Troops pursue NPA after Comval attack

From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 19): Troops pursue NPA after Comval attack

TROOPS belonging to the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division launched on Tuesday a pursuit operation against suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) who earlier attacked two communities in Maragusan town in Compostela Valley, forcing around 55 families to leave the area.

Lieutenant Vilma Dequito, commander of the First Communication Information Company under 10th ID Civil Military Operation Battalion (CMOBN), said the affected families leave their homes Sunday, after the NPA stayed in and held Barangay Mahayahay on Saturday for three hours.

Dequito said the communist rebels simultaneously attacked the mining tunnels of Em-em Genita, Rene Cinco and Robert "Bebot" Uy at Sitio Langub in Barangay Pamitaran around 3 p.m. Saturday and took away their personal belongings.

Dequito said the rebels onboard two Sadam trucks and several motorcycles fled to Barangay Mahayay. According to residents, the group arrived at 5 p.m.

The NPA held the area for three hours and leave at 8 p.m., dragging with them one Vic-Vic Bebitcan as hostage.

"Bebitcan was released in Tagum City, right after the rebels managed to escape," Dequito said.

Dequito said a father and son miners, identified only as Teofilo Buhatan and Pido Buhatan, were allegedly abducted on November 6 in Barangay Andili in Mawab in Compostela Valley. She added that the two were released on Sunday.

"Ang ginawa nilang (NPA) pagnanakaw ng mga sasakyan, pag-raid ng mga minahan at higit sa lahat ang paggamit ng mga tao bilang human shield ay isang tahasang pag-labag sa karapatang pantao," said Lieutenant Colonel Michael Logico, commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion.

Dequito said the 55 families have not yet returned to their homes out of fear that the rebels will come back. This, she added, holds true after their troops encountered 30 NPA rebels around 8 a.m. Tuesday.

Dequito said the troops are conducting a clearing operation in affected barangays in Maragusan town when the rebels attacked them, prompting the troops to retaliate. She said no one was hurt in the incident.

"Sa ngayon, wala pang advice na pwede ng bumalik yung mga nagsialisan na families. The clearing operation still ongoing, and we are also conducting hot pursuit operation against those rebels na umatake sa tropa kahapon," she said.

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/11/19/troops-pursue-npa-after-comval-attack-314621

207 soldiers sent to South Cotabato

From the Sun Star-Davao (Nov 19): 207 soldiers sent to South Cotabato

AT LEAST 23 Peace and Development Teams under the Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division were deployed on Monday in two towns in South Cotabato to implement "Bayanihan" in the form of Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP).

Captain Ernesto Carolina, spokesperson for the 10th Infantry Division, said in a phone interview that the 23 Peace and Development Teams (PDT) are composed of at least 207 troops from the 27th Infantry Battalion and Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu).

Carolina said the 207 troops will be divided into two groups and be assigned to Municipalities of Lake Sebu and T'Boli.

He added that the troops were introduced to the local government unit in South Cotabato by the 27th Infantry (Battalion) commander Lieutenant Colonel Shalimar Imperial.

Imperial, on the other hand, said the role of the PDT does not only focus on physical deterrence against armed groups but they would also be conduits of the local government in bringing positive changes in the communities.

Imperial believes that through consultations and dialogues, the PDT would be able to learn and address the concerns of the NPA rebels, particularly those in the far-flung and depressed communities.

"Resolving the issues and attaining peace and order in the respective areas in coordination with the concerned local government units, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders is our mission and goal," Imperial said.

Carolina said the send-off ceremony was led by South Cotabato second district Board Member Vicente De Jesus and Governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes, during the flag-raising ceremony in Lake Sebu town on November 18.

Carolina added that during the event, 19 former NPA members also received P50,000 worth of livelihood support from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

 

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/11/19/207-soldiers-sent-south-cotabato-314622

Air Force maximizing helicopter flying time

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 20): Air Force maximizing helicopter flying time

Pilots and crew members of the UH-IH Air Force helicopters stationed in the Western Visayas are maximizing flying time to deliver relief goods to victims of super typhoon Yolanda, especially in island barangays of the region.

The Air Force Tactical Operations Group 6 in Western Visayas was augmented by four Huey helicopters from Zamboanga, recently used by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. for an aerial inspection and delivery of relief goods to island barangays in northern Negros, and as far as Bantayan in Cebu.

