From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 4): 400 RPSB men up for deployment in WV
About 400 troopers of the 6th Regional Public Safety Battalion are up for distribution to various provincial police offices in Western Visayas, including Negros Occidental.
Senior Supt. Iver Apellido, 6th RPSB director, yesterday said that there is a proposal to download 100 police troopers to the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office.
Earlier, the Police Regional Office 6 downloaded 100 police troopers to the Bacolod and Iloilo City Police Offices, from the 6th RPSB.
The downloading of 400 troopers from 6th RPSB will start, as soon as the 475 neophyte police officers, who recently graduated from the 45-day PNP Special Counter-Insurgency Training, will be assigned to them, Apellido said.
He also revealed a proposal to transfer a company-sized unit of 6th RPSB from Negros Occidental to Panay island, which is now being studied by the Police Regional Office.
Of the four 6th RPSB companies, three are presently deployed in Sagay and Silay cities, as well as in Murcia, Negros Occidental.
The other 6th RPSB company unit is presently deployed in Iloilo.
The 6th RPSB is the regional maneuver force of the Police Regional Office 6 in Western Visayas.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/04/topstory9.htm
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
VIDEO | Another media convoy escapes roadside blast in Maguindanao
From InterAksyon (Feb 4): VIDEO | Another media convoy escapes roadside blast in Maguindanao
Three days after a reporter and cameraman of TV5 were hurt in a roadside blast in Maguindanao, another explosive device went off Tuesday afternoon on a road in the province's Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano town, less than a hundred meters from a military convoy with media personnel.
ABS-CBN's Ron Gagalac, who was inside one of the vehicles, reported on dzMM radio at 2:25 p.m. that he and other journalists and crewmen from TV5 and GMA-7 witnessed the blast past 2 p.m. while the convoy was on its way to Raja Buayan town.
Gagalac said it was possible that the explosion was a retaliatory attack by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Last Sunday, the military announced that it had ended its "Operation Darkhorse" against the BIFF after reducing the group's capability to launch atrocities. The operation led to the capture of four BIFF camps and an explosive factory in Maguindanao. On Monday, it was reported that the military was bracing for BIFF's possible retaliatory attacks.
Maj. Dante Gania, head of the Public Affairs Office of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, on Tuesday said no one was hurt when the explosive went off at 2:05 p.m. in Barangay Tuka just seconds after the convoy passed the area.
“'Yong bomba po ay sumabog ilang segundo lamang paglampas ng convoy ng 46th Infantry Battalion at 12th Mechanized Company. Kasama po sa convoy ang ilang miyembro ng media pero wala namang nasaktan sa kanila pati sa ating mga sundalo,” said Gania.
Gania said a team from the Explosive Ordnance Division of the 1st Mechanized Brigade went to the area to investigate the incident and gather fragments from the site to determine the type of device that was used in the explosion.
[Video: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80073/video--another-media-convoy-escapes-roadside-blast-in-maguindanao]
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80073/video--another-media-convoy-escapes-roadside-blast-in-maguindanao
Three days after a reporter and cameraman of TV5 were hurt in a roadside blast in Maguindanao, another explosive device went off Tuesday afternoon on a road in the province's Barangay Tuka, Mamasapano town, less than a hundred meters from a military convoy with media personnel.
ABS-CBN's Ron Gagalac, who was inside one of the vehicles, reported on dzMM radio at 2:25 p.m. that he and other journalists and crewmen from TV5 and GMA-7 witnessed the blast past 2 p.m. while the convoy was on its way to Raja Buayan town.
Gagalac said it was possible that the explosion was a retaliatory attack by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
Last Sunday, the military announced that it had ended its "Operation Darkhorse" against the BIFF after reducing the group's capability to launch atrocities. The operation led to the capture of four BIFF camps and an explosive factory in Maguindanao. On Monday, it was reported that the military was bracing for BIFF's possible retaliatory attacks.
Maj. Dante Gania, head of the Public Affairs Office of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, on Tuesday said no one was hurt when the explosive went off at 2:05 p.m. in Barangay Tuka just seconds after the convoy passed the area.
“'Yong bomba po ay sumabog ilang segundo lamang paglampas ng convoy ng 46th Infantry Battalion at 12th Mechanized Company. Kasama po sa convoy ang ilang miyembro ng media pero wala namang nasaktan sa kanila pati sa ating mga sundalo,” said Gania.
Gania said a team from the Explosive Ordnance Division of the 1st Mechanized Brigade went to the area to investigate the incident and gather fragments from the site to determine the type of device that was used in the explosion.
[Video: http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80073/video--another-media-convoy-escapes-roadside-blast-in-maguindanao]
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80073/video--another-media-convoy-escapes-roadside-blast-in-maguindanao
Jailed NDFP consultant freed after court junks rebellion case vs him
From InterAksyon (Feb 4): Jailed NDFP consultant freed after court junks rebellion case vs him
A consultant of the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) jailed by the military walked out a free man Tuesday after a court dismissed a rebellion case filed by the military and police.
“As of 4:48pm today, February 4, NDFP peace consultant Ramon Patriarca was released from prison, after rebellion charges against him were dismissed before the Regional Trial Court in Danao City, Cebu,” according to an advisory by Cristina Palabay, secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan.
Patriarca’s release brings down to 12 the number of jailed NDFP consultants.
A report of the NDFP-- negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA)--released last year by chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni showed a total of 430 political prisoners still languishing in government detention facilities across the country.
“Patriarca's release should strengthen the call for the immediate release of all political prisoners who are incarcerated because of fabricated charges against them,” Palabay said.
