From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Dec 7): Ex-Army chief in Negros name AFP deputy chief
BRIGADIER General Oscar Lactao, former commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Negros Occidental, was promoted as deputy chief for operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, a two-star rank position effective December 5.
Lactao served for 21 months as 303rd IB commander based in Barangay Minyoan, Murcia, and assumed the AFP Command Center post in Camp Aguinaldo where he received his first star rank.
He served in the said post in April this year before being promoted to his current post.
In the turnover rites held Thursday, Lactao officially replaced Major Gen. Rodelio Santos, who was designated commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division.
Lactao’s stint at the 303rd IB in Negros was highlighted with the arrests of top ranking leaders of the New People’s Army and the surrender of rebels who availed of livelihood assistance from the provincial government.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/local-news/2013/12/07/ex-army-chief-negros-name-afp-deputy-chief-317588
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Engine trouble caused Air Force chopper crash – AFP
From GMA News (Dec 8): Engine trouble caused Air Force chopper crash – AFP
The emergency crash landing by a Philippine Air Force helicopter delivering Yolanda aid on Friday afternoon was caused by an engine problem, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/338785/news/regions/engine-trouble-caused-air-force-chopper-crash-afp
The emergency crash landing by a Philippine Air Force helicopter delivering Yolanda aid on Friday afternoon was caused by an engine problem, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.
However, the AFP has not yet specified what caused the engine to malfunction, according to a report on GMA's "Balitanghali" aired on Saturday.
Eight people were injured in the crash, including the pilot and two employees of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
They were brought to Burauen District Hospital for treatment.
They were brought to Burauen District Hospital for treatment.
The helicopter was en route to a relief operation when it had to perform an emergency landing near La Paz, Leyte, the report said.
Authorities are also looking at the possibility that the pilot was overworked.
Leyte was among the provinces worst hit by super typhoon Yolanda which ravaged the Philippines on November 8, claiming at least 5,796 lives based on the latest figures of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/338785/news/regions/engine-trouble-caused-air-force-chopper-crash-afp
Operations underway to rescue 17 Abu Sayyaf hostages
From ABS-CBN (Dec 8): Operations underway to rescue 17 Abu Sayyaf hostages
A military commander based in Sulu said operations are already underway for the rescue of 17 more hostages in the hands of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
“We just hope that there will be a development everyday but we are careful (in our operations). This is an intelligence-driven operation and that human lives cannot be overemphasized,” Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, the commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said.
Cenabre will not give a timetable, saying: “Nobody can predict anything, not even in a basketball game.”
He said the safety of the hostages is paramount. “Our operations are intelligence-driven. We are not operating as if we do not value human lives…We have been operating to rescue the remaining hostages. We have efforts on that,” he said.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier ordered the military to rescue the 17 without compromising their safety.
This comes after Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani escaped his captors. The remaining 17 in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf include Dutchman Elwold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra.
Atyani and his cameramen were seized in June 2012. The cameramen, both Filipinos, were released last February.
Atyani was recovered by authorities last Wednesday night and is now on his way back to his home country.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/operations-underway-rescue-17-abu-sayyaf-hostages
A military commander based in Sulu said operations are already underway for the rescue of 17 more hostages in the hands of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.
“We just hope that there will be a development everyday but we are careful (in our operations). This is an intelligence-driven operation and that human lives cannot be overemphasized,” Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, the commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said.
Cenabre will not give a timetable, saying: “Nobody can predict anything, not even in a basketball game.”
He said the safety of the hostages is paramount. “Our operations are intelligence-driven. We are not operating as if we do not value human lives…We have been operating to rescue the remaining hostages. We have efforts on that,” he said.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier ordered the military to rescue the 17 without compromising their safety.
This comes after Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani escaped his captors. The remaining 17 in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf include Dutchman Elwold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra.
Atyani and his cameramen were seized in June 2012. The cameramen, both Filipinos, were released last February.
Atyani was recovered by authorities last Wednesday night and is now on his way back to his home country.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/operations-underway-rescue-17-abu-sayyaf-hostages
Misuari not included in OIC meeting: Deles
From ABS-CBN (Dec 8): Misuari not included in OIC meeting: Deles
It will be up to the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) if their founding chairman, Nur Misuari, will be allowed to participate in the 40th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Guinea on December 9 to 11, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.
However, Deles said that they have information that a large group of MNLF leaders did not include Misuari in the list that will represent the Muslim group in OIC meeting.
“A large group of MNLF leaders met last weekend and proposed a roster of names to represent the MNLF in the tripartite process. The roster of proposed names did not include Misuari. This request has been officially communicated to the chair of the OIC-PCSP (Peace Committee for Southern Philippines)," Deles said.