Lt. Col. Bobby Calub, TOG 6 commander, who supervises the aerial relief operations in Panay and Negros, said he has observed that pilots are performing aerial sorties for relief distribution even beyond meal time.

This is because typhoon victims in island and hinterland barangays of Panay and Negros have no food.

We are maximizing flying time to deliver enough food for them, Calub said.
After the super typhoon hit Western Visayas, Air Force helicopters have been dispatched several times a day to deliver relief goods.

On Monday, members of the Peace Advocates of Negros, and Lulu Tizon, of the government negotiating panel talking peace with the National Democratic Front, met the Air Force pilots and thanked them for their efforts in bringing relief goods to hard-to-reach areas of northern Negros.

Even members of the Philippine Army and Navy, whose families are also victims of the typhoon, are involved in relief efforts.

Army Cpl. Elmer Solis, who is drives an M35 truck in delivering goods, said the victims are thankful when they see the military trucks coming.

Solis recalled that an old lady jumped in extraordinary joy in Passi City, Iloilo, when she discovered some clothing in the pack she received.

Asked why she was so happy, Solis said the woman told him that all her clothes were all gone after the typhoon.

He quoted the old woman as saying “Thank you so much, you’re such a blessing.”
Solis told her that that the goods did not come from him, that he just drove the truck to their place.

“It doesn’t matter, you’re doing such an enormous service to people like us,” the old woman replied.

For Solis, it somehow relieves his exhaustion from the continuous relief operations to see people so happy and thankful for the efforts of the Army.

Petty Officer 1 Samuel Arnaldo, Boat Captain of DF 352 of the Philippine Navy, with other sailors, were the first responders in Northern Panay, particularly in Estancia, Iloilo. Arnaldo recounted the situation of the people who were so hungry, they rushed towards them, knowing that they were bringing relief goods for them.

Though Arnaldo’s family in Roxas City was also affected by the super typhoon, Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said Arnaldo continued to perform his duty after learning that more people in the island barangays of Manipolon, Togigunot, Sicogon and Bayas in northern Panay needed food, water and clothing.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said in statement he issued, “We can see the excellent result of Bayanihan, not only among us Filipinos, but also in working together with our counterparts in other countries”, apparently referring to Candian and Indonesian armed forces, who are now in Panay island.
Baladad called on other stakeholders to work with them, in order to save more lives.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/20/topstory5.htm

Abu Sayyaf abduct provincial treasurer in Sulu

From GMA News (Nov 20): Abu Sayyaf abduct provincial treasurer in Sulu

Abu Sayyaf militants barged into a government compound in the southern Philippines and abducted the provincial treasurer in a daring attack, a military official said Tuesday.

 

Two police bodyguards opened fire but failed to stop the abduction after they were overwhelmed by up to 10 Abu Sayyaf militants, who snatched Jesus Cabilin late Monday in his quarters in the provincial capital compound in Sulu province, military commander Marine Col. Jose Cenabre said.

 

The militants, who were armed with assault rifles and pistols, fled in a van with Cabilin.

 

The brief exchange of fire between the militants and Cabilin's police guards alarmed Cenabre and other officers, who were at the provincial military headquarters about 1 kilometer (less than a mile) away.

 

"I deployed a tank," Cenabre said. "I thought the provincial capital was under attack."

 

The militants fled before additional troops arrived. It was the second attack by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen in recent days, after two Abu Sayyaf militants on a motorcycle lobbed a grenade that killed a marine and wounded two others in Sulu's Jolo town on Sunday.

 

The militants now hold about 17 captives in their jungle strongholds in predominantly Muslim Sulu, including two European bird watchers and a Jordanian journalist who were kidnapped last year.

 

While Abu Sayyaf abductions still occur, they are far fewer today than the massive kidnappings that terrorized Sulu and outlying provinces in the early 2000s, when the group had many commanders and strong ties with terrorist organizations, including Indonesian-based Jemaah Islamiyah.

 

US-backed military offensives have crippled the Abu Sayyaf in recent years, but it remains a key security threat. Washington lists the group as a terrorist organization.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/336261/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-abduct-provincial-treasurer-in-sulu

Zamboanga City Political Committee holds consultations

From the MILF Website (Nov 20): Zamboanga City Political Committee holds consultations



The MILF-Zamboanga City Political Committee is now engage in viable initiatives through open consultations with its members and the Moro residents in the city.  