Utrecht-based CPP founder Jose Maria Sison recently served notice they had shut the door to peace with the Aquino government and opted to wait for the next administration for the possibility of opening again peace negotiations.
The CPP-NPD-NDF had been waging over four decades a protracted Maoist-guerrilla war for a bloody overthrow of the government.
According to Jalandoni, the continuous detention of their consultants and the 430 political prisoners is a violation of the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
He named 12 consultants still under detention as Alan Jazmines, Leopoldo Caloza, Emeterio Antalan, Eduardo Serrano, Tirso Alcantara, Edgardo Friginal, Jaime Soledad, Eduardo Sarmiento, Alfredo Mapano, Pedro Codaste, Renante Gamara and Loida Tuzo Magpatoc.
Jalandoni noted that Magpatoc, arrested on July 28, was holding proper documents during the time of her arrest. “She is a holder of NDFP Document of Identification No. ND978254 using the assumed name Puri Feleo,” he said. Her detention at the Camp Bagong Diwa (female dorm) in Taguig City, Jalandoni said, is “a gross violation” of the (Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
“We likewise demand the release of all the 430 political prisoners in compliance with the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). A government that does not respect agreements and contracts it has entered into does not deserve trust and respect,” Jalandoni said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80088/jailed-ndfp-consultant-freed-after-court-junks-rebellion-case-vs-him
A consultant of the negotiating panel of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) jailed by the military walked out a free man Tuesday after a court dismissed a rebellion case filed by the military and police.
“As of 4:48pm today, February 4, NDFP peace consultant Ramon Patriarca was released from prison, after rebellion charges against him were dismissed before the Regional Trial Court in Danao City, Cebu,” according to an advisory by Cristina Palabay, secretary general of the human rights group Karapatan.
Patriarca’s release brings down to 12 the number of jailed NDFP consultants.
A report of the NDFP-- negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA)--released last year by chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni showed a total of 430 political prisoners still languishing in government detention facilities across the country.
“Patriarca's release should strengthen the call for the immediate release of all political prisoners who are incarcerated because of fabricated charges against them,” Palabay said.
Utrecht-based CPP founder Jose Maria Sison recently served notice they had shut the door to peace with the Aquino government and opted to wait for the next administration for the possibility of opening again peace negotiations.
The CPP-NPD-NDF had been waging over four decades a protracted Maoist-guerrilla war for a bloody overthrow of the government.
According to Jalandoni, the continuous detention of their consultants and the 430 political prisoners is a violation of the GRP-NDFP Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees and the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).
He named 12 consultants still under detention as Alan Jazmines, Leopoldo Caloza, Emeterio Antalan, Eduardo Serrano, Tirso Alcantara, Edgardo Friginal, Jaime Soledad, Eduardo Sarmiento, Alfredo Mapano, Pedro Codaste, Renante Gamara and Loida Tuzo Magpatoc.
Jalandoni noted that Magpatoc, arrested on July 28, was holding proper documents during the time of her arrest. “She is a holder of NDFP Document of Identification No. ND978254 using the assumed name Puri Feleo,” he said. Her detention at the Camp Bagong Diwa (female dorm) in Taguig City, Jalandoni said, is “a gross violation” of the (Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
“We likewise demand the release of all the 430 political prisoners in compliance with the GRP-NDFP Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL). A government that does not respect agreements and contracts it has entered into does not deserve trust and respect,” Jalandoni said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80088/jailed-ndfp-consultant-freed-after-court-junks-rebellion-case-vs-him
Monday, February 3, 2014
Solon seeks probe of US troops’ ‘presence’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 2): Solon seeks probe of US troops’ ‘presence’
A militant lawmaker condemned and called for an investigation of the alleged participation of US troops in the military operations against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province.
On Saturday, US forces were seen providing medical assistance to wounded government troops and two journalists who were hurt in a bomb attack in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan town.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the Visiting Forces Agreement does not cover participation in any form of activities inside a military camp during an ongoing massive operation.
“I don’t think it’s covered. In the first place, why are they there in a combat zone? We have to remember that the US involvement in the Vietnam War also started from supposedly providing so-called ‘humanitarian’ assistance, a clear euphemism for low-intensity intervention,” he said.
Zarate said this humanitarian assistance would only justify and strengthen the “maneuvers” of the US government for a more permanent presence in the country.
Meddling?
The lawmaker called on Congress to immediately conduct an inquiry into the recent participation of US forces in Maguindanao.
“As part of its oversight functions, I think Congress should also inquire into US troops involvement in the Maguindanao clashes,” Zarate said.
For BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama, the participation of foreign troops in the tension in Mindanao would only further enrage the Bangsamoro people.
“America is always meddling with the internal affairs of other countries. We believe that even the United Nations is afraid to reprimand America,” Mama said.
Mama said they were expecting that the Philippine government would seek the help of the United States.
“We knew that if the Philippine government is having a hard time in fighting here in Mindanao they would ask America for help. But we are not afraid. If we see these American soldiers out there in the field, we will not think twice about fighting and driving them away,” Mama said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572942/solon-seeks-probe-of-us-troops-presence
A militant lawmaker condemned and called for an investigation of the alleged participation of US troops in the military operations against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province.
On Saturday, US forces were seen providing medical assistance to wounded government troops and two journalists who were hurt in a bomb attack in Datu Saudi-Ampatuan town.
Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said the Visiting Forces Agreement does not cover participation in any form of activities inside a military camp during an ongoing massive operation.