She added that since there is a pending warrant of arrest for Misuari, he is still considered a fugitive from the law.
Earlier, Habib Hashim, chairman of the MNLF's Islamic Command Council, said Misuari is still in the Philippines, hiding from police authorities.
Hashim said Misuari has expressed interest to attend the OIC meeting to voice out his thoughts on the Zamboanga crisis.
Misuari has already been placed on the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) lookout bulletin after the DOJ filed rebellion charges and charges for violations of international humanitarian laws against him, MNLF commander Habier Malik, and 63 others last October.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/misuari-not-included-oic-meeting-deles
It will be up to the leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) if their founding chairman, Nur Misuari, will be allowed to participate in the 40th session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Guinea on December 9 to 11, according to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles.
However, Deles said that they have information that a large group of MNLF leaders did not include Misuari in the list that will represent the Muslim group in OIC meeting.
“A large group of MNLF leaders met last weekend and proposed a roster of names to represent the MNLF in the tripartite process. The roster of proposed names did not include Misuari. This request has been officially communicated to the chair of the OIC-PCSP (Peace Committee for Southern Philippines)," Deles said.
She added that since there is a pending warrant of arrest for Misuari, he is still considered a fugitive from the law.
Earlier, Habib Hashim, chairman of the MNLF's Islamic Command Council, said Misuari is still in the Philippines, hiding from police authorities.
Hashim said Misuari has expressed interest to attend the OIC meeting to voice out his thoughts on the Zamboanga crisis.
Misuari has already been placed on the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) lookout bulletin after the DOJ filed rebellion charges and charges for violations of international humanitarian laws against him, MNLF commander Habier Malik, and 63 others last October.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/misuari-not-included-oic-meeting-deles
British, Aussie troops to pull out from Yolanda areas soon
From ABS-CBN (Dec 8): British, Aussie troops to pull out from Yolanda areas soon
Australian and Filipino soldiers carry water containers for super Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Ormoc on Sunday. Photo by Erik De Castro, Reuters
Hundreds of British and Australian forces are set to leave the Yolanda-torn areas.
Armed Forces assistant deputy chief of staff Navy Capt. Rafael Mariano said the pullout is expected since the operations there will already shift from relief to rehabilitation.
The British, numbering between 400 and 500, will provide assistance in Panay island and Palawan on Tuesday. They will visit Manila on Wednesday and then head home the following day.
An Australian ship, meanwhile, will leave Tuesday. A C-130 carrying 350 troops will follow suit.
The Australians helped in the clearing, minor repair of roads and buildings in Ormoc.
Only a few will be left after the British and Australians leave. Among them are troops from Japan, Canada, Italy, and China.
The United States and South Korea were the first to pull out. although the Koreans hinted that a fresh number of troops may be sent to help in the reconstruction.
Mariano said there is no timetable yet as to when the others will leave, but expects the pullout within the month.
Super typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas last November 8. It claimed the lives of at least 5,796 persons.
The cost to agriculture and infrastructure is at least P35.52 billion. Analysts believe the rehabilitation will take around 10 years.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/british-aussie-troops-pull-out-yolanda-areas-soon
Australian and Filipino soldiers carry water containers for super Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Ormoc on Sunday. Photo by Erik De Castro, Reuters
Hundreds of British and Australian forces are set to leave the Yolanda-torn areas.
Armed Forces assistant deputy chief of staff Navy Capt. Rafael Mariano said the pullout is expected since the operations there will already shift from relief to rehabilitation.
The British, numbering between 400 and 500, will provide assistance in Panay island and Palawan on Tuesday. They will visit Manila on Wednesday and then head home the following day.
An Australian ship, meanwhile, will leave Tuesday. A C-130 carrying 350 troops will follow suit.
The Australians helped in the clearing, minor repair of roads and buildings in Ormoc.
Only a few will be left after the British and Australians leave. Among them are troops from Japan, Canada, Italy, and China.
The United States and South Korea were the first to pull out. although the Koreans hinted that a fresh number of troops may be sent to help in the reconstruction.
Mariano said there is no timetable yet as to when the others will leave, but expects the pullout within the month.
Super typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas last November 8. It claimed the lives of at least 5,796 persons.
The cost to agriculture and infrastructure is at least P35.52 billion. Analysts believe the rehabilitation will take around 10 years.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/12/08/13/british-aussie-troops-pull-out-yolanda-areas-soon
Air Force: No reason to ground fleet
From ABS-CBN (Dec 8): Air Force: No reason to ground fleet
The Philippine Air Force sees no reason to ground its fleet despite the crash of one of its helicopters in La Paz, Leyte last Friday.