On November 17, 2013, the committee, in consultation with its members and the local Moro residents in the area, proposed and agreed to build multi-purpose hall made of light materials at Barangay Cawit, this city for the MILF- 3rd District Provincial Political Committee.

The hall shall serve as venue for peace building and consultation meetings and other related activities as well as to make the committee even more accessible to the Moro populace in the area. This is also in line with the goal of the committee and the Bangsamoro Leadership & Management Institute (BLMI) of reaching out to the Moros and non-Moros in the contiguous areas through peace building and advocacies so that they can be well- updated.

A member of the political committee and resident of Barangay Cawit, offered his 4-hectare lot for the proposed multi-purpose hall. The construction shall be undertaken by the political district officers in due time, if Allah wills.   

 The committee chairman of the MILF in Zamboanga city; other officers, accompanied by Mr. Taha Daranda, a ZAMBAS -Field Coordinator for the Community, Livelihood, Needs, Assessment & Planning (CLNAP) of Sajahatra  Bangsamoro; and this writer,  BLMI’s Research Officer joined the group in mapping out and identifying the Bangsamoro communities in Zamboanga city.

The group was able to identify areas in Zamboanga City coastal areas as “Bangsamoro haven” considering that the areas are predominantly ppulated by Moros and due to the resident’s openness and overwhelming support to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB)One committee officer said, “We need to be visible to the Zamboanga City local government unit and the Moro populace in our peace building interventions for this is our common concerns despite that we are in the contiguous area due to the large number of Moros residing in Cawit and coastal barangays of the city”.

“To relieve people’s doubt and confusions on the Moro Front, the MILF must show its utmost concern by looking after the welfare of every Moro, wherever they are to be able to sustain the principle of inclusivity of the peace process”, he stressed.

As part of the Bangsamoro community profiling, the group also conducted interviews and assessments on the plight of the Bangsamoro in the region particularly in Zamboanga city where a large number of Moros are still lingering in different evacuation centers after their houses were burned to ashes and their valuable Items looted after they left their houses during the Zamboanga siege last September 9 to 21, on instruction by city officials. 

History reveals that the Bangamoro were the original inhabitants of Zamboanga City even prior to the coming of the conquistadors and dominate the coastal barangays. This was also mentioned by former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel, Jr. when he visited Zamboanga City this year, but the heavy influx of immigrants from Luzon and Visayas through government legal acts drastically changed that reality resulting to the Moros adverse marginalization from that time on until today. Thus the Moros became a minority in their own ancestral homeland which once upon a time far advanced, civilized and emerged ahead than their brothers in Luzon and the VIsayas. This reality is also true in the entire Zamboanga peninsula and mainland Mindanao where the Moros are socially and economically undeveloped.

The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on October 15, 2012 at Malacañang Palace, Manila, once again brought the Bangsamoro issue into International limelight with the GPH and the MILF trying to find political solutions to the Mindanao question through the negotiation table. Once a comprehensive peace agreement is reached by the two parties, all stakeholders shall enjoy the blessings of peace and prosperity in Mindanao.

http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591#editor/target=post;postID=1549542741762202607

Multinational forces helping in 'Yolanda' relief efforts lauded

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Multinational forces helping in 'Yolanda' relief efforts lauded

The Capiz-based Army 3rd Infantry Division on Tuesday expressed its thanks to the multinational force helping in the ongoing relief efforts for victims of supertyphoon "Yolanda" in the Western Visayas region.

Special mention were the members of the Canadian Forces who were the first to arrive in Iloilo last Nov. 14 through the Iloilo International Airport.

Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said the Canadian Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) members were deployed in Western Visayas to conduct medical and engineering mission in heavily-damaged areas.

He added that the Canadian DART used Roxas City in Capiz as their area command post for disaster assistance response operations.

These volunteers, with their mission equipment and supplies, left Iloilo International Airport last Saturday bound for Roxas City, using military trucks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

On Monday, engineers of the Canadian Forces conducted repairs and assessment in Pontevedra, Capiz.

They were assisted by personnel of the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion, 31st Division Reconnaissance Company and Headquarters personnel of the 3rd Infantry Division in digging latrines and road clearing along the route from Roxas City to Pontevedra.