“I don’t think it’s covered. In the first place, why are they there in a combat zone? We have to remember that the US involvement in the Vietnam War also started from supposedly providing so-called ‘humanitarian’ assistance, a clear euphemism for low-intensity intervention,” he said.
Zarate said this humanitarian assistance would only justify and strengthen the “maneuvers” of the US government for a more permanent presence in the country.
Meddling?
“The US is now clearly actively involving itself in our internal affairs, in violation of our Constitution. This interventionist policy is highly condemnable as this will clearly escalate, especially with the so-called US increased rotational presence. The defense and foreign departments should explain why they allowed this transgression of our sovereignty,” Zarate added.
The lawmaker called on Congress to immediately conduct an inquiry into the recent participation of US forces in Maguindanao.
“As part of its oversight functions, I think Congress should also inquire into US troops involvement in the Maguindanao clashes,” Zarate said.
For BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama, the participation of foreign troops in the tension in Mindanao would only further enrage the Bangsamoro people.
“America is always meddling with the internal affairs of other countries. We believe that even the United Nations is afraid to reprimand America,” Mama said.
Mama said they were expecting that the Philippine government would seek the help of the United States.
“We knew that if the Philippine government is having a hard time in fighting here in Mindanao they would ask America for help. But we are not afraid. If we see these American soldiers out there in the field, we will not think twice about fighting and driving them away,” Mama said.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/572942/solon-seeks-probe-of-us-troops-presence
Hostilities between military, BIFF on the wane
From the Philippine Star (Feb 4): Hostilities between military, BIFF on the wane
Hostilities between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have waned, but soldiers remained in strategic areas in Datu Piang and Shariff Saidona towns here to prevent bandits from regaining control of the territory that government forces overran last week. Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said tactical operations against the BIFF have ended, but efforts are continuing to prevent the rebels from regrouping.
“All of our security efforts are being closely coordinated with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) through the joint ceasefire committee,” Hermoso said.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said military forces have been coordinating closely with the local government units and even the MILF.
“This is a coordinated operation. So the MILF knows, they are included in the operations. Even addressing the evacuees, they are included in the plan,” Guerrero added.
The military official said the operation has been contained in the area of the BIFF but they were also preparing and anticipating possible spillover.
Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the military is preparing for possible retaliatory attacks by the BIFF.
He said the group could launch such atrocities because they do not observe existing laws.
“They don’t follow any rule. They used children in their group. They don’t respect the rule of law. It (retaliation) could be in any form and that is why we are preparing ourselves for whatever incidents that might happen,” he said yesterday.
Tutaan was referring to the youths who were employed by the BIFF as soldiers. The military said at least three of the 52 rebels slain during recent clashes were child warriors.
When asked whether the BIFF can still mount attacks, Tutaan said: “Their being potent is more on their being sinister. They are treacherous so we are resorting to target hardening.
“If they launch an attack against a community that is not protected, it will cause disorder. That is the reason why we are securing these communities,” he added.
The latest military operations dubbed as “Operation Darkhorse” led to the capture of four BIFF camps and a makeshift explosive factory in Maguindanao.
The weeklong offensive left 52 BIFF members and one soldier dead and 49 rebels and 20 military personnel injured.
Eight civilians were also hurt and more than 35,000 were displaced during the weeklong operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
Operation Darkhorse started last Jan. 27 and was supposed to end after two days. The campaign was extended until last Saturday to allow government forces to seize more BIFF lairs.
While Operation Darkhorse was supposed to be a law enforcement operation, there were no reports of BIFF members captured by pursuing authorities.
BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato, who is facing several criminal cases for leading bloody attacks in Mindanao in 2008, remains at large.
Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade based in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, said their intelligence operatives have intensified monitoring of the movement of BIFF bandits who were driven out from their stronghold in Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saidona last Friday.
“We are not taking chances. We will not lower our guard,” Gonzales said.
He said the BIFF is known for its practice of targeting public places and farming villages, both for diversionary attacks and to retaliate for losses incurred in encounters with government forces.
He said their units are now focused on securing relief groups attending to the needs of evacuees.
The provincial government deployed yesterday relief and rehabilitation workers to areas affected by the five-day clashes between Army troopers and BIFF members.
Gonzales and Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, led soldiers in hoisting the Philippine flag at the parade ground of the captured BIFF camp in Barangay Ganta on Saturday.
Guerrero said mopping up operations will continued to flush out the remnants of the BIFF in Central Mindanao and prevent the rebels from derailing the peace process.
“The operation will continue against those who are trying to derail the peace. The operation aimed to maintain peace in the area that is conducive to peace process,” said Guerrero.
Thousands of Moro residents were evacuated to safer areas at the height of the fighting.
Lynette Estandarte, chief provincial budget officer, said the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu delivered yesterday 1,219 food packs to relief sites at the towns of Datu Piang and Salibo.
Estandarte said the food packs consist of rice, canned good, and instant noodles.
“There will be succeeding relief missions to other evacuation sites in the coming days,” she said.
Laisa Alamia, executive secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said members of the inter-agency Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Relief Team (HEART) had also been dispatched to assist the evacuees.
Barangay officials have confirmed that the BIFF had trained child warriors and women on guerrilla warfare and the fabrication of improvised explosives in the camp, which fell after five days of air, artillery and ground assaults.
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad yesterday criticized the BIFF for allegedly using child soldiers and exposing them to violence.
“Mindanao will never be peaceful if children are exposed to violence,” said Jumoad.
He believed that there was no reasonable explanation for teaching minors how to hold a gun and turning them into soldiers.
“It is unbelievable that children are used as soldiers. Our Muslim brothers must stop it,” Jumoad said.