The helicopter, which was carrying relief goods for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, had plunged right in the middle of coconut trees.
All eight passengers on board survived, but the pilot and two volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were injured.
The mayor of La Paz said the accident could have been avoided if the relief goods were turned over to the local government.
“Delikado kasi doon, walang safe na landingan doon,” said La Paz Mayor Lemy Lumen.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/08/13/air-force-no-reason-ground-fleet
The Philippine Air Force sees no reason to ground its fleet despite the crash of one of its helicopters in La Paz, Leyte last Friday.
The helicopter, which was carrying relief goods for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda, had plunged right in the middle of coconut trees.
All eight passengers on board survived, but the pilot and two volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development were injured.
The mayor of La Paz said the accident could have been avoided if the relief goods were turned over to the local government.
“Delikado kasi doon, walang safe na landingan doon,” said La Paz Mayor Lemy Lumen.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/08/13/air-force-no-reason-ground-fleet
Gov't, MILF agree on power sharing
From Rappler (Dec 8): Gov't, MILF agree on power sharing
'FULL AUTONOMY.' Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front negotiating panel. File photo by OPAPP
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are one step closer to signing a final peace pact.
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace Follow
'FULL AUTONOMY.' Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front negotiating panel. File photo by OPAPP
The government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are one step closer to signing a final peace pact.
Both sides have agreed on and are set to sign a crucial deal on how power will be shared between the central government and the proposed Bangsamoro political entity during talks in Kuala Lumpur Sunday night, December 8.
OPAPP @OPAPP_peace Follow
BREAKING: The GPH and MILF peace panels just completed the Annex on Power Sharing. Signing to follow shortly.
The deal will provide for a ministerial form of government for the new political entity in Mindanao.
Sources said the panels will sign the power-sharing annex without a deal on the so-called "Bangsamoro waters" – the most contentious issue in the peace talks.
It will be taken up as a separate item when the panels reconvene in January.
Aside from the Bangsamoro waters issue, both sides only need to resolve the annex on normalization, which involves sensitive issues on decommissioning of arms and structure of the police force.
In July, both sides signed the wealth-sharing annex, which provided for a 75-25 arrangement on metallic minerals in favor of the Bangsamoro and automatic appropriations for the proposed entity. They signed the transition annex in February.
For this round, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda graced the talks as an observer. Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles was also in Kuala Lumpur to witness the signing. (READ: Palace emissaries arrive in KL for GPH-MILF talks)
The signing of the power-sharing annex comes 3 months after MILF's rival group, the Moro National Liberation Front, attacked and held Zamboanga City hostage after it felt left out in the peace process. (READ: Zambo crisis: The fog of war)
Small Philippine Navy vessels bring aid, relief workers to far-flung Yolanda-devastated areas
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): Small Philippine Navy vessels bring aid, relief workers to far-flung Yolanda-devastated areas
ABOARD BRP ABRAHAM CAMPO (PG-396) -- Relief volunteers and Philippine Navy personnel started loading this 82-footer patrol craft with sacks of rice, medicines and other relief goods at daybreak since Saturday, a day shy of a month ago when Yolanda struck centralPhilippines
This vessel, commanded by Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Tirso Echavez and based at the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, is among the smaller Philippine Navy sea assets used in bringing relief goods and relief personnel to far-flung areas and islands devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.
After loading and refuelling, this vessel set sail at past 9 a.m. Sunday for a four-hour journey to Pilar town in theCamotes
Islands off northern Cebu ,
one of the areas badly-hit by the strongest typhoon to ever make landfall in
recorded history.
”We plotted a longer and safer route,” commanding officer Echavez said.
”Among the navigation hazards after a typhoon, floods and storm surges are submerged logs,” he said.
Aboard, aside from the patrol craft’s 10-man crew, were 28 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu (RCMC) and the All-terrain Medical Relief Organization (Amro) inCebu
City
The vessel was also loaded with some 150 sacks of rice, medicines and other relief goods.
Earlier, two smaller 78-footer Philippine Navy vessels left the Navforcen base for Pilar, Camotes at 2 a.m., carrying between them some 350 sacks of rice, 1,000 galvanized iron (GI) sheets and hundreds of carpentry tools such as hammers and hand saws and nails of different sizes.
Camotes Mayor Jesus “Jet” Fernandez Jr., who witnessed the distribution of some 500 sacks of rice, GI sheets and carpentry tools, said his town is rising from Yolanda’s devastation.