The Canadian Mobile Medical Team (MMT) also conducted a medical mission in an evacuation center in Pontevedra. A medical team from the 3rd Infantry Division also augmented the Canadian MMT.

The team also assessed the health situation in Pilar Capiz for a medical mission.

Major Bob Mead, DART Defense and Security Company commander, and Lt. Cmdr. Brad Eason, DART Medical Officer, cited their excellent working collaboration on the ground with the members of the AFP.

Additional personnel, medical supplies and a huge generator set to be placed at the evacuation center were transported Monday from Iloilo International Airport to Roxas City utilizing the AFP’s military trucks.

Meanwhile, Col. Supardi and Major Situros of the Indonesian Military Defense Attaché arrived at Roxas City Airport on Monday aboard an Indonesian C-130 aircraft.

Indonesia extended 36 tons of relief goods which were transported by a C-130 plane in four sorties.

Relief items also kept on coming in at Roxas City airport.

On Monday, the C-130s of the Philippine Air Force delivered relief goods in two sorties with 37 tons of relief goods. Japan has delivered nine tons of relief items via its C-130 aircraft while Indonesia added another 17 tons of relief items.

The AFP provided support personnel and manpower in unloading and loading of the relief goods, using military trucks and immediately delivered these to the typhoon-victims.

Over the weekend, about 46,500 relief packs were transported by the AFP which could feed the same number of families for two to three days.

On Monday alone, 28,555 relief packs for the same number of families were delivered using Army trucks, Air Force helicopters, and Navy vessels across the region.

Proper management of personnel has been observed by the different commanders on the ground in order to minimize stress among its personnel who have been working since Day 1 of the disaster response operations.

The Army has developed a rotational scheme of truck drivers and support personnel, same with the Air Force where pilots take turns regularly. The Navy, being pre-positioned near the island barangays picking-up relief goods strategically hauled at the mainland, has a similar scheme.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588307

PN deploys BRP Gregorio Del Pilar as command-and-control ship in Tacloban relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): PN deploys BRP Gregorio Del Pilar as command-and-control ship in Tacloban relief efforts

The Philippine Navy (PN) said on Tuesday it has deployed the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) to Tacloban City, Leyte since Nov. 17 to serve as a command-and-control ship in the ongoing relief efforts for "Yolanda" victims.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said the frigate is one of the most modern and up-to-date vessels of the PN. It used to be the USGC Hamilton (WHEC-715).

The latter ship was acquired by the Philippine government through the Excess Defense Article Act under the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act on May 13, 2011.

Fabic said that the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar was the ship which met the USS George Washington (CVN-73) and her battle group, which arrived in Philippines waters, to help in the ongoing "Yolanda" relief efforts last Nov. 14, for the traditional "meeting point ceremony."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588325

Commissioning of BRP Ramon Alcaraz tentatively set on Nov. 22

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Commissioning of BRP Ramon Alcaraz tentatively set on Nov. 22

The commissioning date for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter in Philippine service, has been tentatively scheduled on Friday.

Unlike those of her sister-ship, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the commissioning ceremony for the Filipino frigate will be very simple as the Philippine Navy (PN) has decided to use the funds intended for the event for the relief efforts for the victims of Supertyphoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas Region.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said that they are still waiting for confirmation from the Presidential Management Staff regarding the attendance of President Benigno S. Aquino III who is the guest-of-honor for the event.

"We are still waiting word for the availability of the President as he is still in Tacloban (supervising the relief) now," he added.

Commissioning ceremonies will be tentatively held at Subic Bay, Zambales.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588343

AFP placed on 'red alert' for 'Yolanda' relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): AFP placed on 'red alert' for 'Yolanda' relief efforts

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)on Monday placed all its units on "red alert" footing so that it can fully concentrate on its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) efforts in the Visayas Region.

Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan said the red alert was in view of the military's efforts on Typhoon 'Yolanda'. "It was declared so that all units could be mobilized for whatever tasking,” he said.

Tutaan dismissed reports that the "red alert" was done to preempt possible destabilization plots against the government.

Rescuers continue to recover bodies in various areas of Eastern Visayas, including in the region’s waters.