Photographs of children holding rifles were among material recovered by the military when they overran the BIFF camp in Maguindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/04/1286387/hostilities-between-military-biff-wane
Hostilities between the military and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have waned, but soldiers remained in strategic areas in Datu Piang and Shariff Saidona towns here to prevent bandits from regaining control of the territory that government forces overran last week. Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said tactical operations against the BIFF have ended, but efforts are continuing to prevent the rebels from regrouping.
“All of our security efforts are being closely coordinated with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) through the joint ceasefire committee,” Hermoso said.
Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, chief of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said military forces have been coordinating closely with the local government units and even the MILF.
“This is a coordinated operation. So the MILF knows, they are included in the operations. Even addressing the evacuees, they are included in the plan,” Guerrero added.
The military official said the operation has been contained in the area of the BIFF but they were also preparing and anticipating possible spillover.
Armed Forces spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan Jr. said the military is preparing for possible retaliatory attacks by the BIFF.
He said the group could launch such atrocities because they do not observe existing laws.
“They don’t follow any rule. They used children in their group. They don’t respect the rule of law. It (retaliation) could be in any form and that is why we are preparing ourselves for whatever incidents that might happen,” he said yesterday.
Tutaan was referring to the youths who were employed by the BIFF as soldiers. The military said at least three of the 52 rebels slain during recent clashes were child warriors.
When asked whether the BIFF can still mount attacks, Tutaan said: “Their being potent is more on their being sinister. They are treacherous so we are resorting to target hardening.
“If they launch an attack against a community that is not protected, it will cause disorder. That is the reason why we are securing these communities,” he added.
The latest military operations dubbed as “Operation Darkhorse” led to the capture of four BIFF camps and a makeshift explosive factory in Maguindanao.
The weeklong offensive left 52 BIFF members and one soldier dead and 49 rebels and 20 military personnel injured.
Eight civilians were also hurt and more than 35,000 were displaced during the weeklong operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
Operation Darkhorse started last Jan. 27 and was supposed to end after two days. The campaign was extended until last Saturday to allow government forces to seize more BIFF lairs.
While Operation Darkhorse was supposed to be a law enforcement operation, there were no reports of BIFF members captured by pursuing authorities.
BIFF leader Ameril Umbra Kato, who is facing several criminal cases for leading bloody attacks in Mindanao in 2008, remains at large.
Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade based in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, said their intelligence operatives have intensified monitoring of the movement of BIFF bandits who were driven out from their stronghold in Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saidona last Friday.
“We are not taking chances. We will not lower our guard,” Gonzales said.
He said the BIFF is known for its practice of targeting public places and farming villages, both for diversionary attacks and to retaliate for losses incurred in encounters with government forces.
He said their units are now focused on securing relief groups attending to the needs of evacuees.
The provincial government deployed yesterday relief and rehabilitation workers to areas affected by the five-day clashes between Army troopers and BIFF members.
Gonzales and Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, led soldiers in hoisting the Philippine flag at the parade ground of the captured BIFF camp in Barangay Ganta on Saturday.
Guerrero said mopping up operations will continued to flush out the remnants of the BIFF in Central Mindanao and prevent the rebels from derailing the peace process.
“The operation will continue against those who are trying to derail the peace. The operation aimed to maintain peace in the area that is conducive to peace process,” said Guerrero.
Thousands of Moro residents were evacuated to safer areas at the height of the fighting.
Lynette Estandarte, chief provincial budget officer, said the office of Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu delivered yesterday 1,219 food packs to relief sites at the towns of Datu Piang and Salibo.
Estandarte said the food packs consist of rice, canned good, and instant noodles.
“There will be succeeding relief missions to other evacuation sites in the coming days,” she said.
Laisa Alamia, executive secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said members of the inter-agency Humanitarian Emergency Assistance and Relief Team (HEART) had also been dispatched to assist the evacuees.
Barangay officials have confirmed that the BIFF had trained child warriors and women on guerrilla warfare and the fabrication of improvised explosives in the camp, which fell after five days of air, artillery and ground assaults.
Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad yesterday criticized the BIFF for allegedly using child soldiers and exposing them to violence.
“Mindanao will never be peaceful if children are exposed to violence,” said Jumoad.
He believed that there was no reasonable explanation for teaching minors how to hold a gun and turning them into soldiers.
“It is unbelievable that children are used as soldiers. Our Muslim brothers must stop it,” Jumoad said.
Photographs of children holding rifles were among material recovered by the military when they overran the BIFF camp in Maguindanao.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/02/04/1286387/hostilities-between-military-biff-wane
Govt troops remain on alert as Maguindanao evacuees return home
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): Govt troops remain on alert as Maguindanao evacuees return home
While heavy fighting between government troops and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have ceased and displaced families started to return home in Maguindanao's three towns, government troopers stay on alert to ensure remnants of the BIFF remains neutralized, the Army here said Tuesday.
Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade based in Shariff Aguak town, said he deployed personnel in suspected areas of operation of BIFF to thwart terror attacks like planting of explosives that target civilians and military vehicles.
“We are not letting our guards down, we don't take chances, we should always be one step ahead of them," he said, adding that the BIFF could use terror attacks after they were neutralized and their camps captured.
Gonzales said experiences in the Maguindanao campaign showed that the BIFF would likely resort to violence against civilians by setting off improvised bombs.
After the fall of its camps Friday, three improvised bombs were planted by the BIFF in Datu Piang, Datu Shariff Saydona, Guindulungan and Datu Paglas, all in Maguindanao.
An IED was recovered by bomb experts planted at the foot of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) which the Army said was a signature handiwork of the BIFF. It was safely defused.