”We are giving affected families eight GI sheets and repacked nails of different sizes. This is enough to provide them shelter from the sun and rain,” he said.
Florita Hall, RCMC president, said her Rotary club went to Pilar after knowing the devastation in the island.
”We are thankful to the Philippine Navy for giving us the means to bring humanitarian aid fromCebu mainland to Pilar,
Camotes,” she said.
Dr. Wyben Briones, RCMC past president and relief chair, said the Philippine Navy vessels were very useful in bringing in relief goods to typhoon-devastated areas.
”We used to hire motor bancas to bring in relief goods to as far as Carnaza and Guinatarcan islands in northernCebu . But
they can only carry so much,” he said.
This vessel pulled out from the Pilar port at 8 p.m. before the tides receded for a shorter three-hour journey with the Rotarian relief volunteers back to the Navforcen base inLapu-Lapu
City
Commanding officer Echavez said the vessel, armed with two M-60 machine guns and two cal. 50 machine guns, earlier served as security for an Australian Naval vessel conducting relief operations inBantayan Island
”We go wherever we are deployed. Sometimes, sleep is optional,” Echavez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=594925
ABOARD BRP ABRAHAM CAMPO (PG-396) -- Relief volunteers and Philippine Navy personnel started loading this 82-footer patrol craft with sacks of rice, medicines and other relief goods at daybreak since Saturday, a day shy of a month ago when Yolanda struck central
This vessel, commanded by Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Tirso Echavez and based at the Naval Forces Central (Navforcen) in Barangay Looc, Lapu-Lapu City, is among the smaller Philippine Navy sea assets used in bringing relief goods and relief personnel to far-flung areas and islands devastated by super typhoon Yolanda.
After loading and refuelling, this vessel set sail at past 9 a.m. Sunday for a four-hour journey to Pilar town in the
”We plotted a longer and safer route,” commanding officer Echavez said.
”Among the navigation hazards after a typhoon, floods and storm surges are submerged logs,” he said.
Aboard, aside from the patrol craft’s 10-man crew, were 28 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Metro Cebu (RCMC) and the All-terrain Medical Relief Organization (Amro) in
The vessel was also loaded with some 150 sacks of rice, medicines and other relief goods.
Earlier, two smaller 78-footer Philippine Navy vessels left the Navforcen base for Pilar, Camotes at 2 a.m., carrying between them some 350 sacks of rice, 1,000 galvanized iron (GI) sheets and hundreds of carpentry tools such as hammers and hand saws and nails of different sizes.
Camotes Mayor Jesus “Jet” Fernandez Jr., who witnessed the distribution of some 500 sacks of rice, GI sheets and carpentry tools, said his town is rising from Yolanda’s devastation.
”We are giving affected families eight GI sheets and repacked nails of different sizes. This is enough to provide them shelter from the sun and rain,” he said.
Florita Hall, RCMC president, said her Rotary club went to Pilar after knowing the devastation in the island.
”We are thankful to the Philippine Navy for giving us the means to bring humanitarian aid from
Dr. Wyben Briones, RCMC past president and relief chair, said the Philippine Navy vessels were very useful in bringing in relief goods to typhoon-devastated areas.
”We used to hire motor bancas to bring in relief goods to as far as Carnaza and Guinatarcan islands in northern
This vessel pulled out from the Pilar port at 8 p.m. before the tides receded for a shorter three-hour journey with the Rotarian relief volunteers back to the Navforcen base in
Commanding officer Echavez said the vessel, armed with two M-60 machine guns and two cal. 50 machine guns, earlier served as security for an Australian Naval vessel conducting relief operations in
”We go wherever we are deployed. Sometimes, sleep is optional,” Echavez said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=594925
Japan defense minister visits SDF relief team in PHl
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): Japan defense minister visits SDF relief team in PHl
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Sunday visited Self-Defense Forces personnel engaged in relief activities in Tacloban City, which was hard hit by Super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) a month earlier on Leyte Island, central Philippines.
"The SDF has acquired various types of knowledge in the Great East Japan Earthquake. This deployment is a key test to make use of it," Onodera told senior SDF officers.
During a visit to an area where the SDF is helping to control epidemics, Onodera told reporters, "The damage causes me heartache. The government will consider the shape of medium for long-term assistance."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=594911
Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera on Sunday visited Self-Defense Forces personnel engaged in relief activities in Tacloban City, which was hard hit by Super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) a month earlier on Leyte Island, central Philippines.
"The SDF has acquired various types of knowledge in the Great East Japan Earthquake. This deployment is a key test to make use of it," Onodera told senior SDF officers.
