of this writing, occupying the topmost spot.

The group noted that many of the NPA fighters are Lumads recruited in their communities in the mountains. “As a result the military tend to perceive and suspect Lumads of predominantly being NPA insurgents or supporters. As part of its counterinsurgency strategy the Army is also encouraging Lumad communities to form or join civil defence militias or paramilitary groups to help fight the NPA,” the report added.

 

“There are reports of violations of a number of human rights and of international humanitarian law (IHL). These include indiscriminate bombardments, the use of schools as barracks and command centres, harassment, threats, forced labour, restricted freedom of movement and extra-judicial killings that are contributing to a climate of fear and insecurity and leading to displacements,” the report’s executive summary noted.

The IDMC noted that when the Lumads are displaced, their fields become neglected, leading to crop losses and failures. “Their homes are looted or destroyed during the fighting or immediate aftermath, and on returning, they are forced to rebuild from scratch. This cycle of violence and displacement is eroding their asset base and driving them deeper into poverty,” it added.

The group noted that while government agencies attend to displaced Lumads, “assistance tends to be short-term and often inadequate.”

Among the IDMC’s recommendations is for the government and the communist rebels to resume formal peace talks and thus spare the Lumads from the effects of war.

It likewise advised the military to regulate its entry to Lumad communities, and refrain from setting up camps within the communities or using schools as barracks or command centers.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/08/13/lumads-caught-in-afp-npa-conflict-says-international-group/

10 share AFP's P19.25-M reward for capture of 10 most wanted NPA, ASG members

From InterAksyon (Aug 13): 10 share AFP's P19.25-M reward for capture of 10 most wanted NPA, ASG members



AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista hands over the reward money to one of the 10 tipsters, who shared a total amount of P19.25 million for giving the military vital information that led to the arrest of NPA personalities and Abu Sayyaf terrorists, in simple rites at Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon City on August 12, 2013. (Jaime Sinapit/InterAksyon.com)

Ten informants shared a total amount of P19.5 million as reward from the military for their contribution in the neutralization of some personalities of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista gave the reward to the informants in simple rites at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday.

Bautista said the tipsters were responsible for giving “vital information” that led to the arrest of ten most wanted terrorists and rebel leaders recently.

On top of the arrested personalities was Danilo Benjamin Mendoza alias Rolly Panesa, an alleged NPA leader who has a P5.6-million bounty on his head.

The military said Mendoza was Secretary of Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee and a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National democratic Front Central Committee. He was arrested last year in Quezon City.

The other rebels who were arrested were Felimon Mendrez alias “Tatay” (P5.25 million); Jesus Abetria alias “Puti” (P2.5 million); Allie Tafalla alias “Maco” (P750,000), and Alvin Orpiada alias “Bong” (P550,000).

Unfortunately, Teofila Buralo alias “TimTim” (P1.2 million) was killed during an encounter while Lawina Salibulan alias “Wendy” (P1.2 million) surrendered.

The captured ASG personalities include Abdurasad Musad alias “Mokeh” (P1 million), Jaid Jawalon alias “Jaid” (P600,000), and bomber Daud M. Rahim alias “Rahim Omar” (P600,000).

Currently, a total of 227 ASG personalities and 276 NPA members have been included in the DND-DILG Joint Orders on Reward or rewards list.

“A total of P140.20 million had been given to informants for the neutralization of 115 ASG personalities from 2001 up to the present, and P65.73 million for the capture of 50 NPAs from 2006 up to the present,” the military said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68494/10-share-afps-p19-25-m-reward-for-capture-of-10-most-wanted-npa-asg-members

Speaker: US troops' 'rotational presence' constitutional

From InterAksyon (Aug 13): Speaker: US troops' 'rotational presence' constitutional

 

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. (photo by Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com)

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said Tuesday plans for the increased "rotational presence" of American troops in the country are constitutional even as he directed House leaders to coordinate with the Department of Foreign Affairs for a briefing on the details of the deal being negotiated with the US.

Belmonte said he talked with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario Monday after receiving the latter's letter about the negotiations.

"I think there's nothing unconstitutional about it, that's for sure, and Secretary Del Rosario said that is covered by the Mutual Defense Pact with the US as well as other agreements under international law," Belmonte said.

The House leader said the letter did not ask for any action on the part of Congress, adding that "the idea is more coordination at the level of forces and is countenances by existing treaties with the US and international laws."

"I said I will convene the chair and vice chair of the committee on national defense and foreign affairs and he (Del Rosario) or one of his associates can discuss it with us," he said.