Gonzales said Army units are now focused on securing relief groups attending to the needs of evacuees returning to their homes.
On Friday, Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, led government troops in hoisting the Philippine flag inside the captured camp of BIFF in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the military is filing charges against the BIFF for using child warriors in the war against government forces.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and the provincial social welfare office had already distributed about 1,300 food packs for the displaced families while the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) relief agencies distributed food packs and water containers with potable drinking water to prevent diseases among displaced families.
ARMM and Maguindanao governments have been assisting families returning home on Monday after the fighting had ended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=612410
While heavy fighting between government troops and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have ceased and displaced families started to return home in Maguindanao's three towns, government troopers stay on alert to ensure remnants of the BIFF remains neutralized, the Army here said Tuesday.
Col. Edgar Gonzales, commanding officer of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade based in Shariff Aguak town, said he deployed personnel in suspected areas of operation of BIFF to thwart terror attacks like planting of explosives that target civilians and military vehicles.
“We are not letting our guards down, we don't take chances, we should always be one step ahead of them," he said, adding that the BIFF could use terror attacks after they were neutralized and their camps captured.
Gonzales said experiences in the Maguindanao campaign showed that the BIFF would likely resort to violence against civilians by setting off improvised bombs.
After the fall of its camps Friday, three improvised bombs were planted by the BIFF in Datu Piang, Datu Shariff Saydona, Guindulungan and Datu Paglas, all in Maguindanao.
An IED was recovered by bomb experts planted at the foot of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) which the Army said was a signature handiwork of the BIFF. It was safely defused.
Gonzales said Army units are now focused on securing relief groups attending to the needs of evacuees returning to their homes.
On Friday, Brig. Gen. Edmund Pangilinan, commander of the Army’s 601st Brigade, led government troops in hoisting the Philippine flag inside the captured camp of BIFF in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona, Maguindanao.
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the military is filing charges against the BIFF for using child warriors in the war against government forces.
Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu and the provincial social welfare office had already distributed about 1,300 food packs for the displaced families while the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) relief agencies distributed food packs and water containers with potable drinking water to prevent diseases among displaced families.
ARMM and Maguindanao governments have been assisting families returning home on Monday after the fighting had ended.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=612410
BIFF rebels harass banana plantation in NorCot
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): BIFF rebels harass banana plantation in NorCot
Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed on Monday night a banana plantation in Km. 124 Brgy. Dungos, Tulunan,North Cotabato .
Tulunan police chief Sr. Insp. Ronnie Cordero said that at 8:00 p.m. Monday, the rebels fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) targeting the store house of the Delinanas Banana Plantation in the area.
The incident triggered a five-minute encounter between plantation security forces and the attackers.
Cordero said no one was hurt on the side of the plantation security force.
Police personnel and members of the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Brigade responded to the incident forcing the rebels to retreat.
Roadblocks were immediately set up along the perimeter of Dungos and the near environs to ensure the safety of villagers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=612434
Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) harassed on Monday night a banana plantation in Km. 124 Brgy. Dungos, Tulunan,
Tulunan police chief Sr. Insp. Ronnie Cordero said that at 8:00 p.m. Monday, the rebels fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) targeting the store house of the Delinanas Banana Plantation in the area.
The incident triggered a five-minute encounter between plantation security forces and the attackers.
Cordero said no one was hurt on the side of the plantation security force.
Police personnel and members of the Philippine Army’s 39th Infantry Brigade responded to the incident forcing the rebels to retreat.
Roadblocks were immediately set up along the perimeter of Dungos and the near environs to ensure the safety of villagers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=612434
Army deploys 6 'Bayanihan Teams' in Guihulngan City
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): Army deploys 6 'Bayanihan Teams' in Guihulngan City
In line with its community development efforts, the 11th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, deployed six "Bayanihan Teams" (BTs) inGuihulngan
City
These "BTs" will be sent to Barangays Linantuyan, Luz, Plagatasanon, Banwage, Balogo and Humay-Humay.
Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said that these units will be utilized for immersion and stakeholders’ engagement.
The "BTs" will be assigned at the barangays for three to four months where they will perform their duties as facilitators for the convergence of efforts with the local government units and other stakeholders to resolve socio-economic issues and ensure the delivery of basic services in the barangays.
Isaac emphasized that convergence among all stakeholders is the key in “winning the peace” and improving the well being of the community.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612411
In line with its community development efforts, the 11th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division, deployed six "Bayanihan Teams" (BTs) in
These "BTs" will be sent to Barangays Linantuyan, Luz, Plagatasanon, Banwage, Balogo and Humay-Humay.
Lt. Col. Willy Isaac, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said that these units will be utilized for immersion and stakeholders’ engagement.
The "BTs" will be assigned at the barangays for three to four months where they will perform their duties as facilitators for the convergence of efforts with the local government units and other stakeholders to resolve socio-economic issues and ensure the delivery of basic services in the barangays.
Isaac emphasized that convergence among all stakeholders is the key in “winning the peace” and improving the well being of the community.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612411
PA's 703rd Infantry Brigade provides medical aid to 3,000 indigent Mabalacat residents
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): PA's 703rd Infantry Brigade provides medical aid to 3,000 indigent Mabalacat residents
The Pampanga-based 703rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army said on Tuesday that it has provided medical and dental assistance to indigent residents in Mabalacat town.
An estimated 3,000 people were provided with free medical consultation and treatment, dental service, ECG, anti-rabies vaccination, eye check-up, and free haircut, among others, unit commander Brig. Gen. Henry Sabarre said.