During a visit to an area where the SDF is helping to control epidemics, Onodera told reporters, "The damage causes me heartache. The government will consider the shape of medium for long-term assistance."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=594911
PAF flies 1,124 sorties to help 'Yolanda' victims
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): PAF flies 1,124 sorties to help 'Yolanda' victims
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that it has so far flown 1,124 sorties which aided victims severely affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" from November 8 to 30.
This was done despite the limited assets at its disposal.
Relief missions were almost flown immediately.
PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said this was because speed was of the essence in alleviating any humanitarian crisis.
Deployed immediately were all three of the PAF's Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, and all UH-1H "Huey" helicopters and W-3A "Sokol" choppers.
The sorties were equivalent to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
PAF officials have yet to log in the flying hours and missions carried out from December 1 to 8.
Okol added that their support for "Yolanda" relief efforts will continue until the situation further normalizes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=594890
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has announced that it has so far flown 1,124 sorties which aided victims severely affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" from November 8 to 30.
This was done despite the limited assets at its disposal.
Relief missions were almost flown immediately.
PAF spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said this was because speed was of the essence in alleviating any humanitarian crisis.
Deployed immediately were all three of the PAF's Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, and all UH-1H "Huey" helicopters and W-3A "Sokol" choppers.
The sorties were equivalent to 1,338.3 flight hours.
He added that they also have transported 3,767,561 pounds of relief supplies and materials.
Aside from this, the PAF has also flown 789,852 pounds of various cargoes.
PAF officials have yet to log in the flying hours and missions carried out from December 1 to 8.
Okol added that their support for "Yolanda" relief efforts will continue until the situation further normalizes.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=594890
WESCOM rescues 10 fishermen in Recto Bank
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): WESCOM rescues 10 fishermen in Recto Bank
The Western Command (Wescom) deployed naval and air troops Saturday east off Recto Bank in theWest
Philippines Sea
Lt. Cherryl Tindog of the Wescom Public Affairs Office (PAO) said a man named “Rubin” called for help on December 5 after the motor banca “3 Sisters” with its 10 crewmen suffered engine troubled within the vicinity of Recto Bank or Reed Bank.
The crewmen anchored the motor banca on the contested bank, and had run out of supplies, according to Rubin.
Responding to the call for help, Lt. General Roy Deveraturda, the newly-installed commanding officer of Wescom, immediately ordered the dispatch of a navy vessel to conduct rescue and assistance to the stranded fishermen.
Sent also was the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Nomad plane to conduct food airdrop to the stranded fishermen, said Tindog.
As of posting time, the Wescom is waiting for the arrival of the navy vessel that rescued the fishermen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=594886
The Western Command (Wescom) deployed naval and air troops Saturday east off Recto Bank in the
Lt. Cherryl Tindog of the Wescom Public Affairs Office (PAO) said a man named “Rubin” called for help on December 5 after the motor banca “3 Sisters” with its 10 crewmen suffered engine troubled within the vicinity of Recto Bank or Reed Bank.
The crewmen anchored the motor banca on the contested bank, and had run out of supplies, according to Rubin.
Responding to the call for help, Lt. General Roy Deveraturda, the newly-installed commanding officer of Wescom, immediately ordered the dispatch of a navy vessel to conduct rescue and assistance to the stranded fishermen.
Sent also was the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Nomad plane to conduct food airdrop to the stranded fishermen, said Tindog.
As of posting time, the Wescom is waiting for the arrival of the navy vessel that rescued the fishermen.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=594886
NPA leader killed in Dec. 5 involved in numerous offensives vs Army, official says
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 8): NPA leader killed in Dec. 5 involved in numerous offensives vs Army, official says
The death of a top-ranking veteran New People’s Army fighter belonging to the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) closed the chapter in the book of communist insurgency involving the life of a Red dissident who had masterminded the launching of numerous offensives against the military and atrocities to innocent civilians in the region, an Army official said.
Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, said the recent encounter between soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels in a village in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, early Thursday morning resulted in the killing of Aldrin Rabulan, commanding officer of the Regional Yunit Guerilla of the BRPC.
Rabulan --also known as Al, Ingkit or Arjun, according to a former rebel – is a native of Barangay Baras, Donsol, Sorsogon.
His combat experience in almost all of the provinces within the region from Masbate to Camarines Norte and to theisland of Catanduanes
Among the more recent popular offensives in his record include the raids on municipal police offices of Bagamanoc in 2002 and San Lorenzo Ruiz in 2003.
In 2012, he was also the leader in the attack on Maut detachment in Labo, Camarines Norte, which resulted in the killing of four personnel and a civilian, wounding of one military and one civilian, seizing of several high-powered firearms including the .45-caliber issued to Lt. Estrebillo, team leader of the Army unit.