Belmonte said the United States has maintained its traditional presence in the country, and that there was nothing wrong if the two governments forge closer coordination.
What will be unconstitutional, he said, would be the establishment of permanent American bases in the country.

"I think that a country should take maximum advantage of whatever may be afforded by its treaties with other countries. I personally believe that doing this doesn't necessarily mean that we are antagonizing anybody or provoking anybody," he said, apparently referring to China, whose increasing aggression in maritime disputes, including in the West Philippine Sea, has been used as a justification by the government to seek increased US military presence in the country.

Critics of increased American military presence said granting foreign troops increased access to Philippine military facilities would constitute a de facto basing agreement.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68503/speaker-us-troops-rotational-presence-constitutional

'ORGANIZED RACKET'? | Karapatan says AFP handing out rewards for 'fake rebel leaders'

From InterAksyon (Aug 13): 'ORGANIZED RACKET'? | Karapatan says AFP handing out rewards for 'fake rebel leaders'

The human rights group Karapatan on Tuesday called P19.25 million in rewards handed out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to informers part of an "organized racket", claiming that one of the payoffs was for the capture of a man falsely accused of being a communist rebel leader.

Karapatan has long insisted that the man the military claims is "Communist Party of the Philippines official Benjamin Mendoza" is really Rolly Panesa, a security guard who was seized in Cubao, Quezon City, and has been in jail for 10 months now.

Among the rewards handed out by AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Monday was the P5.6-million bounty for the arrest of Mendoza.

"It's simply a rip-off, an organized racket," Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said in a statement.

Palabay said Panesa is not the first bogus rebel leader presented by the AFP. She cited the arrest of Oligario Sebas , a resident of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental who the military claimed was alleged Negros rebel leader “Felimon Mendrez.”

"The AFP said Sebas had a P5.2 million on his head and was on the list of the Department of National Defense-Department of Interior and Local Government Joint Orders on Reward or Joint Order 14.2012," Palabay said. Sebas was eventually released through a writ of habeas corpus.

Earlier, Karapatan called the joint order "no different from the secret hit list of Gloria Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya which resulted to thousands of cases of human rights violations ranging from illegal arrest and detention, enforced disappearances and political killings."

The group said the joint order was “used to legitimize the enforced disappearance, illegal arrest and detention of Estelita T. Tacalan, a 60-year old peasant organizer and rural health worker in Misamis Oriental” who was reported missing on April 27 and was found on May 7 at the Dipolog City Jail, where she remains detained.

“The DND-DILG’s secret hit list should be scrapped as it has become the basis to arrest, detain, and torture people on false charges; or worse, (have them) disappeared or killed,” Palabay said.

“The AFP should also be held accountable for squandering the people’s money to violate people’s rights,” she added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68516/organized-racket--karapatan-says-afp-handing-out-rewards-for-fake-rebel-leaders

AFP-BIFF clashes displace close to 10,000 in North Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Aug 13): AFP-BIFF clashes displace close to 10,000 in North Cotabato



Residents from the hinterlands of Aleosan, North Cotabato flee to the national highway to escape clashes between the military and BIFF. (photo by Ferdz Ballentes, InterAksyon.com)

The series of clashes between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters over the past few days have displaced 9,770 persons, or 2,275 families, in two North Cotabato towns.

The evacuations began August 10 amid battles that saw exchanges of artillery and mortar fire.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and management Council said 670 families, or 3,350 individuals, fled their homes in Aleosan town and another 1,605 families, or 6,420 individuals, in Pikit.

The BIFF is a guerrilla faction that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front after it disagreed with the direction peace talks between government and the main rebel organization were taking.

The government and MILF expected to sign a final peace agreement before the year ends.

Since last month, the BIFF has carried out sporadic attacks in North Cotabato and Maguindanao, some of which have involved bomb attacks on bridges and Army convoys.

However, the group has denied responsibility for the August 5 car bomb attack in Cotabato City that killed eight persons and wounded more than 30 others. Cotabato Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. has said he believes he and his sister, city administrator Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi, were the targets of the attack, which be blamed on criminal gangs linked to political enemies.

The bomb exploded just after Guiani-Sayadi had passed by.

The Cotabato blast happened 10 days after another bombing in Cagayan de Oro City that killed eight people and wounded 46 others.

Authorities have tagged the little known Khilafa Islamiah Mindanao to the Cagayan de Oro attack.