The medical mission was conducted at the town'sMabiga
Elementary School and was participated
in by military doctors from Fort Magsaysay Army
Station Hospital ,
703rd Medical Team, Mabalacat
Doctors Hospital
Aside from the free medical services, a job fair was also held as an added attraction and public service in partnership and collaboration with SM Hypermarket, SRI Services, Faith in God, Horizon Powder Coating, Romac Services, Lifetime Kuisines, Mirof, Starboard Manpower, Quarah and NCO Clark.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612454
The Pampanga-based 703rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army said on Tuesday that it has provided medical and dental assistance to indigent residents in Mabalacat town.
An estimated 3,000 people were provided with free medical consultation and treatment, dental service, ECG, anti-rabies vaccination, eye check-up, and free haircut, among others, unit commander Brig. Gen. Henry Sabarre said.
The medical mission was conducted at the town's
Aside from the free medical services, a job fair was also held as an added attraction and public service in partnership and collaboration with SM Hypermarket, SRI Services, Faith in God, Horizon Powder Coating, Romac Services, Lifetime Kuisines, Mirof, Starboard Manpower, Quarah and NCO Clark.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612454
Navy's 6 MPACs for upgrade --Fabic
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 4): Navy's 6 MPACs for upgrade --Fabic
The six MPACs (multi-purpose attack craft) in the Philippine Navy service are scheduled for an upgrade that will make them more capable in carrying out their various missions.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic confirmed this plan but said that no details are available yet on what the upgrades will consist.
"The PN has plans for upgrade for the current fleet of MPACs but we have no details yet on what it will consist," he added.
Observers, however, said that this may consist of installation of more advanced radar and sensor equipment and possibly of more longer range weaponry.
Three of the PN's MPACs were sourced fromTaiwan
while the three others were ordered from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech
Corporation, which is based in Subic Bay ,
Zambales.
These ships are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter, a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles. Each cost around P90 million.
The hull is made of high-quality aluminum.
Crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel, it is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.
The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation.
It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612413
The six MPACs (multi-purpose attack craft) in the Philippine Navy service are scheduled for an upgrade that will make them more capable in carrying out their various missions.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic confirmed this plan but said that no details are available yet on what the upgrades will consist.
"The PN has plans for upgrade for the current fleet of MPACs but we have no details yet on what it will consist," he added.
Observers, however, said that this may consist of installation of more advanced radar and sensor equipment and possibly of more longer range weaponry.
Three of the PN's MPACs were sourced from
These ships are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter, a top speed of 45 knots and a range of 300 nautical miles. Each cost around P90 million.
The hull is made of high-quality aluminum.
Crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel, it is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.
The MPAC is capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation.
It is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=612413
Palace: BIFF stands no chance to become major threat
From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 3): Palace: BIFF stands no chance to become major threat
The government is working to prevent the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from becoming a major threat in the future, Malacañang said Monday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, in a press briefing, admitted that the splinter group led by Ameril Umbra Kato remains a threat despite the military’s capture of the BIFF’s main encampment in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“Sabihin na lang nating panganib pa sila, ano. Iniiwasan ng pamahalaan na maging malaking panganib sila sa pamamagitan ng karampatang aksyon,” Coloma said. (Let’s just say that they are still a threat. The government, through appropriate actions, is avoiding the chance that they become a greater threat.)
He said the pro-active measures include surveillance work and “decisive action whenever necessary.”
The BIFF has been engaging the military in gunfights following the signing of the normalization annex for the much-anticipated peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.
Coloma reiterated their call for all groups in Mindanao to participate in the peace process.
“Hinihimok natin lahat ng mga mamamayan, lahat ng mga grupo na lumahok sa proseso ng kapayapaan, ngunit sa harap nito ay meron pa ring mga elemento na gumagamit ng karahasan at lumalabag sa batas. Kaya’t ang tugon sa kanila ay ‘yun ding paggamit ng kamay ng batas para supilin ang kanilang iligal na kilusan,” he said.
(We encourage all citizens, all groups to participate in the peace process but some still use violence and violate the law. That is why our response is to use the long arm of the law to quell their illegal movement.)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/573420/palace-biff-stands-no-chance-to-become-major-threat
The government is working to prevent the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from becoming a major threat in the future, Malacañang said Monday.
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, in a press briefing, admitted that the splinter group led by Ameril Umbra Kato remains a threat despite the military’s capture of the BIFF’s main encampment in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
“Sabihin na lang nating panganib pa sila, ano. Iniiwasan ng pamahalaan na maging malaking panganib sila sa pamamagitan ng karampatang aksyon,” Coloma said. (Let’s just say that they are still a threat. The government, through appropriate actions, is avoiding the chance that they become a greater threat.)
He said the pro-active measures include surveillance work and “decisive action whenever necessary.”
The BIFF has been engaging the military in gunfights following the signing of the normalization annex for the much-anticipated peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.
Coloma reiterated their call for all groups in Mindanao to participate in the peace process.
“Hinihimok natin lahat ng mga mamamayan, lahat ng mga grupo na lumahok sa proseso ng kapayapaan, ngunit sa harap nito ay meron pa ring mga elemento na gumagamit ng karahasan at lumalabag sa batas. Kaya’t ang tugon sa kanila ay ‘yun ding paggamit ng kamay ng batas para supilin ang kanilang iligal na kilusan,” he said.
(We encourage all citizens, all groups to participate in the peace process but some still use violence and violate the law. That is why our response is to use the long arm of the law to quell their illegal movement.)