This firearm was recovered from Rabulan’s possession on his death.
Early this year, the encounter at Barangay Agaw-Aw, Ragay, Camarines Sur, which involved him, also resulted in the killing of a Civilian Active Auxiliary Force member, wounding of two soldiers and seizing of an M14 from the military troops.
Recovered during the Thursday encounter were one .45-caliber pistol, one shot gun, two laptop computers, seven cell phones and two back packs.
Brig. Gen. Yerson E. Depayso, 9th ID commander, reiterated his call “to our brothers to go back to the folds of our government and live peacefully with their families.”
The “Guns for Peace” program of our government can be availed by them to help them come back to the mainstream society, Depayso added.
“May this incident send a message to the exploited NPA members who are still hiding in the mountains. Fighting the government with the use of violence that brings destruction to human lives and properties is not the right and moral thing to do,” he said.
They could serve their countrymen better if they will resort to peaceful means of effecting reforms in the society, Depayso said, adding “The death of one NPA is unnecessary and could have been prevented.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=594900
The death of a top-ranking veteran New People’s Army fighter belonging to the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) closed the chapter in the book of communist insurgency involving the life of a Red dissident who had masterminded the launching of numerous offensives against the military and atrocities to innocent civilians in the region, an Army official said.
Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry (Spear) Division of the Philippine Army based in Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, said the recent encounter between soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion and NPA rebels in a village in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, early Thursday morning resulted in the killing of Aldrin Rabulan, commanding officer of the Regional Yunit Guerilla of the BRPC.
Rabulan --also known as Al, Ingkit or Arjun, according to a former rebel – is a native of Barangay Baras, Donsol, Sorsogon.
His combat experience in almost all of the provinces within the region from Masbate to Camarines Norte and to the
Among the more recent popular offensives in his record include the raids on municipal police offices of Bagamanoc in 2002 and San Lorenzo Ruiz in 2003.
In 2012, he was also the leader in the attack on Maut detachment in Labo, Camarines Norte, which resulted in the killing of four personnel and a civilian, wounding of one military and one civilian, seizing of several high-powered firearms including the .45-caliber issued to Lt. Estrebillo, team leader of the Army unit.
This firearm was recovered from Rabulan’s possession on his death.
Early this year, the encounter at Barangay Agaw-Aw, Ragay, Camarines Sur, which involved him, also resulted in the killing of a Civilian Active Auxiliary Force member, wounding of two soldiers and seizing of an M14 from the military troops.
Recovered during the Thursday encounter were one .45-caliber pistol, one shot gun, two laptop computers, seven cell phones and two back packs.
Brig. Gen. Yerson E. Depayso, 9th ID commander, reiterated his call “to our brothers to go back to the folds of our government and live peacefully with their families.”
The “Guns for Peace” program of our government can be availed by them to help them come back to the mainstream society, Depayso added.
“May this incident send a message to the exploited NPA members who are still hiding in the mountains. Fighting the government with the use of violence that brings destruction to human lives and properties is not the right and moral thing to do,” he said.
They could serve their countrymen better if they will resort to peaceful means of effecting reforms in the society, Depayso said, adding “The death of one NPA is unnecessary and could have been prevented.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=594900
Misuari on his way to West Africa
From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 8): Misuari on his way to West Africa
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari is now on his way to Africa to attend the gathering of the members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
This was revealed to the Manila Bulletin by Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesperson, in a phone interview Sunday morning, December 8.
“The reports that the chairman is still in the country is false, the fact is he is already abroad and on his way to Africa for that meeting”, Fontanilla told the Manila Bulletin.
Fontanilla said that Misuari was escorted by his trusted man Habier Malik when they went out of the country.
“But Malik returned here. He will not participate in the meeting”, Fontanilla added.
Misuari slipped out of the country via “traditional passage”, Fontanilla said but refused to give further details as to when did Misuari went out of the country and what route did he pass through.
Fontanilla said that Misuari is not bothered by the warrant of arrest issued against his person as it is “immaterial”.
“I would like to reiterate that the warrant is illegal and has no basis. The MNLF is a party to the existing agreement with the government of the Philippines”, he clarified.
Unilateral action by a party to an agreement is not allowed, including the issuance of the warrant of arrest, Fontanilla stressed.
He added that the illegality of the issued warrant against the MNLF chairman is best understood by the international community based on the provisions of international law.
The incident in Zamboanga will be on top of Misuari’s agenda in the meeting, Fontanilla said.