Senior Supt. Pablito Cordeta, Bureau of Fire Protection Director in Region 8 and the designated commander of the Task Force Cadaver, said they have recovered at least 151 bodies on Monday alone in Tacloban City.

Cordeta said the corpses were disposed of into a mass burial site at Sitio Baster, Barangay Diit in the City.

“The burial site is almost full that is why they are planning to excavate near the site,” he said.

Over the weekend, Cordeta said his task force has recovered more than 900 bodies, but he was not sure whether the number has been included with the figure of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, which is almost 4, 000.

Meanwhile, the United States military activated on Tuesday Joint Task Force 505 that will direct the conduct of its humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Philippines in support of the government.

It is headquartered inside Camp Aguinaldo and headed by Lt. Gen. John Wissler, commander of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, who has been in the country at the start of the US humanitarian assistance operations.

The task force will work closely with senior representatives from the State Department, the US Agency for International Development and other American agencies to ensure continued, timely and swift responses to requests from the Philippine government.

The JTF 505 included nearly 850 personnel, who are already in the ravaged areas in the Visayas, and an additional 6,200 from the USS George Washington (CVN-73) battle group.

Around 1,000 Marines and sailors assigned with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive in about three days.

Personnel and equipment from the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps have come from Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan and the continental United States.

They will integrate and coordinate with foreign military units and nongovernmental relief organizations supporting the disaster efforts, officials said.

"The US military has a history of successfully working with international relief organizations and host nations to respond to those people affected by natural disasters," Wissler said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588357

Marine trooper killed, undetermined number of ASG brigands wounded in Sulu encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Marine trooper killed, undetermined number of ASG brigands wounded in Sulu encounter

A Marine trooper was killed while an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands were wounded following a clash in Barangay Baunoh Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu Tuesday afternoon.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, 2nd Marine Brigade civil-military operations officer, said the clash took place around 1:40 p.m.

He added that the slain trooper was a member of 26 Marine Company conducting clearing and pursuit operations against the band who abducted Sulu provincial treasurer Jesus Cabelin last Monday.

Lacuesta said that the ASG men, whom the Marines encountered, were 30 in number, heavily armed and reportedly led by ASG sub leaders Asman and Hatib Sawajaan.

The firefight lasted for an hour after which the brigands retreated taking with them an undetermined number of wounded as confirmed by discovery of several blood trails.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588480

Army asking for construction materials to shelter typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan) victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Army asking for construction materials to shelter typhoon 'Yolanda' (Haiyan) victims

Aside from food, medicine and clothing, the Eastern Mindanao Command, one of the military units helping in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation of "Yolanda" battered provinces in the Visayas Region, is also requesting donations of roofing materials and nails from kindhearted donors.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, said Wednesday these construction materials are needed to sustain the efforts undertaken by the Joint Task Force "Tambayayong" in Leyte for reconstruction works.

He added that providing shelter to "Yolanda" victims is of paramount importance as this is one of the means to uplift their spirits.

Donations can be forwarded to the Department of Public Works and Highways maintenance depot in Panacan, Davao City.

As this develops, Caber said that as of Nov. 19, they and other relief agencies have so far delivered 42,712 family food packs in Leyte.

For Wednesday, he said delivery of another 14,400 food packs is scheduled for transport to Ormoc City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588576

Navy rescues 6 female human trafficking victims off Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Navy rescues 6 female human trafficking victims off Palawan

Operatives of the Naval Forces Forces West and the Philippine National Police (PNP) have successfully rescued six female human trafficking victims during operations in Balabac, Palawan last November 18.

Belated reports from Ensign Ariesh A. Climacosa, Naval Forces West acting public affairs office chief, said the rescue took place Monday afternoon in Sitio Secam, Barangay Ramos in Balabac town.

Also arrested was the suspected courier, Ronald Aulih Hulguin alias "Abaw", 43, married and a resident Barangay Inogbong in Bataraza, Palawan.

The 16-footer wooden hulled motor banca that will be used to transport the victims to Kudat Malaysia was also confiscated.

Hulguin and the motor boat were turned over to the Balabac PNP.

The suspect will be charged for violation of Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Human Trafficking).

The victims, with ages ranging from 21 to 28, were brought to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=588585

Abu Sayyaf bandits seize Sulu provincial treasurer

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Abu Sayyaf bandits seize Sulu provincial treasurer

Marine and police forces are tracking down the whereabouts in a bid to rescue a provincial government official seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.