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/573420/palace-biff-stands-no-chance-to-become-major-threat
Multinational firm fights off Moro rebel attack in North Cotabato
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 4): Multinational firm fights off Moro rebel attack in North Cotabato
Security personnel of multinational firm Del Monte Fresh Produce briefly battled Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen, who harassed a packing house of its subsidiary Delinanas in Tulunan, North Cotabato on Monday evening,police reported Tuesday.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero, Tulunan police chief, said an undetermined number of BIFF gunmen — one of them firing a rocket propelled grenade — stormed the Delinana facility in Km. 124 in Barangay (village) Dungos around 8 p.m.
The plantation’s security force engaged the rebels in a five-minute clash until soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion arrived.
No one was harmed in the incident, he said.
Just last week, at least 52 BIFF rebels were killed when soldiers conducted a massive operation in nearby Maguindanao.
Authorities had warned that with the Maguindanao operation, which also resulted in the seizure of a major BIFF camp, the breakaway rebel group would stage more attacks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/573716/multinational-firm-fights-off-moro-rebel-attack-in-north-cotabato
Security personnel of multinational firm Del Monte Fresh Produce briefly battled Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) gunmen, who harassed a packing house of its subsidiary Delinanas in Tulunan, North Cotabato on Monday evening,police reported Tuesday.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero, Tulunan police chief, said an undetermined number of BIFF gunmen — one of them firing a rocket propelled grenade — stormed the Delinana facility in Km. 124 in Barangay (village) Dungos around 8 p.m.
The plantation’s security force engaged the rebels in a five-minute clash until soldiers from the 39th Infantry Battalion arrived.
No one was harmed in the incident, he said.
Just last week, at least 52 BIFF rebels were killed when soldiers conducted a massive operation in nearby Maguindanao.
Authorities had warned that with the Maguindanao operation, which also resulted in the seizure of a major BIFF camp, the breakaway rebel group would stage more attacks.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/573716/multinational-firm-fights-off-moro-rebel-attack-in-north-cotabato
New Army chief eyed
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 5): New Army chief eyed
The commander of the Northern Luzon Command, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang, is being groomed to head the top Army position when the incumbent chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes bows out of service on Friday, sources said.
Another source said the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, is being “highly considered” for the NOLCOM position that Catapang would soon vacate.
Catapang declined to comment.
He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981 and classmate of Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, AFP chief of staff.
Coballes belongs to the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.
A Malacanang statement issued by Presidential Communications Secretary Edwin Lacierda said that President Aquino will attend Coballes’ retirement ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
“At the end of the week, President Aquino will witness the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and the consequent Change of Command Ceremony,” Lacierda said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/04/new-army-chief-eyed/
The commander of the Northern Luzon Command, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Catapang, is being groomed to head the top Army position when the incumbent chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes bows out of service on Friday, sources said.
Another source said the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, is being “highly considered” for the NOLCOM position that Catapang would soon vacate.
Catapang declined to comment.
He is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” Class of 1981 and classmate of Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, AFP chief of staff.
Coballes belongs to the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.
A Malacanang statement issued by Presidential Communications Secretary Edwin Lacierda said that President Aquino will attend Coballes’ retirement ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
“At the end of the week, President Aquino will witness the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and the consequent Change of Command Ceremony,” Lacierda said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/04/new-army-chief-eyed/
BIFF sets urban terror
From the Manila Standard Today (Feb 4): BIFF sets urban terror
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/04/biff-sets-urban-terror/
Military braces for rebels’ shift in warfare strategy
The military said on Monday that it was bracing for more
attacks from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters following reports that the
renegade group may resort to sowing terror in ‘urban areas.’
Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th
Infantry Division, said the military would deploy soldiers to vital
installations and public areas part of its pro-active security measures and
intensify its intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks.
“We’re heightening our proactive preemptive security
measures especially on providing security to vital installations such as roads,
public markets, churches, and all areas where people converge. We’ve also
discussed with local government units to include in their security system to
encourage residents to give information about activities of the BIFF and
possible ally groups for immediate action,” he added.
Meanwhile, a Palace official said the military would
continue its mopping operations against the BIFF, two days after it terminated
‘Operation Darkhorse’ in Maguindanao.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Sonny Coloma said the BIFF remains a threat to the country’s security.
“We will do everything that needs to be done to neutralize
elements that sow conflict, fear, and threat to our people,” Coloma said.
“They (BIFF) are still a threat that we are trying to stem.
We will not allow them to become a bigger threat through proactive intelligence
gathering, surveillance, and decisive action,” he added.
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The military also captured a BIFF encampment in Barangay
Ganta Shariff Saydona at the height of the fighting.
The military terminated its major offensive against the BIFF
in Maguindanao on Sunday after the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (AFP-MILF) Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) did not extend
the 72-hour extension for the military to defeat the BIFF.
The deadline ended on Saturday, Feb. 1.
As this developed, the Moro National Liberation Front-Nur
Misuari faction, which declared on Saturday that it had forged an ‘informal’
tactical alliance with the BIFF, said that the Islamic Command Council also
sought an alliance with the MNLF in its bid to boost its quest for an
independent Muslim Islamic state in Mindanao following the abrogation of the
1996 final peace agreement.
MNLF spokesperson Absalom Cerveza said the Islamic Command
Council under Commander Hashim Bogdabi signed the alliance with the MNLF last
week.
Cerveza said the ICC is the largest Muslim armed group
operating in the Zamboanga peninsula, which include Zamboanga City
Cerveza, however, said the two groups were ‘still in the
process of solidifying our ranks.”
Meanwhile, Cerveza said Misuari has instructed his political
staff and supporters to reject any plea from the government for a renegotiation
of the terminated 1996 peace agreement.