The MNLF will submit a report on the human rights violations committed by the government of the Philippines in handling the crisis in Zamboanga, including the alleged torture of MNLF members.
Earlier this month, Misuari was officially invited by the OIC to attend its 40th session in the Republic of Guinea in Western Africa.
http://www.mb.com.ph/misuarion-on-his-way-to-west-africa/
Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari is now on his way to Africa to attend the gathering of the members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).
This was revealed to the Manila Bulletin by Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla, MNLF spokesperson, in a phone interview Sunday morning, December 8.
“The reports that the chairman is still in the country is false, the fact is he is already abroad and on his way to Africa for that meeting”, Fontanilla told the Manila Bulletin.
Fontanilla said that Misuari was escorted by his trusted man Habier Malik when they went out of the country.
“But Malik returned here. He will not participate in the meeting”, Fontanilla added.
Misuari slipped out of the country via “traditional passage”, Fontanilla said but refused to give further details as to when did Misuari went out of the country and what route did he pass through.
Fontanilla said that Misuari is not bothered by the warrant of arrest issued against his person as it is “immaterial”.
“I would like to reiterate that the warrant is illegal and has no basis. The MNLF is a party to the existing agreement with the government of the Philippines”, he clarified.
Unilateral action by a party to an agreement is not allowed, including the issuance of the warrant of arrest, Fontanilla stressed.
He added that the illegality of the issued warrant against the MNLF chairman is best understood by the international community based on the provisions of international law.
The incident in Zamboanga will be on top of Misuari’s agenda in the meeting, Fontanilla said.
The MNLF will submit a report on the human rights violations committed by the government of the Philippines in handling the crisis in Zamboanga, including the alleged torture of MNLF members.
Earlier this month, Misuari was officially invited by the OIC to attend its 40th session in the Republic of Guinea in Western Africa.
http://www.mb.com.ph/misuarion-on-his-way-to-west-africa/
China ships sail through disputed waters amid tensions with Japan
InterAksyon (Dec 8): China ships sail through disputed waters amid tensions with Japan
Three Chinese ships sailed through disputed waters off Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea on Sunday, the Japanese coast guard said, the first time since Beijing announced an Air Defense Identification Zone over the sea.
The vessels entered the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters at about 9:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) off one of the Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus, the Japan Coast Guard said.
This is the first time that Chinese coast guard ships were spotted sailing through the waters after Beijing raised regional tensions with its declaration of the air zone on November 23.
Chinese vessels have sailed in and out of the contiguous waters around the islands but stayed away from entering their territorial waters since November 22, a Japanese coast guard official said.
Japan's conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed no compromise on sovereignty of the islands and stepped up defence spending, believing that China is trying to change the status quo through growing sea incursions.
Chinese state-owned ships and aircraft have approached the Senkakus on and off to demonstrate Beijing's territorial claims, especially after Japan nationalized some of the islands in September last year.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76423/china-ships-sail-through-disputed-waters-amid-tensions-with-japan
Three Chinese ships sailed through disputed waters off Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea on Sunday, the Japanese coast guard said, the first time since Beijing announced an Air Defense Identification Zone over the sea.
The vessels entered the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters at about 9:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) off one of the Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus, the Japan Coast Guard said.
This is the first time that Chinese coast guard ships were spotted sailing through the waters after Beijing raised regional tensions with its declaration of the air zone on November 23.
Chinese vessels have sailed in and out of the contiguous waters around the islands but stayed away from entering their territorial waters since November 22, a Japanese coast guard official said.
Japan's conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed no compromise on sovereignty of the islands and stepped up defence spending, believing that China is trying to change the status quo through growing sea incursions.
Chinese state-owned ships and aircraft have approached the Senkakus on and off to demonstrate Beijing's territorial claims, especially after Japan nationalized some of the islands in September last year.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76423/china-ships-sail-through-disputed-waters-amid-tensions-with-japan
Philippine military adviser calls on MILF rebels to adhere to truce pact
From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 8): Philippine military adviser calls on MILF rebels to adhere to truce pact
The Philippine government's military adviser Major General Leo Cresente Ferrer has appealed to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to follow the rule of law and strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreement now that the peace process is in the final stretch.
“We ask the MILF leadership to rein in their forces in the spirit of the positive strides of the peace process both sides [GPH and MILF] have steadfastly worked on for so many years. A fruitful conclusion would benefit not just the Bangsamoro people but the rest of the people in Mindanao,” he said.
Ferrer made the appeal as information came out that MILF members were allegedly involved in abducting 12 persons in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte on December 5.
Eight of the civilians were released Friday night, a military report said.