Sulu police director Senior Supt. Abraham Orbito said the victim, Jesus Cabillin, 60, was seized around 6:50 p.m. Monday at capitol site, Patikul municipality.

Orbito said Cabillin was taking a rest at hi sleeping quarters when gunmen arrived and seized him at gunpoint.

Orbito said the gunmen forced Cabillin to board on a yellow Tamaraw jeep and sped towards the direction of Barangay Danag, also in the town of Patiklul.

Joint Task Force Sulu commander newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Jose Johriel Cenabre disclosed that the gunmen who seized Cabillin are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Cenabre said the suspects are led by Abu Sayyaf mid-level leaders Julli Ikit and Kausar Sawadjaan, whose group are based in the hinterlands of Patikul.

Cenabre disclosed combined marine and police forces are conducting dragnet operations against the abductors of Cabillin in a bid to rescue the government official.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=588347

NorCot police seek Army assistance in fighting criminality

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): NorCot police seek Army assistance in fighting criminality

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Police authorities in North Cotabato have sought the help of the military in containing the rash of crime incidents in Pikit town.

Superintendent Danilo Peralta, North Cotabato police provincial director, said while the crimes against life in Pikit were purely police matters, the Army is of great help in crime prevention.

Peralta’s appeal came after a surge in motorcycle theft, robbery and shooting in Pikit, the latest of which happened Monday night when a robber shot dead his victim who refused to give his personal belongings and cash.

Peralta also admitted that lack of police personnel provided opportunities for lawless elements to carry out robbery.

He said the soldiers would provide the peripheral security because most of crime suspects, after committing the crime, would flee to interior villages of Pikit, a known bailiwick of lawless elements like gun for hires, kidnappers and mercenaries.

He also appealed to witnesses to help the police solve crimes by providing vital information that would help solve the increasing number of criminality.

Police probers have difficulty solving the crimes partly because of witnesses’ refusal to provide information for fear of reprisal from the suspects.

At least a dozen shooting incidents have been reported in Poblacion Pikit and carried out by men riding tandem on motorcycles.

He also appealed for vigilance among people in the public market where most of the robbery and shooting cases have been reported.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=588456

Canadian army to help reconstruction of damaged infras, buildings in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 19): Canadian army to help reconstruction of damaged infras, buildings in Capiz

The Canadian Army will, in the meantime, remain in the province of Capiz to help victims of super typhoon Yolanda.

Major Bob Meade, commander of the Canadian Army, said they have chosen to stay in Capiz being one of the provinces hardly hit by Yolqanda in Panay island.

The Canadian government, he said, would help Capiz to rise from the ruins of destruction particularly on infrastructures that were damaged by the typhoon.

While in Capiz, the Canadian army will particularly focus on the reconstruction of buildings, including damaged gyms and schools.

Apart from that, the Canadian army will also launch medical mission in affected barangays (villages).

Lt. Commander Dr. Brad Eason, Canadian Army medical in-charge, said four doctors will extend their helping hand to ensure the health condition of residents most particularly the children and elderly in the province of Capiz.

Meanwhile, 60 percent of schools in Capiz have already resumed classes Monday despite damage to many school buildings.

Last Nov. 16, some 50 members of the Canadian Army went to Capiz to distribute relief assistance and help in the rehabilitation of Capiz.

The Canadian Disaster Assistance Respond Team also aims to help in providing medical interventions and the construction of water treatment to provide potable drinking water.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said that as of Nov. 18, super typhoon ‘Yolanda’ left some P4.7 billion of damage to infrastructure and agriculture in the province.

Of the total damage, infrastructure incurred P3.6 billion while losses in the agricultural sector was pegged at P697 million, and P328 million in fishery products.

Yolanda’s death toll in Capiz stood at 57 persons.

The big problem hounding the city government of Roxas City is the still uncollected wastes and garbage scattered in streets and debris from buildings as well as fallen trees.

Capizenos, likewise, experienced difficulties in accessing their deposits in various banks’ automated teller machines (ATMs) and other money remittance facilities.

Leading commodities as well as construction materials and other supplies have almost run out of stock.

Residents continue to bewail of the exorbitant price of several items and lack of potable water.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=588242