“His instruction is that there will be no more negotiations
to take place and that the only possible negotiations should center on the
closure of the tripartite review talks,” Cerveza said.
The clashes between government forces and BIFF members had
killed 52 BIFF fighters, including 13 alleged “child soldiers” and a government
trooper.
More than 130 were wounded on both sides and at least eight
civilians were injured in crossfire.
The war also displaced more than 9,000 families.
The military claimed to have reduced the armed capability of
the BIFF with the capture of three major camps including a “bomb-making
factory.”
“We’d stopped the joint law enforcement operation of the 6th
ID and the police in Maguindanao but we continue to enforce normal law
enforcement operation to preempt possible retaliation from the BIFF. We are
expecting this just like what happened to the convoy of soldiers and mediamen
who were hit by a roadside bombing. Yesterday, there was an attempt by BIFF
elements in Guindulungan town to bomb a road but because of information relayed
by the residents, our soldiers and policemen quickly responded and diffused at
least three bombs planted along the road,” Hermoso said.
Hermoso added that right after the military terminated its
operation, they also assisted local government units in helping the displaced
residents return to their homes and resume their normal lives.
The BIFF, which vowed to continue its attacks against the
government ‘until the last drop of our blood,’ has reportedly sought refuge to
their other camps in the hinterlands of Maguindanao and North
Cotabato .
The military launched an all-out attack against the BIFF two
days after the government and the MILF signed the last two documents needed to
complete the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
The signing of the CAB will lead to the submission of the
draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law - a measure that would abolish the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao and replace it with a political entity to be called
Bangsamoro - to Congress by June.
National Commission on Muslim Filipinos head Mehol Sadain, a
government negotiator in the peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front, has assured critics of the BBL that it would only contain provisions
that can be implemented within the bounds of the 1987 Constitution.
Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles said the
government is ready to provide a budget for the Bangsamoro which at least would
be double of the current ARMM budget of about P14 million.
President Benigno Aquino III had appealed to members of
Congress to put aside their “fear of the unknown” and deliberate on the BBL,
which he would certify as urgent, with an open mind.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/02/04/biff-sets-urban-terror/
Who's going to be next Army chief?
From InterAksyon (Feb 4): Who's going to be next Army chief?
Who is going to be next Army chief? A military source said the commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has the inside track for the position when Lieutenant General Noel Coballes retires this Friday.
Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang declined to talk.
Catapang is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981 and classmate of Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Coballes, on the other hand, belongs to the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.
A Malacanang statement Monday issued by Presidential Communications Secretary Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III will attend Coballes’s retirement ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
“At the end of the week, President Aquino will witness the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and the consequent Change of Command Ceremony,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda, however, did not mention who will succeed Coballes.
Earlier, Catapang said he is honored if given the opportunity to lead the 90,000-strong Army.
“Kahit saan po tayo makarating basta mabigyan tayo ng panibagong trabaho, trabaho lang po tayo (Wherever we’re appointed, as long as we’re given a job, we’ll do the job),” Catapang said.
“Sa akin kasi sanay na ako sa kung ano man ‘yung binibigay na trabaho gagampapan lang. Kaya nga kung ano, what does it take to be a CGPA (Commanding General, Philippine Army), malaking question mark ‘yun dahil malaking trabaho ‘yan. Kaya let’s just wait kung ano ang darating basta as of now naka-focus lang ako sa trabaho ko. Kita niyo naman maganda ‘yung ginagawa natin,” he added.
“I’m used to accepting whatever is given to me. Heading the Philippine Army is a big job. Let’s just wait for the announcement. I’m focused on work. You can see we’re performing well.”
A second source said the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, is “highly considered” by higher-ups for the Nolcom position that Catapang would soon vacate.
Visaya belongs to the PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80052/whos-going-to-be-next-army-chief
Who is going to be next Army chief? A military source said the commander of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) has the inside track for the position when Lieutenant General Noel Coballes retires this Friday.
Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang declined to talk.
Catapang is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Dimalupig” Class of 1981 and classmate of Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Coballes, on the other hand, belongs to the PMA “Mapitagan” Class of 1980.
A Malacanang statement Monday issued by Presidential Communications Secretary Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III will attend Coballes’s retirement ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.
“At the end of the week, President Aquino will witness the retirement ceremony of Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, Commanding General of the Philippine Army, and the consequent Change of Command Ceremony,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda, however, did not mention who will succeed Coballes.
Earlier, Catapang said he is honored if given the opportunity to lead the 90,000-strong Army.
“Kahit saan po tayo makarating basta mabigyan tayo ng panibagong trabaho, trabaho lang po tayo (Wherever we’re appointed, as long as we’re given a job, we’ll do the job),” Catapang said.
“Sa akin kasi sanay na ako sa kung ano man ‘yung binibigay na trabaho gagampapan lang. Kaya nga kung ano, what does it take to be a CGPA (Commanding General, Philippine Army), malaking question mark ‘yun dahil malaking trabaho ‘yan. Kaya let’s just wait kung ano ang darating basta as of now naka-focus lang ako sa trabaho ko. Kita niyo naman maganda ‘yung ginagawa natin,” he added.
“I’m used to accepting whatever is given to me. Heading the Philippine Army is a big job. Let’s just wait for the announcement. I’m focused on work. You can see we’re performing well.”
A second source said the commander of the 4th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, is “highly considered” by higher-ups for the Nolcom position that Catapang would soon vacate.
Visaya belongs to the PMA “Matikas” Class of 1983.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80052/whos-going-to-be-next-army-chief
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)