It said MILF members under Abdul Macalunto, of the 102nd Base Command, seized the civilians as part of the group’s alleged anti-drug and anti-gambling campaigns in the area.
The report came out as the GPH and MILF peace panels are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the conduct of the 42nd exploratory talks.
Ferrer stressed that prospects are now brighter than ever for the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. “With the peace talks in the end stage, let us not allow any untoward incidents, isolated they may be, to obstruct the momentum gained so far by the peace process,” he said.
He echoed the sentiments of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, who on Friday issued a statement after MILF members abducted and later freed Supt. Christopher Panapan, the police chief of Marawi City.
Deles had credited the peace process mechanisms—the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the AdHoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT)-- for the crucial role they played in securing the safe release of Panapan, and preventing possible escalation of hostilities that might have compromised the existing ceasefire between the Government and the MILF.
“At this point in time when we are in the last stage of the negotiations towards the completion of a comprehensive agreement, the MILF must be able to prove that they have control over their forces, so that together we can protect our communities and achieve the much deserved peace and development in the region,” Deles said after the Marawi incident was resolved peacefully.
On Saturday, the GPH and MILF peace panels remained locked on the negotiations on the two remaining annexes (Power Sharing and Normalization) of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which envisions the creation of a Bangsamoro government that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2016.
The two sides earlier this year signed the Annexes on Transitional Arrangement and Modalities, and Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing.
In her opening statement on December 5, GPH peace panel Chair Miriam Ferrer expressed optimism that both sides could finally complete the comprehensive agreement to bring the desired just and lasting peace and development for the Bangsamoro.
“Now, we are at the brink of completing the Power Sharing and Normalization Annexes,” she revealed.
Ferrer said: “In all, we have the elements of a promising, just, and principled agreement that will stand scrutiny of informed and concerned students and practitioners of negotiated political settlements.We know that there are details that we still need to come to terms with. But none are so great as to throw away everything that has been achieved.”
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/philippine-military-adviser-calls-on.html
The Philippine government's military adviser Major General Leo Cresente Ferrer has appealed to members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to follow the rule of law and strictly adhere to the ceasefire agreement now that the peace process is in the final stretch.
“We ask the MILF leadership to rein in their forces in the spirit of the positive strides of the peace process both sides [GPH and MILF] have steadfastly worked on for so many years. A fruitful conclusion would benefit not just the Bangsamoro people but the rest of the people in Mindanao,” he said.
Ferrer made the appeal as information came out that MILF members were allegedly involved in abducting 12 persons in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte on December 5.
Eight of the civilians were released Friday night, a military report said.
It said MILF members under Abdul Macalunto, of the 102nd Base Command, seized the civilians as part of the group’s alleged anti-drug and anti-gambling campaigns in the area.
The report came out as the GPH and MILF peace panels are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the conduct of the 42nd exploratory talks.
Ferrer stressed that prospects are now brighter than ever for the signing of a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. “With the peace talks in the end stage, let us not allow any untoward incidents, isolated they may be, to obstruct the momentum gained so far by the peace process,” he said.
He echoed the sentiments of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, who on Friday issued a statement after MILF members abducted and later freed Supt. Christopher Panapan, the police chief of Marawi City.
Deles had credited the peace process mechanisms—the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, the AdHoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), and the International Monitoring Team (IMT)-- for the crucial role they played in securing the safe release of Panapan, and preventing possible escalation of hostilities that might have compromised the existing ceasefire between the Government and the MILF.
“At this point in time when we are in the last stage of the negotiations towards the completion of a comprehensive agreement, the MILF must be able to prove that they have control over their forces, so that together we can protect our communities and achieve the much deserved peace and development in the region,” Deles said after the Marawi incident was resolved peacefully.
On Saturday, the GPH and MILF peace panels remained locked on the negotiations on the two remaining annexes (Power Sharing and Normalization) of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), which envisions the creation of a Bangsamoro government that would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in 2016.
The two sides earlier this year signed the Annexes on Transitional Arrangement and Modalities, and Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing.
In her opening statement on December 5, GPH peace panel Chair Miriam Ferrer expressed optimism that both sides could finally complete the comprehensive agreement to bring the desired just and lasting peace and development for the Bangsamoro.
“Now, we are at the brink of completing the Power Sharing and Normalization Annexes,” she revealed.
Ferrer said: “In all, we have the elements of a promising, just, and principled agreement that will stand scrutiny of informed and concerned students and practitioners of negotiated political settlements.We know that there are details that we still need to come to terms with. But none are so great as to throw away everything that has been achieved.”
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/philippine-military-adviser-calls-on.html
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