Murder charges have been filed against Usman Hapdis, who police claim is the group’s leader.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/68501/afp-biff-clashes-displace-close-to-10000-in-north-cotabato

CPP/NPA: 7 gov’t soldiers killed in 4 NPA offensives in Claveria, MisOr

Posted  to the CPP Website (Aug 12): 7 gov’t soldiers killed in 4 NPA offensives in Claveria, MisOr

Lorena Mangahas
Spokesperson
NPA Eastern Misamis Oriental - North Eastern Bukidnon Sub-regional Operations Command

For four consecutive days, the New People’s Army under the Eastern Misamis Oriental-North Eastern Bukidnon Subregional command has launched four harassment actions against operating troops of the 58th IB-PA in the town of Claveria. Seven of the reactionary troops were killed in these attacks.

August 9 – an NPA squad encountered 58th IB troops in Brgy. Aposkahoy, Claveria, Misamis Oriental. The Red fighters positioned themselves atop a hill being traversed by the mercenary troops. Two of the soldiers were killed when the NPA unit used a command-detonated explosive against them. According to reports from the locals, the enemy soldiers transported their casualties on a 6×6 military truck. On the other hand, the comrades safely withdrew after the harassment.

August 10 – at around 9:30 AM, an NPA reconnaissance team encountered returning 58th IB troops in Brgy. Aposkahoy. Another 58th IB column met up with these withdrawing troops. There is yet no information whether or not the enemy soldiers had any casualties. The NPA suffered none.

Yesterday, August 11 – yet another attack was successfully launched by an NPA team in Brgy. Bulahan, Claveria. Around 6:00 AM, the NPA team, positioned beside a trail, attacked the passing 58th IB troops. Only about three meters separated the two troops’ positions. Four were killed and three were wounded among the enemy troops. The NPA team safely withdrew.

August 12 – around 2:00 PM, in Brgy. Farmbugas, Claveria. An NPA team harassed 58th IB troops. According to the partial report from the field unit, one enemy soldier was killed while the NPA team safely withdrew without casualties.

At present, military operations in Claveria are still going on. The enemy has spared no effort at hunting down the revolutionary movement in the province since April. The revolutionary forces have, however, become more steadfast at foiling the attempts of the fascist troops through close coordination with the widening and deepening mass base in the area.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20130812_7-gov-t-soldiers-killed-in-4-npa-offensives-in-claveria-misor

New terrorist group behind Cagayan de Oro bombing

From the Business Mirror (Aug 12): New terrorist group behind Cagayan de Oro bombing

THE National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said on Monday that a new local terrorist group was behind the July 26 bombing in Cagayan de Oro City where eight people were killed and 46 others were wounded.

 

Director Francisco Uyami, CIDG chief, said the Khilafa Islamiah Mindanao (KIM), a local affiliate of the al-Qaeda, was behind the powerful blast that rocked Kyles Bistro at the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

 

In his report to Uyami, Senior Supt. Eliseo Rasco, chief of the 10th Regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit, said investigators have already filed multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against Usman Hapids alias “Mam man,” a leader of the KIM.

 

“The filing of charges against the suspects in bombing at Kyles Bistro at the Limketkai Center that resulted in the killing of eight male persons and the wounding of 46 other civilians may finally bring justice to the casualties,” said Uyami.

 

The charges murder, frustrated murder, serious physical injuries and malicious mischief charges were filed on August 6.

 

Uyami said that based on Rasco’s report, KIM has some 40 regular members, eight of whom are hard core followers and 15 have been undergoing instruction on the Arabic language since July this year.

 

Uyami said other members of the KIM, who have been identified by complainants and witnesses, have also been included in the charges.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/17868-new-terrorist-group-behind-cdo-bombing

Philippine rebels disarm town mayor, bodyguards in checkpoint

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Aug 13): Philippine rebels disarm town mayor, bodyguards in checkpoint

Communist rebels on Tuesday disarmed a southern Philippine town mayor and his bodyguards at a checkpoint in San Miguel town in Zamboanga del Sur province, police said.

Police said the rebels flagged down the vehicle of Pitogo town mayor Richard Garban and ordered him and his group to disembark in the village of Mati where the New People’s Army set up a checkpoint.

The rebels seized the politician’s gun and weapons of his escorts before allowing them to leave. Garban told the police that at least 15 gunmen, clad in police uniform, were manning the checkpoint.

Police said the rebels were stopping all vehicles passing the village that leads to Pagadian City, the provincial capital.

Garban said the rebels carted two automatic rifles and three automatic pistols. Police have dispatched two teams to track down the rebels. The military also deployed troops to pursue the gunmen.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA about its operation, but the province is a known lair of the rebel group which has been fighting for decades for a separate state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/philippine-rebels-disarm-town-mayor.html